Saturday, 4:30 PM ET Washington at Seattle
The Redskins come into these playoffs on a hot-streak, having won their last four straight. Seattle, meanwhile, lost two out of their last three, including a wild 44-41 defeat at the hands of Atlanta the last game of the year. Here's a chance to test how much momentum means going into the post-season. The Skins would seem to have all of it, but then there's the question of how motivated the Seahawks were toward the end, given that they'd already sewn up their weak division.
Crunching the Numbers:
Seattle finished in the top 10 in both scoring defense and scoring offense. Their pass D was only 21st by yardage but they were number 1 in fewest passing TDs allowed which speaks well of their red-zone coverage (they also picked off the fourth most passes). They weren't so solid against the run however, giving up 16 rush TDs to rank 27th in the league. Offensively they are all about the air attack, having finished 7th overall while attempting the second most passes in the league.
Washington was middle-of-the-pack in overall scoring offense and defense. Their run D was 4th in the NFL by yardage and 3rd in yards/carry. Their rushing offense was solid, though they did lose a league-high 8 fumbles (injured QB Jason Campbell had a lot to do with that however). They were +5 in turnover differential overall.
The Skinny:
Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts should be able to run on Seattle's defense. We'll have to wait and see if journeyman starter Todd Collins can complement this by getting something going to Santana Moss (who came on toward the end after a weak season) and Pro Bowler Chris Cooley. Seattle, meanwhile, will have to pass to beat Washington. Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris both fizzled as the season wore on, placing an even greater burden on Matt Hasselbeck and his receiving corps.
The Prediction:
The game is at Seattle, but this won't mean anything if the Seahawks don't shake off their late-season malaise. The Redskins have been playing inspired ball, and look to have developed a legitimate offense behind the steady Todd Collins. I'm taking Washington 24-21.
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Tags: seattle seahawks, washington redskins
Comments (1)
Being from Seattle, here's ... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Peter F. | January 4, 2008 6:57 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Being from Seattle, here's my 2 cents:
24-10, Redskins.
If I'm the 'Skins D. Coordinator, I press cover Branch, Burleson and Engram whenever I can. Dare Seattle to try and run. 'Hawk RBs Alexander and Morris haven't been able to run all year, which sad considering #37 has MVP just 2 years ago.
Two years ago, WR Moss was the X-Factor the 'Hawks had to stop and, save for a punt return for a touchdown, did just that. CB Trufant will be on him all day, so I think this game's X-Factor will be 'Skins TE Chris Cooley. If the Skins can run the ball and use play action to neutralize LB Tatupu, Cooley could be open for some big gains. An easy target, even for QB Collins.
One cavaet:
You people have NO idea just how loud this stadium is. The Fox TV broadcasts do it no justice at all. Coming out of a game will make you think you've been standing next to jet engines all day.
1. Posted by Peter F. | January 4, 2008 6:57 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on January 4, 2008 18:57