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NFC Wild Card Preview: Seattle Seahawks vs. Minnesota Vikings

By Eric Robinson

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October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) receives the hand off from quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) receives the hand off from quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi /

In what will possibly be one of the coldest games in NFL history, coach Pete Carroll and his Seahawks travel to Minnesota to take on Adrian Peterson and the Vikings. Back in early December, an important five game winning streak elevated Seattle ultimately to the playoffs and in the middle of that streak was a 38-7 thumping of the Vikings in Minnesota.

Here is the preview of the NFC Wild Card game.

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Why Seattle May Win

While the identity of Seattle is greatly in large to do with their aggressive defense, the play of QB Russell Wilson this season has been phenomenal. Wilson reached career highs in yards (4,024), TDs (34), and completion percentage (68.1) this season despite the number of circumstances around him (injured Jimmy Graham, average 0-line).

Undrafted rookie Thomas Rawls filled in quite well for Lynch. With the Vikings 17th against the run, I expect Carroll to hand off early and often. The running game can predicate the play action passing game for Russell Wilson passes to Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, and others.

The defense has hit its stride lately and has looked absolutely dominant as of late. First in points allowed (17.3 ppg), second in yards allowed (291.8), and fourth in opponent third down conversion (34%). Those stats are just the tip of the iceberg. Earlier in the season, the Seahawks took some considerable punches in losses to Cincinnati and Carolina. What coach Carroll proceeded to do was get his team, in particular his defense, on one accord.

The result of that tactic speaks for itself. The secondary gets the shine and rightfully so with CB Richard Sherman and safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas. The unheralded heroes of the defense are DEs Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. Bennett leads the team in sacks (10) while Avril (9) is second. Linebackers KJ Wright and Bobby Wagner are in charge of controlling Adrian Peterson as long as the line gets a consistent push which is definitely a possibility.

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    • Why Minnesota May Win

    Simply put, the play of Adrian Peterson predicates a lot for Minnesota’s offense. Missing an entire season of football is tough, but apparently Peterson didn’t get that memo as he led the league in rushing with 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns. Minnesota is third in the league in called run plays (48.7%) so it’s no secret that the running is going to be the biggest key for the Vikes.

    QB Teddy Bridgewater hasn’t taken a big step in year two that most predicted he would. Bridgewater matched last season’s touchdown total (14) and some feel puzzled by hit. I won’t point the finger at Teddy B but instead I will look at the offensive line who has relinquished a great deal of pressures and sacks on the season. Rookie wide-out Stefon Diggs ( has been excellent with 52 catches, 720 yards, and four touchdowns.

    The Vikings are fifth overall in scoring defense at 18.9 points a game. One reason that is the case is their outstanding unit of linebackers led by Anthony Barr (67 tackles, seven pass deflections, 3.5 sacks). The second year linebacker is coming into his own and is building a stout one, two tandem with former UCLA teammate Eric Kendricks (92 tackles, four sacks).

    While stated earlier that Seattle is fourth in opponent third down conversion, Minnesota is fifth. What will also be key is the discipline of the defensive line. DEs Brian Robison, Everson Griffin, and Danielle Hunter are all solid pass rushers, yet the magician that Russell Wilson is has a skill set that shows he’s just as dangerous as a runner as he is a passer.

    Who Will Win

    Both teams are on a roll at this point. Minnesota has won three straight including going on the road to defeat the Packers for the NFC North crown. Seattle has won six out of their last seven including a statement win on the road in Arizona. What’s key for Minnesota is Bridgewater and his receivers. Seattle will take the field with intentions on controlling Peterson and making Bridgewater chuck the ball a little.

    The Vikings gave up 173 rushing yards in their previous matchup with Seattle and that damage was done by Rawls and Wilson. I think the effectiveness of the Seattle running game will make a difference and allow Seattle to play their type of football.

    Seahawks 24 Vikings 17

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