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Seattle Seahawks Can Feast on New York Jets, Get Back on Track

By Luke Sims

Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) runs with the ball after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) runs with the ball after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Seahawks are a contender and there’s no question about it, but they need to must prove it by feasting on Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets.

Pete Carroll’s defense is arguably the most dominant in the NFL through the last few seasons. He has built a championship team on it and the unit has yet to let him down.

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Even with a top-10 defense in 2016 the Seahawks simply aren’t looking as dominant as they usually are. Tied with the Los Angeles Rams at 2-1 (having lost to the Rams in Week 2) and having two games with just 15 points scored combined, the Seahawks need to make sure they can win on offense as well as defense.

It has only been three weeks, but the Seahawks are 28th in scoring on offense. The defense is doing its job, being the second-best unit at stopping the opponent at scoring but the offense hasn’t been able to come up with enough to ensure the Seahawks run away with games like they used to.

With the New York Jets in Week 4, the Seahawks are in a position to give the offense plenty of opportunities to score with a short field. After seeing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick throw six(!!!) interceptions in Week 3, the Seahawks have to know they can capitalize on mistakes made by the Jets on offense and ensure the ‘Hawks offense can get going as a result.

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As noted over at The Jet Press, Fitzpatrick won’t be losing his job to Geno Smith, which is both an indication of how well (or rather, not well) Smith can play if given the chance and how the Jets desperately need Fitzpatrick to return to form. For his part, Smith is reportedly incredibly unhappy with his situation (per Sports Illustrated).

Turnover prone quarterbacks are eaten for breakfast by the Sehawks secondary and Fitzpatrick should be no exception.

This may be especially true due to the ability of the Seahawks defense to swallow up runners as well. Matt Forte has been a strong performer through three games with his new team. But he’ll need to be exceptional if he hopes to get past the Seahawks ninth-ranked run defense. If Seattle can knock the Jets off-balance and force them to rely on the quarterback’s arm, they’ll get a chance to show the NFL why they deserve to be the sole leaders of the NFC West and return to the postseason once again.

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That means interceptions, strip sacks, and other turnovers that will put quarterback Russell Wilson, running back Christine Michael, and the receivers in a position to dominate. The Seahawks offense starts their average drive from the 25-yard line (25.6) which is 23rd in the NFL and just barely ahead of the touchback placement (numbers per Football Outsiders). Given the opportunity to start deeper in the field, the Seahawks may finally be able to get things rolling.

The turnover prone yet may be just the team to open things up for them to do that.

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