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The Seattle Seahawks have a number of challenges when they go on the road to face the Houston Texans in Week 4. In addition to limiting the many offensive weapons that Houston will possibly put on the field, there is one looming task that must be addressed.
Seattle must contain J.J. Watt.
Now, I suppose we could insert an overused sports phrase at this point, such as “You can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him.” If you think about it, containment might be adequate.
One assumes that at some point Watt is going to get to Russell Wilson. Watt has three sacks this year, but he had 20.5 last year, along with four forced fumbles.
It is perhaps unfair to suggest that the offensive line of the Seahawks has played poorly, but it is probably fair to argue that this has not been the most effective group on the team. Breno Giacomini is already banged up, which means that rookie Michael Bowie might draw the assignment of stopping Watt.
J.J. Watt versus a rookie right tackle is not exactly the matchup that Seattle wants in this game.
Unfortunately, the answer is not to have Wilson scramble on every possession. Fans may suggest that Watt can be somewhat neutralized by having Wilson roll out constantly, but that reflects a bit of a misunderstanding as to how Wilson plays. The whole idea of the read-option is to have options. If Wilson rolls out in space every single time, he is limiting his choices.
Wilson has the ability to run. However, Wilson does not look to run.
There exists the possibility that it will be hard to contain J.J. Watt. Hopefully, the Seahawks will be able to minimize the damage and keep Russell Wilson on his feet.
Todd Pheifer covers the Seattle Seahawks for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @tpheifer, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google+.
