Dec 30, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate (81) runs for yards after a catch against the St. Louis Rams during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Today’s game features the Seattle Seahawks flying east to the nation’s capital to do battle with an explosive Washington Redskins team led by superhuman rookie quarterback RGIII. The Seahawks are the favorites heading into this game on the strength of their superior record and the way they closed out the season with a notable victory at Chicago followed by three blowout wins (including one over the #2 seed San Francisco) and a final win last week against St. Louis. 5 wins, 4 of them of the impressive variety, is nothings to sneeze at and it’s no surprise the Seahawks are being labeled as a dangerous team right now. The thing that people seem to be glossing over is that the Redskins won their last 7 games which is an even more remarkable feat. They can’t be taken lightly in this game but nor are they an unstoppable force. The Redskins are the sort of team you’d expect to play in wildcard weekend, a good team with some issues. One of those issues today is Robert Griffin’s knee. Although RGIII is an accomplished passer without his trademark speed he loses a dynamic aspect of his game. However, since it’s hard to discuss the matchup of the Seahawks defense vs. Robert Griffin’s knee without sounding like Gregg Williams I’ll have to turn my attention elsewhere. Instead we will focus on whole players rather than individual joints in the first ever playoff edition of “matchups of the game”.

Matchup #1: Russell Okung vs. Trent Williams

I’ll start here by saying that I am aware of the basic principles of football and the fact that these two LT’s will never see the field against each other. The comparison of the two Pro Bowl tackles in this game is what interests me. Not only were Okung (drafted 6th overall) and Williams (4th overall) compared ad nauseam during the 2010 Draft process but they likely will be during their careers. Most observers at the time saw Okung as the #1 LT prospect available but the Redskins chose Williams instead as he was a better fit for their scheme. Both teams have been rewarded with quality players. Both players are making their first Pro Bowl appearance in their third years in the league after having some trouble staying healthy in their first two years (23 starts during that period for Williams, 22 for Okung). Okung and Williams are both protecting very mobile quarterbacks which, on the surface, seems like a benefit as their quarterback’s legs can bail them out of trouble. In reality scrambling quarterbacks can be infuriating to block for because although they are a moving target to defenders they are the same for blockers and their unpredictability of movement can turn an excellent block into the wrong block in no time at all. Both the Seahawks’ and Redskins’ defenses will be keying on the oppositions running game and as a result there will be opportunities for shots down the field in this game. Whichever one of these men is able to keep their quarterback safer and in a position to hold the ball and make the deep throw might well see their team emerge victorious.

Matchup #2: Richard Sherman vs. Pierre Garcon

I’ve highlighted this matchup mainly for the reason that Richard Sherman already declared that he wasn’t worried about Garcon and I’d like to see him back up that kind of talk. I admire Sherman’s confidence and acknowledge his skill, but to be honest Garcon is the type of receiver worth losing a little sleep over. Garcon played in only 10 games this year, very few of them completely healthy, and put up 633 yards or 63.3 per game. Over a full year that average would have resulted in 1012 yards for Garcon and that’s without considering to what degree he played hurt. Given that 1000 yard receivers don’t grow on trees (there were 19 this year) Sherman will have to pay attention today. Garcon has electric down the field ability and Sherman would be wise to bully him at the line of scrimmage as much as possible. The reason that shutting down Garcon is so essential is that there is such a drop off between him and the next best receiving option in Washington. The Redskins other starting wideout, Joshua Morgan, has put up 31.9 yards a game and a far from intimidating 10.6 yards per catch. Logan Paulsen, the starting tight end, is averaging 19.3 yards per game. The bottom line is if you shut down Pierre Garcon you can cripple the Washington passing game and the Seahawks will be allocating arguably their best player to that exact assignment.

Matchup #3: Golden Tate vs. Josh Wilson

The battle of Seattle’s 2010 2nd round pick and their 2007 2nd rounder should be a doozy. Even though Sidney Rice isn’t 100% (1 catch for 14 yards in his last 2 games) he will still likely draw DeAngelo Hall leaving two “mighty mites” to duke it out on the other side of the field. Tate actually has the height advantage in this one, a luxury he rarely has access to, which might make it easier for him to reel in a jump ball or two down field. He has really emerged this year with 45.9 yards per game, almost twice his career high of 23.9 yards per match. Tate has finally turned his strength and short area quickness into tangible production and is beginning to look the part of a starting WR. If the Seattle passing game is really going to get going Tate will need to be involved but that’s easier said than done against former Seahawk Josh Wilson. Wilson has emerged as a viable starting corner over the last two years in Washington starting all 32 games and averaging 2 INT and 14 PD per year. Adding in a knack for creating fumbles (3FF this year) and the fact he is immensely dangerous with the ball in his hands (you may recall he led the league in kick return yardage for the 2008 Seahawks), Wilson is a nifty player and a formidable opponent. However, he is a formidable opponent Tate will have to best because unless Rice finds his stride again Tate is the #1 option for Russell Wilson today.

This game has the makings of a memorable contest. The Seahawks take to the road looking for their first road win since 1983 (a stat that just keeps coming up this week) against a team that is likely inferior but only slightly so. With the Redskins holding home field advantage I’d say this one is about dead even. An absolute dogfight is in order with two powerful RB’s, two Pro Bowl LT’s and two rookie sensations leading the way at QB. The difference in this game is that Seattle has the elite defense and Washington doesn’t (the Redskins allowed 1144 yards and 143 points more than Seattle over the course of the year). I have faith that Seattle can put some points against a Washington defense that is fairly unimpressive, so all they really have to do is stop RGIII and company. That sounds so simple. I’ve got this sneaking suspicion it’s easier said than done. Whatever the case may be Seahawks fans are in for an exciting day, and with any luck, an even more exciting night.

Last night, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Brandon Graham, the thirteenth overall selection last April, to a five-year deal. This is significant for the Seahawks because Thomas was chosen fourteenth overall, one spot behind Graham.

At the very least, Graham’s deal should provide a guideline for getting a deal done with Thomas. Negotiating a contract and determining Thomas’ value as the fourteenth overall pick should be easier with Graham’s deal finished.

Graham signing his contract before camp is excellent news, especially considering earlier reports that he was a long way from signing his rookie deal. Without Graham’s deal completed, it may have been more difficult for the Seahawks to negotiate a fair deal for Thomas.

The Washington Redskins also made a push last night and signed their first-round pick, tackle Trent Williams. The former Sooner signed a six-year, $60 million contract that includes $36.75 million guaranteed.

Williams’ contract is significant to Seattle because not only does he play the same position as Okung, but was drafted only two spots ahead of him. Williams’ deal, like Graham’s, should help Seattle negotiate contracts with its first-year players.

Williams was drafted fourth overall, the same spot Aaron Curry was selected in 2009. Curry signed a six-year deal potentially worth $60 million with $34 million guaranteed.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Early on, the Redskins were favorites to draft a quarterback with their first overall selection. After acquiring Donovan McNabb, however, the attention switched to the offensive line. Bad news for the Seattle Seahawks, whose focus throughout the draft should be on the offensive line – McNabb-to-Washington likely meant one more offensive tackle would be off the board when Seattle picks sixth overall.

With new rumored interest in Eric Berry, the Redskins would pass on an offensive lineman to obtain the best available defensive back in the 2010 NFL Draft. Good news if you’re a Seahawks fan interested in selecting a top tackle of your choice; bad news if you were hoping Berry would slip and end up in a Seattle uniform.

Smokescreens aren’t unheard of, especially this close to the draft. Berry to Washington, however, appears at least somewhat credible on the surface. The Redskins have been openly disappointed in current safety Laron Landry, who was the sixth overall pick in the 2007 draft. So discouraged in his development, in fact, they have reportedly tried to package him in trades that would send him elsewhere.

If Washington does select Berry, it is likely Seattle will have its choice between Russell Okung or Trent Williams. Of course, none of Pete Carroll’s “tweets” yesterday showed interest in either player.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Update: Andrew Auger’s picks were changed at 4:15 PM PDT.

View the 2010 NFL Mock Draft by clicking this link.

Seattle’s picks:

6.  Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Williams is the obvious pick. The Seahawks are able to select one of the more talented prospects in the draft and fill one of their most glaring needs on the offensive line. Williams is an exceptional athlete with outstanding agility and should be a perfect fit in Seattle’s zone-blocking scheme. Alex Gibbs has said before that top-10 talent is not necessary for his blocking scheme, but the Seahawks are desperate and the offensive line was terrible last season. If Williams can stay focused and develop a professional work ethic, he could be the successor to Walter Jones on the left side of Seattle’s offensive line.

14. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
The Seahawks have an excellent opportunity here to upgrade their defensive line by selecting a player like Derrick Morgan, but C.J. Spiller is too good to pass up at 14th overall. Seattle’s offense lacks a true playmaker or anyone who scares opposing defenses. C.J. Spiller is a real home run threat and is the type of player Pete Carroll loves to have on his football team. Spiller will add a dynamic element to Seattle’s offense and should excite the 12th Man with his big-play ability.

60. Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas
Houston is an athletic interior lineman that brings exceptional pass rushing ability to the defensive tackle position. He will need to strengthen up and prove to be a better force against the run, but he is a hard worker and a smart player which will land him in new head coach Pete Carroll’s good graces.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Now more trade rumors are surfacing that could directly impact Seattle’s early draft plans:

The Washington Redskins are interested in trading defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and the Detroit Lions are interested in acquiring a big playmaking defensive tackle. Haynesworth has not only played in the head coach Jim Schwartz’s defensive system before, he’s played for Schwartz himself.

If the Detroit Lions acquire Albert Haynesworth, they’ll likely select an offensive tackle rather than Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy. For those of you who want Seattle to select a big offensive tackle with their first pick, you may be disappointed in a few weeks.

If the Lions opt for someone like Russell Okung, however, the Seahawks may be presented with a great scenario. After the Lions pick second, the Buccaneers are likely to select either Suh or McCoy. Following the Bucs, the Redskins and Chiefs are both expected to target offensive linemen. Desperately needing an offensive tackle, the Seahawks may be forced to pass on the fourth- or fifth-best offensive line prospect at sixth overall.

Despite not addressing the most noticeable need with their first pick, the Seahawks could have an opportunity to add a big-time defensive playmaker. In this scenario, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy or defensive back Eric Berry would both be available.

Don’t get me wrong – I want the Seahawks to address the offensive line. But adding a playmaker like McCoy or Berry could help create an elite defense in Seattle. McCoy is a prototypical three-technique tackle in the mold of Tommie Harris – Seattle fans know the big Chicago defensive tackle all too well after an embarrassing 2006 loss on Sunday Night Football – and Eric Berry is a big-play safety who is familiar with the defensive system in Seattle. Both players would also address needs at their respective positions.

Everyone knows the Seahawks need to improve their offensive line. But if they don’t add one of the top tackles with their first pick, there will be plenty of opportunities later in the draft to add talent.

New position coach Alex Gibbs is well-known for having successful offensive lines despite utilizing less-talented prospects. Gibbs has made it clear in the past that drafting an elite tackle is not necessary; linemen that fit his system can be found in later rounds and have just as much success.

From Mike Sando at ESPN.com:

Since Gibbs entered the NFL in 1984, his teams have drafted one offensive lineman among the top 20 overall choices — 338-pound tackle George Foster, selected 20th in 2003 despite not really fitting the Gibbs mold. Gibbs’ teams have held a dozen choices higher than 20th during that time. His teams have held 43 choices among the top 59 overall picks, using three of them for offensive linemen (all tackles).

So even if two or three tackles are off the board when Seattle picks sixth, don’t be too disappointed. The opportunity to add another playmaker elsewhere might be the best option – an offensive line coached by Alex Gibbs doesn’t necessarily need a big-time tackle prospect.

The question is, if both players are available, who would you rather add to Seattle’s defense? Gerald McCoy, or Eric Berry?

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Quarterback Oklahoma Jason Campbell is on his way out of Washington and Mike Shanahan will want a new quarterback. In a class filled with talented signal-callers, the Redskins will have the first pick. Sam Bradford, who many consider the best quarterback prospect, has great arm strength and accuracy and is probably the preference at fourth overall. 5. Russell Okung Offensive Tackle Oklahoma State The Chiefs jump at the opportunity to select the best offensive lineman available. Okung has the athleticism and strength to be successful in the NFL; he should excel at the highly coveted left tackle spot. Drafting Okung will give the Chiefs a huge talent and allow Brandon Albert to move over to right tackle 6. Derrick Morgan

Defensive End Georgia Tech Unfortunately for Seattle, the Chiefs just selected the top offensive tackle. There are a couple other offensive linemen worthy of this spot, but the Seahawks opt for the best defensive end on the board. This pick will not be very popular in Seattle considering the resources already invested at defensive end, but might be necessary to improve a pass rush that ranked near the bottom of the league. 7. Joe Haden Cornerback Florida The Browns will jump at the opportunity to select the premier cornerback of the 2010 draft. Haden has good size (5’11″, 190), speed, and is a proven tackler. He will immediately help the Browns secondary and could develop into an outstanding cover-corner in the National Football League.

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