The Seahawks (1-1) face the Titans (1-1) Sept. 24 in Nashville; kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. Pacific time. Here’s how our in-house armchair quarterbacks forecast the game.
MARK KRULISH
Sports reporter
Kitsap News Group
Last week’s Seahawks game was about as exciting as a root canal as, once again, Russell Wilson was running for his life — this time against one of the NFL’s worst teams. But his ability to rush ultimately saved the Seahawks. While the criticisms of his throwing mechanics are legitimate, no quarterback can properly execute an offense without time to throw, and the offensive line remains the team’s most glaring weakness. This week, Seattle takes on a Titans team with a good pass rush, but a weak secondary. The running game will have some difficulty against a stout Tennessee front seven, but with some time to throw, Wilson should be able to pass for at least two touchdowns against a defense that allowed a struggling Blake Bortles 220 yards in Week 2. That is, if Wilson’s receivers can hang on to the ball in the end zone this time. On balance, these two teams are pretty evenly-matched, so it should be a close one. Seahawks 21, Titans 20.
DAVE MURRAY
Creative artist
Kitsap News Group
The Seahawks offense did slightly better against the 49ers. Dave Wyman (Seahawks TV postgame show) said the talent is there on offense and expects them to do well — eventually. John Clayton (ESPN Seattle) said there are reasons to be concerned about the Seahawks offense, such as poorly thrown balls by Russell Wilson, dropped passes by receivers, inconsistent play by the offensive line, and Jimmy Graham’s low production at tight end. Clayton also said that many NFL teams are struggling getting their offense going this year. Speaking of the Seahawks defensive unit, however, there is general agreement that this Seahawks defense might be the best yet under Pete Carroll. The defense will keep the game close but with the offense not playing up to par, I need to pick the Titans to win this one 23-16.
RICHARD WALKER
Managing editor
Kitsap News Group
One man does not an offense make. I said it last week — predicting Seahawks 24, 49ers 10 — and it bears repeating: The offense has to play earlier in the game like it does when it’s up against the wall and running out of time in the fourth. The Seahawks are going to have to score early and go into the half in clear command of the game (3-0 vs. Green Bay, in Green Bay? We saw how that worked out for us). They have to expect some surprises. The Titans, at home, are going to give us grief. We could pull it off but it will be close, and will likely be the result of a fourth-quarter drive. Seahawks 20, Titans 17.
