New York Jets vs Seattle Seahawks Week 4: What is the #1 matchup to watch?
The Seattle Seahawks and Pete Carroll travel to the New York Jets in Week 4. What is the #1 key to this NFL game?
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Ifedi, Seahawks’ line to face another tough test in Jets front – seattlepi.com |
| Source: www.seattlepi.com/sports/football/article/Seahawks-Jets-9379264.php | |
Russell Wilson vs Jets defensive line
In Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams were not able to pressure Alex Smith in the 24-3 loss. The quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks is different from the pocket passer of the Chiefs. Not only can Russell Wilson throw the football with his arm but he uses his legs as well. In previous years, he would scramble for yards if the pocket broke down or if there was no receiver open. That is why he had 118 attempts for 849 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns in 2014. But starting last year, he was no longer looking to tuck the football and run for the 1st down, which is why his numbers dropped to 103 attempts for 553 rushing yards and 1 TD. Now he moves around the pocket not to scramble for yards but to extend the play of the offense. Eventually, Wilson finds the open receiver, who is being trailed by the cornerbackSeattle Seahawks. Seattle’s QB is playing like a true passer, throwing from the pocket and only using his legs when necessary.
Enter Gang Green’s defensive line. No longer can the New York Jets rush 4 to get to the QB, like when they sacked Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals 9 times. If Wilkerson, Richardson and Williams just shoot up past the Seahawks offensive line, Wilson will step up in the pocket and look for the Doug Balwin, Jimmy Graham or another open receiver. As talented as the Jets DL is, Russell has the speed to stay out of their reach long enough to extend the play or pull the ball down and scramble for the 1st down. The DL of the Jets need to be disciplined and stay in their lanes so that he doesn’t get out the pocket to look for an open man. By containing him inside, he isn’t as dangerous with his legs as he is scrambling to the sidelines. The pressure will be on the cornerbacks and safeties to cover the WRs long enough for the DL to take him down. An advantage for New York is that Wilson has a sprained MCL in his left knee, which is his second injury this season (In Week 1, he suffered a right high ankle sprain). With this injury, he won’t be as mobile as before and the DL will have an easier time getting to him.
A scrambling QB means that Gang Green will have to change their philosophy on getting to the passer. Wilkerson, Richardson and Williams have to keep Russell from leaving the pocket or else he will connect with his receivers. Not only is he battling leg injuries but the Seahawks offensive line has 4 new starters from 2015, struggling with chemistry. If the Jets dominate the OL and contain Wilson inside, they can prevent big plays and defeat Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks.
