Scouting Report

PLAYER MATCHUPS

Passing PC-PA Yds. TD Int.

Rick Mirer, Seattle 98-183 1,066 2 9

John Elway, Denver 245-397 2,887 13 23

Rushing Att. Yds. Avg. TD

Chris Warren, Seattle 164 660 4.0 5

Lamar Smith, Seattle 94 465 4.9 5

Terrell Davis, Denver 269 1,277 4.7 10

John Elway, Denver 43 237 5.5 3

Receiving Rec. Yds. AVG. TD

Joey Galloway, Seattle 46 762 16.6 5

Brian Blades, Seattle 41 533 13.0 2

Shannon Sharpe, Denver 71 1,005 14.2 9

Anthony Miller, Denver 45 622 13.8 3

INJURIES

Seahawks: Out: RB Steve Broussard (hamstring); S T.J. Cunningham (knee). Questionable: LB Michael Barber (hamstring); WR Brian Blades (rib). Probable: CB Dexter Seigler (hamstring).

Broncos: Questionable: C Tom Nalen (knee); G Mark Schlereth (knee). Probable: CB Randy Hilliard (ribs); T Gary Zimmerman (shoulder).

ANALYSIS

Even the most optimistic Hawks’ fan would have trouble generating a positive spin for this one.

Seattle’s spirits are low after turning two winnable games into losses and virtually pulling out of the playoff race.

Denver has been lucky and good. The Broncos are 11-1, the 11th coming on a pinball pass that bounced right to Ed McCaffrey for the touchdown that sank Minnesota.

Mostly, though, Denver’s just been good. Terrell Davis is a damaging speed/power back and John Elway is as dangerous as ever. He’s even run for 237 yards. Nobody has been able to guard tight end Shannon Sharpe.

The defense has a pass rush, thanks to newcomer Alfred Williams, and a playmaker in Bill Romanowski.

How good are the Broncos? They lead the AFC in offense and defense.

Seattle’s miraculous comeback win at Mile High Stadium last year probably still irks the Broncos. But the engineer of that rally, John Friesz, will be on the sidelines, accompanied by his crutches.

Denver beats Seattle and the line (10-1/2 points).

, DataTimes