1The defense is good » The Seahawks rank 11th in total yards and 14th in scoring defense. They’re third in yards a carry. It’s not just built against a soft schedule; they’ve fared well against Baltimore’s Ray Rice and St. Louis’ Steven Jackson (2.8 yards a carry) as well. The Seahawks allow just 3.5 yards a carry (they also happen to be the NFL’s youngest defense). It starts with a solid line of 323-pound end Red Bryant and tackles Brandon Mebane and Alan Branch. They also have a big, physical secondary.
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The offense is not » But there’s a warning: It has played better the past two games. For the season Seattle ranks 28th in total yards and 26th in scoring. There’s nothing the Seahawks do particularly well offensively. However, running back Marshawn Lynch has rushed for more than 100 yards in two of the past three games and missed out on a third straight by 12 yards. Lynch is a physical runner. The Seahawks have allowed 34 sacks, with 28 coming in the first five weeks. The Rams recorded four sacks a week ago.
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Chris Clemons is good » Remember him? He played for the Redskins from 2003 to 2005, then had one good year in Oakland and two subpar years with Philadelphia (a combined seven sacks). But he has become a starter in Seattle, and he has 19 sacks in 26 starts. The speed rusher has eight sacks and three forced fumbles this season. Clemons is explosive — playing in a loud stadium can help him get an even better jump outside — but has become more than just about speed. Talent evaluators like how he uses his hands on the rush as well.
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Tarvaris Jackson still isn’t very good » He has solid size, and his arm is considered good. And he’s a good athlete. But he’s not the most accurate passer, and he still makes bad mistakes, not seeing defenders or holding the ball too long (sound familiar?). For the season he has thrown 11 interceptions to seven touchdowns. He suffered a strained pectoral muscle a few weeks back, and it may still be bothering him. Jackson’s passes reportedly haven’t been as fast the past two games.
