The Seattle Seahawks will be beginning their 2021 season on the road in Week 1 with a visit to the Indianapolis Colts. It will be a fun early-season matchup between two teams that are expected to be among the best in their respective divisions.
The Seahawks are looking to ride the momentum their defense had at the end of 2020 into this season. They are also hoping the offensive line woes that have plagued them are now a thing of the past with the changes they made.
Week 1 against the Colts will be the first chance for them to see if either of those things can happen. Here are three things to watch for when the Seahawks travel to Indianapolis in Week 1.
3. Will They Make The Quarterback Uncomfortable?
There is a chance that the Seattle Seahawks are going to get to face off with the Indianapolis Colts not having their starting quarterback, Carson Wentz. Wentz was recovering from a foot injury most of training camp but recently landed on the COVID-19 list as well.
If Wentz cannot go, Seattle will have a huge advantage at the quarterback position with Jacob Eason likely starting the game. The Seahawks need to make him as uncomfortable as possible under center for his first career NFL start.
If Wentz is able to play, Seattle is facing off with someone who has had very little practice time leading up to the regular season with his new team, another thing they need to take advantage of.
2. Can They Slow Down Jonathan Taylor?
With the quarterback situation so uncertain heading into Week 1 for the Indianapolis Colts, they are going to rely heavily on running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor had an excellent rookie season and will be looking to carry that over into his sophomore campaign.
If Carson Wentz is out, he will be the focal point of the offense. It would not be shocking to see the Colts try and limit the throwing attempts of whoever starts in his place and ride Taylor as much as they can.
If Seattle can slow down Taylor and the running game, it should be a victorious start to their season.
1. Shane Waldron’s Offensive Scheme
The Seattle Seahawks offense is under new leadership. Brian Schottenheimer was fired as offensive coordinator with Shane Waldron taking over.
Waldron was previously the passing game coordinator for Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams, so there are high hopes for him. He is looking to play with more pace this season, something Russell Wilson should be in a favor of.
Pete Carroll is one of the most run-heavy coaches in the NFL. Will that continue with Waldron in place given his passing game background?
