Nothing like getting your teeth kicked in to bring you back down the Earth. The Seattle Seahawks got a little taste of reality last week after being demolished by the Baltimore Ravens 37-3. The game was not even close. The score is much better than how the game was actually played. I hate to be a 'hater', but the Seahawks, specifically quarterback Geno Smith, looked like crap.
The 2 biggest takeaways from that game were the Ravens' defense is really good, and (and this is a big 'and') Geno Smith is an average at best quarterback. I hate to be the guy writing this, as I am pulling for Geno. He is so likable, he has shown glimpses of being 'the guy', and when the offense is clicking, it works with Smith under center.
The lucky thing for Seattle is they get to head home after being destroyed, to face a docile Washington Commanders squad. After getting your teeth kicked in, this is the matchup that this team needs to feel better about their season and get back on track. Let's look at the top 3 keys to victory for Seattle Seahawks versus Washington Commanders in Week 10.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith needs to ball out
Let's start with the obvious. The first key to victory is Seattle quarterback Geno Smith playing like a starting quarterback. Last game he was terrible. On the season, average at best. I am not jumping on the 'start Drew Lock' bandwagon, though I get why the party started. Geno has the ability to be a stud, and if the Seahawks are going to win, he needs to ball out.
Lucky for Geno he gets to face the Commanders and their horrible pass defense. Washington has allowed 2,274 passing yards (253 per game), 19 touchdowns, and just 6 picks. This is a game that favors Seattle big time. The loaded Seattle wide receiver room, Geno's arm talent, and the powerful running game should be enough to light these fools up.
If Geno does not have a huge game against this subpar squad, I will join the Drew Lock Fan Club and agree that the team's brass should start looking at Lock and if he could still be a franchise quarterback. He does, after all, have a huge arm.
Seahawks need to get the rookies involved
Seattle has 2 of the top rookies in this last year's draft in Zach Charbonnet and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The team has yet to tap into Charbonnet's game-breaking ability, but JSN is starting to get more and more involved each week (the dude has 2 TDs in the past 3 weeks). The second key to victory is for Seattle to get these two involved in the game plan.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba should be targeted early and often. In the past few weeks he has led the lead in receiving and is making it difficult to not keep him involved in the game plan, regardless of who is healthy or not. The return to health of DK Metcalf is a good thing, but the team is clicking with JSN. The team needs to feed this kid the ball. His skill set is perfect against this weak secondary.
Charbonnet might have a breakout game with Kenneth Walker III struggling the past few weeks and nursing an injury. Why not give this kid all he can handle to see what he can do? This is the game where he could/should erupt. If these boys have big games, Seattle will win on Sunday.
Seattle, please don't blow this game
The third key is kind of a plea to the team. Seahawks, please don't blow this game! This is a game that Seattle should win. It's at home against a not-very-good team, and the season is getting to a point where each game is critical. Don't blow this!
The Seahawks needs to play like the better team and take care of business. Plain and simple. Do not choke, no Baltimore hangover, no trap game. The team needs to show up with laser-like focus and just put this garbage team away. I am not sure how else to say this third point/
Good teams win the game they are supposed to, and Seattle is supposed to win this game. The outcome of the game on Sunday will be very telling regarding the direction of the rest of the season. If the team loses, there should be lots of changes to consider (Lock). I predict the Seahawks are going to roll the Commanders, to the tune of 33-13. Let's go boys! Get a dub!