The Seattle Seahawks are set to host the New Orleans Saints in a Week 3 matchup on Sunday afternoon. The NFC foes will square off as the black and gold seek out their first win of the young season. Seattle is coming off a dominant 31-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After spending last season with New Orleans in the same position, the Seahawks filled their offensive coordinator void by signing Klint Kubiak during the offseason. The former Saints staff member is beginning to see his offense
get into a more steady flow as he and quarterback Sam Darnold are both in their first year with Seattle.
Seattle has playmakers in tailback Kenneth Walker III, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and the recently acquired Cooper Kupp. The ability to spread touches around benefits the offense greatly. Although not the fastest guy on the field, Darnold certainly can pull the ball down and scamper out of the pocket. Containing mobile QBs is a historical weakness for the Saints’ defense.
On the opposite side of the line of scrimmage, the Saints’ defense looked much improved against the run in Week 2. If they can build on that momentum and force the Seahawks into a more pass-oriented offense on Sunday, their chances to win will be vastly improved.
The absence of Chase Young from the Saints’ front seven has been noticeable, but the interior defensive line has made up for it since. Carl Granderson is tied for the most in the league thus far with 3.5 sacks.
Younger players like Isaac Yiadom and Jonas Sanker being thrust into starting roles within the Saints’ secondary early in the year has caused concern within the pass defense, but it will also pay off as the season progresses, as the players experience beneficial reps.
How much will Kubiak’s familiarity with the Saints’ personnel aid in Seattle’s offensive gameplanning? Will New Orleans be able to sniff out the schemes and attack the ballcarriers? This one should make for some exciting, physical football.
