The Seahawks need to run the ball early and often if they have any chance in hell at beating our old nemesis: the KC Chiefs. They have the number one passing defense in the NFL right now yardage wise. Their rushing defense is only ranked 19th overall giving up 4.7 yards per carry.
The Chiefs secondary, while good does not force many turnovers -- they only have 4 total interceptions this year and they're giving up a lot of passes underneath while being solid on the backend.
The Seahawks should go to Lynch early, and often against the Chiefs porous run defense. This is especially important because of the Chiefs pass rush. Tambi Hali has been suffering from knee issues this year, but he also has the potential to go off at any time even if he's been having an "off year". Justin Houston on the other hand has been utterly dominate. He's consistently in the opposing QB's work space.
The Seahawks have the potential to work the read option heavily in this game. Tali and Houston are aggressive, both when defending the run and rushing the passer. The read option is exceptional at exploiting aggressive ends and linebackers such as Tali and Houston. Wilson should have ample room on the perimeter to exploit the Chiefs defense much like what he did against the Giants today. Working the pass rush will force Houston and Tali to slow down their pass rush.
As far as the passing game goes we need to give Russell, quick, easy passes to establish a rhythm and counter that pass rush. Russell Wilson needs to take what the defense gives him, and really work those underneath passes, that is where they're vulnerable in the passing game. He cannot hold onto the ball for too long or Justin Houston and Hali will make him pay. We need to give Wilson a healthy dose of checkdown options this game. If the Hawks can they need to run a healthy dose of bootlegs to counteract Houston's vicious ass rush.
On defense we need to really watch the tight ends and running backs extra closely. Alex Smith really likes to take the checkdown. In fact Golden Tate has more yards, touchdowns and receptions than the ENTIRE Chiefs WR corps. In fact the Chiefs WR's have not caught a single touchdown pass this year. We need our linebackers to be on or else Jamal Charles and company will make our day miserable in the passing game.
In order to stop Charles we're going to need a lot of luck with Mebane injured. We NEED to seal the edges, Charles is very good at running to the outside, if he turns the corner we'll be in trouble. It might be wise to have Bennett play some DT if Mebane cannot play.
Our defense will live and die by our linebacker play this game.
