Seattle Seahawks toughest four game stretch in 2023 might be this

Week 13 - Seahawks at the Dallas Cowboys on November 30th at 5:15 pm PT

The Cowboys had the same issue the Seahawks did in 2022 defensively and that was stopping the run. In fact, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Dallas has a worse run defense grade (58) than Seattle (60) last year. But the pieces are there for Dallas to be a great defense and they added to that in the draft by taking run-stuffer Mazi Smith.

Still, this is likely not a game where Geno Smith and his receivers need to win the game, even assuming Dallas' run defense is better. The Cowboys are very good at pressuring quarterbacks and shutting down receivers. Dallas was 10th in QBR-allowed last year (84.7), sixth in QB hits (110), second in sack percentage (8.9), and eighth in interception percentage (2.9 per pass attempt).

Dallas didn't get any worse at stopping the pass this offseason so that won't be any easier for Seattle. But Seattle may have gotten even better at running the ball after taking Zach Charbonnet in the second round. Sure, a lot of 12s didn't like the pick that much (Another running back in the second round? What?), but there is no doubt Charbonnet should make an excellent one-two RB punch for Seattle.

Seattle might try to control the clock, and let the running game and hopefully an improved defense win the game. This is also a potential playoff matchup, so playing closer to the vest might be wise. Then in the playoffs, Seattle will have an idea of what works and what doesn't.