Seahawks look ahead to the rest of the AFC South
Sep 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor (31) celebrates with cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Jaguars 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
After defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday in Seattle, the Seahawks improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2006. Their next three games will be against the other three teams in the AFC South.
So who has the best chance to beat them? Or will Seattle be 6-0 at the end of Week 6? Here is a quick synopsis of what the Seahawks will be going up against.
Week 4: @ Houston Texans (2-1)
The Seahawks’ next opponent will be the Texans, who started the season 2-0 but were dismantled in Week 3 by the Baltimore Ravens. The Houston offense, which is normally consistent, managed just nine points and were shut out in the second half.
What could hurt the Seahawks:
Houston has a really good secondary. The Texans’ defense has allowed just 157.7 passing yards a game, second-best in the NFL. Who is No. 1? The Seahawks. Russell Wilson has played well through three games this season, but perhaps his biggest test this year will be against this Texans secondary on the road.
What could help the Seahawks:
The Texans have not been a dominant team this year. They beat the San Diego Chargers in Week 1 but had to come back from a 21-point deficit to get the win. The next week, it took them part of an overtime period to beat the Tennessee Titans — in Houston. And last week they were outplayed by the defending Super Bowl champs. If the Seahawks get things going early, Houston will be forced to play catch up as it has all year, and the Seahawks are a very difficult team to catch up to.
Week 5: @ Indianapolis Colts (2-1)
The Colts stunned the football nation by not just upsetting, but demolishing the 49ers in San Francisco. They had nearly 100 more total yards and held possession for 13 minutes more than the 49ers did. The result was a 27-7 victory for Indianapolis after a tough loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.
What could hurt the Seahawks:
What happens when you acquire Trent Richardson? Your run game improves dramatically. The Colts ran for 179 yards against the 49ers and average 146.3 yards per game on the ground this year, good for fourth in the NFL. Combine Richardson and Ahmad Bradshaw and this team is stellar in the backfield. Containing the run has been one of the few weak spots for the Seahawks this year so if they fail to stop the run early, it could be a long day for the defensive line.
What could help the Seahawks:
The Colts rush defense is one of the worst in the NFL, allowing 129 yards per game. That’s good news for Marshawn Lynch and company. If the Hawks can get the run game going, it will take some pressure off of Russell Wilson to make big plays with his arm. What happens when two decent (but not great) run defenses oppose really good running backs? We will find out in Week 5.
Week 6: Tennessee Titans (2-1)
The Titans will wrap up the Seahawks tour of the AFC South in 2013. They have played well but, like the Texans, haven’t dominated in their games. They beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 16-9, in Week 1 before losing to Houston in overtime and coming from behind to beat the San Diego Chargers by a field goal in Week 3.
What could hurt the Seahawks:
The Seahawks have two tough road tests right before this game and could face fatigue returning to Seattle. If the Titans do any sort of damage early, the Seahawks will be forced to play catch up.
What could help the Seahawks:
The Titans are ranked 29th in passing yards per game with 176. The Seahawks secondary should have no problem with that and could have a big day. The Seahawks will also be looking to extend their home-winning streak to 11 games and this will be their first opportunity to do so after two weeks on the road. In reality, any game at CenturyLink Field will help give the Seahawks an unprecedented advantage.