2. The Seahawks are more physical in both trenches
While having a good quarterback is essential for a championship football team, most football games are won in the battle of the trenches. The Seahawks defensive line will be able to generate plenty of pressure on Brady since the Patriots have a shoddy offensive line, and they rank third in the NFL in run defense while having solid pass rushers in defensive ends Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. They will also be ready for whatever Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount throws at them after they held Packers running back Eddie Lacy in the second half of the NFC Championship. The Seahawks regularly facing NFC West opponents doesn’t hurt either as they each possess physical defenses as well.
The New York Giants already showed how bad Brady can look if he is pressured properly. Tackles Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer will be challenging for Avril and Bennett though. The Seahawks offensive line will be a key to this game as they have shown to be inconsistent. However, left tackle Russell Okung and center Max Unger are both Pro Bowl-caliber linemen who can give Wilson enough protection and open up running lanes for Lynch. Lynch alone will give the Patriots defensive line fits, and Forsett showed how to properly exploit them in the Divisional Round. Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork will be tasked with handling Lynch, but Unger will be too overwhelming for him. Plus, Wilson can just take off running if a play breaks down. He led NFL quarterbacks in rushing with 849 yards.
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