Field Gulls
It’s the first of three October dates for the Seattle Seahawks before their midseason bye. This is a special home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as both teams are celebrating 50 seasons in the NFL, and thus we get a double throwback uniform game. There are still considerable stakes in the present given it’s 3-1 vs. 3-1, and that head-to-head tiebreaker could matter a lot when we get to the nitty gritty of the playoff chase later on in the season.
Before we get into this week’s five predictions for Seahawks vs. Bucs, let’s revisit last week’s predictions from the Cardinals game:
Bold prediction: Arizona’s offense is held under 200 yards
This was going so well until the last drive. So close.
Seahawks offense prediction: Jaxon Smith-Njigba eclipses 100 yards again
Not doing anything in the first half sunk this prediction, but he did lead all receivers on both teams with 79 yards.
Seahawks defense prediction: The Seahawks finally recover a fumble
They still haven’t even forced a fumble yet, unless you count what Tyrice Knight did to Coby Bryant.
Cardinals prediction: Calais Campbell adds to his Seahawks collection
Why was this the one I was correct on? Dammit.
Game prediction: Seahawks keep the good times rolling in Glendale
I said 26-13 and itwas 23-20. In an alternate universe it really might have been 26-13. Probably the universe where JSN doesn’t get a “holding” penalty on Zach Charbonnet’s touchdown.
Well, I’ve already spoiled that I think the Seahawks will win, so the score prediction is just a matter of how many points each team will score.
Riq Woolen has been under fire for his performance this season, particularly in high leverage moments. He has six penalties (four accepted) and has been subject to trade rumors throughout this week. Will he step up, particularly in the absence of Julian Love and Devon Witherspoon? I think he’ll get his first pick, and it’ll be one that seals the deal and exorcise some of his recent demons.
Kupp has been about what I expected in Seattle. He’s not the super explosive receiver he once was, but 55 percent of his 15 receptions have been “successful” plays in terms of getting a first down or getting the majority of yards needed to get a first down.
With Tampa’s cornerback room banged up, I see Kupp having a role in the red zone and a touchdown to boot. No doubt the Bucs will be trying hard to stymie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which should open up some opportunities for Kupp to work underneath.
The Buccaneers have Tristan Wirfs back, and he’s one of the great offensive players in the league, let alone tackles. They’re still down two starters on injured reserve, and the Seahawks pass rush has been...
