The Atlanta Falcons are a long ways away from the team that kicked a last minute field goal to beat the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs last season. Before the year kicked off, the rematched looked noteworthy, but now the Falcons are 2-6 and head in a different direction than the 8-1 Seahawks.
Seattle returns to the Georgia Dome with added motivation and what appears to be a better than who played there last year. The Seahawks have the best defense in the league, ranking second with 296.0 yards allowed per game. The secondary is stacked, lead by Richard Sherman, only giving up 179.8 passing yards per game while also hauling in 13 interceptions.
It is the interception stat that should have Falcons fans nervous considering quarterback Matt Ryan has tossed seven interceptions in back-to-back losses while throwing just two touchdowns during that time. He looked improved against Carolina, going 20-27 in passing for 219 yards, but three interceptions got the team the loss.
The Falcons offense will get a little boost this week as wide receiver Roddy White returns to the lineup after missing three games due to injuries. His presence should be very welcoming from the likes of Tony Gonzalez and Harry Douglas who have been facing constant double-teams. With Julio Jones out for the remainder of the year, White will be heavily relied on.
The Falcons defense will have to face a heavy Seattle run game led by Marshawn Lynch. The veteran ranks second in the league with 726 yards total while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Things could be tough as Seattle is expected to be without their starting center and two tackles. Quarterback Russell Wilson has been sacked 27 times as a result.
This game could provide some fireworks despite what Atlanta's record might show. White and Sherman have a heated rivalry. Seattle is looking for revenge. The Falcons are hungry for a big win.
