When The Chargers Have The Ball

The Chargers offense has trouble with the crowd noise causing it to make mistakes that are costly both from a field position perspective and Phillip Rivers is a bit of a baby and he gets frustrated easily throwing temper tantrums on the field is not beneath him. The 12th Man is the loudest in the NFL and should have no problem making Phillips day terrible, I would suggest that Norv Turner bring the Nilla Wafers and some milk in a tippy cup to calm Rivers down between drives. From Williams post it looks like it’s going to be a soggy day and the Chargers offense had difficulties with that in the game against the Chiefs. The Seahawks need to dial up the blitz packages and use them to put the pressure on the offense, and the weakness is the interior of the offensive line. The Beef in the middle of the Seahawks defense has done a great job stuffing the run and I expect that will continue through the Chargers game. San Diego likes to use the short passing game to try to get receivers into position to pick up YAC (Yard After Catch) yards. They are fairly Proficient 22 for 25 over the past 2 games in the short passing game. It is important that Earl Thomas know where Malcom Floyd is at all times because he is Rivers go to guy deep already having a pair of 54 yard receptions this season including a TD. The San Diego offense is very balanced they like to have the number of runs vs passes almost even the entire game, it only gets lop sided when they fall behind so it is important that Seattle get off to an early lead and put them into a more predictable offense.

When The Seahawks Have The Ball

Its important that the Seahawks don’t get behind in this game, when the Chargers are up they like to bring the blitz often The Seahawks were much better running the ball last week at Denver and that could help them take advantage of the middle of the San Diego Defensive line. They are fairly porous and have trouble when the back lowers his pads and runs right at them, I’m not saying huge runs but 4-6 yard a rush all day should be available with a couple breaking for 10+. Matt Hasselbeck must be careful with the football and not lose track of Antoine Cason, #20, because Antoine has the ability to make Matt have flash backs of Antrel Rolle.

Special Teams

This could be the area where Seattle has an opportunity to take control of this game. San Diego’s punt coverage and Kickoff Coverage leaves much to be desired. Seattle appears to have found a replacement for Nate Burleson, who signed this off season with Detroit, in Golden Tate. When he gets his hands on the ball he shakes and bakes and spins and the next thing you know he’s gaining serious yards. Pete Carroll announced that he is the Seahawks new punt returner.

What I Expect

I expect Qwest to be a loud miserable place to play for Phillip Rivers and Co. I think that Seattle can use the 12th man to its advantage and get some pressure on Rivers and get him to make some mistakes. Earl Thomas will have his first interception this game, just a gut feeling, and the run defense will force Rivers to carry the team. Matt will throw an interception or two but will only recieve minimal pressure, 1 sack a few hurries maybe one or two knockdowns. Golden Tate scores his first touchdown and helps Seattle win the Field position battle. Seattle beats long time foe San Diego, on a side not thats who I first saw them play in the kingdome, 27-17 in front of a sell out exhausted crowd. Thats right, I said it, I expect Seattle to win a game that I previously had them losing. That my friends is because this team is proving its much better then last years and no matter the record if this keeps up we can all say it was a successful year. But, alas, I am way ahead of myself. Go Seahawks!