The Seattle Seahawks (1-0) have a tricky road matchup against the New England Patriots (1-0) in Week 2. The Patriots stunned the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, defeating them 16-10. Jerod Mayo’s stingy defense held an explosive Bengals offense to 10 points and 224 total net yards of offense. Offensively, their biggest playmakers did enough to win the game.
With that in mind, we’ve identified three Patriots players the Seahawks need to be prepared for in Week 2.
Rhamondre Stevenson
Stud running back Rhamondre Stevenson carried a heavy workload for the Patriots in Week 1 and he was extremely effective. The former Oklahoma standout ran the ball 25 times for 120 yards and a touchdown, averaging an efficient 4.8 yards per carry. The Patriots are also willing to get Stevenson involved in the passing game, hence his three targets on Sunday. Seattle’s front seven must be prepared for the threat he poses.
Christian Gonzalez
Sophomore cornerback Christian Gonzalez picked up where he left off after suffering a season-ending torn ACL injury last year. Gonzalez allowed a passer rating of 87.5 and forfeited just 5.0 yards per reception on the three catches he allowed, according to Pro Football Focus’ charting. There’s a decent chance he’ll shadow DK Metcalf on Sunday.
Keion White
One of the more underrated defensive lineman in the league, if Sunday was any indication, Keion White is primed for a monster breakout season. The former Georgia Tech product was credited with 2.5 sacks on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. White’s PFF pass-rushing grade was a 90.1 in Week 1 as a result, the fourth-highest score handed out. Given Seattle’s offensive line woes, this could spell trouble.
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