Atlanta Falcons @ Seattle Seahawks Week 3 2022 Preview
The Atlanta Falcons stay on the west coast this weekend with a trip to the 1-1 Seattle Seahawks. The major change in Seattle from previous seasons is at quarterback. The Seahawks traded future hall of fame QB Russell Wilson in a blockbuster trade to the Denver Broncos. His replacement is journeyman Geno Smith. Although they beat Wilson new team Denver in week, Seattle look like a team who'll be picking in the top 10 of the NFL Draft in my opinion. Seattle's home field advantage is revered around the league, but I think Atlanta can get their first win of the season, despite being 1 point road underdogs. The last time these two teams met was in 2020 ,with Seattle running out winners 38-20 in Atlanta. The Seattle Seahawks lead the all time series 12-8-0. Arthur Smith's Falcons have been better on the road under his guidance winning six road games to just one at home. The Seahawks are 6-4 at home (1-0 this season) in their last ten games. Under Pete Carroll, Seattle have won 70% of their games at home posting a 68-29 home record.
The Seahawks offense is the 3rd worst scoring offense in the league through 2 weeks. They are scoring just 12.0 points per game. The main reason for their struggle has been their inability to effectively rush the football. Seattle have the 29th ranked rushing attack. Geno Smith isn't a quarterback who elevates the talent around him, so if they can't run a balanced offense they're in huge trouble. In the passing game, their offensive line ranks bottom 3 in both passing blocking and running blocking efficiency. This is a matchup I love for a Falcons defense, that has played well in spells, but is still yet to put together a complete four quarters. The Seahawks have two rookie offensive lineman starting in Abraham Lucas and Charles Cross. It is only early days for them both, but they have both struggled. If Seattle are to win, I think they'll have to control the clock with a successful ground game and play defense, the time of game Pete Carroll adores. If the Falcons can slow down Seattles rushing game, it'll force Geno Smith to beat them and I do not believe he is a good enough quarterback to do that consistently through the air. Smith has been error prone throughout his career.
The danger men for the Seahawks offense are their wide receiver duo of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, who are as good as any duo in the NFL. Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell, who was a second team all pro last season has struggled allowing four touchdowns in the opening two games. We might see a more pass happy Seattle attack this Sunday after head coach Pete Carroll said, "After two weeks of watching Geno play, we don’t need to hold him back at all. I think Geno’s got his game ready to go. We need to trust him, and we need to maybe give him a few more opportunities.". Seattle offensive coordinator Shane Waldron will see this as an opportunity for his offense to get right, Dean Pees unit is conceding the 4th most points per game at 29.0. Although it is only a small sample size, the Falcons pass rush has been improved, they have 5 sacks in 2 games this season after having 18 in 17 games last year. Seahawks center Austin Blythe was dealing with a shoulder injury this week, but he looks like he'll be fit to start Sunday. Geno Smith has completed 80% of his passes in the opening two games, but that stat is misleading as he hasn't really attacked defenses deep.
The Seattle Seahawks defense has been quietly terrible this season, they are the only unit no to force a three and out and are ranked as the 30th passing defense in DVOA. Arthur Smiths offense asks a lot of different questions of the oppositions defense using multiple formations and personnel packages. Left guard Elijah Wilkinson is missing the game due to personal reasons and his absence is a big blow for Atlanta. He has played much better than Jalen Mayfield did last season at the position. Arthur Smith loves his team to be a run first unit and the Seahawks are susceptible at defending the run. The 49ers rushed 45 times for 189 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday at an average of 4.2 yards per carry. Cordarelle Patterson and Tyler Allegeier split carries in week 2 and I expect them to see plenty of the ball, as Smith tries to attack the leagues 8th worst rushing defense. I would like to see Smith run less max protection play action passes this week, he has been running two man route concepts off of play action, leaving Pitts into block rather then out receiving. Deebo Samuel popped off a big 51 yard run on Carroll's defense in a read option situation last Sunday, Atlanta can attack them this way too.
"21-17. Hawks I think take this one, cause we are at home. The 12’s will be loud."
Head to Head
Falcons D vs Seahawks O
The Seahawks offense is the 3rd worst scoring offense in the league through 2 weeks. They are scoring just 12.0 points per game. The main reason for their struggle has been their inability to effectively rush the football. Seattle have the 29th ranked rushing attack. Geno Smith isn't a quarterback who elevates the talent around him, so if they can't run a balanced offense they're in huge trouble. In the passing game, their offensive line ranks bottom 3 in both passing blocking and running blocking efficiency. This is a matchup I love for a Falcons defense, that has played well in spells, but is still yet to put together a complete four quarters. The Seahawks have two rookie offensive lineman starting in Abraham Lucas and Charles Cross. It is only early days for them both, but they have both struggled. If Seattle are to win, I think they'll have to control the clock with a successful ground game and play defense, the time of game Pete Carroll adores. If the Falcons can slow down Seattles rushing game, it'll force Geno Smith to beat them and I do not believe he is a good enough quarterback to do that consistently through the air. Smith has been error prone throughout his career.

Falcons O vs Seahawks D
If you own any Falcons in fantasy football, this is the week to start them. A third of the Falcons pass attempts have been thrown to rookie wide receiver Drake London. London has looked the real deal, his size and route running ability make him a headache for Pete Carroll's defense. They do have a cornerback who physically matches up well with London, Tariq Woolen is a 6' 4" corner with 4.3 40 yard dash speed. Woolen was good in week one going against Courtland Sutton when they defeated the Denver Broncos 17-16. The Seahawks have struggled against tightends this season, so I see this as the week Kyle Pitts gets right. Arthur Smith predicts Pitts to find his form "He is going to break out here again, and we're going to win because of it.". The Falcons pass protection has been better so far this season, they have allowed 3 sacks, but have gone up against two quality defenses. The Seahawks have two players listed as doubtful, cornerback Justin Coleman and safety Joey Blount. Their star safety Quadre Diggs is listed as questionable and if he cannot play, it'll be a huge blow for their pass defense. It would be nice to see Marcus Mariota relax in the pocket, he has on occasion scrambled to soon not keeping his eyes downfield and missing open receivers as a result.
The Seattle Seahawks defense has been quietly terrible this season, they are the only unit no to force a three and out and are ranked as the 30th passing defense in DVOA. Arthur Smiths offense asks a lot of different questions of the oppositions defense using multiple formations and personnel packages. Left guard Elijah Wilkinson is missing the game due to personal reasons and his absence is a big blow for Atlanta. He has played much better than Jalen Mayfield did last season at the position. Arthur Smith loves his team to be a run first unit and the Seahawks are susceptible at defending the run. The 49ers rushed 45 times for 189 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday at an average of 4.2 yards per carry. Cordarelle Patterson and Tyler Allegeier split carries in week 2 and I expect them to see plenty of the ball, as Smith tries to attack the leagues 8th worst rushing defense. I would like to see Smith run less max protection play action passes this week, he has been running two man route concepts off of play action, leaving Pitts into block rather then out receiving. Deebo Samuel popped off a big 51 yard run on Carroll's defense in a read option situation last Sunday, Atlanta can attack them this way too.
Falcons vs Seahawks (Special Teams)
The Seattle Seahawks turned the ball over last Sunday when returning a punt. Atlanta blocked a Rams punt and returned it for a touchdown in week two. Younghoe Koo has kicked 5 of his 7 field goals this season with one blocked. Seattles Jason Myers has kicked his only field goal this year.
A Seahawks Fan View
I asked the KillerHawk instagram page, the Fantasy Football Network scout team Seattle Seahawks correspondent, a few questions about his team. He can be followed on Instagram @fear_the _hawk.
What record will the Seahawks finish with this season?
"Season is early, my guess 6-10."
How do the fans feel about the Russell Wilson departure?
How do the fans feel about the Russell Wilson departure?
"Wilson seemed to check a few years ago, don’t get me wrong great player. It was time for change."
What's Seattle biggest strength?
"Biggest strength DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and a young team."
Your biggest weakness?
Your biggest weakness?
"Weakness is also young team, two rookies on the offense line, they will improve over the season."
An under the radar player to keep an eye on?
"Couple players to watch, on defense Michael Jackson and Kobe Bryant. They are very talented, but like I said before they are young. On the offensive side of the ball rookie running back Kenneth Walker III."
Score Prediction?
"21-17. Hawks I think take this one, cause we are at home. The 12’s will be loud."
Betting Odds
Spread: Seahawks -1
Moneyline: Falcons -105 Seahawks -115
Over/Under: 42 points
My Prediction
Falcons 23 - 17 Seahawks.
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We can be followed on Twitter @falcons_corner or on Instagram at falcons.corner. I provide fantasy coverage for the Fantasy Football Network, you can subscribe at Fantasyfootball.network or download their mobile app.
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