Seahawks vs Jets, 3 burning questions
By Dan Viens
This week’s 3 Burning Questions takes a look at what’s on our mind as the Seahawks get set to face the Jets in New Jersey.
The Seahawks and Jets don’t exactly have a storied history. Outside of the Vinny Testeverde “helmet touchdown” that cost Seattle a playoff spot in 1998 (and cost Dennis Erickson his job) can you think of any other memorable moments among the 18 times they’ve played?
This game Sunday may not seem like a big one; it’s an AFC matchup, against a team coming off an ugly loss, with a bunch of banged-up players and a bye looming next week.
But a 3-1 record would look a lot better than 2-2 going into that week off.
So let’s take a look at the 3 Burning Questions for this weeks game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New York Jets.
1: WHICH RYAN FITZPATRICK ARE THE SEAHAWKS GOING TO FACE?
In week #2 against Buffalo, the Jets QB was named Offensive Player Of The Week after throwing for 374 yards.
Last week the Chiefs picked him off 6 times.
Yeah….. six times.
Kansas City has a solid defense and a good secondary, but are they as good as Seattle’s?
If the Seahawks can get a consistent pass rush in New Jersey, they should be able to add to that turnover total which has yet to swing in their favor this season. Bobby Wagner’s interception against San Francisco last week was their first of the season.
2: HOW WILL THE SEAHAWKS RUNNING BACK SITUATION SHAKE OUT?
Thomas Rawls is now going to be out a few weeks after trainers found his leg injury to be more serious than they thought at first. Christine Michael is coming off his best career performance as the starter, but what’s happening behind him?
Rookie Alex Collins only has 12 yards on 6 carries, and looks to be the primary backup. Fellow rookie CJ Prosise still requires a cast on his broken hand that limits his ability to play.
The team signed veteran CJ Spiller this week, presumably to serve as 3rd down back until Prosise is healthy. If Spiller has anything let in the tank he could add a unique dimension to the backfield mix.
Just how Pete Carroll and Darrell Bevell decided to divvy up the carries will be one of the most intriguing storylines this weekend.
3: CAN WE GET A REPEAT PERFORMANCE OUT OF JIMMY GRAHAM?
Graham busted out for 6 catches, 100 yards and a TD last week. We’ve seen flashes from him before, but no consistency in his production. There was an 8 catch, 140 yard explosion last year against the 49ers, but that was followed up with a 2-for-31 clunker.
If Wilson can continue looking Graham’s way, and using his size as a mismatch, questions about his fit in this offense (questions I’ve raised myself) could quickly be erased.