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Atlanta Falcons vs. Seattle Seahawks: To-Do Checklist for Divisional Round

By Eric Robinson

Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) defends Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) defends Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes under pressure from Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dwight Freeney (93) and middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Atlanta, 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes under pressure from Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dwight Freeney (93) and middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Atlanta, 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Waves of pressure on Wilson 

It’s no secret that the Seahawks offensive line is the team’s weakest link, having given up 42 sacks on the years. Seattle also has allowed the fifth most sack yards (272) this season.

In week six, Pro Football Focus determined that Russell Wilson produced a 39.6 QB rating when pressured. Wilson completed 3-of-10 passes for 27 yards and sacked once when pressured 11 times. That one sack; however, came from cornerback Desmond Trufant.

Getting pressure on Wilson is about as important as any other plan for victory over Seattle. This is where a top edge rusher such as Vic Beasley comes into play for Atlanta. Beasley, of course, led the NFL with 15.5 sacks.

Defensive end Adrian Clayborn would be vital as well. His return prior to the Week 15 contest against Carolina was fresh off a partially torn meniscus. Clayborn appeared a bit rusty, having only produced two tackles and no sacks, in the two games since his return. He should be back to full speed having two full weeks of work in since Atlanta’s last game. Clayborn’s presence along with veteran Dwight Freeney and the improved Brooks Reed will be key to consistent pressure.

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