Game set-up… a Seattle perspective

Will Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham get off to a fast start?

The Rams have a pretty good track record in containing Jimmy Graham (7 catches, 85 yards in three games). AP

Sheil Kapadia, ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/blog/seattle-seahawks/post/_/id/14372/will-seahawks-te-jimmy-graham-get-off-to-a-fast-start

Here are five things to know about the Seahawks’ Week 1 matchup against the St. Louis Rams:

1. One of the decisions opposing defenses will have to make this season is how they want to match up with Jimmy Graham.

“I think that’s a little bit of the cat-and-mouse game,” offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. “For sure, they’re going to have to decide how they’re going to play him. There may be times, depending on what we put out there, they may put their base defense out there, they may put out nickel. We just have to see how they’re going to play that. That’s the cat-and-mouse game. Do they want to put a DB on him? Do they want to put a linebacker on him? Do they want to put a corner on him? Those are the things that we’ll be watching throughout the game.”

According to Football Outsiders, the Rams were the sixth-best defense last season when it came to covering tight ends. Nick Wagoner, who covers the Rams for NFL Nation, points out that Graham has just seven grabs for 85 yards in three career games against St. Louis. He suggests that the Rams will mix up their looks against Graham throughout the game. We’ll find out Sunday what works and what doesn’t.

2. Under normal circumstances, testing the deep middle of the field against the Seahawks is foolish because of Earl Thomas’ range and closing ability. But Thomas admitted that the shoulder harness he’s wearing can restrict him from high-pointing the ball. The Rams have size on the outside with a pair of 6-foot-3 receivers in Kenny Britt and Brian Quick. Nick Foles loves to take shots downfield. If the offensive line can protect him, don’t be surprised if Foles gives his receivers opportunities to make contested catches and test Thomas’ shoulder.

3. The Seahawks’ offensive line will be in the spotlight Sunday. Drew Nowak is starting for the first time at center. Justin Britt played last year at right tackle, but will now start at left guard. And right tackle Garry Gilliam has just one start under his belt. Look for Gregg Williams to bring A-gap pressure (between the guards and center). The Rams had 39 sacks in the last 11 games last year, tied for tops in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information. St. Louis also had the fourth-best run defense in 2014, per Football Outsiders. In other words, we’ll have a pretty good idea of where this offensive line is by the time Monday morning rolls around.

4. On the other hand, the Seahawks’ front seven should have a big advantage over a Rams offensive line that is starting two rookies — Rob Havenstein at right tackle and Jamon Brown at left guard. Brandon Mebane, Michael Bennett and company seem to have noticed all the attention St. Louis’ defensive line has received.

“They have a pretty good defensive line, but we also have a good defensive line too,” Mebane said. “We don’t get any love out here with the defensive line, I don’t know why.”

Foles lacks mobility and has trouble escaping pressure. The Rams also will likely have to start third-string running back Benny Cunningham.

Prediction: If the Seahawks win, the defensive line will be high on the list of reasons why.

5. Like last year, the Rams’ best shot at pulling the upset will be to gain an edge on special teams. St. Louis ranked seventh in Football Outsiders’ special teams rankings last year, while the Seahawks were 19th.

Asked if he thinks the Seahawks are better on special teams this year, Pete Carroll said, “I don’t know, we have to wait and see now. Preseason would tell us that we’ve improved, and I’m really excited about that factor, not just in the return game but in all facets of it.”

The Seahawks are expecting big things out of rookie Tyler Lockett, both on special teams and on offense.

After what happened last year, they seem focused on not letting special teams cost them this time around.