Seahawks need to fly high: Players who must step up against the Eagles on MNF

In desperate need of a victory to stay in the playoff hunt, the Seattle Seahawks will look to put an end to a difficult stretch against the Philadelphia Eagles.

A win on MNF could help propel the Seahawks back into the playoff picture, with a much softer schedule ahead. (Saying this, however, we did just watch the Tennessee Titans beat the Miami Dolphins. The Seahawks travel to Nashville to play the Titans on Christmas Eve.)

Several underperforming players, such as Jamal Adams, need to be much better. But who else needs to step up? Here is a look at the Seahawks who need a big game for Seattle to come out on top.

Seahawks player to watch No. 1 - WR DK Metcalf

These teams last met back in 2020 in another Monday night showdown. The Seahawks will be counting on a big game from DK Metcalf as they did then. When he went for 177 yards receiving on 10 catches in a 23-17 win. The 'Hawks need DK to bounce back this week after a difficult performance against the Niners, in which he was held to 54 yards receiving, one touchdown, and was ejected late in the game.

Getting DK involved early as they did against the Cowboys, will be key to fueling his competitive fire and a Seahawks victory.

Seahawks player to watch No. 2 - CB Riq Woolen

Woolen needs to step up his game for Seattle to have a chance in this huge Monday night showdown. He will be tasked with covering either DeVonta Smith or DK's former teammate A.J. Brown. The Seahawks do expect Devon Witherspoon to come back from an injury he suffered against the Niners, so it will be interesting to see who covers whom.

Both Woolen and Witherspoon have big challenges ahead of them and each of them needs to rise to the occasion. The pressure is more on Woolen this week after Pete Carroll called him out for not executing defensively against the Niners. Interesting to see how Woolen responds against the Eagles on Monday night.

Seahawks player to watch No. 3 - RB Kenneth Walker III

With the status of Geno Smith still up in the air, RB Kenneth Walker III needs to have a good day running the football. After putting up just 21 yards on eight carries against the Niners, in his first game back since Week 11 versus the Rams, Walker is looking to be more productive in Week 15.

The Seahawks running backs as a whole have struggled this season, averaging just 92 yards a game on the ground, ranking 28th in the league for rushing. Seattle is still struggling to find an identity running the ball, and giving Walker more carries now that he is healthy could help solve that problem.

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