Three Seahawks that need to impress in week 7 versus the Ravens

Marquise Blair

Seattle’s rookie safety has played a bit this season but hasn’t yet made an signature plays. Now, Marquise Blair appears to be about to embark on his first NFL start. My hope was that when Blair did finally become a starter in the league it would be beside Bradley McDougald. It won’t. McDougald is likely out with back spasms. Hence, enter Blair.

Opposite Blair would be Tedric Thompson. The question begs who is going to call out the secondary assignments? A rookie? Or the mostly ineffective Thompson? Besides simple talent, McDougald is nearly invaluable as a Seahawks because of his experience. Seattle will have third-year but relatively new Tedric Thompson and Blair. That is not ideal.

Blair was drafted because he likes to hit people and can makes plays. A rookie, however, is more likely to bite on fakes, especially one who likes to take chances and wants to impress. In a game that should be close, a bad couple of plays by Blair can cost the Seahawks a victory.

That said, should Blair make nearly every read correctly, he could make plays that change the outcome of the game. He has the physical skills to do that and be a long-term starter. Plus, he is more of a natural strong safety and he will be that on Sunday.