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Seahawks to welcome the Drew Brees-less Saints to CenturyLink Field

Russell Wilson #3 throws the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at CenturyLink Field on January 11, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

SEATTLE — For the first time since the 2013 season that culminated in a Super Bowl, the Seahawks have started a season 2-0.

Seattle will look to improve their record to 3-0 with a victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

The Saints come to Seattle fresh off a 27-9 loss against the Los Angeles Rams and will be without future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees.

Brees injured his thumb when it connected with Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and is expected to miss multiple weeks as he recovers from surgery, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

On Wednesday, head coach Pete Carroll said the team is expecting Teddy Bridgewater, who filled in for Brees on Sunday, to start against the Seahawks.

The Saints also have quarterback Taysom Hill on their active roster and could play him more snaps at quarterback.

Bridgewater finished last Sunday's game completing 17 of 30 passes, for 165 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

Even without Brees, the Saints feature an explosive offense led by wide receiver Michael Thomas and running back Alvin Kamara.

The Seahawks, meanwhile, enter Sunday's matchup coming off a 28-26 road victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sunday's game could be the first time Seahawks fans see defensive end Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah, who has missed the first two games of the season while recovering from a shoulder injury.

The game kicks off at 1:25 p.m. at CenturLink Field and airs on KIRO 7.

Watch the Steve Raible Scouting Report at 9 p.m. on Saturday to see Raible's interview with tight end Will Dissly and for a complete preview of Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Here are Raible's three keys to victory for the Seahawks on Sunday:

Key #1: Bridge to Nowhere...

As in Teddy Bridgewater, New Orleans likely now-starting quarterback. Even without first ballot hall-of-famer Drew Bees, the Saints are loaded with offensive weapons.

Alvin Kamara- last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year- is lightning in a bottle as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

Michael Thomas is DK Metcalf with experience. The key will be to disrupt Bridgewater's timing and opportunities to get those two guys the ball.

Pressure, hands in his face, get him off his spot. All will make it tough for Bridgewater to let his playmakers "make plays."

Ziggy Ansah will make his presence felt for the first time this season.

Key #2: Minimize to Maximize

The best way to beat the Saints, or anybody for that matter, is to NOT beat yourself.

You must minimize mistakes.

The Hawks were better last Sunday against the Steelers, but there is lots of room for improvement.

Two fumbles is two too many. 10 penalties, and 6 holding calls for 93 yards is unacceptable.

Through a quarter-and-a half,  Russell Wilson was sacked four times. Giving up 45 yards on a flee-flicker... you get the idea.

And yet, Seattle is 2-0 to start the season for the first time since 2013.  And you remember what happened that year-- Super Bowl!

There is lots of room to improve, and lots of season left to make it happen.

Key #3: Years of YAC

Not "Year *of the Yack" although it might be. YAC, as in Yards After Catch.

It's one thing to have tight coverage on a receiver -- and the good ones are still going to get their catches.

But it's the extra yards, often after a missed tackle, that can come back to haunt a team.

And since 2006 no team in the NFL has more Yards After Catch than the Saints.. over 30-thousand yards in fact.

Thomas, Kamara, Smith, Ted Ginn Jr all are big play guys. Rallying to the ball, limiting YAC, will be key for the Hawks.

More Seahawks news from KIRO 7

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