Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks: 3 Bold predictions for Week 14

Beware of Harrison Smith

Harrison “The Hitman” Smith has been the best safety in the league for the last two seasons. Bill Belichick recently compared Smith to legendary safeties Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. That’s high praise from one of the greatest head coaches of all-time. Taking all of this into account, even with all of the great pass rushers, Smith will be the best defender to take the field during the upcoming game. The Seahawks and Wilson will need to know where he is at all times.

Smith’s versatility comes from his ability to come up and make big plays in the run while also being able to play the ball in the air. He has extraordinary instincts and can blitz effectively as well. Smith currently has three interceptions and three sacks on the season, but his tackle numbers are down a little bit. Still, he has the ability to take over a game whenever he gets hot.

The Seahawks are well aware of the impact great safeties can have on a game. The team employed both Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor during their Super Bowl years. It’s a shame Thomas is out for the season and unavailable for the game. It would be great to see him and Smith play in the same game. For the Seahawks sakes though, they better not underestimate exactly what Smith is capable of.

However, even with all their experience with great safeties, I believe Smith will terrorize the Seahawks this week. His biggest impacts will come against the Seahawks run game, which is the league’s best. Besides shutting down the run, I can see him pressuring Wilson if he’s used in the pass rush, and even picking off Wilson.