Game Preview Week 5: Cincinnati Bengals vs Seattle Seahawks

Opponent:

Seattle Seahawks

Team Blog:

Field Gulls

2014 Record:

12-4 (NFC West Champions)

Coach:

Pete "9/11 Truther" Carroll

Location:

Paul Brown Stadium

Date & Time:

October 11, 1:00 p.m. EST

2014 Season Review:

Perhaps the best team in the league in 2014, the Seahawks had five Pro Bowlers and five AP All-Pros on a team that was solid in all phases of the game. The 2014 Seahwaks were a throwback team that preferred to run the ball with Marshawn Lynch first, and then work the play action pass off of that. Much debate can be had over just how good Russell Wilson is, but all that matters is that he is good enough to take advantage of what he is given by the defense.

There are only two things you need to know about their 2014 defense: They gave up the least yards per game and the least points per game. They were pretty good as evidenced by their Super Bowl appearance, which they almost won if not for the most talked about interception and play during the 2014 season.

2015 Season Outlook:

At this point, everyone should know exactly what to expect from the Seahawks. They have been the NFL’s most dominant team during the past two years. If it weren’t for a bad throw and a worse play call, they would probably be defending back-to-back Super Bowl titles this year.

The Seahawks did suffer some major losses from their roster this offseason. Byron Maxwell is now an Eagle, Malcolm Smith is a Raider, and Max Unger was traded to the Saints. Despite losing these guys, the Seahawks still have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL.

The defense is led by the most talented secondary in the NFL, some very talented edge players, and a solid linebacking corps. Putting up points against this team will be no easy task, even for the best offenses in the NFL.

The offense will once again rely heavily on Marshawn Lynch. There will be a little added weight on his shoulders without Unger at center. However, that trade will probably make Russell Wilson’s life a little easier. Not only does he drink special water that makes him invincible, but he now has one of the top two tight ends in the NFL to throw to in Jimmy Graham.

History with Cincinnati:

The Seahawks are 9-9 all-time against the Bengals. The teams last met in 2011 when the Bengals beat the Seahawks in Seattle in a 33-12 victory. Prior to that, in 2007, the Seahawks beat the Bengals 24-21, also in Seattle. This is the least meaningful stat you'll read today.

Odds of Bengals Victory:

Vegas has the Seahawks as two point favorites as of the time of this posting. That is the second most meaningless stat you'll read today.

Early Outlook:

It’s hard to project this far out, but I would give the Bengals about a 40 percent chance of winning this game. The keys to victory will include slowing down Marshawn Lynch, forcing a couple turnovers, and the Bengals not shooting themselves in the foot with penalties and turnovers. While the Seahawks defense is great, the secondary is obviously the strength. A lot of responsibility will fall on Jeremy Hill and the offensive line to move the ball and eat clock. This can go unsaid, but Andy Dalton will have to take care of the ball as well.