The Seahawks have a much deeper, and, position-by-position, more talented roster than the Houston Texans, whom they travel to face this weekend. But Houston has two exceptional talents — defensive lineman J.J. Watt and wide receiver Andre Johnson — who are capable of dominant performances. Hence, the Seahawks are just 3-point favorites this week. Here are three critical takeaways for the game which I have, for no good reason, adapted from Star Wars quotes.
Save us J.R. Sweezy, you’re our only hope.
A rancor-esque monster wants to ravage the Seahawk backfield on Sunday, and 2nd-year offensive guard J.R. Sweezy is the only one who can stop him. Houston defensive tackle J.J. Watt is the best defensive player in football—big, strong, and explosive (here he is doing a 55-inch box jump). You don’t really “block” J.J. Watt, you just try to stay in his way long enough to give your running back enough time to get the hell away from him, or your quarterback a couple of seconds to throw. Sweezy is the man who will try to do it, with the occasional assist from center Max Unger, who’ll throw a leg or hip into Watt when he can. Sweezy is the smallest right guard who’s been matched up against Watt this year, which may not be a bad thing — Sweezy’s height and agility may give him an advantage over your average guard, who tends to have more of a fire-hydrant body type.
Run…or run not. There is no try.
The Seahawks’ running game has not impressed this year, and now they have to face one of the NFL’s best rushing defenses. Worse yet, they’re down at least one and possibly as many as three starting offensive linemen. But running may be their best shot at popping big plays in this game. The Texans blitz more than any NFL team, (they rushed 6 or more on 17.8% of passing plays last year, the most in the NFL), and play 6 defensive backs more than most (36% of the time last year, 2nd-most in the NFL). Here’s the recipe: If the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell calls the right running play against a blitz, and Marshawn Lynch gets free in the secondary against 180-lb. cornerbacks, hello touchdown!
Escape is not his plan. I must face him alone.
The last time the Seahawks played Houston, the Texans’ WR Andre Johnson had 11 catches for 193 yards and 2 TDs. By yards, it’s the third-best receiving day ever against the Hawks. This was in 2009, before Pete Carroll came to the Seahawks; but, more importantly, before star cornerback Richard Sherman came to the Seahawks. Sherman will likely be be matched against Johnson in what will be one of the most epic man-on-man battles in the NFL this year…assuming Johnson plays. Nursing a sore shin, Johnson hasn’t had a full practice this week and is considered a game-time decision. But, let’s be honest, this is a huge game for the Texans and Johnson is probably going to see the field.
The Seahawks/Houston game is at 10 a.m. It’ll be televised on FOX, the announcers are Chris Myers and Tim Ryan. You can buy that Texans mug for $15 on eBay.
PRO TIP: In his past 5 games (dating back to last year’s playoffs) Matt Schaub has thrown 3 interceptions that have been returned for touchdowns—all on plays where the defender read Schaub’s eyes, jumped a route, and had an easy catch and jaunt to the end zone. Look for opportunistic Seahawks’ defenders to try the same tactic.
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As I told you, I feel hella smart when I read your articles and then watch the game. Keep ’em coming.
Isn’t he great? We’re so happy to have Seth Kolloen break things down for the rest of us that are sportsball challenged.