1. The Bucs have the top ranked run defense. How do you see the offense faring if Seattle struggles to establish the run?
Answer: The question with the Seahawks offense isn’t about whether they can throw or run, it is about how offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer wants to call the plays. If Seattle cannot run, they have Russell Wilson who can throw well against anyone and makes plays with his feet.
But if Schottenheimer gets stubborn and simply wants to force the run, as he has at times while the OC in Seattle, then the Seahawks offense could be stuck in neutral. If Schottenheimer is wise, he will use Wilson often and early.
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2. The connection between Wilson and Tyler Lockett is electric. How does Lockett keep getting open?
Answer: Lockett is good because he is really fast and quick but is also a stickler for running the correct routes. He is a smart guy who defenses seem to forget just how concise and speedy he is. Lockett learned a lot, clearly, from how to be a receiver from Doug Baldwin.
But now Wilson has learned to trust Lockett when Wilson is under pressure and Lockett’s speed and great hands tend to pay off. The important thing with Wilson and Lockett is they are both smart and know how to expose a defense’s weakness.
3. The Bucs have the league leader in sacks in Shaq Barrett, and just got Jason Pierre-Paul back to a front also consisting of Ndamukong Suh and Vita Vea. Fill in the blank: “If Seattle can stay under _________ # sacks, they will be okay.”
Answer: The Seahawks are better in pass protection over the last couple of seasons. Wilson has also been a lot better at getting rid of the ball quicker. Seattle will still allow sacks but they haven’t yet had a team dictate play simply because of pressure against Wilson.
Usually, like the Ravens game, if a team can supply pressure and also cover deep, that’s the problem. Just like it would be against any team in the NFL. The Bucs might get to Wilson four times, but it won’t stop Wilson from making plays that could change the outcome of the game.