Said this on another thread but its OK to think about the more exciting matchup with Atlanta, it makes me feel better about my team because, if it happens it means we got ourselves a playoff win under our belts and a bit of positivity.
This forum and the sportswriters around the nation have got it pre-determined that:
a) Seattle will beat the Lions at home
b) Seattle will lose to the Falcons away in Atlanta
Which one of those predictions is the more likely? Any given Saturday / Sunday etc etc, but the chances we get a win on Saturday are pretty high (not saying it will be convincing, but lets get the W any way possible)
Atlanta should be favoured in the divisional round against us at home, but honestly people, lets try not to be jumping off the side of a building. The team is an offensive juggernaut, but the defense is mediocre at best at LB, and at corner without Trufant. Vic Beasley rushes the passer well, but I don't see consistent internal pressure which is where our line typically falls apart and gets Russell killed.
On the backend, one Falcons fan mentioned Neal is a mini Kam. I understand Kam helped him train in the off season and he may base his game on Kam, as in he hits hard, but Kam does a whole lot more for this defense than hard hitting. We saw this in the game earlier this year with the miscomms in his absence leading to 2 easy TDs. I've watched Neal with interest this year, as he has the attitude I love from a safety, but there have been more than a few times I've seen him be caught out of position and is not so solid in coverage.
To all Seahawk fans I urge you not to jump off the side of a building, the media narrative will be without Earl, this will be the Falcons game EASILY (revenge for the non call on Julio - please pass me the bucket while I throw up over the injustice of that narrative). IF we get to this game, stay strong, we beat them once, and actually should be healthier this time around (overall). It would undoubtedly be a great spectacle to watch, and in my estimation will be a close shootout right to the very end.