The Baltimore Ravens visit Seattle for a Week 7 battle against the Seahawks. The Ravens will look for their first statement win of the 2019 season against one of the toughest teams in the NFC and in one of the most hostile environments in professional sports.
But this isn’t the Seahawks you likely remember. With so much having changed in Seattle in recent years, I turned to Liz Mathews, managing editor of Seahawks Wire, to get the inside scoop. She was gracious enough to answer a bunch of my questions, including how Baltimore can hope to slow Seattle and quarterback Russell Wilson.
Also, check out my answers to her questions on Seahawks Wire.
1) The Seahawks have kept nearly every game close, including some they should have won by a wide margin. Why all the nail-biters?
The Seahawks have a knack for keeping things close and winning games in the fourth quarter. In fact, three of Seattle’s five wins have come by a field goal or less, and all but one of its six games have been decided by six or fewer points. Most of the credit for the recent comeback victories goes to quarterback Russell Wilson, who routinely finds ways to defy the odds, even with the piecemeal offensive line.
2) Seattle has been grabbing takeaways like they’re GrubHub. How are they managing so many turnovers in their favor this season?
Truth be told, coach Pete Carroll has been waiting for the turnovers to come in “bunches” and he finally got his wish last week in Cleveland. The Seahawks logged four takeaways on the day, including three interceptions and one forced fumble recovery. Seattle holds a “Turnover Thursday” practice each week, and the hard work has finally paid off. With the original Legion of Boom no more, the Seahawks are calling on their younger, more inexperienced players to finally step up to the plate.
3) Russell Wilson has been on fire this season, throwing 14 touchdowns to no interceptions. How can the Ravens defense force him to make mistakes in this game?
Wilson could be without the protection of all five starting offensive linemen again this week as right guard D.J. Fluker (hamstring) and left tackle Duane Brown (biceps) are still battling injuries and will likely be game-day decisions. The Ravens defense would be smart to attempt to exploit backups Jamarco Jones and George Fant if they have any chance of getting Wilson on the ground. Seattle, like Baltimore, will showcase a heavy run game, so Baltimore needs to keep an eye on Chris Carson as well.
