3 bold predictions for Seahawks preseason Week 3 game versus Browns

Seahawks versus Cleveland this Saturday. Super Bowl preview? Well, maybe not. Current Vegas odds have both teams in the low middle of the league. But it’s better than a Saints-Raiders prop. Actually, it may be a lot better. These are two up-and-coming teams that could surprise.

Of course, league insiders have been saying that about the Browns for a few years now. But the fact is, these could be two of the very best defenses in the league in 2024 and when you’ve got that going for you, deep playoff runs are never wild pipe dreams.

And for that reason, today’s bold predictions will focus entirely on offense. If you like to follow trends, I should admit that all three of last week’s bold predictions flopped – but, the bonus prediction came through when Mike Jackson was traded on Thursday. So, at the end of this, I’ll toss in a bonus prediction which, based on verifiable track records, should be a lead-pipe lock.

Bold predictions for preseason Week 3 between the Seahawks and the Browns

Kevin Stefaniski says he wants to get his starters into a rhythm so expect to see a lot of Cleveland first-teamers in the first half. Mike Macdonald is being more cagey about his intentions for the final preseason game. Contrary to what a lot of people seem to think,

I don’t expect to see much of Connor Williams at center in the game. I know he just got here and needs reps, but I’m not sure that playing a lot with backups on Saturday accomplishes much for Williams, especially when weighed against the risks. But I’m not confident enough in that opinion to make it an official bold prediction.

I am, however, confident in the following.

Sam Howell will run over a defender

I am a lifelong Washington Commander fan. I watched every snap Howell took last year. The man is as tough as they come. He got knocked around like a pinball and never complained. He just got up and ran the next play.

He also has no problem running when a play breaks down. And even though he doesn’t look all that big, he can run over defensive backs and the odd linebacker at times. And he will do that on Saturday for two reasons. First, plays will break down. The Browns have a ferocious pass rush and the Hawks will struggle from time to time to slow them down. So Howell will run.

And, even more germane to this prediction, this will be his first time playing in his new home and he will very much want to endear himself to the 12s. There is no better way for a QB to win hearts and minds than to plow through some hapless cornerback. Sam Howell is just the guy to do it.

Brady Russell will score one touchdown and throw a key block on another TD by Kenny McIntosh

I’m not sure anyone knows what the current status of the Hawks tight end room is. At last count, fourteen different tight ends are injured and Mack Brown was spotted in Office Depot buying “Hello, my name is …” stickers in bulk. But Brady Russell is still standing and I have a feeling he is going to have a breakout this week.

Predicting the touchdown catch isn’t really all that bold. Russell has looked good running routes and catching this preseason. But Russell will have to prove his worth as a blocker. He was a decent blocker at Colorado and I expect he’s going to be very aggressive in trying to prove he can block in the NFL on Saturday.

So when they get inside the ten, I expect Russell to line up in the backfield and serve as a lead blocker for McIntosh. He will take out – let’s say Isaiah McGuire - allowing McIntosh to get the edge for the score. But it could be Mike Hall, Jr. Sorry to hedge.

Anthony Bradford wins the starting right guard spot

Maybe this isn’t such a bold prediction, considering that Bradford is listed as the starting right guard on the depth chart. But to hear a lot of fans and experts tell it, Christian Haynes had this job wrapped up the minute he was drafted. I’m not saying Haynes won’t start at all this year, or that he won’t be a fixture on the line for years to come. I’m just saying that there is a touch of “grass is always greener” at play here.

Remember how I said I watched every Washington Commanders' snap last year? Well, that includes the Commanders' game against the Hawks, during which Anthony Bradford and Damien Lewis basically played the Commanders' highly touted defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne to a draw.

Haynes may ultimately prove to be a better, more agile pass protector, but as a run blocker, he remains a work in progress. Bradford is not going to the Pro Bowl, but he can power block and to start the season, that is what Ryan Grubb will want.

Bonus – the defensive line will record at least two sacks

The defense is designed for edge rushers like Boye Mafe and Derick Hall to get pressure, and they have done that so far this preseason. But on Saturday, playing in front of the home crowd, I’m looking for Mike Morris, Kyon Barrs, and Myles Adams to get in on the fun. Maybe Leonard Williams too, provided he plays. As good as he is, I don’t think Williams can get a sack from the bench. That distinction is reserved for Byron Murphy II.

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