My Steve Smith NFL Blog

The strength of these two teams is in their defense but what is most impressive is the strength of their rush defenses. Carolina is the number 4 rush defense in the league, allowing just 91.6 yards per game and the Seahawks are number 5 in the league allowing just 94.4 yards per game on the ground.

Seattle devotes a lot of its offense to its running game and they will be tested by the Carolina rush defense. Carolina is not a big rushing team nor are they really a big passing team. They have a mediocre offense and being on the road against the Seahawks, that can spell a lot of trouble.

The Seahawks can feel safe in their defensive scheme because these Panthers are not going to blow anybody out. The Seahawks on the other hand will need to establish their running game at some point. They will probably establish it by passing the ball early. Getting the ball out for short yardage plays will ease up the Carolina rush defense and they should be able to spread the ball in a way Carolina will have trouble doing.

Carolina relies on Steve Smith too much. They got by the Bears because the Bears had a poor game plan but you can expect the Seahawks to be prepared for it. If the Seahawks can contain Steve Smith and establish a balanced offense, there is no reason to believe they will lose this game at home.