Behind Enemy Lines, Week 3: Previewing Saints at Seahawks

The New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks will headline the Week 3 slate of NFL games on Sunday. To get the best scoop on what’s going on with Seattle, we held a quick question-and-answer session with Liz Matthews of Seahawks Wire. Here’s what Saints fans are in for:

1. How is this year’s Seahawks offensive line? They did a good job limiting the Saints in their last game back in 2016, allowing just one sack.

LM: Seattle’s offensive line was touted as having the potential to be one of the best in the league prior to the start of the season, however, things began to take a turn south this summer when injuries took a toll impacting the depth of the line. Left guard Mike Iupati, whom the Seahawks signed as a free agent in March, was sidelined the majority of training camp as he recovered from a sore foot, leaving Ethan Pocic to step up in his place. Pass protection and penalties have also been serious concerns for Seattle so far and keeping quarterback Russell Wilson upright on Sunday will be priority No. 1

2. Who are the names to know in the new-look Legion of Boom? Has Jadeveon Clowney performed as expected?

LM: The Seahawks’ pass-rushing potential was considered tenuous at best after trading Frank Clark to the Chiefs this offseason. But Seattle struck quickly to recover, selecting defensive end L.J. Collier in the first round of the draft, signing Ezekiel Ansah to the squad in free agency, and finally, trading with the Texans for Pro Bowler, Jadeveon Clowney. The three will finally make their on-field debut as a trio against the Saints and expectations are now high for the Seahawks

3. We know Tyler Lockett is a dangerous receiver, but how well has rookie wideout DK Metcalf fit in? Which other weapons do the Seahawks have to worry Saints fans?

LM: Rookie wide receiver DK Metcalf was surrounded by hype even before the Seahawks snagged him with the final pick in the second round of April’s draft. So far Metcalf has lived up to the billing, logging seven receptions for 150 yards through two weeks and scoring his first NFL touchdown last Sunday in Pittsburgh. While Tyler Lockett looks to remain Seattle’s No. 1 receiver, Metcalf helps to fill the void with Doug Baldwin no longer on the roster. The Seahawks have also been working to include the running backs in the passing game and tight end Will Dissly has become a favorite of Wilson’s to start the year.