Preview and Predictions; Seahawks vs. Chargers Week 3

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I always want to analyze a win for the Seahawks...I did it last week against the Broncos, going against my preseason predictions for wins and losses, and I'm so tempted to do it this week against the Chargers. The Seahawk fan in me will not allow me to look at any game unbiased. I feel like if i predict a loss, they will lose, I feel like I've failed as a fan by picking against my team, so what I intend to do with this preview is focus on what Seattle has to do in order to win the game. I think is a winnable game, however unlikely, I simply cannot force myself to analyze a loss before its happened.

KEY TO THE GAME: Last week I told you the key was secondary play, this week its the front 4, on defense and offense for both teams. If Chris Clemons and Red Bryant can get the pass rush and pressure on Philip Rivers we so desperately need we can disrupt San Diego's passing game enough to win. I don't trust our secondary to make plays, so this week I place the burden on the front 4. We have to get to the QB and we have to have an affect on the passing game. We have been solid against the run, and with SD starting a back up running back in place of the injured Ryan Mathews, i don't see SD having posing any real threat on the ground. Mathews with only 104 yards and 2 fumbles in his first two games however, I'm kinda wishing he was playing this week!

On the other side of the ball, Seattles offensive line is still without first round draft pick Russel Okung, which I understand being cautious but this guys been ready to play to since week 1, its time they let him play. His high ankle sprain is no longer an issue. The O-line has been solid through the first 2 games, Hasselbeck has struggled with interceptions, but the biggest thing for them this week is playing smart and avoiding costly penalties that kill drives, and sway momentum.

HOW SEATTLE WILL WIN: The same way Kansas was able to beat San Diego in week 1, don't allow the Charger's passing game to get going. QB hurries, hits, sacks, batted balls, broken routes, tipped passes, interceptions, front 4 penetration that allows the LB to help the safeties and corners in zone coverage. This play has to last all 4 quarters because Phillip Rivers is not one of those QBs that has quite in them. He will play his heart out until the last possible second and Seattle defense needs to come ready to play 4 full quarters. The 12th man once again should help with morale, and the energy on defense, but its up to the players to make the plays when it counts, on third downs, and in the red zone.

HOW SEATTLE WILL LOSE: Mistakes, if the 'hawks get to amped for this game, and make costly mistakes they will lost. We can't afford turn overs, or pass interference penalties. No redzone penalties for the O-line, or fumbled punt returns. If Seattle doesn't play smart, and a full game, they will lose. We can't afford to get behind early, and we definitely can't let up if we have the lead going into the later parts of the game. You can bet that San Diego won't give up, and we can't either. Seattle needs to have their foot on the gas from the coin toss and not let up until a W is on the board. Otherwise, this game will go down as a loss.

HISTORY is on our side.... The Seahawks have won 10 of 13 against the Chargers, and Matt Hasselbeck has won 2 of the 3 games he started against SD.

INJURIES will play a part..
San Diego
LB Stephen Cooper KNEE QUESTIONABLE
LB Larry English FOOT QUESTIONABLE
WR Malcom Floyd LEG PROBABLE
CB Quentin Jammer FOOT PROBABLE
RB Ryan Mathews ANKLE DOUBTFUL
LB Jyles Tucker NOT INJURY RELATED QUESTIONABLE
**WR Vincent Jackson Suspension Multi-game suspension. Return to be determined. Might be out until at least Week 11 vs. Denver

Seattle
T Russel Okung ANKLE OUT
RB Quinton Ganther KNEE PROBABLE

G Ben Hamilton KNEE PROBABLE
LB Leroy Hill CALF, ACHILLES OUT
T Sean Locklear KNEE PROBABLE
LB Matt McCoy QUADRICEP PROBABLE
G Chester Pitts KNEE PROBABLE
DE E.J. Wilson KNEE QUESTIONABLE

Prediction:
Seahawks 33 San Diego 29

GO SEAHAWKS!!!!