The Seahawks will be facing one of the NFL’s toughest teams this week when they host the Cleveland Browns. Heading into Week 8, we have Cleveland currently slotted at No. 7 in our power rankings, while Seattle is four spots lower. That makes this another good measuring stick game to see how the Seahawks stack up against a real contender.
Here are seven essential things to know about these teams heading into their matchup on Sunday afternoon.
1
Seattle's defense is on fire
The first thing to know about these Seahawks right now is that their defense is playing better than it has at any time in the last eight years. Specifically, Since Week 4 this unit has been on fire. Their opponents are averaging just 237 yards and 10 points per game during that stretch, bringing their season average down to below 20 points per game allowed – ranking 12th in the NFL this season.
2
Geno Smith may be regressing
However, things are not going so well on the other side of the ball. The biggest issue there is that Geno Smith’s turnover issues have returned. After only throwing one interception his first four games, Smith has thrown three picks in the last two weeks and was lucky to avoid a fourth. Things are unlikely to get better this week, as Cleveland has the No. 1 ranked defense in the league in DVOA this year even after giving up 38 to the Colts.
3
Run game stuck in neutral
It hasn’t helped matters that Seattle’s run game has been stuck in neutral for most of this season. With the exception of the Panthers and the Giants, the Seahawks’ opponents have mostly managed to contain the rushing attack. Ken Walker and Zach Charbonnet are not to blame, though. A lack of creative run calls by offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and some poor run blocking up-front are the main culprits.
4
Deshaun Watson is out this week
While the Browns are as tough as they come defensively and have one of the league’s most-loaded rosters, the good news is they are having serious issues at quarterback this season. Starter Deshaun Watson has continued to struggle, posting just four touchdown passes to go with three interceptions. He has been ruled out this week due to a rotator cuff injury.
5
P.J. Walker will start instead
As bad as Watson has looked at times, Cleveland fans may be pining for him before the first quarter is over. The Browns have named P.J. Walker their starter for this week’s game. While he was an MVP candidate in the XFL, his performance thus far in the NFL has underscored the vast gulf between this league and the others. So far Walker has three picks, no touchdowns and is graded out as the worst QB in the league this year by PFF. If Walker bombs again, the Browns may have no choice but to put in third-string rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
6
Beware Browns DE Myles Garrett
That said, the Browns are still an extraordinarily dangerous team. The primary reason is the presence of defensive end Myles Garrett, who has surpassed T.J. Watt and Nick Bosa as the game’s most-lethal edge rusher. In just six games Garrett already has 7.5 sacks, 16 QB hits and 19 pressures. Garrett is a good bet to win Defensive Player of the Year and Seattle’s tackles will need extra blockers to help keep him out of the backfield.
7
Devon Witherspoon for DPOY
However, the Seahawks may have their own Defensive Player of the Year candidate in rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon. In just five games Witherspoon has earned the highest grade at his position – making an impact as a pass rusher, a tackler and in coverage. Witherspoon has a lot of competition on a stacked roster, but one can make the case that he is already the best player on this team.
