Going into the Seed Men game the Predators expected to see a lot of man defense. They also wanted to see how they adjusted and reacted to that defense. Well, the Predators saw none of it. The Seed Men came out and played zone for entirely the whole game. Throughout the Predators history they have struggled adjusting during in game situations. Well, they have been infamous for that but the Predators proved they can adjust to situations they didn't expect. Another thing the Predators demonstrated during the game is that they got an identity back since losing two players in Week 4. When the overall plan for the season gets majorly disrupted it can take time to readjust and figure out the path to take. The Predators weathered the storm during that time and now find themselves with a new identity just in time for the playoffs. The Predators won the game 12-0, the defense played outstanding, the offense moved the ball very effectively, but improvements definitely need made.
Many ways offensively the Predators arguably played their best game of the season. They continuously moved the ball from start to finish. They had more drives where they converted first downs than not and that hasn't happened the entire season. But they committed four turnovers on offense and that won't get it done against the best teams (Gunners, Team Ice, Martindale). #7 Brown completed pass after pass to #2 Long, #27 Clapper, and #45 Price for the most part. #2 Long, who once again caught passes diving to the turf and jumping in air. He also scored the first touchdown of the game catching a good pass from #7 Brown down the left sideline, made a guy miss, and ran the rest of the way for the score. #27 Clapper, who once again caught passes short, made defenders miss picking up big yards after catches. #45 Price also played well offensively, he found holes in the defense 10-12 yards down field where #7 Brown was able to find him. In the second half he also scored the second of the two touchdowns from #7 Brown where he placed himself wide open deep down the middle between the zone coverages. It was a great find by #7 Brown and #45 Price nearly dropped it once he was so open. #52 Oberhaus also showed some flashes of offensive output where he got himself open a time or two and caught a couple passes and showed his arm strength off at the end of the first half, but the pass was incomplete.
This is the identity the Predators have found. It has become a trend the last three weeks how the Predators have moved the ball. #2 Long catches the majority of down field passes, #27 Clapper catches short passes and gains yards after catch, #45 Price is finding holes in zones as the check down receiver and #7 Brown is finding soft spots in the defense and is making quick, accurate throws for receivers to catch . #1 Clark, #52 Oberhaus, and #53 Wlotzko are not go to guys in the offense as of now, but a time will come when the Predators will need them to make big catches, so they need to be ready at all times.
Defensively the Predators played solid, bend don't break defense. The Seed Men had three scoring opportunities during the game and the Predators held firm. Two of which the Seed Men had first and goal inside the 15. The first part of a successful defense is the pass rush and #45 Price (2 sacks) and #53 Wlotzko both answered the call. They continuously irritated the Seed Man quarterback forcing bad throws and when the quarterback made a good throw the secondary was there to knock it away. #2 Long made many solid defensive plays knocking away passes and also had a big interception. Especially one in particular where he snuck in and knocked away a for sure touchdown deep down field. Another theme during the game was #1 Clark's solid defense play. Time after time the Seed Men kept trying to go short and when they did #1 Clark was on the receiver like white on rice. Even when the pass was completed #1 Clark was there to make the pull before the Seed Men could make a big play. It was obvious he led the Predators in pulls for the game and was the only Predator that was 100% on pull opportunities. Since he has moved from safety to corner he has virtually locked up the front short zone area of the field in the Predators Red defense. When the pass is completed he has been nipping the play in the bud by making the pull quickly before a big play can happen. Something the Predators take pride in and is essential against the top teams in the league (Gunners, Team Ice, Martindale). #52 Oberhaus also exhibits the same characteristics on defense. While making many good pulls in the game #52 Oberhaus made a great interception in the second half stepping in front of a rocket pass. But he tried to lateral the ball and it was intercepted by the Seed Men.
Overall the Predators played a great game. They have found their identity for the rest of the season and they continue to build on the week before and their confidence is growing because of it. They are making big strides just in time for the playoffs and a good performance against The Gunners (8-0) in the season finally would be just what the doctor orders for a exciting, deep playoff run.
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