On paper, both the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns look quite similar. Both teams come into the game at 2-3, they both sit in the bottom 10 of our rankings offensively, yet both of them are boasting top 10 defenses. The Seahawks have scored 94 points and given up 122, while the Browns have scored 91 and have only given up 117.
The Seahawks are coming off their bye week after a shocking fourth quarter comeback to defeat the New York Giants two weeks ago, and while the circumstances surrounding the comeback were impressive (Brandon Browner’s 94 yard touchdown sealed the deal), perhaps most shocking part of it was that the Seahawks were able to win a game in the Eastern time zone after historically putrid play while on that side of the country. The Browns are hoping the Seahawks will sleepwalk through another cross country trip.
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1) Colt McCoy vs. Seahawks’ QB
Since neither team runs the ball particularly well, this game will come down to the signal callers. Browns quarterback Colt McCoy is being relied on heavily, especially for a team that was expected to feature a power running game. McCoy is averaging an astounding 43 attempts/game through five games and he is certainly trying to shed the “game manager” label he has garnered since being drafted. The problem with all those throws is that he’s averaging only 5.5 yards/attempt, worst in the league, and he sits at 27th in our PFF QB Rating with 76.46. His -5.0 PFF grade under pressure has been well documented and McCoy may not be ready to carry an offense at this point.
Meanwhile, Tarvaris Jackson may be a game time decision with a right pectoral sprain, and if he cannot go then Charlie Whitehurst will get the call. Similar to the Browns’ situation, whoever is under center needs to make plays to give the Seahawks a chance to win. Jackson followed up a career game against the Falcons (+6.1) with a less than stellar showing against the Giants before getting hurt. Whitehurst (+3.1) proved that he is ready to play by stepping in and leading the comeback. No matter the quarterback, wide receiver Doug Baldwin is emerging as a key target out of the slot while averaging an impressive 2.72 yards per route run.
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2) Browns Running Game vs. Seahawks Run Defense
The Seahawks come into the game with our highest rated run defense, and they are led by our top rated run stopping defensive tackle, Alan Branch (+9.6 Run Def). While he has been bullying guards all season, Branch has had help as every defensive lineman on the roster is grading positively against the run. Seattle is strong at every level, as their linebackers have been solid and strong safety Kam Chancellor brings linebacker size to Seattle’s secondary. Chancellor is our second highest run stopping safety at +4.7 Run Def and he excels at attacking the line of scrimmage.
For the Browns, running back Peyton Hillis has battled injuries all season and he may not be available on Sunday. If Hillis is unavailable, Montario Hardesty, who has seen his workload increase over the past few weeks, will get the start once again. Rookie left guard Jason Pinkston (-5.2 Run Block) has had a tough transition to the position after moving from left tackle in college. His battle with Branch will go a long way in determining if the Browns are able to put together a ground game this week.
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3) Rookie Battle: LE Jabaal Sheard vs. RT James Carpenter
Two highly drafted rookies have had much different results in terms of their NFL debuts. Jabaal Sheard (+11.3) is currently No. 3 in our Rookie of the Year race, mostly on the strength of his pass rushing abilities. He has 12 pressures, two quarterback hits and two sacks on the season and has proven to be a three-down left defensive end. James Carpenter (-8.0), much like the entire Seahawks offensive line, has struggled mightily in pass protection. He has surrendered 11 pressures, nine quarterback hits, and three sacks. The Giants game was particularly difficult for him as Jason-Pierre Paul was too quick off the edge for Carpenter, and the moment he overcompensated, Pierre-Paul beat him to the inside. After watching Sheard explode past right tackle Khalif Barneslast week for a strip sack, Carpenter will certainly have another tough challenge this week.
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