Week 9: Matchups of the Game

Oct 17, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Tommorow’s game against the Buccaneers is one that the Seahawks should win and should win handily. However, we saw on Monday Night Football that there is no such thing as an easy game in the NFL if you don’t show up and play well. I still think the Seahawks win this game, but what the fans really want to see is an improved performance from this team. On an individual level there are a couple of interesting matchups to examine for this one, so let’s get to it:

Matchup #1: Richard Sherman vs. Darrelle Revis

Although these two never face each other directly you can be sure that they will be competing against each other on Sunday. The rivalry here is well documented and was all over Twitter for a time as they two jawed over who was the best corner in the NFL. I think right now the burden of proof is on Revis as he has been quieter since showing up in Tampa and trails Sherman is many categories statistically. Both corners will be looking to put on a show in this one and it could be a long day for either team’s receivers.

Matchup #2: J.R. Sweezy vs. Gerald McCoy

Last week on twitter there were many fans calling for Sweezy to lose his starting job or and to be gotten rid of altogether. Sweezy is a really good athlete, and a good fit for this scheme, but he is still learning. The problem is that the Seahawks are a team that needs to win now and they don’t have time to wait around on Sweezy’s development. If he doesn’t take strides in the next few weeks he could very well find himself out of a job. Gerald McCoy is a quick, dynamic tackle who will present a challenge for Sweezy but it could be interesting as both players are quicker than they are strong making the matchup more even than it appears. Even so, Sweezy could have trouble preventing an inside push from McCoy and may need the aid of Max Unger before the day is done.

Matchup #3:  Seahawks Linebacking core vs. Tim Wright

Tim Wright has emerged on the scene since Mike Glennon took over and has 14 catches for 154 yards over the last three weeks. He appears to be just another in the line of athletic tight ends giving defenses headaches. While the Legion of Boom has been extraordinary this year the Seahawks have struggled with underneath coverage at times from their linebackers. K.J. Wright has taken on a lot of coverage responsibility in the past but he has done poorly in that area so far this year. Bruce Irvin flashed some coverage ability with his pick last week but it’s hard to expect him to be a coverage star overnight. Bobby Wagner hasn’t quite reached his 2012 levels just yet but hopefully he’s building up to it. Some one here needs to step up to help keep tight ends like Wright in check.

This is a game the Seahawks should win and one they likely will win. It’s going to be more important to see how they win.