5 Things to Watch for: Seahawks vs. Broncos
By Jason Rubin
1) The Matt Flynn / Russell Wilson Show – Take 2
– After a solid showing against Tennessee at home (23-29 for 195 and 2 picks combined. 59 rushing yards and 1 TD for Wilson) both QB’s showed efficiency and poise in their first snaps as Seahawks. While the interceptions are concerning, overall play for both men showed pocket presence and a knack for finding open receivers. Flynn and Wilson look to share a similar work load on the road in Denver. A strong Broncos pass rush will answer further if either one is ready to take the reins for the ‘Hawks. Flynn will again start, and play the first half, while Wilson will take the 2nd. If there’s a repeat of the success shown against the Titans by either player, the trade rumors surrounding Tarvaris Jackson could be validated. Bottom line, the Seahawks could answer the biggest question surrounding the team coming out of this game. Stay tuned…
2) ‘The Sheriff’ vs. The ‘Hawks Pass D
– It can be argued that the Seahawks have the best collective Defensive Backfield in the NFC, if not the NFL. How will the new Denver offense and a healthy Manning operate against such a solid group? While he wasn’t stellar in limited action against the Bears (4-7- 44 yds-1 Int) he did show great zip and his trademark accuracy at times. With extended playing time, and another week to gel with his new Receivers, this will be agreat litmus test for the ‘Hawks Pass D as well as for Denver’s newly built high-octane O.
3) ‘It All Starts Up-Front…’
– No surprise that it’s paramount the Seahawks can solidify an Offensive Line depleted by a couple key injuries to its starters. James Carpenter is looking at a Week 6 return, and that may be a generous outlook, while John Moffitt is out with an elbow injury until at least Week 1. Paul McQuistan, and Deuce Lutui are sturdy replacements and the surprise rookie J.R. Sweezy is ascending nicely. Whether the Seahawks are left with as many questions as answers, against the likes of Elvis Dumervil, Von Miller, Ty Warren, and D.J. Williams, will reveal itself Saturday.
4) Will the Real Bruce Irvin Please Stand Up?
– Since Day 1 in mini-camp, and into Training Camp, fellow writers, teammates, and coaches have raved about the speed, and explosiveness Bruce Irvin had shown. Against Tennessee he kind of disappeared. Mindful that the Titans do possess one of the games tougher Offensive Lines, it still begs the question for Game 2. Can Bruce Irvin unleash that disruptive, lightning quick force he’s shown us flashes of? Against Denver’s up-tempo pass attack he will get his chance.
5) Looking for Clarity at the Wide Receiver Position
– With the recent additions of Terrell Owens and Braylon Edwards, the Seahawks find themselves with a bit of a log-jam at Wideout. Add in Kellen Winslow, and that football seems to be getting stretched mighty thin. Ben Obomanu and Golden Tate are set to start the game, but let’s see how quickly T.O. and Braylon can get involved. A large question looms as to whether the ‘Hawks keep both of the vets.