TK Posted November 9, 2003 Share Posted November 9, 2003 http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031772009883&path=!sports&s=1045855934844 THE MATCHUPS Seattle at Washington Today, 1 p.m., Fox Line: Seahawks by 3 Richmond Times-Dispatch Sunday, November 9, 2003 OFFENSE . . . The results these offenses have achieved are remarkably similar, except for the "winning" thing, of course. Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has passed for 1,774 yards with 12 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. Redskins quarterback Patrick Ramsey has passed for 1,777 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. Hasselbeck does have a more explosive pair of receivers in Darrell Jackson (30 receptions, 563 yards) and Koren Robinson (29 receptions, 410 yards). Robinson, though, has a sprained ankle and is questionable for this game. The Seahawks also have a more effective running game. Shaun Alexander has gained 631 yards and averages 4.8 yards per carry. The Redskins get Trung Canidate back from an ankle sprain, and he has the potential to make a big difference. Advantage: Seahawks DEFENSE . . . The Seahawks are not extraordinary on defense. They are 29th in third-down percentage, which should be good news for the Redskins, since they are 28th in third-down percentage on offense. Time of possession belongs to the Seahawks' opponents by five minutes. The Seahawks do have nine interceptions, but just 16 sacks, another statistic that should make the Redskins' offense happy. The Redskins' defense has its problems. Pass-rush pressure is limited. Teams that are determined to do so can find success in running against the Redskins. The Redskins hope that recently acquired Darrell Russell will help shore up the middle of the line. Advantage: Even SPECIAL TEAMS . . . Neither team enjoys a huge edge on coverage or return units, although Seattle special teams coach Pete Rodriguez is considered a special teams "guru." (Rodriguez coached for the Redskins from 1994-97.) The Seahawks lead the league in punt coverage, allowing just 5.3 yards per return. The Redskins' kickoff and punt coverage units showed vulnerabilities last week that could carry over to this week. Patrick Johnson will take over for Chad Morton, who is out with a sprained ankle, as the return man. The Redskins' special teams are showing a few cracks. An extra-point attempt by John Hall was blocked last week. Advantage: Seattle COACHING . . . Mike Holmgren has relinquished many of his duties as general manager, and is a better coach because of it. He has helped mold Hasselbeck into a quality quarterback. He understands the running game and is well schooled in the West Coast offense. Steve Spurrier continues to look for his coaching comfort zone. He faces a challenge this week in developing blocking schemes to halt the blitzing onslaught that has severely hampered his beloved passing game. Advantage: Seattle INTANGIBLES . . . The Seahawks are 1-2 on the road and will play this game when their body clocks say it is 10 a.m. The home field barely is an advantage for the Redskins. If they play poorly, the "boos" they will hear will be much louder than what they hear during any road game. The Redskins certainly should be motivated by the fact that they have lost four games in a row. The vote of confidence extended to Spurrier by owner Dan Snyder might be beneficial, if the players are paying attention. Advantage: Washington - Paul Woody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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