Redskins Versus Seahawks: Running Backs in Shadows Behind Wilson and RG3
By Matt Haley
Had Giovanni Bernard not made his spectacular run in the final moments after NC State chose to so wisely punt it to the best player in the Atlantic Coast Conference I could not write a post involving a former Wolfpack player who tortured the Tar Heels with elusive running and precision passing. Wilson as a rookie has taken Seattle to the playoffs, but can he do enough to win on the road in Washington and outshine Robert Griffin III or better known as RG3?
December 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) smiles on the bench against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Winning playoff games are hard enough if your quarterbacks last name is Elway, Manning, Brady let alone any rookies. Surprisingly TJ Yates is one of five rookie quarterbacks to win a playoff game. A sixth rookie will definitely be added to the list, but will his name be Griffin III or Wilson? The play of each of these two quarterbacks will be closely scrutinized, but the two people who will be paid more attention will be receiving hand offs from the two young signal callers.
The Seahawks average just over 189 yards through the air which are hardly gaudy numbers, but Wilson has been excellent at protecting the football which head coach Pete Carroll loves. With the third ranked rushing game Wilson has the luxury of using play action and his ability to move around the pocket to find big plays in the passing game. NFL experts are pointing to how Wilson’s athletic ability should help him avoid the blitz scheme from Washington and exploit the Redskins secondary which ranks thirtieth in the league giving up 296 yards through the air per game. However the Redskin defense only allows 95 yards per game on the ground. If Washington limits Marshawn Lynch’s ability to rush the football Deangelo Hall’s name may be the one you hear talked about throughout the game because Jim Haslett will take away Sydney Rice as they did Dez Bryant last week versus Dallas.
The Redskins need RG3’s knee to have improved enough where he can plant and make precision passes against a stingy Seattle secondary however as they did versus Dallas Kyle Shanahan needs to unleash “Mini Diesel” (Tribute to the great John Riggins for all you old timers) Alfred Morris as he did on the second series against Dallas. If Adrian Peterson was not having the year of a lifetime Morris would be in the discussion for most valuable running back in the league. The 6th round pick was unstoppable last week, but of course it was Dallas. The Seahawks are tough against the run yielding only 103 yards per game. The Redskins zone scheme may be just what the doctor ordered against this aggressive Seattle defense. Forcing those big linemen to run sideline to sideline and using the option attack out of pistol will make the linebackers have to think a little more thus slowing their reaction time. Alfred Morris is one of the most patient runners you will see and there will be carries he gains very little, but looked for three or four explosive plays over twenty yards that will be the difference in the game.
Prediction Redskins 24 Seahawks 23
As always you can follow the Haley and MandMsportshow on twitter @MandMSportshowand you can read more articles from Haley at The Water Cooler.