VS.
A few weeks back after games against Atlanta and the Giants, I would hav said the Seahawks were going to win more than a handful of games, have to trade up for a featured QB in the draft, and would be in contention for the West. There is now a stark reality that the 49'ers have a stranglehold on the west, the Seahawks have found ways to outgain their opponent, play great D, and still lose.
Depending on which side of the fence you might be on, Pete Carroll is either a bumbling elmer who continually makes bad calls in belief that he's controlling a Madden Allstar team, while backing inadequate QBs. Or- Pete Carroll is a scheming genius, who has built an exciting group of youngsters with size, speed, and potential, while masterminding a cleaver tanking for a QB of the future.
The Cowboys come in with a lethal pass rusher, a mercurial QB, and a slew of inconsistent talent. They play Amoeba defense led by Rob Ryan and can be a handfull when the TE's are clicking and Dez Bryant makes plays. It will be fun to watch some of our matchups, but I have to wonder if Pete won't kick 65 yd field goals on 2nd & 3rd, and punt on 4th if the pups get close to upsetting the Brokerib Mountain men.
Injury update:
Seahawks-
QB Tarvaris Jackson is sore but should go. LB Leroy Hill is nursing a bad knee and did not practice. Mike Williams has been held out with a hammy issue.
Boys
Did not practice
CB Mike Jenkins (hamstring)
RB Felix Jones (ankle)
OG Kyle Kosier (foot)
LB Sean Lee (wrist)
Things to Watch:
1-QB Depth Chart.
Considering TJ is playing hurt and the Cowboys get to the QB, it has to be asked-
Charlie for starter of the future is done right? But what would happen if Tarvaris actually has to leave the game? Would Portis get a look after a short lived chance for Charlie based on immediate results? Interesting.
2-Clemons on fire
Clem has been great since his ankle healed up both in run support and on the rush. I just like to watch his moves and speed.
3-Run game (lost in space?)
I like that the Hawks have stuck to the run despite the lack of success. Holmy would have gone pass happy. That being said, I'd love for the O-line to have an "i get it" moment and really wear out a defense with effective running to counter TJ's no huddle gunslinging.
4-Carpenter
He's been left off the whipping boy list for a few weeks now despite some inconsistent breakdowns. This week pits him vs his cryptonite so far: A slippery speed rushing DE
5- Giant CB's vs Dez Bryants temper
They obviously piss off WR's, let's see if they get under Mr Immature's skin this week. I expect the real damage to be done by the Dallas TE''s this week, though.
6-Pete's playcalls
When people say things like "he is still a college coach, he obviously knows the clock hasn't started on his tenure, but next year..." You wonder if Pete, who is media savvy, hears that and if he even cares. If he's conservative, we'll find out, but really I think he keeps playing madden all the way to Barkley.
Predictions-
Seattle 13 Cowboys 24
