The Seattle Seahawks are heating up at just the right time. Winners of three straight heading into Week 15, they’re starting to look like a team that could make some noise down the stretch. The defense is coming together, the young talent is flashing, and there’s a growing sense that this group is figuring it out under Mike Macdonald.
This week, they’ll face an Indianapolis Colts team that’s limping into the matchup-literally and figuratively. Indy is dealing with a rash of injuries at key positions, and it’s hard to ignore how much those absences could tilt the field in Seattle’s favor.
Colts’ Secondary Thin, Rivers Returns at QB
Let’s start with the Colts’ defense, which could be without both starting outside cornerbacks. Sauce Gardner is nursing a calf injury, and Charvarius Ward is on injured reserve after suffering his third concussion of the season.
That’s a major blow to a secondary that already had its hands full. DeForest Buckner might return on the defensive line, but missing both Gardner and Ward on the outside leaves Indianapolis vulnerable against a Seattle offense that’s starting to find its rhythm.
On the other side of the ball, the Colts are turning to a familiar name under center-but one that hasn’t thrown a pass in an NFL game in years. With Daniel Jones out for the season after tearing his Achilles in Week 14, Indianapolis pulled 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement.
Yes, Rivers knows how to read a defense and get the ball out quickly, but this isn’t 2013. The Seahawks' defense will be looking to test his arm, mobility, and timing early and often.
Emmanwori vs. Warren: Rookie-on-Rookie Matchup to Watch
One of the most intriguing matchups in this game won’t be the quarterbacks or wideouts-it’s a battle between two rookies: Seattle’s Nick Emmanwori and Indy’s Tyler Warren.
Warren, the Colts' rookie tight end, has seen his production dip in recent weeks, but don’t be surprised if Rivers looks his way early and often. It’s a classic veteran move-leaning on the tight end as a safety blanket, especially against a defense that’s shown some vulnerability at that spot.
That’s where Emmanwori comes in. The Seahawks’ rookie defensive back has been a breakout star this season, and his Week 14 performance was a showcase of just how versatile and impactful he can be.
A blocked field goal, an interception, and a sack? That’s a stat line most veterans would dream of.
But if there’s one area where he’s shown a little room for growth, it’s in coverage against athletic tight ends.
In back-to-back weeks, Emmanwori has given up chunk plays to some of the league’s better pass-catching tight ends. In Week 13, it was a 29-yard grab by T.J.
Hockenson. In Week 14, Kyle Pitts got loose for 30 yards on a single target.
That’s not to say Emmanwori can’t cover-he absolutely can-but it’s a reminder that even top rookies have learning curves.
Warren may not be on the same tier as Hockenson or Pitts just yet, but he’s got the tools to make plays, especially if Rivers is looking to exploit that matchup. If Warren can win a few of those reps, it could be enough to keep the Colts competitive in a game where they’re otherwise overmatched.
Could Drake Thomas Be the Answer?
If Emmanwori does struggle in coverage against Warren, Seattle has another option: linebacker Drake Thomas. The second-year player has been one of the more pleasant surprises on this Seahawks defense, and he’s shown he can hold his own in coverage-especially against tight ends.
Thomas brings a different skill set than Emmanwori-less rangy, more physical-but that might be exactly what Seattle needs if Warren starts to heat up. Look for Macdonald to mix and match coverages, possibly rotating Thomas in when Emmanwori needs a breather or a different look is required.
The Bottom Line
This is a game the Seahawks should win. They’re healthier, hotter, and more complete on both sides of the ball.
But the NFL rarely follows the script, and if Indianapolis is going to pull off a surprise, it’ll likely come down to exploiting mismatches-like Warren vs. Emmanwori-and relying on Rivers’ experience to make quick decisions under pressure.
Seattle, meanwhile, will be looking to keep the momentum rolling. If Emmanwori can tighten up in coverage and the defense continues its upward trend, this could be another statement win for a team that’s quietly building something special.