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5 things to know ahead of Seahawks vs. Falcons Week 7 game

The Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons are set to meet one another for the first time since the 2022 season, and the first time in the Big Beach since 2020. Seattle and Atlanta are opposites right now. The Seahawks have lost three-straight, while the Falcons have won all three of their last games.

As such, it is time for another weekly edition of Behind Enemy Lines. I spoke with Matt Urben of Falcons Wire, and he gave me several thoughtful responses to our questions. They can be seen below.

No. 1 - The Falcons are one of the surprise teams in the league this year, and certainly one of the hottest. What has been the driving force behind their resurgence?

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 13: Michael Jackson #2 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 13: Michael Jackson #2 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Atlanta has won three games in a row and the offense has undoubtedly been the driving force behind the streak. This unit's versatility under first-year offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has been impressive. The Falcons passed for over 500 yards in Week 5 and rushed for 200 yards in Week 6.

Aside from that, the team has played well late in games this season. The Falcons have trailed during the final minute in three of their four wins but continue to make plays in key moments. Atlanta's defense has done a good job of bending but not breaking and the team has gotten a few lucky breaks.

No. 2 - Atlanta turned more than a few heads when they drafted UW’s Michael Penix Jr. despite signing Kirk Cousins this past offseason. Now, Cousins is living up to his contract. What do you think the future of the quarterback positions is going to be for the Falcons?

Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. (9) and Kirk Cousins (18) on the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. (9) and Kirk Cousins (18) on the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Falcons have watched multiple seasons go down the drain due to not having a competent quarterback, and while you could argue the team overcorrected by adding Cousins and Penix, it hasn't hurt thus far. I also believe the team took Penix to put extra pressure on Cousins to produce this season.

While the veteran QB has been productive for much of his career, he's rarely been uncomfortable or faced the type of pressure his contracts have warranted. Depending on what happens over the next season and a half, I could see Penix taking over in 2026.

No. 3 - The Seahawks and Falcons both have rookie, defensive-minded head coaches. What has impressed you the most about Raheem Morris?

Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

After three years under head coach Arthur Smith, Morris has been a breath of fresh air for this young Falcons team. In terms of energy and enthusiasm, there's no comparison. Morris likes to keep his players loose and it's paid off if you look at how Atlanta has performed late in games this season.

Not only is Morris a bright defensive mind, but he has experience coaching on both sides of the ball and knows the city of Atlanta from his time on Dan Quinn's staff from 2015 to 2020. More than anything, he's winning the types of games that this team has typically lost over the last three years.

No. 4 - Seattle is pretty banged up, but is there a Seahawk(s) who gives you the most concern for Sunday?

Sep 25, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) jumps over a tackle attempt by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Casey Hayward (29) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) jumps over a tackle attempt by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Casey Hayward (29) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

I've always been a big fan of DK Metcalf, and I think the team could struggle to contain him in Week 7. Metcalf's size and speed will be tough for Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell to match up against. Running back Kenneth Walker is the player they should be most worried about, though.

Atlanta has struggled to stop the run and failed to generate pressure up front over the first six games. If the Falcons fail to slow down Seattle's ground game, it could be a long day for the defense.

No. 5 - Who do you think wins and why?

Sep 13, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) catches a touchdown pass behind Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver (26) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) catches a touchdown pass behind Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver (26) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks match up fairly well against the Falcons and I think quarterback Geno Smith could have a big day. With that said, I think Atlanta will keep the game close and find a way to close things out in the fourth quarter. Falcons 27, Seahawks 26

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: 5 things to know ahead of Seahawks vs. Falcons Week 7 game