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Seahawks versus Vikings: 3 quick reasons to worry

By Lee Vowell

Dec 2, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) catches a touchdown pass over Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Minnesota 37-30. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) catches a touchdown pass over Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Minnesota 37-30. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seahawks have lots to overcome when they face the Vikings in week five.

Seattle should have the better football team when the Seahawks play the Minnesota Vikings in week five. But Seattle seems to keep every game close and defensively the team is struggling. The way Minnesota’s offense is designed, its strengths line up well against Seattle’s weaknesses.

Here are the quick reasons to worry if you are a 12 on Sunday.

The Vikings could chip their way down the field for points against the Vikings

Seattle’s defense tries to take away big plays. Most of the time they do this well. But Minnesota doesn’t really rely on big plays offensively to win games. In fact, the Vikings will happily take what the Seahawks defense gives them. Seattle allows completion underneath, especially in the middle of the field.

This last fact is exactly where Vikings receivers Adam Thielen and rookie Justin Jefferson do their work. Quarterback Kirk Cousins isn’t great when he is forced to throw downfield late in games. And Cousins is just 8-15-1 in prime time games since becoming the Vikings starter in 2015. But if Minnesota can get a lead and use excellent running back Dalvin Cook and underneath throws, the Vikings can eat clock, shorten the game and win.

The Seahawks are good against the run in 2020! Or are they?

Yay! The Seahawks have improved their run defense this year! They currently rank third in fewest yards allowed rushing per game in 2020 at 75.8 yards per. But let’s take a closer look, shall we? Seattle is 20th in rushing touchdowns allowed (5). According to Pro Football Reference, Seattle’s defense has a negative differential in how much impact their run defense has (14th in the league at -.97).

Seattle could struggle for the first time this season against the run as Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook might be the best running back in the league and averages 5.7 yards a carry. He is dangerous and if he runs well (see the previous worry), Minnesota will grind out yards and points and keep Seattle’s offense off the field.

The Vikings are simply due against the Seahawks

Next. 3 bold predictions for Seahawks versus Vikings. dark

This last worry is less tangible. But Minnesota hasn’t ever beaten Russell Wilson and last beat the Seahawks in 2009. Since then, Seattle has six straight victories over the Vikings. Any extra motivation for a team is usually a good thing and Minnesota will have that against Seattle. And there won’t be any 12s in the stands to disrupt the Vikings from their mission.

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