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Seattle Seahawks: 3 Bold predictions vs. Steelers in Week 2

By Samuel Teets

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 08: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks completes a pass against Jessie Bates #30 (L) and B.W. Webb #23 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter during their game at CenturyLink Field on September 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 08: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks completes a pass against Jessie Bates #30 (L) and B.W. Webb #23 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter during their game at CenturyLink Field on September 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 08: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Seattle Seahawks tackles Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field on September 8, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 08: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Seattle Seahawks tackles Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field on September 8, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

2. Defense holds Steelers below 60 rushing yards

The Steelers looked terrible against the New England Patriots in Week 1. I expect that Pittsburgh will play an inspired game against the Seahawks in an attempt to get over their crushing defeat, but some things will carry over for the six-time Super Bowl champions.

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Pittsburgh managed to run for only 32 total yards against the Patriots. Granted, the Steelers only registered 13 total rushing attempts, but they still ran the ball poorly. James Conner will see more carries in Week 2, but the Seattle’s defensive front could give the Pro Bowler trouble.

Entering the season, the defensive front was considered a weakness for the Seahawks, but it held up well against Cincinnati. Fortunately for Seattle, Joe Mixon wasn’t able to play the whole game. However, even when he was playing, Mixon averaged just 1.7 yards per attempt on six carries. As a whole, the Bengals ran the ball 14 times for 34 yards, which averages out to 2.4 yards per attempt.

While the Steelers have a better run-blocking offensive line, Pittsburgh shows a lack of commitment to the run in Week 1. The team as a whole looked very unsettled and seemed to lack an offensive identity. If that uncertainty persists, the Seahawks could easily keep Pittsburgh to fewer than 60 rushing yards.

Poona Ford suffered a calf strain in Week 1 and will be week-to-week, but the Seahawks have other run-stoppers. For starters, Jadeveon Clowney has great athleticism and speed to the ball. Ezekiel Ansah might be back in Week 2, and Seattle’s linebacker corps looked very good in the opening game. We’ll see how dedicated to the ground game the Steelers are in Week 2.

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