A matchup on the West Coast against one of the league's stingiest defenses will be the next challenge for the Washington Redskins in Week 9 action.
For the second time this season, the Washington Redskins will make the long trip out west, this time for a meeting with the Seattle Seahawks.
With the Los Angeles Rams currently in control of the NFC West, the Seahawks will be looking for any way to get back to the top of the division, which they have won five times in the last decade.
Behind center, quarterback Russell Wilson continues his unique style of improvisation. With more than 2,000 passing yards right now, Wilson continues to give defenses fits.
Wilson has been the sole offensive force for Seattle without a legitimate threat at running back. Since the departure of Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks have auditioned a number of tailbacks to minimal success. Chris Carson leads the team in rushing yards but has just one score on the year.
Against the Houston Texans in a 41-38 victory on Sunday, Seattle managed just 33 rushing yards with 30 coming from Wilson's legs.
Seattle's offensive line remains one of the main reasons the running backs had trouble finding a groove. Starting center Justin Britt went down with an ankle injury in Week 7 against the New York Giants, adding even more problems to an O-line that has given up 14 sacks. Britt returned to the game, but any injury to any member of the Seattle line will greatly affect the performance of the offense.
When Wilson isn't running, he's been finding his favorite target Doug Baldwin. The seventh-year receiver amassed 92 yards against Washington's division rival, the New York Giants, in Week 7.
Besides the magic of Wilson, Seattle's defense may be what the team is most known for across the league. The Seahawks lead the NFL in the fewest points allowed per game, only letting opponents score an average of 15.7 points per contest through six games.
Plenty of stars lead the charge for Seattle's stalwart defense. Defensive end Michael Bennett leads the team with four sacks, while linebacker Bobby Wagner stands as the leading tackler for the Emerald City with 49 total takedowns on the year.
Cornerback Richard Sherman remains a threat to quarterbacks looking for their outside receivers. The 6-foot-3 Stanford product will be looking to take advantage of the still developing Washington receiving corps, including Terrelle Pryor Sr. and Josh Doctson. The matchup between Washington;s wide receivers and Sherman will be one to watch.
While the Seattle defense excels in keeping teams out of the end zone, it struggles against a strong running game. The Seahawks allowed the 15th most rushing yards through six games. With running backs Rob Kelley, Samaje Perine and Chris Thompson as viable options in the backfield for the Redskins, the Seattle front seven will have plenty of playmakers to look out for in this Week 9 contest.
The last time the Seahawks and Redskins met was in 2014. Washington lost that game 27-14 at FedExField in Landover, Md.
