Falcons vs. Seahawks: Creating the best combined starting lineup
The Atlanta Falcons (0-2) will play their second straight game on the west coast in Week 3 when they take on the Seattle Seahawks (1-1) Sunday afternoon at 4:25 p.m. ET.
While neither team is considered a Super Bowl contender, Atlanta and Seattle each have a handful of seriously talented players. We’ve gone through the rosters of both teams to create the best possible starting lineup.
QB: Geno Smith (Seahawks)
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Geno Smith has been a career backup almost everywhere he has gone so far in his career. While he has been average so far these first two games, in a debate of whether or not you’re taking Marcus Mariota or Geno Smith, I’m taking Smith for the simple fact that he’s led his team to a win this season. Desmond Ridder has arguably the most upside of any QB on either roster, but since he’s yet to make an NFL start, I went with Geno.
RB: Cordarrelle Patterson (Falcons)
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Cordarrelle Patterson may not have had the game he would like in Week 2 against the Rams, but he is still a dynamic threat that forces the defense to account for him. Patterson can do it all, and is easily the most productive running back on either roster at the moment.
WRs: Drake London (Falcons), Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf (Seahawks)
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The Falcons used their top draft choice to bring in another playmaker, but unlike Kyle Pitts, London has seen plenty of targets through the first two games. The former USC star is a top-20 receiver in regards to targets. Add in reliable Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett, an underrated player, along with Metcalf, and you’d have one dangerous three-headed monster at receiver. Metcalf is a budding superstar reminiscent of a young Julio Jones.
TE: Kyle Pitts (Falcons)
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Kyle Pitts may not have had the production expected thus far, but there is no denying what he brings. Not too many tight ends can unseat Pitts in a combined lineup. Seahawks TE Noah Fant has plenty of upside as well, but hasn’t been the impact player Pitts has already shown to be in just one season.
Offensive line
(AP Photo/Alex Menendez)
In the past, the Falcons were always considered to have one of the worst offensive lines. However, through the first two games, the line has really held up against obvious superior opponents. This isn’t to say they are top of the league, but there has been immense improvement made and considering how bad the Seahawks’ offensive line is, there’s a case for four of the starters to be Falcons.
The two tackles would be Jake Matthews (LT) and Kaleb McGary (RT). Then the guards would consist of Elijah Wilkinson (LG) and Chris Lindstorm (RG). We’ll let Austin Blythe have the starting center job over the less experienced Drew Dalman.
Interior defensive line
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The Falcons’ Grady Jarrett is an obvious choice, but who could fill out the remaining two spots? Second-year lineman Ta’Quon Graham has played well this season, so we’ll give him the nod to join Jarrett, along with Seahawks nose tackle Bryan Mone.
Edge rushers
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Arnold Ebiketie becomes the second rookie to join this lineup after Drake London. He was also taken directly after London with the Falcons’ second-round pick. The Seahawks contribute Uchenna Nwosu, who has been among the best pass rushers in the league thus far this season.
Middle linebacker: Mykal Walker, Rashaan Evans (Falcons)
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The days of the legion of boom are long gone as the Falcons get both inside linebacker slots with Mykal Walker and Rashaan Evans. Walker didn’t see a lot of snaps last season, but this was due to Deion Jones and Foye Oluokun being in the way. With Foye gone and Jones injured, the pathway for consistent playing time opened up and Walker has made the most of it. Former Seahawks great Bobby Wagner signed with the Rams over the offseason,
CB: AJ Terrell, Casey Hayward (Falcons), Tariq Woolen (Seahawks)
(AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)
A.J. Terrell is ripe for criticism. His performance this season hasn’t been up to his normal standard, but he’ll be the best corner on the field Sunday. Tariq Woolen of the Seahawks is off to a good start, but the rookie would still be behind Casey Hayward.
Safety: Quandre Diggs (Seahawks), Richie Grant (Falcons)
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The defensive secondary is rounded out by the Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs and Richie Grant of the Falcons. Diggs has consistently been a top starter in the league since his rookie season in 2015. Grant and Diggs have spent time at both the free and strong safety positions, giving this theoretical defense more versatility.
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