WEEK 2 Seahawks @ Broncos ; Preview and Predictions

                              

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I've struggled this week to get a clear grip on this match up between the Broncos and Seahawks. I don't know if the uncertainty stems from the old AFC days when the Broncos were division rivals, who seemed to beat up on the Seahawks, or if its just that going into the season I predicted this game as a loss. Either way, I'm going against my initial gut and picking the Seahawks in this game.

What we know: The down side. The Broncos are 23-3 in home openers since 1984. They have won their last 10 home openers in a row, which is the 3rd longest such streak in the NFL. Kyle Orton, QB is 19-5 with a .792 winning percentage at home. The Seahawks have been a shell of themselves on the road in past years, with a record of 3-13 in the last 2 years. With those wins comimg against SF, ans STL. The odds are against us..

What we know: The up side. In week one the Seahawks got off to a slow start, but showed fight and determination coming back to beat the 49ers, 31-6 allowing only 3 trips to the redzone. The Broncos lost to the Jaguars, 24-17 despite Orton passing for 295 yards. What this tell me is that they have trouble scoring, which judging by week 1 keeping opponents out of the endzone seemed to be a strength for Seattle. How much of that was due to poor play on the 49ers behalf is debatable. The coaching staff for the Hawks have been preaching hard this week about leaving the past road woes where they belong, not wanting to even address the issues. I have to say I like this approach, the players are different, the coaches are different, the atmosphere is different, and I believe the outcome will be different.

How the Seahawks will win; The key to this game is secondary play. The Broncos boast a highly talented core of players, including Champ Bailey #24 at left corner and Brian Dawkins #20 at strong safety. If there are no interceptions thrown by Hasselbeck today, we will win the game. On the other side, Kyle Orton completed 5 passes of over 25+ yards last week, if Seattle's corners and safety can perform like they did last week , 2 int and sound tackling, they will can shut down Denvers ability to score.

How the Seahawks can lose; If they lose the intensity they played with at home in the first week. The crowd will be against them, giving them a dose of the 12th mans own medicine so-to-speak. Denver has never been and easy place to play, they have an strong fan base, and they will be loud on Sunday. If the Seahawks let the crowd noise affect their moral, and lose the tenacity they had in week 1 on defense, they will lose this game. The Hawks need to steal momentum early, and stifle the crowd with big secondary plays.

Prediction: Seahawks 20 Broncos 16

Go Hawks!!!!!