3 storylines heading into Seahawks versus Bills Week 8 matchup
By Luke Allen
Seattle is back in the win column after dropping three straight ugly losses where the defense looked like the worst unit in the league. With a defensive line finally healthy, the Seahawks defense took over the game in a 20-point road victory in Atlanta last Sunday. Seattle begins their second-half gauntlet at Lumen Field as the visiting Buffalo Bills present a formidable challenge for a Seahawks defense that hopes to get some reinforcements off the injury list on Sunday afternoon.
The Bills, led by superstar QB Josh Allen, look solid this season. Buffalo dropped two straight games before last Sunday's thrashing of the Tennessee Titans, but they look to be back on track as they lead the AFC East at 5-2 and are well on their way to another successful season. Buffalo recently traded for former Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper, who has already began producing for a Bills team that desperately needed another weapon to solidify their potent offense.
This is a relatively rare matchup, as the Seahawks and Bills last played in 2021, a game in which Allen and the Bills dropped 44 points on Seattle. But both rosters have dramatically changed since then -- Russell Wilson was the starter for that game in Buffalo. This is a matchup that's only seen once every four years, and that chilly game in 2020 has left a bad taste in Seattle's mouth. Here are the top three storylines heading into Sunday as Seattle looks to earn their fifth win of the season, and their first win against Buffalo in 8 years.
Can the Seahawks offensive line take another step forward against a fierce Buffalo pass rush?
The Bills have some serious pass rushers. Their defensive line consists of the likes of AJ Epenesa (4 sacks), Greg Rousseau (3.5 sacks, 6 TFL), Von Miller (3), DaQuan Jones (2), and Ed Oliver. Last Sunday, the Seahawks offensive line only allowed one sack, although they gave up a 47 percent pressure rate. However, despite the high pressure rate, Geno had some serious time to step up in the pocket, make his progressions, and step into throws. The step-up in pass protection productivity may have come in large part to a new face at right tackle, rookie sixth-round pick, Mike Jerrell.
Another probable reason the pass rush held up better last Sunday was the fact Seattle got Ken Walker III and the run game going. As rookie offensive coordinator is discovering, a balanced offense, including running the ball more than four times a game, is conducive to better pass protection. If the Seahawks run the ball effectively, they can keep Geno Smith upright. And if Seattle can keep Geno Smith upright on Sunday, there's a good chance the Seahawks can sustain long drives and put up points.
With RT George Fant possibly returning this week, it should give the offensive line an additional boost. However, if he's not ready to go, I'll be interested to see if Mike Jerrell can replicate his solid performance from last weekend. On the other hand, if Jerrell struggles against the likes of Epenesa, Rousseau, or Von Miller, it could be a long day for Seattle, and we can expect another three-and-out puntfest on Sunday.
As I've mentioned maybe sixty-five times this season, the offensive line plays better when the offense is balanced. If the ground game gets going, the offensive line will have an easier job pass protecting. Kenneth Walker III, coming off a flu game masterclass last Sunday, must continue his efficient and explosive running to give this offensive line a chance in pass protection. If Seattle establishes the run, the pass protection and, subsequently, the passing attack will benefit.