Week 3 of pre-season: Seahawks deficiencies vs Chiefs strengths
The two teams with arguably the loudest fans in the NFL square off at CenturLink Field when the Seattle Seahawks welcome the Kansas City Chiefs for pre-season week 3. This is easily the toughest match-up for Seattle to date.
At this point, rookies and newcomers are beginning to just play, and not think throughout the game. The playbook and schemes should feel more comfortable. A game they have played their entire life, becomes natural again.
Seattle Seahawks vs Kansas City Chiefs
Two key areas I am going to target have been the Achilles heel for the Seahawks the past few seasons.
‘Hawks offensive line vs Chiefs defensive front
Seahawks
With the injury to left tackle George Fant, Rees Odhiambo and newly acquired Matt Tobin will battle for starting at left tackle. Furthermore, the offensive line can perform against different jerseys and display their continuity in a natural game setting.
The beautiful thing about this week is who the Seahawks are hosting, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have had a defense near the top of the National Football League for the past couple of years. For Russell Wilson and the men upfront it will be a tough test to see what life is like without Fant.
In 2016, the Seahawks faltered because quarterback Russell Wilson and free safety Earl Thomas were injured.
If this season is successful, the remedy will be based on the big guys up front protecting Wilson. A great test to gauge where the Seahawks offensive line is will come facing the Chiefs defensive front. The left side of Seattle’s line is an area of concern. The right side is just as worrisome with Germain Ifedi not playing well.
Kansas City
The Chiefs defense consists of stars all over the field. Outside linebacker Justin Houston is a force off of the edge. Defensive tackle Bennie Logan blocks anything up the middle. Even though linebacker Tamba Hali is not playing, Dee Ford has wrecked havoc on the opposition.
Furthermore, the motors these players have are difficult for any team. This season, a building block to a deep postseason run should be to protect Russell Wilson. Line coach Tom Cable will be looking for that and a push from his group against the Chiefs front seven.
If center Justin Britt and company do not want to be scrutinized after every game, week three is a good start to show unit communication, as well as continuity to be successful.
Seahawks Defensive vs Chiefs Tight Ends
When I think of the Carolina Panthers, I recall the NFC playoff game and rally at the end, which ultimately fell short. But I also remember quarterback Cam Newton throwing a pass over the top of the defense to Greg Olsen that gave the Panthers a win in Seattle earlier in the year.
The Chiefs boast one of the best tight ends in the NFL, Travis Kelce. He has a size, length, quickness and great hands. He is a nightmare on a scouting report for any defensive coaching staff. Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright’s assignment is normally the opposition’s tight end.
With outside linebacker becoming thin, the opportunity is available to make an impact. Many of the snaps will be played by the veterans and this is an area of interest. Can the Seahawks defense stop Kelce?
Related Story: Which Seahawks receivers will get cut?
In the first pre-season game, Chargers tight end Antonio Gates found an opening in the Seahawks second level for a touchdown.
Besides injuries, the Seahawks offensive line and defense have been the deciding factor on potential Super Bowl runs. Therefore, against the Chiefs good defense and a great tight end, 12s need to witness perfect fundamental football at all levels.