Seattle Seahawks December preview and predictions
By Jake Luppino
Seattle will head back to the east coast to take on the Washington Football Team
Sunday, December 20, 2020: Week 15 — Seattle Seahawks @ Washington Football Team
The Seattle Seahawks went undefeated on the east coast last year and it appeared as if they were going to do it again this year until they lost to the Buffalo Bills. In Week 15, they will take on their last NFC East opponent in the Washington Football Team. Another team that cannot be slept on. We just saw this team put together a nice performance defeating the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. The Seahawks will look to spoil their playoff hopes.
The Washington Football Team plays smart with the football and doesn’t take too many shots down the field. They like to run the ball and throw short passes, methodically moving the ball up and down the field. This Seattle defense will have to stop the run and force them to beat them with the pass.
The great story of Alex Smith continues as he has returned as a starter and may elevate this club to the playoffs. The rookie HB Antonio Gibson is proving his worth to this franchise and is making his case for offensive rookie of the year. He is the motor that propels this Washington offense. Luckily for Seattle, one of their strengths defensively is their run defense. Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright are going to need to be big in this one.
What Will Determine the Outcome: Tyler Lockett’s Big Game
Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf have proven to be one of the best wide receiving duos in the NFL. All year long, it feels as if these two take turns in who is going to have the big game. While D.K. Metcalf has probably been more consistent, Lockett has had some monster games. Against the Cowboys and Cardinals, he recorded 3 touchdowns and over 100+ receiving yards. He has been quiet in recent weeks and is bound to explode once again.
Washington is solid up front with Chase Young and Jonathan Allen. If Seattle is able to establish their run game — if they are healthy enough — then they will be able to hit the big plays off of play-action. Russ has been his best when Seattle can give him some help with both the run game and solid defensive play. If you remember, in the first defeat to the Cardinals, Carson got hurt, but Hyde was able to somewhat replace him. As a result, Wilson had a monster game and Lockett posted 15 catches for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns.
While I do not think he will replicate that, he may be in store for an 8 catch, 150 yard, 2 touchdown type of performance on the road. This is once again another game where this Seattle defense can make a statement. Granted, the Football Team isn’t known for having an explosive offense, but that doesn’t mean this Seattle defense can’t take this game as a building block. In recent weeks, the defense has slowly formed better chemistry and that is something that will continue as the season nears a finish.
I think both sides of the ball play well as the Seahawks take this one by two scores.
36. 14. 58. Prediction. 30