Seattle and the Jets are both coming off of big wins. But that is the only real common similarities that these two teams share. The Seattle Seahawks will be playing for what could be their playoff lives. The Jets on the other hand are playing the role of spoiler, and with the comments by Keyshawn Johnson stating that he would rather have the last two teams (Miami, Seattle) they play against sit at home and watch the playoffs like he will be doing, should be enough to warn our Hawks that the Jets will be playing a "Playoff type game".
Seattle can still win the Division Crown if they lost next week, but would need help. And that "Help" would be for the Kansas City Chiefs to lose to the Jeckle and Hyde Raiders. Not much support in my opinion. So Seattle needs to beat the Jets! It's that simple.
It is ironic that the Jets will again will be a big factor in whether or not Seattle will make or miss the Playoffs again this year. Last year the Jets basically robbed Seattles chances of post season play on the infamous Testaverde phantom helmet touchdown. But never to worry, because Seattle has not forgotten about being robbed last year, and the way they figure it, they have an oppurtunity to extract a little revenge on the Jets.
The Seahawks will take their 9-6 record into the Meadowlands against the 7-8 Jets on January 2nd. And hope to erase an 11 year playoff drought. The Jets are comparable to the Broncos in the fact that they have been in all their games this year and lost some close games. They have Keyshawn Johnson with over 1,000 recieving yards, Curtis Martin with over 1,000 rushing yards and a 3rd string quarterback with 14 touchdown passes in only a few games. And if that was not enough, the Jets Defensive linebackers are pretty good too. So Seattle will yet have their hands full.
But take heart that the Seattle Defense is healthy again and have implemented blitzing schemes that suit a defense that is athletic and fast. I have no worries this week.
Seattle's Offense is hitting on all gears and will give the Jets defense fits all through the game. Seattle's short passing plays will confuse the Jets defense because they are not accustomed to playing the middle of the field. And the Jets defense will have problems stopping Watters.
Seattle will win this game by forcing Jets quarterback, Ray Lucas to make bad decisions. Therefore, rendering the Jets recievers and running game useless. Seattle Defense will help the Hawks offense by giving them good field position.
Jets should lose, and Seattle should advance to the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
You heard it here first!! Go Hawks!!
On the 26th day of this last month of the 19th century, the Kansas City Chiefs will bring their 9-5 record into the Kingdome to play for what could be the AFC West Championship. While riding a 4 game winning streak, the K.C Chiefs seem the likely favorites with all the momentum on their side.
While K.C is the hottest team in the AFC West, they face one of the five opponents who have beaten them this year, and in their own stadium of all places. Yes, it was only five weeks ago when Seattle went into Arrowhead and beat the Kansas City Chiefs by 31-19 score. It was in fact, the first time Seattle had won their since 1990. Back then Seattle was riding a five game winning streak that had the nation believing that Holmgren would break a 10 year playoff drought that Seattle was suffering. But to everyones suprise Seattle has since lost four games in a row, and has not been playing like the team that won eight games while losing only two.
Even though K.C has the edge on paper, they must be nervous that they must play such an important game in the Seattle Kingdome's last football game before she is torn down. Therefore, making this game more epic than what was previously thought to be just "another game" before Seattle let the Chiefs back into the playoff hunt.
Look for K.C. coach Gunther Cunningham to run the ball over 60% of the time his offense is on the field. Gunther's team has over 1,800 yards with at least 5 different running backs rotating into the game. The "ole school game plan" has been putting a hurt on opposing defenses. The K.C Chiefs running game is always fresher and full of life by the games end. Seattle's defense which hasn't stopping the run very well, will have to have their best game of the year to stop the momentum and confidence that has accumillated over the Chiefs team, during their 4 game winning streak.
K.C is not limited to the run. Their Quarterback Elvis Grbac usually has a good good day disecting secondaries once opponents finally figure out how to slow down the Chiefs running game.
Grbac can attribute the majority of his success toward his tightend Gonzalez and defenses focusing on the running game. Tony Gonzalez has caught pretty much everything Elvis has thrown toward him. Seattle linebackers will have to keep the K.C tightend contained to make Grbac uncomfortable, and get any hopes of turnovers (which K.C is better at taking, rather then giving).
The K.C kicking game might play into Seattle's favor, since K.C has picked up a new kicker to replace their old one. Coach Gunther was not too happy with Stovanovich's season performances because he was giving K.C opponents good field position. So Gunther picked up a canadien from the Canadian Football league.
Seattle will not be a pushover, especially this game being their last one in the Kingdome. And when the Seahawks have so much on the line. Look for the Seahawks offence to put alot of pressure on the K.C secondaries because of improvement in past weeks along with a five wide reciever set that Holmgren has implemented into the Seahawk offensive plays. Seattle has had much success with the new play. But on the other hand Seattle's offensive tackles have left Jon Kitna open to a heck of a lot of blitzing. If the O-line of Seattle can hold up(which they have not done so well during the year) and give Jon just enough time to throw to one of his 6 targets (running back included). Then Kitna will make the Chief defense regret they ever came up to the Kingdome.
Seattle is not going to rely on the passing game alone. They have a very durable running back in Ricky
Watters who has over 1,000 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Seattle is a balanced offense, they
just need to call the right plays at the right time.
Jon Kitna the Seattle quarterback has 21 touchdown passes and is second in the AFC behind the Colts Peyton Manning. Jon has been inching his way closer the past few games toward the 300 yard mark in his passing yardage. And has spread the ball around to eight different recievers in back to back games.
This game should be a high scoring affair just like last weeks game when Seattle lost a heartbreaker to Denver in overtime by a score of 30-36. I say this, because Seattle's offense is just to good for K.C to shut down. Seattle can either pass or run the ball effectively. K.C on the other hand has enough running backs to tire out Seattle's defensive line. And Elvis can hurt Seattle with the short pass to his tightend Gonzalez.
I pick Seattle to win this game because they are good enough and have the advantage of Homefield on their side. They just need to the defense to hold K.C to fewer yardage. Easier said then done, since Seattle has been allowing 300+ yards in the past weeks. On a good note the Seattle Defense is healthy again, so their is no excuses. Seattle should win the game in convincing fashion. Holmgren will not lose a 5th game in a row! So get on your game faces fans, and rock the dome!! I can't make it due to military committment and location. But I will be their in spirit.
Go hawks!!!