MVN: Most Valuable Network

The 2-10 Seattle Seahawks will host the 7-5 New England Patriots at Qwest Field in a 1:15 pm game on Sunday, December 7.  With an impressive array of high-impact players on both sides of the ball, the Patriots present a difficult challenge for the struggling Seahawks.

So, how can the Seahawks pull off the upset?  It is possible, but it's going to take a few major adjustments.

1.  Re-tool the defensive approach.  John Marshall has consistently called zone coverage at the wrong times, giving opposing quarterbacks way too much time to make their reads and find the open receiver.  The Hawks need to open up the blitz package and bring pressure from every possible angle, as much as possible.  Matt Cassel isn't Tom Brady, so get in his face and keep him off balance.  Or rush four, play a soft zone, and give him time to find Randy Moss.  It should be an obvious choice: if Cassel has time, the Hawks are doomed.

2.  Use all available offensive weapons.  The west coast offense is based on using the tight end, fullback, and half-back in the receiving game.  John Carlson, a rookie tight end, is the team's leading receiver; Leonard Weaver is a tight end converted to fullback, with soft hands and a punishing running style; and Mo Morris and Julian Jones are multi-faceted weapons who can catch and pick up yardage after the catch.  All four players need to be heavily involved in the passing game for the Seahawks to win.

3.  Do something big early.  The Qwest Field crowd has the ability to overwhelm an opponent with sheer volume, and fans are waiting for a reason to explode.  Unfortunately, too often the Hawks have fallen behind early, and Coach Holmgren has taken the crowd out of the game with timid play calling.  So, make a statement: go for it on fourth and two.  Run a gadget play or an onside kick.  Just show the crowd that you're in the game to win, Coach, and we (I'm a season ticket holder) will have your back.  My throat will be shredded come Monday morning regardless, but a lot of fans aren't going to get loud unless they feel like the team (and coach) are playing to win.

4.  Get Randy Moss frustrated.  Moss is one of the most talented players in the league, and he has improved his focus and work ethic since joining the Patriots.  Still, he's a lot like a running back in that he needs to get his touches early and get in a rythm or he loses a little focus.  Get Marcus Trufant up on the line and jam Moss hard on every play.  He doesn't like contact, so hit him and keep hitting him.  If he's frustrated, the entire Patriots offense will be out of sync.  He'll still get his catches, but if Tru can keep him in check and off balance, the Seahawks have a much better chance of winning.

Easy? Likely? Probably not, especially given Mike Holmgren's conservative (read: timid) approach this year.  But it is possible, and all it will take is a willingness to make a few adjustments.