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Can the Seahawks win against a dual-threat quarterback?

By Steve McGrain

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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A common theme with the Seahawks losses are quarterbacks who not only pass, but run as well. On Sunday, Seattle will get their third dose of this style of signal-caller in Houston Texans rookie Deshaun Watson.

Dual-Threat Quarterbacks taking advantage of Seahawks

For example, Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, to an extent, both made plays to extend drives utilizing their feet.

As an illustration, in the Green Bay game, on a third and eleven, the secondary covered the receivers, but the left side of the field was wide open,. As a result, Rodgers had ample space to rush for 13 yards and a Packer first down. Furthermore, six plays later Green Bay scored on a touchdown pass.

Seahawks gameplan for Watson on Sunday

There is a couple of different options for the Seahawks defense to try to contain Watson.

For example, middle linebacker Bobby Wagner could play in zone in the middle of the field, but key on Watson for a  play. This would make sure any opportunity for the Texans QB to run up the middle is not an option.

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 1: Defensive end Frank Clark (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 1: Defensive end Frank Clark (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Another, as explosive defensive end Frank Clark is at getting around the offensive tackle, rather than extending the pocket too far up-field, his strategy could focus on applying pressure while not allowing Watson to get around him.

When former assistant head coach Rocky Seto joined the organization in 2010, he brought an emphasis on tackling. If Seattle can limit yards after contact, they will position themselves to limit mistakes and opportunity for the opposition.

But, if they are unable to do so, Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has shown the ability to turn one missed tackle into a touchdown.

Seattle has seen their fair share of dual-threat quarterbacks in the past. I cannot recall a signal-caller with the Texans-type of skill set and the receivers around him.

Related Story: What's up with the Seahawks' Jeremy Lane's tweets?

This may be the toughest dual-threat quarterback Seahawks will face to date.

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