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Game-day details
Sun., 4:05 p.m. ET, Seahawks Stadium
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Intermittent clouds. High: 68. Low: 52.
Why To Watch
As demonstrated on Monday night in Week 1, it's still the Michael Vick Show in Atlanta. He has talented options in Warrick Dunn and Michael Jenkins and is complemented by an aggressive defense, but Vick still is the straw that stirs the Falcons. The Falcons' confidence is soaring after avenging the NFC championship loss to Philadelphia in Week 1.
The inconsistent Seahawks are dangerous at home, and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck must redeem his poor Week 1 performance and lean on running back Shaun Alexander, the NFL's second-leading rusher a year ago, to get the stalled offense in gear.
Falcons Keys For Success
1. Get Vick in the open field. The Atlanta coaches try too hard to keep Vick in the pocket, thus hindering the Falcons' potency. The team needs Vick to make plays in the running game because the threat of him running forces more defenders to focus on him and thus loosens up coverage, limits blitzing and demands safety attention. The Falcons are at their best when Vick improvises.
2. Throw to the wide receivers. The book is out on Atlanta's offense -- spy Vick, load up against the run and cover tight end Alge Crumpler with a safety. Opponents will follow that formula until Vick proves capable of consistently throwing downfield to the wide receivers. To attain some balance, the Falcons need young, speedy wide receivers Michael Jenkins and Roddy White to grow into legitimate threats.
3. Play under control on defense. The Falcons have perhaps the most aggressive front seven in the NFL -- sometimes to a fault. It's difficult to prepare for Atlanta, but the defensive players often over-fire gaps, leave zone coverage areas and generally get out of position. The Atlanta defenders must maintain composure and play with discipline.
Seahawks Keys For Success
1. Run the ball. A week ago, Seattle threw 37 passes and ran the ball only 19 runs (14 to Shaun Alexander) despite holding a halftime lead. Seattle coach Mike Holmgren must commit to the run this week to achieve balance, slow down the Falcons' pass rush and keep Vick off the field.
2. Contain the edge pass rushers. Defensive ends Patrick Kerney and Brady Smith are the pulse of the Falcons' defense. The other linemen and linebackers feed off their ability to make plays in the backfield. Seattle left tackle Walter Jones is the best offensive lineman in the NFL, but Sean Locklear, starting in place of Floyd Womack at right tackle, lacks experience. Locklear has the quickness to handle speed rushers but must avoid being overly aggressive. Jones' and Locklear's challenge becomes more manageable if Holmgren commits to the running game.
3. Cover Crumpler. Vick gets the bulk of the credit, but Crumpler is the team's X-factor. The Falcons lack talent and depth at wide receiver, and Vick relies on Crumpler, especially when scrambling. The Seahawks should not attempt to cover Crumpler with a linebacker, assigning either free safety Ken Hamlin or strong safety Michael Boulware to Crumpler on every down. Take Crumpler away, and the Atlanta offense struggles.
Injuries at a glance
Falcons injuries
9/7/05 Roddy White WR Ankle sprain Status unknown for Week 1
8/16/05 Brady Smith DE Neck surgery Out 6-12 weeks
Seahawks injuries
9/13/05 Itula Mili TE Intestinal blockage Questionable for Week 2
The Bottom Line
Seattle will run the ball effectively and stay close but lacks the defensive personnel to contain Vick, especially if he is able to get multiple offensive weapons involved. The Falcons should win by a touchdown.
Pick: Falcons 27, Seahawks 20
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