Are the Panthers a "Trap Game" for the Hawks?

[MHS831]

The Seahawks won an emotional, divisional, overtime rivalry game vs the Rams on a Thursday night (Dec 18).  That gives them 10 days to prepare for the Panthers, but the Christmas holiday fell a week later--I bet they were afforded an extra day for travel-many coming back east.  Following the Panthers, Seattle plays at San Francisco for the division title (in all probability).

 

The Rams finish the season with games against the Falcons and Cardinals, two likely wins, pushing them to 13-4.  The Niners finish the season with home games against the Bears and Seahawks. Seattle finishes the season with the Panthers on the road and SF in California.  

It is easy to see how preparing for the Panthers, during the holiday break and with the Niners waiting for them in SF a week later for (what could be) the NFC West title and #1 Seed in the NFC, could create the perfect trap game scenario.  The Panthers at home are 5-2.  

In the past 2 weeks, the Seahawks struggled to beat the Phillip Rivers Colts in Seattle and then pulled off a miraculous, emotional victory at home vs. the Rams.  I am not convinced that they are as good as advertised.

Seattle is a TD favorite in Charlotte.  I feel that Carolina by 3 may be more accurate.  While I am still not confident in this team's consistency and it never seems to dominate, it sure feels like a trap game for Seattle to me.  How could they NOT be thinking of San Francisco right now?  They are not used to being in this position (current players) and it is human nature.  Carolina 27, Seattle 24. 

Edited 2 hours ago by MHS831

[jbland]

Wouldn’t that be something. However, I don’t think anyone is overlooking us right now. (It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say that. Feels good) 

[SOJA]

 I haven't been able to watch Seattle on a dedicated basis but the Seahawks are a much better team by the all accounts: eye test, record and DVOA. Defensively they are sick. Best DVOA in the league first in rushing and second in passing. Offensively their passing game has been on fire this year led by JSN

I can easily see this being like the Buffalo game where things just get out of hand for us early, that being said this league really is week to week and Seattle does have the disadvantage of traveling cross country for an early game. 

If and big if, the Panthers are able to effectively run the ball and limit the amount of time Seattle's offense has to generate explosive plays we have a path to winning this game. 

Seattle fans won't be happy to hear this but bad Darnold is always lurking in the background. He is truly an enigma to root for bc he will have an incredible throw that only a few people can make but then will turn around and throw the most bone headed pick of all time. 

I think ultimately we drop this one as ultimately it's human nature to be looking forward to that week 18 game. But man how special would it be to be leaving the stadium on Sunday with a win and a miracle dolphins upset 

[SOJA]

I'll be at the game Sunday and up until last year I had a perfect attendance record. Now however I have seen us lose to the Chiefs (last year) and the Bills (this year). So we can no longer rely solely on my ability to pound overpriced beers to propel us to a win. 

[CRA]

Only way we have a shot is if Seattle’s offense lays an egg and makes enough mistakes to let it be a game.  Sort of the repeating model needed for us. 
 

*which Sam Darnold is back to being Sam Darnold.  He always emerges down the stretch 

[cookinbrak]

Remind Darnold of the ghosts...