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Seahawks need to control the line in order to beat the Eagles

By Steve McGrain

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 20: Running back Wendell Smallwood #28 of the Philadelphia Eagles is brought down by the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 20, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 20: Running back Wendell Smallwood #28 of the Philadelphia Eagles is brought down by the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 20, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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Absolutely incredible Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is in second year in the National Football League. As a rookie, he played against Seattle, but the Seahawks prevailed 26-15. Seattle fans will be shaking CenturyLink under the lights on Sunday Night.

As long as the Seahawks can win this match-up.

Seahawks have to control the line of scrimmage

Seattle’s front seven is downright scary for opposing teams. The tenacious ability of defensive ends Michael Bennett and Frank Clark to pressure the quarterback is monumental for success against the Eagles.

In the middle, the big men right in the teeth of the trenches are where the primary match up is on Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagles rank second in rushing yards per game with 147.5 average. As a result, the ability to close out opponents is relatively easy considering their efficient ground game.

Eagles signal-caller Carson Wentz has been great in the first eleven games. The running backs, though, are keeping the ball away from the other team and pressure off  their second year quarterback. Originally, the Eagles only had LeGarrette Blount as their starter. But after a trade deadline deal, they acquired Jay Ajayi from Miami.

This move gave them a different dynamic with the duo in the backfield. In addition, another name they will look to use to their benefit will be running back Corey Clement. Clement is the passing down back and more of a speed threat.

While the Eagles average north of 140 rushing yards a game, the Seahawks allow under 100 yards to opposing running backs per game. The MVP-caliber play of linebacker Bobby Wagner is the difference maker on the second level in limiting the running backs. That is if the Eagles can get through the defensive tackles Sheldon Richardson and Jarran Reed.  And rookie Nazair Jones has been very good as well.

This is a game the Seahawks look to control the line of scrimmage and not allow Philadelphia to control the possession and clock.

Related Story: Is Russell Wilson making a case to be the NFL MVP?

All things considered, the Eagles style of football traveling to the Pacific Northwest is one 12s are accustomed to viewing from their own favorite team.

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