Trying to pinpoint the weaknesses with the Seahawks heading into Week 6

The Pittsburgh Steelers have another tough test ahead of them in Week 6 of the 2021 regular season when they host the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks are 2-3 after a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Thursday night, and with players like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, the Steelers will have their hands full.

With all the talk about the big name players for Seattle, it isn’t as if their roster is perfect. In fact, there are plenty of issues on both sides of the ball. Every unit has their weaknesses. This week I was able to ask John Gilbert of Field Gulls several questions leading up to the Week 6 matchup. One of those questions was where he thought the weakness on the Seahawks’ offense resided.

Here is what he said about the offense:

The biggest weakness on offense so far this season has been an inability to sustain drives and string together multiple first downs. The offense has scored enough to have the team currently as the 13th highest scoring team in the league, but that has largely come on the back of explosive plays rather than consistently working their way down the field. Obviously, the goal of the game is scoring, so points are points, but the teams that have defeated the Seahawks so far this season have largely done so by limiting or eliminating the big play. However, the biggest possible weakness heading into the game against the Steelers could be having a quarterback other than Russell Wilson under center. The Seattle offense so far this season had been just above average with future Hall of Famer Wilson at the helm, so having a quarterback who has started just two games since 2015 is concerning.

The Seahawks’ offense, in general, is in flux and will have their hands full with the stout Steelers’ defensive front, but what about the Seattle defense? Where are the kinks in their armor?

As far as weaknesses on the other side of the ball, so far this season the entire defense has been a weakness. The pass rush hasn’t rushed the passer, the defensive line hasn’t been able to really slow down opposing running backs and the secondary has been awful, particularly on third and long. This defense is not going to be mistaken for the Legion of Boom, and it could be an opportunity for Big Ben to have a second consecutive get right game.

Steelers fans likely will read this description of the Seahawks defense and get excited, but the fact is this Steelers offense is still one which is as inconsistent as they come. If the offense can duplicate the success they had in Week 5, it could be a route. If they put a performance on the field like they did in Weeks 2-4, it could be a close game that comes down to the very end of the game.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for Week 6 of the 2021 regular season.