Five things to watch in Seattle Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Matchup

1) Offensive Line — Keep your eye on the offensive line for both teams. Seattle gets Robert Gallery back this week after sitting out last week with a knee injury. The line should improve with Gallery blocking.

Russell Okung last week had a horrible game, so I hope he has a better week. Seattles' offensive line will have their hands full against a tough Steelers defense. They ranked in the top five this past year.

Tavaris Jackson was sacked five times. If they don't improve their pass protection, the same could happen or worse. They need to give Jackson time to go through his reads and find the open man.

Pittsburgh will be starting the game without offensive tackle Willie Colon due to a torn right tricep. Second round draft pick Marcus Gillbert will be getting the nod at right tackle.

Pittsburgh has the advantage here and Jackson will be pressured all game, once again.

2) Defense — About the only bright spot last week was Seattle's defensive line. The Seattle defense is ranked fourth in pass offense and 15th in run defense. And after one game, Seattle's Defense is ranked second. Seattle's defensive must have another good showing against the run, but they also need to pressure Ben Roethlisberger who had a miserable game last week by throwing three interceptions and coughing up the ball twice. Pittsburgh's offense has the potential to explode at any time and score points. 

If Seattle can pressure Roethlisberger early and force him to make mistakes, Seattle may have a chance to control the tempo of the game.

3) Special Teams — Special teams were abysmal last week. San Francisco's Ted Ginn Jr. single highhandedly beat Seattle with a pair of special teams touchdowns. Field position could be key. If Seattle can not get the offense into good field position situations then they will have no chance against a tough Pittsburgh defense.

I expect special teams to improve. I am sure head coach Pete Carroll had  a few words—that's putting it lightly— for the special teams. Look for them to come out with something to prove).

4) Offense- Last week Seattle's offense only managed 261 yards total, 197 passing and 64 rushing. These numbers — even with a good performance by the defense — will not win games. The Seahawks need to take more shots down field. Seattle's offense will never know what Pittsburgh's defense is giving them unless they test them. Seattle's rushing has to improve. It would help if they were able to establish the run early on. When you have a strong rushing threat you can control the clock, force the safety to creep into the box. That's when you throw the long ball over the safety's head.

5) Offensive rhythm — Seattle looked good this past week during the second half when they established a consistent rhythm on offense. With Pittsburgh itching to collect its first win of the season after being embarrassed by the Baltimore Ravens, the Seahawks must keep the crowd from becoming a factor by keeping the offense on the field as long as possible.

I won't be surprised with another bad outing for Seattle's offense. They will be forced to throw the ball more than planned.