Seahawks vs. Redskins: Stout Seattle Defense Will Halt Washington's Run

The Redskins won seven straight games en route to a division title and a playoff spot, but that run will end on Sunday because of Seattle’s stout defense.

The Redskins and Seahawks both feature a potent rushing attack and electrifying rookie quarterbacks. But the thing that Seattle has that Washington lacks is a dominant defense.

That will make all the difference in this matchup.

Seattle's defense is fourth in the NFL in yards allowed per game, and the Redskins are 28th. The last time the Redskins faced a defense as good as Seattle, the Steelers held Washington to just 12 points.

The Seahawks are ranked in the top 10 against the run and the pass. But most importantly, Seattle is the NFL's No. 1 scoring defense, allowing just 15.3 points a game.

They've held the Cowboys under 10 points, the Packers, Bears and 49ers (twice) to under 20, and did not surrender more than 28 points all season.

The Redskins have a good offense, but it's not potent enough to outgun the Seahawks, at least not consistently.

Alfred Morris and the Redskins' No. 1 ranked rushing attack will find a level of success, just not enough to push the team into the second round.

Normally in this situation, it would be easy for the Redskins to lean on Robert Griffin III's arm and feet to make something happen. If last week is any indication, however, he's not at 100 percent.

No, the Washington injury report doesn't have him listed and you won't hear RG3 complain, but he wasn't gliding around the field with his usual grace against Dallas last week. Instead, it looked like Griffin could never quite get out of second gear.

It worked against a Dallas' "name tag" defense, but it won’t be nearly as effective against Seattle.

The game will still be close, especially with the Redskins playing their first home playoff game in over a decade. Nevertheless, Washington's run will end on Sunday; the Seattle defense is just too much for them to handle.