Can the Seahawks defend against a legitimate rushing attack?

As the Seattle Seahawks travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys, their primary focus centralizes around the opposition’s backfield. The defense ideally stuffs the runner at the line of scrimmage and makes the offense one dimensional.

In order for Seattle to prevail, they have to stop Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and put all the pressure on the shoulders of quarterback Dak Prescott.

Seattle Seahawks defense the last three weeks

In consecutive weeks, running backs dismantled the Seahawks defense. Against Jacksonville, Leonard Fournette rushed 101 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown. Last week, Rams running back Todd Gurley carried 21 times for 152 yard and three touchdowns. However, this is also the defense that held the Eagles duo of LeGarette Blount and Jay Ajayi to a combined 17 carries for 61 yards.

Seattle Seahawks gameplan for a balanced Dallas attack

The game on Sunday will feature a back whom the NFL audience has not seen for six weeks, Ezekiel Elliott. In his absence, the Cowboys seemed to struggle, with the exception of back-up running back Alfred Morris. With Elliott back in the starting position, Dallas will display more of a balanced attack.

It is important to realize, the Seahawks have dealt with injuries, while Dallas’ star back patiently waited to return to the field. Equally important, there is a difference between being in shape and football shape. While in shape, there is no tackling, getting up from the turf and wearing pads. Football shape is something different.

Although Elliott is an amazing athlete with speed and acceleration, I am intrigued to see his stamina.

Seattle Seahawks approach

Seattle, though, is going to welcome back a stalwart of the defense, linebacker K.J. Wright. After missing last week due to concussion protocol, Wright has fully participated in practice. While middle linebacker Bobby Wagner has not, there is a lot pride on the line considering the 35 point loss a week prior. There is no way Wagner does not play with playoff hopes on the line.

The defensive line is the group Seattle needs to improve the fastest. Furthermore, their overall technique at the line of scrimmage; gaining separation, getting off blocks and tackling has to look like the Seahawks of old. Rather than having a defensive tackle one on one, implementing Wright and Wagner’s abilities to fill the holes at the line gives the Seahawks help that was missed against the Rams.

All in all, look for Seattle to swarm the football, rather than one on one situations. A vast improvement up front with Wagner and Wright next to one another again. By the same token, pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott is a must.

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Seattle Seahawks vs Dallas Cowboys

The last time everything was on the line