Seahawks must beware these trap games for 2017

The trap games of 2017

I’ll direct you to this ranking of every 2017 contest. It’s worth the read if you missed it a week ago. And it pertains to the topic of trap games as well. If I may quote (and I may because I’m the writer):

"12. Week 3 in Nashville versus the Tennessee Titans Why?: The Titans were on the verge of making the playoffs last year. They are a good young team with a good quarterback and great running backs. Tennessee’s defense should be better than 2016. This is a game where the Titans will want to show they are an upcoming team. A defeat of Seattle would be a huge statement for them."

Another potential trap game

Look at those Washington Redskins. They fall between two tough games. The Seahawks face the Houston Texans at home in week eight. Week ten takes Seattle to Arizona to face their only rival for the division title. Sandwich game between two tough opponents? Check.

The Redskins have a good pass rush, ranked ninth in the league in sacks. That isn’t great news when the biggest question mark for the Seahawks is the offensive line. Check.

On the other hand, it’s a home game. No checkmark there. The Redskins have lost some talent, particularly at wide receiver. That doesn’t help quarterback Kirk Cousins. Again, no checkmark. Could it be a trap game? Ehhh…okay, maybe. But not like the Titans. And certainly not like the game to really worry about.

The real trap game for 2017 is on the East Coast…

…and back in Florida again. For the main points, I return to the breakdown of all 2017 games:

"8. Week 14 in Jacksonville versus the Jaguars Why?: This is one of those tricky games. The Jags always seem to disappoint. The problem for the Seahawks, though, is that Jacksonville has drafted pretty well over the last two years. They signed some quality defensive free agents this offseason. This game is also the Seahawks only 10 am start in 2017. Maybe not a trap game, but could be a tight contest."

Oh, this is the trap game to be sure. Another factor in trap games is boredom. Now to be sure, NFL players don’t get truly bored against any opponent. But look at the circumstances of this game.

Going into week 14, the Seahawks will have played the 49ers and the Eagles. Not likely to be difficult opponents. Week 15 sees Seattle back home taking on the Rams. That’s one entire month without an opponent that creates a real adrenaline rush. Yes, the Seahawks are professionals, but do you really believe they get up as much for any of these games as they do for the Falcons or Cowboys or Packers? Add lack of adrenaline rush to the trap formula. Check.

A game you should win? The Jaguars were 3-13 in 2016. Check. Non-division opponent? Check. Road game, and a 10:00 am for players on a West Coast body clock. Big check.

For all those reasons, the Jacksonville game is the biggest trap game for 2017. What really scares me is that your friendly 12thManRising co-experts attended that Tampa Bay game last year. And guess who has tickets for the Seahawks-Jaguars. Yeah, sorry 12s. Maybe we should cancel.