The Seattle Seahawks have dropped two games in a row and three games this season. That's not the standard the defending Super Bowl champions set last season, and they've shot themselves in the foot way too many times already.
To add insult to injury, they'll face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on national television. Even if there's still plenty of football left to be played this season, there will be no margin for error against Andy Reid and company.
The Seahawks have had some additional time to prepare for this matchup, and the answer is almost always on the tape. Considering that, let's talk about the four issues they must address to get back on their feet on Sunday.
4 questions that will define the Seattle Seahawks' fate vs. the Chiefs
Can they establish the run?
Running the ball has been an issue for the Seahawks this season. Jadarian Price is out, George Holani has a bad case of the butter hands, and Emanuel Wilson has been the team's most reliable ball-carrier to date. Even so, they can't seem to establish the run.
That might be even tougher against the Chiefs. Steve Spagnuolo's defense is giving up just 88.8 rushing yards per game, the sixth-fewest in pro football. At least the Seahawks might finally get Zach Charbonnet back for this one.
How to stop Kenneth Walker III?
Speaking of the running game, the Chiefs happen to have the most explosive one in the league right now. With Kenneth Walker III at the helm, they're putting up 159.8 rushing yards per contest, the second-most in the NFL.
Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde know Walker better than most coaches, but that's no guarantee. Byron Murphy II will have his hands full trying to stuff the interior of the offensive line, and while the Seahawks have the 10th-best run defense, they haven't faced Walker.
Will they take care of the football?
This might be the biggest concern here. The Seahawks will face a stout run defense, meaning Sam Darnold will have to do most of the heavy lifting on offense if they can't establish the run, which has led to some disastrous events this season.
Despite missing multiple games, Darnold has already thrown seven interceptions. Mansoor Delane and Nohl Williams have been great for the Chiefs this season, and they can flip the field in the blink of an eye with their great nose for the ball.
Can they get to Patrick Mahomes?
Regardless of their record, the Seahawks still have one of the best — if not the best — pass-rushing units in football. That'll be especially important on Sunday because of the Chiefs' notorious absences on the offensive line.
Jaylon Moore might miss this game with a concussion, and undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson will be in for the toughest challenge of his young career as Mahomes' blindside protector. Mahomes is dangerous when he rolls out of the pocket, and the Seahawks must keep him on his toes.
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