ProFootballCentral.com

By: PFC Seahawks Writer Matt Johnson

The Seahawks are coming off of 3 weeks depleted at wide receiver and a 1-2 start, after a bye week they are finally healthy.  They welcome back former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch and their 2007 leading receiver Bobby Engram this week vs. the undefeated New York Giants. With the Seahawks wide receivers back, the Giants face a game in which their leading receiver Plaxico Burress was suspended after missing a team meeting and not contacting the team for 2 days.

With both teams in the top 5 in rushing yards per game averaging over 150 yards per game, the game plan will be to stop the run.  Both teams do this well, also top 5 in the league allowing 90 yard or less. That’s why the receivers are going to be the key in this match up. For the Giants, star receiver Plaxico Burress is out, making Domenik Hixon the main receiver in the passing game.  The Seahawks will most likely spread the ball out to a variety of receivers including; Deion Branch, Bobby Engram, Koren Robinson along with newly added Keary Culbert and Billy McMullen.

This makes the defensive secondary and d-line of both teams a huge part in who comes out on top on Sunday. The key will be to get pressure on the quarterback and not allow the big play.  Both teams have great offensive lines so getting to the quarterback will be tough. Look for Patrick Kerney of the Hawks and Justin Tuck of the Giants to put the pressure on.  Whoever gets to the quarterback could make the difference.

This game will be closer than most think.  Will the Giants take this game seriously? I’m not sure. What I do know is the Seahawks will be fired up to play and try and take the only undefeated team in the NFC down. Those combined with Plaxico Burress out could lead to defeat in the Meadowlands. We’ll just have to see.