FALCONS-SEAHAWKS PLAYOFF SHOWDOWN

Yes, I had it wrong with the Falcons this season. But as a Falcons fan, it’s exciting to be in the playoff mix, baby! Can’t wait to load my two sons up and head down to the Georgia Dome for this Seahawks showdown!

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seahawks QB Russell Wilson scrambles with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

A lot is being made of both Matt Ryan’s excellent regular season & his playoff struggles AND Russell Wilson’s playoff success, combined with his struggles this season on the road (other than that magnificent performance in Boston, where he picked the Patriots apart). There are some other important aspects to this game…like the all-important LOS battle.

The run game is going to be important for both sides. The Seahawks defense is outstanding at 1- getting after the opponents run game and 2- pressuring the quarterback. Obviously, we witnessed some of this on that trip to Seattle earlier this season. Matt got knocked around some early. Coach Shanahan would be smart to get DeVonta Freeman a lot of early touches. Set the tone, with some balance. The way Bennett & Avril rush the QB, some balance would be huge for the Falcons offense, because it would help protect Matt Ryan. Otherwise, Bennett & Avril are bringing heat on the pass rush.

Seattle’s running attack and O-Line has been a disappointment this season. Good thing that “beast” Marshawn Lynch has moved on! Rawls has had some moments for the Seahawks, especially last weekend against the Lions. Bevel and Russell Wilson would love to get him going early. Watch to see how often they are running at Vic Beasley.

I would love to see the Falcons D-Line win this battle. It’s a battle they should win. Most of the teams that are winning in the playoffs are winning this particular battle. Not saying our D-Line is outstanding, but the Seahawks O-Line is a weakness, so we’ve got to take advantage of this match-up.

If Russell Wilson is well-protected, then the ball is heading to Jimmy Graham a lot. That’s a mismatch tilted towards Seattle.

Can the Falcons will the LOS Battle? This needs to be a “Yes!”

– Buck Belue
Co-Host of “Buck and Kincade”
680 The Fan 

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