Pete Carroll was candid in his assessment heading in this game when he finished one of his quotes by saying, "we need this one." At 2-4 and coming back for two home games before heading into the bye week, these next two games are critical for a team clinging to postseason expectations. Ken Norton Jr. took some of the blame for putting Carlos Dunlap in a bad spot against the Steelers, Bobby Wagner talked about matchup up with Alvin Kamara, and Geno Smith offered up a reason for the passes he had batted down in last week's game.

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We're rubbing together what we hope are two lucky Pennys ahead of this week's Monday Night Football game against the Saints. The first topic:  What if the Seahawks are able to control Alvin Kamara in this game? What adjustment will the Saints attempt to make? In addition, some things that may be more likely to occur: What if our special teams is special this week? What happens if the Saints are successfully loading the box and shutting down the run? Can the Seahawks win this game if Jameis Winston actually protects the football and doesn't turn it over? We get into all these questions and more in this week's "What If" edition of 3 IN, 3 OUT.

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The New Orleans Saints are coming off their bye week with a 3-2 record and bring with them a different look now that Drew Brees has retired. Considering Jameis Winston is leading New Orleans and Geno Smith behind center for Seattle, we can reasonably expect both teams to want to run the football. The Saints have the more dominant running back and they also have a corner who will likely try and shut down DK Metcalf. Former Saints wide receiver Terrance Copper of Bleav in Saints joins the show to talk about how Sean Payton's offensive approach against Seattle and how the game could ultimately hinge on the play of special teams. 

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Pete Carroll spoke to the media on Monday after the overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He talked about the positive outlook for pass rusher Darrell Taylor and the running back who could be ready to go Alex Collins has a hard time recovering from injuries sustained in Pittsburgh. DK Metcalf got into a back-and-forth with Shannon Sharpe on Twitter on Monday, and Pete passed along some criticism for how DK handled himself. Could we see more of the run game this week against the Saints? Carroll strongly hints that could be the case. 

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Starting off these episodes with an OUT is becoming all too familiar. But, like with every episode, we bring some of the good and some of the bad - particularly when it is necessary to point toward the micro moments in this game that cost the team a victory. Even with their backup quarterback and backup running back, the Seahawks still had an opportunity to win the game in the end. Tune in to hear which side of the ledger the Seahawks cornerbacks landed on, if a soul crushing tackle had anything to do with it and the answer to the question about what point in the season would be the time to hit the panic button.

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Following Sunday's 23-20 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pete Carroll, Bobby Wagner, Geno Smith, Tre Brown, DK Metcalf and Will Dissly spoke to the media. The Seahawks defense gave up two touchdowns in the second quarter, but the offense was able to bounce back and tie up the game to send it into overtime. One of the players with an overtime highlight was rookie Tre Brown who talked about how feelings following the game. Coach Carroll provided an update on Darrell Taylor after the scary scene where he was down on the field following what looked like a potentially severe injury.

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For the first time in Russell Wilson's career, he's going to miss an NFL start. If the Seahawks are going to get back to .500 after their 2-3 start, they're going to have to do it with backup quarterback Geno Smith.  Smith talked about what he's learned over the years through his various NFL stops and talks about the challenge of facing Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt. Tre Brown is coming off injured research, and considering the challenges Seattle has faced with depth at the cornerback spot, he could end up being a factor in this Sunday Night Football matchup.

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Phil the Protector brings us a trio of questions and scenarios to look for in Sunday's game against the Pittsburg Steelers. The Seahawks are set to roll with Geno Smith and there are a number of other injuries to consider going into this game. Which players need to stand out for the Seahawks for this matchup with the 'Stealers'? We're talking stolen hearts, stolen jewels and stolen hopes in this week's episode. 

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Pete Carroll spoke to the media on Wednesday along with defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., and two Seahawks defenders. Darrell Taylor talked about how the defensive line can adjust to the quick passing game of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Bobby Wagner offered his thoughts on the Pittsburgh quarterback. With the departure of Tre Flowers, Carroll talked about the return of Tre Brown from injured reserve and gave his thoughts on some of the other corners on the roster.

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On Monday this week, Pete Carroll spoke to the Seattle area media following Russell Wilson's finger surgery and responded to questions about Geno Smith coming in to take over in Wilson's absence. He provided some injury updates and also talked about the decision to use Jordyn Brooks over Ryan Neal in the matchup against the Rams. Finally he challenged anyone to find out if a play like the one Michael Dickson was involved in last Thursday has ever happened in the NFL.

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