5 key players the Seattle Seahawks must keep quiet in Week 3 vs. Panthers

Seattle Seahawks must keep Miles Sanders quiet

Through two games, Seattle has been much better against the run than they were in 2022. The Seahawks have allowed just 2.9 yards a rush, third-fewest in the NFL. And they have played two teams that can actually run the ball pretty well, so knowing Seattle has been successful in run defense against the Rams and Lions should give 12s hope.

When Carolina and Seattle played last year - a surprising victory for the Panthers 30-24 - the Panthers used a dominant run game to control the clock (Carolina held the ball for 39:16 compared to 20:44 for Seattle) and keep drives alive. The Panthers ran for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns. Carolina is likely going to want to have that same philosophy in Week 3 as they don't appear ready to put the offense completely on rookie quarterback Bryce Young's shoulders.

Miles Sanders isn't a bad running back either. He has been handed the ball much more than any other Panthers running back so far in 2023 so he will be the lead back. In 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles, Sanders ran for 1,269 yards and scored 11 rushing touchdowns. He isn't a threat much out of the backfield catching the ball, but for the Panthers purposes, he doesn't need to be.

Carolina can beat Seattle this year just like they did in 2022. The Panthers can run the ball and use a short passing game to control the clock and score just enough points to win the game. Seattle needs a great game in Week 3 from defensive linemen Jarran Reed and Mario Edwards, Jr., especially. If Seattle can force Carolina to throw, the Seahawks should be fine.