Keys to a Seattle Victory

by: Michael Steffes

A lot of this has to do with how the Seahawks performed last year on the road, but I thought I would list some of the things that if we see will bode well for a Seahawks' victory. If they can do a few simple things, my feelings on the outlook of this game go from a close and stressful day to an opening day statement. Here they are....

Sack Trent Edwards! Last year the Seahawks had a total of 45 sacks. 16 of those came on the road. 11 of those 16 sacks came in Seahawk road victories (6 vs. SF, 4 vs. St Louis, 1 vs. Philly). In the road losses, the Seahawks had some sorry performances, not recording a sack at Arizona, Cleveland, Carolina, or Green Bay in the snow. So what does this mean? It means that the pass rush has been inconsistent on the road. With Jason Peters out, they have an awesome opportunity to raise hell in the Buffalo backfield. If they get to Edwards early, things will look good.

Score Early! In many of the road games in which Seattle really struggled last year, the offense went scoreless until deep in the first half. Arizona, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Carolina are all examples, with St. Louis being the only time the team emerged victorious. In games such as Cleveland, Atlanta, and Philadelphia, the offense got out and put some points on the board. In this game, this will be even more important because of Buffalo's conservative offense. If the Hawks can get early points, they will be a bit more aggressive on defense and feel better about themselves offensively.

Limit 3 and Outs! In too many road games, the offense hasn't done the defense any favors. They have gone three-and-out too often, especially in the first half. Even if this isn't a high scoring game, which few expect it to be, as long as the offense gets a first down or two most times they touch the ball, things will be looking up for the Hawks. What is the best way to ensure this? Run the ball effectively on early downs. Won't it be a lovely sight if the Hawks can sink their teeth off 4 and 5-yard chunks consistently in the run game? It will be a sight for sore eyes, that's for sure.

Short Yardage! We have talked about it all season, but this is the type of game where it really means something. Late in the game, a short yardage conversion can mean an extra 2-3 minutes off the clock. Giving the Bills the ball with 2 minutes to go instead of 5 minutes to go is a HUGE difference. They do not have an explosive play offense. Even better would be if the Hawks have a second half lead, that they continue to be successful running the ball and in short yardage and don't give the ball back at all. -END-