How the Seahawks’ offense plans to counter the Steelers’ defense in Week 6

When the Pittsburgh Steelers play a team like the Seattle Seahawks, an NFC West team, there can be a lot of uncertainty surrounding the matchup.

Sure, fans know the big name players from their opponent, but a lot can change from one year to the next.

With that said, I reached out to Field Gulls’ contributor John Gilbert and asked him a series of questions about the upcoming game. He was more than generous to provide answers to these questions, and in this article I asked him what the Seahawks’ plan to counter the Steelers defense in Week 6 will be.

How will Geno Smith and company try to move the ball against the stout Steelers defense?

Check out his answer below, and be sure to follow Field Gulls for the latest news and notes from the other side of the fence leading up to the game at 8:20 p.m. ET.

When the Seahawks have the ball, how will they try to move the ball?

My guess is that Seattle will come in looking to alleviate the stress on Smith by using the ground game to move the ball and then try to hit the big play once the offense is outside the 35 or 40. How well they will be able to execute that strategy will be the key question. Starting running back Chris Carson missed Week 5 with a neck injury, starting left guard Damien Lewis missed practice Wednesday with an illness and starting center Kyle Fuller was limited Wednesday due to illness. So, how well will the team be able to execute in the run game or to protect Smith in obvious passing situations? Those are the questions that feel like they will be the most important as Seattle tries to handle the Steelers defense, which is statistically one of the best units they have faced so far this season.

The Steelers defense won’t have to worry about players like Russell Wilson or Carson, both who were placed on Injured Reserve (IR) this week, but it doesn’t mean Geno Smith and targets like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett can’t make plays.

If Pittsburgh’s defense is as elite as many think, they will have to do their job by putting pressure on Smith early and often, all while stopping the run. Making the Seattle offense one-dimensional will be the key to victory for the home team. Do that, and you should be on your way to victory. Struggle and be in for a fight till the end.

How do you see this game shaking out? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the upcoming Week 6 game.