The Seahawks vs Eagles: Keys for a Seattle Victory

Sure, the Seahawks would have loved to be crowned NFC West champs. But, that game is behind them. The Seahawks proved that they could still compete with a top tier squad despite injuries and a horrifically slow start to the game. 

The Seahawks must now win three road games to reach the Super Bowl. Luckily, they are 7-1 on the road and are starting to get talented players back on defense such as Quandre Diggs and Jadeveon Clowney.

This postseason will not only represent what the Seahawks franchise has truly become after the dismantling of the Legion of Boom. It will also display if Russell Wilson can indeed carry a team upon his shoulder. For his whole career, Wilson has been criticized because he always had a great defense and run game to help him. He had the Legion of Boom and great running backs such as Marshawn Lynch and Chris Carson.

Now, this postseason is the ultimate test. Can Russell Wilson make a postseason run without a great defense or running game? Will he take matters into his own hands and play like a real MVP? Can he continue to play like a $35 million a year quarterback?

Here are my three keys to the game for a Seahawks victory over the Eagles:

1. Put the ball in Russell Wilson’s hands

One of the major criticisms for the Seahawks is their inability to use Russell Wilson to his full potential. Carroll and Schottenheimer are adamant in sticking to a run-first offense. This formula has worked for years but has proved lackluster when the Seahawks run game isn’t working. In all of the Seahawks losses this year, they have averaged under one hundred yards rushing. In their wins, they have averaged almost 150 yards rushing. It is not a coincidence. The Hawks offense is better with a running game.

But, the Seahawks cannot be too reliant on their running game and too conservative with their play calling. They have lost their three starting running backs (Carson, Prosise, and Penny) and are left with Marshawn Lynch and rookie Travis Homer. 

If the Hawks want to win this game, they must be aggressive while passing. They must call plenty of play-action passes and allow Russell time in the pocket to make accurate throws. If Russell is allowed to throw the ball, he will rip apart the Eagles depleted secondary.

2. The defense must force turnovers

The Seahawks defense ranks near the bottom in nearly every category except one. They are 25th in yards per game allowed, 18th in points per game allowed, and 31st in sacks. However, they are third in their turnover margin. They have forced 16 interceptions and 16 fumbles this year. However, 16 of those 32 turnovers happened in a five-game span in which Quandre Diggs started each game.

The last time both of these teams faced one another. The Hawks held the Eagles to only three points before a garbage-time touchdown with twenty seconds left. The problem in the game was not the defense. It was the offense. The Seahawks defense forced FIVE turnovers, with two interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

In order for the Seahawks to win the game, they must force turnovers to continually keep momentum on their side.

3.  DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett must destroy the Eagles secondary

Although the Eagles secondary has modestly improved over the last four weeks, the Seahawks receivers have a considerable advantage in this matchup. Jalen Mills and Avonte Maddox should not be able to stop Metcalf and Lockett.

Metcalf has looked impressive, especially as of recent hauling in six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers secondary. The last time the Seahawks played the Eagles, Metcalf had one of his worst games of the season. He dropped three big catches, including a long touchdown that was right in his hands.

Lockett was also still recovering from his calf injury and the flu the last time the teams played and was the leading receiver with only one catch for 38 yards.

With the lack of a running game, Lockett and Metcalf must step up and rip apart the Eagles secondary to get a win.

The Seahawks vs Eagles game is Sunday at 4:40 pm EST.

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