The Minnesota Vikings travel west to face the Seattle Seahawks in a matchup that is flying under the radar this week in the NFL. The Seahawks present a unique challenge for the Vikings as they chip away at the NFC North lead that the Lions hold over them.
What better way to get to know a unique opponent than to go behind enemy lines and discuss the matchup with Seahawks Wire?
We spoke to Kole Musgrove of Seahawks Wire and dove into some topics that include some big names such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba and some names that may fly under the radar. Here are the notes from our conversation with Musgrove.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has semed to really emerge this year with a strong connection with Geno Smith, what makes their connection so effective?
Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Smith-Njigba is an incredibly talented player who has finally come into his own. I believe the root cause of this emergence is the fact the Seahawks have an offensive coordinator in Ryan Grubb who is far more creative and intentional about involving Smith-Njigba directly in the game plan. Compared to Shane Waldron last year, it didn't seem like Seattle knew how to use him quite well. Smith-Njigba has shown he can be the No. 1 option even if D.K. Metcalf is in the lineup, and I believe that has shown to his quarterback that he is a trustworthy option.
What area has new head coach Mike MacDonald made the biggest impact on with this team?
Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The biggest thing has been the fact that he has done wonders to fix this defense. It's still not perfect, and the team starts games too slow on both sides of the ball. But from where the unit has been for the last few years, it is night and day. This pass rush is suffocating; the linebackers are tackling like they are made from human glue, and the secondary is ball-hawking once more. Seattle is no longer getting outright bullied on the ground like it had been.
Where are the Seahawks most vulnerable on either offense or defense?
Nov 12, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Charles Cross (67) exits the locker room before a game against the Washington Commanders at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The Achilles Heel of this Seahawks team is their atrocious offensive line. For years, this unit has been among the worst in the league, and yet, somehow, this year, they are worse than ever before. They cannot keep their quarterbacks upright and routinely struggle to open things up on the ground for their ball carriers. Bringing the heat early and often is a good way to shut down Seattle's offense because the men up front have little ability to offer protection.
Who is a playmaker on either side of the ball that non-Seahawk fans should know about?
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) is congratulated after an interception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 8, 2024.
Keep an eye out for No. 13 Ernest Jones IV and No. 48 Tyrice Knight, Seattle's new linebacker duo. Part of the turnaround on defense has been the in-season upgrades to Jones (who they traded for from Tennessee) and the promotion of rookie Knight to a starting role. These two are tackling machines. Fundamentally sound in the run defense and showing ability to make game-changing plays defending the pass. Opponents are quickly learning that the middle of the field is not a friendly place when playing the Seahawks these days.
Predicition and final score
Aug 26, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; A Seattle Seahawks helmet sits on the sidelines during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
I am calling for an upset, believe it or not. Seattle's backs are against the wall, and history shows us (even this year) that when the Hawks are in this position, they find a way to play their best football. Yes, Minnesota is playing for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. But the Seahawks are playing to even qualify for the postseason. If Seattle's defense can find a way to slow the Vikings down and the offense (which will have both Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker III in the lineup), then the Hawks have a chance. I'm saying Seahawks over Vikings 20-17