Two teams who know each other well
Franchises that are not in the same division may only compete once every three or four years depending on the schedule in effect. But Seattle and Atlanta are used to crossing paths since it will be their fifth game since 2016. The two teams know each other all the better as the staffs and parts of the squad have changed little during this period and Dan Quinn, the coach in leader of the Falcons, is the former defensive coordinator of the Seahawks. So there shouldn’t be any surprises on the pitch and the team that will be able to perform their game at their best – especially without having had any pre-season encounter – will have a very good chance of winning.
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2-2
Since 2016, in 4 oppositions, each team has won twice. Atlanta winning, at home, the only play-off match having opposed them, in January 2017.
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A beautiful quarterback duel
Between Matt Ryan, the Atlanta quarterback, and Russell Wilson, his counterpart from Seattle, it is a total opposition of styles that is proposed. Ryan, eagerly awaited at the end of the university (choice number 3) knew the individual consecration (MVP in 2016) but not collective (defeat in the Super Bowl), he is a tall player (1.93 m) but not necessarily mobile and which mainly plays from the protective pocket. Wilson, he arrived in the league discreetly (chosen in 75th position in the 3rd round), he was crowned in 2014, is a limited QB too small (at 1.80 m) and especially has a mobility and a capacity of extraordinary improvisation.
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A first without spectators
The Atlanta Falcons are not among the eight teams that have decided to welcome fans to their compound at the start of the season. The first two matches, at least, will be behind closed doors. Ironically, the Falcons, who had been punished for illicitly using crowd noise to boost the mood in 2013 and 2014, will this time legally be able to use a fan soundtrack, under the rules set by the NFL, which wants to give even empty stadiums their usual atmosphere.
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