Last meeting
QB Matt Hasselbeck passed for 222 yards and a touchdown as the Seahawks opened their 2007 season with a 20-6 win over the Buccaneers.
Streaks
The Seahawks have won seven of the eight matchups between these teams all time. Check out the historical matchup of the last five games.
Last week
Playing without Hasselbeck, Seattle struggled to get going in the passing game and lost to the Packers, 27-17. ... In a statement game, the Bucs thoroughly dominated the rival Panthers, 27-3, to move into a first place tie atop the NFC South.
Keep your eye on ...
Seattle leaning on the running game: Hasselbeck will miss his second straight game with back and knee injuries, meaning the onus will continue to be on Julius Jones, Maurice Morris and T.J. Duckett to produce on the ground. They were not up to the task vs. Green Bay, but get another chance against the Bucs' ninth-ranked rushing defense.
An overburdened defense: The Seahawks have several stars on defense and have thrived with their undersized but quick unit in recent years. With the offense unable to stay on the field this season, the defense has worn down and is among the worst in the league.
Graham's utility man act:Buccaneers starting RB Earnest Graham has gladly shared carries with Warrick Dunn this season and even filled in at fullback last Sunday with Tampa Bay short at the position, plowing open holes for Dunn. Graham's selflessness has permeated Tampa Bay's offense as eight different players have a rushing attempt and 12 different players have a reception.
Did you know?
Seahawks DE Patrick Kerney has seven sacks in his career against the Buccaneers. ... In two games against the Bucs, Seattle LB Lofa Tatupu has three forced fumbles. ... Bucs WR Joey Galloway was drafted by the Seahawks eighth overall in 1995. ... Graham has scored a touchdown in six straight home games.
