John Clayton’s 4 keys for worn-down Seahawks vs Saints
Oct 27, 2016, 1:17 PM
New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees averages 69.5 plays a game against opposing defenses. (AP)
(AP)
In this year of living dangerous, the Seahawks have a dangerous game at the Superdome on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
The Seahawks’ defense was physically exhausted being on the field for 95 plays in the 6-6 tie with the Arizona Cardinals last week. Bodies are tired, and coming back for an early Sunday game against the Saints is going to be tough.
Left tackle Bradley Sowell probably isn’t going to play because of an MCL sprain, giving undrafted rookie George Fant his first start. And now we find out Russell Wilson has a pectoral muscle injury to go along with his MCL injury and high-ankle sprain. All of a sudden this Saints game looks tougher than going on the road to play a 2-4 team.
Here are four things to look at in the Saints game:
Expect a change in the emphasis of the offense. Wednesday’s signing of fullback Will Tukuafu signaled a slight change may be ahead for the Seahawks’ offense. Though we don’t know the specifics, anticipate more of an emphasis to run the ball. Pete Carroll has said the Seahawks need to run more. That’s the personality of the team. Wilson’s immobility reflects in his stats. He has 22 carries for 33 rushing yards, a 1.5 yard average. His ankle isn’t going to get significantly better in the short term so no defense is going to treat him as a running threat. The answer might be trying to force more power runs and use some creativity in the running game. The Seahawks average 38.7 passing plays a game compared to 26.5 running plays, a lot of which has been done to help the offensive line. Wilson can work some quick passing plays out of the pocket to move the offense. Too often, holding penalties and sacks have stalled drives and made it tougher to move the football because of too many second- and third-and-long situations. Christine Michael is averaging 16.2 carries a game and is on pace for a 1,000-yard season, but they need to get more carries for Alex Collins and C.J. Prosise. Next week they expect to get Thomas Rawls back on the field. Now that Prosise is healthy and the Seahawks have released veteran fill-in C.J. Spiller, expect some creative things from Prosise. He’s got receiving skills and can catch quick passes out of the backfield in addition to being a solid runner.
The Seahawks can’t design plays that take longer than 2.5 seconds to run. Wilson’s injuries are a big factor. He’s become a great pocket passer. When Wilson is giving 2.5 seconds or less in the pocket, he’s completed 116 of 171 passes for 1,180 yards and three touchdowns. On plays longer than 2.5 seconds in the pocket, he’s completed 20 of 36 for 379 yards and two touchdowns. Play-calling has to take the stress off of Wilson.
Jimmy Graham will be geared up. The player who will be on the biggest mission is tight end Graham, who returns to New Orleans for the first time since the Saints traded him to Seattle. He has 27 catches for 408 yards and a touchdown this season. Saints coach Sean Payton has adjusted to a three-safety defense and he’s got numerous problems in the secondary because of injuries. Graham is a matchup nightmare and he’s going to be extra motivated.
The Seahawks offense needs to win the possession battle to help a tired defense. Facing New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees is hard enough for the Seahawks’ defense. Facing him after a game in which defenders were on the field for 95 plays is even tougher. Brees averages 69.5 plays a game and has the ability to keep the offense on the field for more than 70 plays a game. That’s why the running game is so important for the Seahawks. If the Seahawks can win the possession battle and limit the Saints to less than 65 plays a game, they can be fresh. It would also help having the lead so the pass-rushers can pressure Brees into mistakes and turnovers.
Want more John Clayton? Listen on-demand to his weekday and Saturday shows as well as his “Cold Hard Facts” and “Clayton’s Morning Drive” segments on 710 ESPN Seattle. Also, check out his all-new “Schooled” podcast and look for his columns twice a week on 710Sports.com.
