Seattle Seahawks: 5 takeaways from win versus Falcons
By Jake Luppino
The Seahawks defense stepped up on big plays
The Seattle Seahawks came into this season with an improved backfield after the acquisition of both CB Quinton Dunbar and SS Jamal Adams. They invested some draft picks in the last two offseasons on linebackers who are being led by the best MLB in the game, Bobby Wagner. This year, their weakness is their defensive line. The defensive line showed their flaws in this game as they struggled to get pressure on Matt Ryan when only rushing four. But, they did a solid job against the run and made big plays when it mattered most.
The Atlanta Falcons were held to only 72 yards on the ground. While Gurley did find the end zone on one drive, the Seahawks front seven did a good job disrupting numerous attempts, preventing them from establishing their rhythm. Both Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley posted big numbers but did not truly impact this game as the Seahawks defense showed up when needed.
The Falcons went for it on fourth down four different times throughout the game. They failed on every single attempt. Everyone knows that Pete Carroll’s defensive philosophy is to keep everything in front and cause turnovers. It’s the primary reason they love to run Cover 3 and run it nearly more than anyone else in the league.
On the first fourth-down attempt by Atlanta, Matt Ryan tried hitting the flat route and Seattle’s defensive end, Benson Mayowa batted the ball down. On another attempt, Atlanta tried running the ball and Bobby Wagner burst through the gap and made a big play. The defense showed up when needed most and that will be one of the most crucial aspects of this team as the season progresses.