Seattle doesn't fall victim to 'trap games', and since the Miami game in 2012, early starts and travel no longer seem to be a detriment to the team (a reason that at some point, pete carroll should get coach of the year because that really seemed like it was going to be a perpetual problem and just the 'way it is' here).
The Baltimore defense is still pretty good; they are down Suggs but there is a reason they aren't getting blown out despite losing so many offensive starters. . . so I don't see this being quite as easy as the Vikings game was where they were hurting.
That being said, it would take a very disappointing performance by this defense if they let Jimmy Clausen put up any kind of big numbers on them; I'm not sure what he's still doing in the NFL. Dude has a 60 career passer rating, and has thrown 5 TDs to 10 INT's in his entire NFL career.
Let that sink in -
Dude has 347 career attempts - and 5 touchdown passes.
For a point of reference, Russell Wilson has about 350 attempts this year as well and 21 TD's.
Clausen has more career turnovers (12) than starts (11). He's won 1 game in his NFL career.
The Ravens are down their starting QB, WR, RB, and both their to TE options as well as some offensive linemen.
I don't see this being an easy one on our offense, but our defense shouldn't be too taxed.
I see this one going a lot like the 2013 game against the giants, or our recent matchups with SF - struggling a bit offensively, but without much doubt as to the outcome of the game thanks to a defense that is just too strong for the opponent.
I think it stays a relatively "close" low scoring game going into the 4th quarter, with a turnover setting up an easy 7 points to make it look like an easier win than it was. I usually give any team enough credit to score at least one touchdown but I see nothing from clausen and that injured offense to tell me they will have any success.
I say 'close' but I don't think it's ever really in doubt, much the way that 2013 gave vs. the giants was not a blow out but could have been.
16-6 going into the 4th and the turnover putting it away
Seahawks 23
Ravens 6
