New England Patriots: 5 Seattle Seahawks players who present a problem

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Seattle Seahawks Chris Carson. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

New England Patriots front seven must contain Chris Carson

The Seattle Seahawks offense feature a duo of dangerous running backs in Carlos Hyde and Chris Carson.

With the emphasis on containing Russell Wilson and limiting the playmaking threats of Tyler Locket and D.K. Metcalf, the New England Patriots defense will have to limit the run the run in this game and prevent a versatile running back like Chris Carson from making big plays in the passing game, which has been a weakness for the team over the past few seasons.

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With some inexperience in the linebacker group, the Seahawks will challenge the Patriots linebackers with quick passes and intermediate throws to the tight ends. Where Chris Carson will be dangerous is his ability to both run the ball and his effectiveness catching the ball.

In the Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Carson rushed just 6 times for 21 yards, but his 6 receptions for 45 yards is what really sticks out. Led by Ja’Whaun Bentley, the New England Patriots linebackers have to be aware of the versatile running back, while at the same time not allow Seattle’s rushing attack to get off and running.

If they do, Russell Wilson becomes even more dangerous and Bill Belichick will have to bring up his safeties to load the box. That might now be a bad thing with the team’s ability to play man with Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson leading the secondary, but there will be more emphasis put on the second level of defense.

Without rookie linebacker Josh Uche, will the Patriots have the speed to cover a running back like Chris Carson?

You better believe the Seattle Seahawks are going to try to find out.

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