The X-Factor that can lead the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Week 15

As we enter the home stretch of the season, the Seattle Seahawks are daunted with the task of finding themselves. This late in the season, that is not an easy job. Especially, given the youth of this team on both sides of the ball.

At 7-6, one could certainly argue that this Seahawks team has already exceeded expectations regardless of how the last month goes. But, early on in the season, the Seahawks looked like a legit team. They made teaks on the defensive side, Kenneth Walker III was rolling offensively and it appeared as if the Seahawks were going to repeat their 2012 season.

Currently, they are still in position to do so. The playoffs are still in sight. The road ahead is uncertain, but the way for this team to win is clear. Winning in the trenches will result in victories. When they can get the run game going offensively and clog the lanes defensively, they will play their best football. Losers of 3 of their last 4, opposing teams have forced the Seahawks to conform to a new identity.

In the loss to Carolina, the run defense was shameful. Entering Week 15 against a 49ers team that runs really well, someone is going to have to step up. Whether it be a particular coach making adjustments on the short week or a single player having enough and showing out under the lights.

Seattle Seahawks: X-Factor that can lead them to victory in Week 15

The good news for Seattle is that they will be wearing their action green jerseys on top with navy blue bottoms. For whatever reason, when they wear the neon green in primetime, they show out.

Seattle’s locker room, defensively at least, is frustrated with their play. They know they need to be better. Some have questioned the personnel and scheme of this 3-4 defense. Regardless of whether the concerns are accurate or not, it’s too late in the season to change. In a game on the big stage with so much on the line, Seattle needs one of its leaders to step up. No one is better than the quarterback of this defense.

This is a Jordyn Brooks game. As expected, he’s top 2 in tackles in the NFL. He has replaced Bobby Wagner as the defensive play caller and quite frankly, he needs to have a Bobby Wagner-esque type game. We’ve seen the flashes of his potential throughout this season. In particular, on this play against the Saints:

Jordyn Brook’s pursuit is relentless on that play. His eye discipline guides him and then he strikes. Yes, stopping the run starts up front and let’s be hopeful that both Al Woods and Shelby Harris are good to go in this one. But, the 49ers have many different skilled position players on this offense. Christian McCaffrey is not only deadly in the run game, but makes plays in the passing game as well.

Not to mention TE George Kittle, who will make big plays in the play-action game for San Francisco. Jordyn Brooks will be tasked with filling the holes and closing the gaps. It all starts up front in this game. Whoever wins the trenches will win this game. Jordyn Brooks will have to remain disciplined in his coverage, which will be trick as Kyle Shanahan is one of the best play callers in the NFL. The Seahawks are desperate and their sense of urgency better reflects that.

This is not going to be a shootout. The San Francisco 49ers have the best defense in the NFL. Allowing just over 15 points per game, the Seahawks are going to have to find a way defensively to keep this game close. With the Seahawks backfield getting healthier, that gives me some sort of optimism. That should allow them to be more consistent on offense. If not, the defense will continually fail to get off the field, they will continue to be pushed around up front, resulting in their spirit breaking.