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Intriguing Game- NFL, Week Six

Seattle Seahawks at Cincinnati Bengals

Seahawks: There’s no way possible anyone thought they’d be in a much better position right now than their former Quarterback is right now in Russell Wilson. Nobody expected them to make the playoffs last year, but here we are and they’re off to a good start as we speak. Believe it or not, the NFC West has been more entertaining than anticipated with the 49ers just being exactly who we knew they were, the Rams have played better than anyone expected and the Cardinals aren’t laying down and tanking either. Then, you have a Seattle Seahawks team here that’s the biggest threat to the 49ers in this division for sure. You can say what you want about Pete Carroll, but this is a good football coach and he gets the best out of his players. Before their bye week, they played the New York Giants at MetLife on a Monday night and the game wasn’t close. I understand the Seattle defense hasn’t looked as strong as they did during the Legion of Boom days and on that night in East Rutherford, that’s exactly what they looked like, the LOB. They sacked Daniel Jones a total of ten times and threw many different looks at him up front. They’ve been strong so far on defense, especially against the run. I was so happy for Geno Smith last year. He helped lead them to the playoffs and was named Comeback Player of the Year for his stellar season and so far, he’s off to another strong start. It maybe time to start mentioning them amongst the best in the NFC. I’m not saying they are as good as the 49ers or even the Eagles, but it’s just something to consider. The bye week is over and they’ll make a road trip to Cincinnati.

Bengals: I think they got their swagger back! Or, is it too soon to say? I’ve said it the last few years and I’ll say it here again: These aren’t your same old Cincinnati Bengals. Let’s look back at what they’ve done the last few years. In 2020, they had the number one overall pick and took Joe Burrow, a year later, they draft Ja’Marr Chase, win the division, win their first playoff game since 1990 and get to the Super Bowl and last season, they won the division again and got back to the AFC Championship. After their game against the Titans, I said it was time to worry because they hadn’t looked right. Remember, Joe hurt his calf during Training Camp and I honestly thought he was more hurt than he was saying, but I give him credit because he’s tough and wanted to play. The Bengals were punched in the mouth against Cleveland in week one, they lost a close game to Baltimore in week two, just got by the Rams in week three and against the Titans in week four, they were held to a field goal for the second time this year. Against the Cardinals, they looked like the Cincinnati offense we’ve seen the last two seasons. For one, Joe finally looked healthy because he was moving the pocket and keeping the play extended and Ja’Marr showed why he’s always open and had the second best game of his young career. That win in Arizona saved their season if you ask me and it’s a huge difference being a game under 500 than to be three games under. They return home on Sunday.

Seahawks X-Factor: Kenneth Walker III– I loved him at Michigan State and his breakout year, he was the favorite to win the Heisman at one point. I remember talking to Damian Parson and we both agreed that Kenneth is a quicker and more explosive Kareem Hunt. He’s a joystick in space and knows how to cut back and switch directions quickly to gather more yards. Kenneth is a complete back with speed, power, vision and agility.

Bengals X-Factor: Tyler Boyd– This is just another weapon at the disposal of the Quarterback. Every offense nowadays in the NFL has two guys that can take the top off the coverage and they have another guy that can work underneath and that is where Tyler comes into the picture. This is who Burrow will target in need of the chains to be moved or even in the redzone when Chase or Higgins are locked down. Speaking of Tee, if he can’t play in this one, look for Burrow to target Tyler more.

Three Things I’m Watching

1. Rhythm?– Have the Bengals found their rhythm? It’s only been one game, so it’s tough to say. However, when they play how they did on Sunday against the Cardinals, they are a tough out. Joe had time to throw the ball, Ja’Marr was open and most importantly, the Offensive Line gave their Quarterback time to throw the football from the pocket.

2. Avaliable Receivers– Both Tee Higgins and DK Metcalf are each questionable to play with lingering injuries. Each guy plays intricate roles for their offenses. Tee is a true second option and possession receiver for Burrow while DK is the top receiving option for Geno.

3. Witherspoon Vs. Ja’Marr– This should be fun! A young and upcoming Cornerback in Devon Witherspoon against one of the best receivers in all of football. These two will see a ton of one another throughout the game and I am here for all of it. Devon can also impact the game as a run stopper. How does Ja’Marr keep momentum going after his best game of the year so far?

Final Thoughts: I’m pumped up for this one. One team enters off the bye week while the other wants to show they can put it together and not just depend on one game. The best chance for the Seahawks to win this game is to establish Walker as often as possible because the Bengals have been terrible when it comes to stopping the running game. They give up 5.3 yards per carry. This could mean Kenneth can have a big game. I think it’ll be key for the Bengals to start quickly because they’ve shown when they get down early, they have a tough time getting back into the game. Seattle’s secondary can be attacked and this will be the best Quarterback/Receiver tandem they have seen all year. The Bengals are looking to win consecutive games for the first time all year. This is also a tough stretch for them because after this is the bye week then they back to back games against the 49ers and Bills. Also, If I’m the Seahawks, I’m blitzing Joe to continue to test out that injured calf. I like the Bengals to grind this game out for a victory.

Prediction: Bengals 26, Seahawks 22