Go Hawks!
The weather in Denver looks to be in the 30's and partly cloudy. What does this mean? Nothing, except that the passing game for both teams will be on display. The quarterback matchup is interesting - Roethlisberger is only in his second year, and the Snake is seemingly reborn after a career of unfulfilled promise. Frankly, I'm not as informed about the AFC but I think this game will be decided at the line of scrimmage. Whichever quarterback gets time to throw will make fewer mistakes and will come out ahead.
I have to pick the home team. Denver, 28-24.
Seattle's weather looks good too.
If we had big, cold rain it could affect the warm weather pansies and work against the Delhomme/Smith hookup. But, it won't. Much of the talk around town is focusing on this tandem, for good reason. The Seattle secondary has been our achilles heel all year. We're not that good to start and we've been injured at positions with little depth.
But, I'll be surprised if we can't run the ball. There are three Pro-bowlers on the offensive line and the unit as a whole has been outstanding this year. Hasselbeck is mobile enough to escape when protection breaks down and though he has a tendency to force a play or two a game, this won't be enough to stem the tide. Alexander's concussion was mild, he practiced Wednesday, and Holmgren says he's playing, 100%.
Smith has a big game, but not like last week. Even though the Seattle secondary is weak, our run defense was in the top 5 and Carolina's running game is not a big threat, with Foster out as their second back. A third-tier back will allow Seattle to focus sufficiently on Smith.
Further weakening the Panthers' position are their other injuries. 7 players didn't practice Wednesday including Julius Peppers. Only 2 of the 7 were listed as probable (75%). The rest, including Peppers, were questionable (50%). Carolina didn't get a week off, this is their third week in a row traveling, and this is the longest trip they can make.
Seattle wins, 34-20.
