D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks.
This week’s game sees the Seattle Seahawks travel to the east coast for a battle in Pittsburgh. There are few things you can always count on from the Pittsburgh team. Terrible towels will be waved, Pittsburgh will have a good defense, as well as a good running back. All that is true this year.
Pittsburgh had a bye last week, meaning extra time to prepare for Geno Smith. Let’s dive into the matchup.
The Seattle Seahawks pass-rushing crew should have a good week. Pittsburgh offers one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Additionally, Ben Roethlisberger is having one of the worst seasons of his 18-year career. It looks like his abilities finally went over the edge. In 2021 he’s averaging 246-yards passing a game, which ranks 18th in the league.
Pittsburgh does have a pair of dynamic and explosive wide receivers. Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool will provide trouble for the Seattle Seahawks secondary. Johnson is a bit more of a creative runner after the catch than Claypool. However, Claypool is the guy they’ll use on jet sweeps.
Fingers crossed that Seahawks Defensive Coordinator Ken Norton Jr. has a good game plan to corral these receivers while not forgetting about rookie running back Najee Harris. The latter is a more than capable receiver out of the backfield. Pittsburgh averages 73.6-yards per game rushing, ranking 31st in the NFL.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith had a full week of first-team reps in practice. Time to build more rapport with D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Gerald Everett, and the others. At this point, it’s yet to be determined if Chris Carson will play. If he can’t, Alex Collins will step up again in what should be a favorable matchup for the Seattle offense.
Pittsburgh’s defense ranks 16th in total yards allowed, giving up an average of 260.6-yards passing and 100.4-yards rushing per game. Their pass rush isn’t as potent as it was in years past. So far, they have ten sacks on the year (tied with Seattle). The Seattle Seahawks offensive line should give Geno Smith a clean pocket and time to operate. He simply needs to manage the offense and get them in a good position to succeed.
This game is likely to be ugly. The average adult fan can probably throw the ball as far, maybe further, then Roethlisberger does now. Will Geno have success as a starter for the second time in his career? Could he possibly be this year’s version of Teddy Bridgewater? Referring to when Bridgewater backed up Drew Brees in New Orleans.
Geno certainly has the pedigree to be a starting NFL QB. Also, this will be the best offensive system he’s been a part of. Don’t expect a high-scoring game. Seattle Seahawks 20, Pittsburgh 17.