Coming into this season I thought this game was 98% chance of AZ being embarrassed. But the more I watch of both these teams I get a different feeling. With football it's easy to have a short memory. There are always surprises in the NFL.
I can't use last year as a reference point because when we played in Seattle we did so without Fitzgerald, we had our 4th QB playing, and 4th RB. Just not a lot of information can be used because both teams are fielding a much different team than that point.
I'm a big believer that a great defense will overcome a great offense more often than not. Just look at what happened with the Denver defense against the Packers. Or Seattle against Denver the last couple of years.
First of all, I really can't buy into the AZ defense. We are ranked 3rd and 4th in offense and Defense on the NFL site. DVOA puts us at 3rd and 6th as well. Which I just don't buy into either. I've had my doubts and I think part of it is being a snakebitten fan always waiting for the other shoe to drop. We haven't shown the ability to get to the QB this season, and we will get a slight boost with the return of Okafor but it's nothing to write home about. We have however had the best ranked DB's in the league, but I just feel you build from the trenches out. We are SLOW at the LB position across the board. Trying to contain Wilson will be a bigger problem than it's been in years past when either Freeney or Woodley are on the field. Woodley's been on the field a lot and I can't even remember a play that he was involved in this year.
Luckily the Seahawks offense isn't that great. (See Redzone rankings, 3rd down conversions, points scored) It's not like Seattle has to score a lot anyways with their defense. I will go ahead and says it's an even matchup. Not really favorable to either side.
It's all going to be about strength on strength. At worst Seattle is the 2nd best defense in the league IMO. Arizona could be the best offense they've faced this year. Carson Palmer has the highest QBR in the league. Higher than Dalton, Brady, and Rodgers. They lead the league in PTS scored and TD's at 32. They've scored 96 more points than Seattle through 8 games. Chris Johnson is the second leading rusher in the NFL. Fitzgerald is having the best year of his career, and leads the league in TD's. The OL ranks in the top 10 according to PFF. It's a really well balance team right now on offense. It's not even about the stats. When you watch them play they fight for every yard. The routes timing is often impeccable.
This is the first time since the Pete era began that I feel like this is a game we can win. Not will. Can. But I'd be comfortable saying it's a coin flip for once. There is no clear advantage to me.
Really interested to hear what your thoughts are. Especially Kearly, Scottemojo's as well. Specifically on what to expect from the strength on strength matchups and what some of the advantages might be.
I am guessing it will be Lane on Brown, Williams on Floyd, and Sherman on Fitz for the majority of the snaps. I certainly don't expect a high scoring game. I'd think 20 points can win this one because I think our offense is really going to struggle. Pressure on Palmer and bad things happen. Seattle just happens to be able to pressure.
I can't use last year as a reference point because when we played in Seattle we did so without Fitzgerald, we had our 4th QB playing, and 4th RB. Just not a lot of information can be used because both teams are fielding a much different team than that point.
I'm a big believer that a great defense will overcome a great offense more often than not. Just look at what happened with the Denver defense against the Packers. Or Seattle against Denver the last couple of years.
First of all, I really can't buy into the AZ defense. We are ranked 3rd and 4th in offense and Defense on the NFL site. DVOA puts us at 3rd and 6th as well. Which I just don't buy into either. I've had my doubts and I think part of it is being a snakebitten fan always waiting for the other shoe to drop. We haven't shown the ability to get to the QB this season, and we will get a slight boost with the return of Okafor but it's nothing to write home about. We have however had the best ranked DB's in the league, but I just feel you build from the trenches out. We are SLOW at the LB position across the board. Trying to contain Wilson will be a bigger problem than it's been in years past when either Freeney or Woodley are on the field. Woodley's been on the field a lot and I can't even remember a play that he was involved in this year.
Luckily the Seahawks offense isn't that great. (See Redzone rankings, 3rd down conversions, points scored) It's not like Seattle has to score a lot anyways with their defense. I will go ahead and says it's an even matchup. Not really favorable to either side.
It's all going to be about strength on strength. At worst Seattle is the 2nd best defense in the league IMO. Arizona could be the best offense they've faced this year. Carson Palmer has the highest QBR in the league. Higher than Dalton, Brady, and Rodgers. They lead the league in PTS scored and TD's at 32. They've scored 96 more points than Seattle through 8 games. Chris Johnson is the second leading rusher in the NFL. Fitzgerald is having the best year of his career, and leads the league in TD's. The OL ranks in the top 10 according to PFF. It's a really well balance team right now on offense. It's not even about the stats. When you watch them play they fight for every yard. The routes timing is often impeccable.
This is the first time since the Pete era began that I feel like this is a game we can win. Not will. Can. But I'd be comfortable saying it's a coin flip for once. There is no clear advantage to me.
Really interested to hear what your thoughts are. Especially Kearly, Scottemojo's as well. Specifically on what to expect from the strength on strength matchups and what some of the advantages might be.
I am guessing it will be Lane on Brown, Williams on Floyd, and Sherman on Fitz for the majority of the snaps. I certainly don't expect a high scoring game. I'd think 20 points can win this one because I think our offense is really going to struggle. Pressure on Palmer and bad things happen. Seattle just happens to be able to pressure.
