Matchups to Watch: Week 1 Vs. Seahawks

Rock Ya-Sin Vs. D.K Metcalf/Tyler Lockett

Xavier Rhodes has missed the past two practices and his status for Sunday remains up in the air. If Rhodes misses the game, then the Colts are in deep trouble, as cornerback is by far the thinnest position in the roster. Rock Ya-Sin struggled heavily last season, as he was never able to establish himself as the starting cornerback Ballard was expecting him to become when he drafted him with the 34th pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. Ya-Sin will have perhaps the toughest matchup of his season right off the bat, facing D.K Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, two elite wide receivers who are freakish athletes and who share incredible chemistry with Russell Wilson.

Colts’ IDL vs. Seahawks’ IOL

While the Seahawks offensive line was actually rather solid in the run game (10th in Adjusted Line Yards by FO, Carson ranked 10th in yards before contact per attempt), it was horrendous in the passing game, and that is where a now fully healthy DeForest Buckner can rip apart Seattle’s gameplan. It also helps that Seahawks’ starting center Ethan Pocic is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

Ryan Kelly Vs. Jamal Adams

In case you do not follow NFC football at all, Jamal Adams is really good at blitzing. Actually, he might be the only player better than Kenny Moore blitzing from the outside, and when he gets there, he hits much harder than Kenny. Colts’ center Ryan Kelly will have to keep an eye out for him at all times and make sure the proper measures are taken so that Carson Wentz is not left out one-on-one against Seattle’s elite safety.

Parris Campbell Vs. D.J Reed

The Seahawks lost starting cornerback Shaquill Griffin to Jacksonville in free agency, leaving a glaring hole at cornerback. Matchups are likely to change during the game, but Parris Campbell will probably line up a lot against D.J Reed, with Tre Flowers most likely shadowing Pittman Jr. Flowers is the only Seahawks corner that can match up with Pittman in height. Reed did not play a lot last season, and the Seahawks were among the worst teams in the NFL against #3, or less, receivers.

Braden Smith Vs. Carlos Dunlap

I never want to underestimate an opponent, but the Seahawks’ pass-rush does not scare me at all. Seattle ranked 23rd last year in pass-rush win rate, and they will be facing one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. The only Seahawks’ player that could cause trouble is Carlos Dunlap, who will most likely be matched up against Braden Smith. If Smith continues his excellent form from last season and keeps Dunlap in check, then the Seahawks will most likely be forced to send some creative blitzes to generate pressure on Carson.