Seattle Seahawks vs Rams: 5 takeaways from Seattle’s 34-31 overtime loss
By Keith Myers
Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) brings down Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Seahawks need to use Jimmy Graham as more than a decoy
The Rams’ defensive gameplay was clearly to take away Graham when Seattle was passing the ball. They had him double- and sometimes triple-covered throughout the game.
As a result, Graham failed to make an impact for the first three quarters. He finished with just 6 catches for 51 yards and a TD.
Bevell and the coaches need to find a way to neutralize this gameplay and get Graham more opportunities. He’s too good and too explosive to only be a decoy.
The Seahawks started to work this out in the fourth quarter, which is when he got most of his catches and his TD. Overall though, they need more from their big TE.
In the mean time, Seattle’s other weapons need to step up. All that attention being given to Graham means that all the WRs were almost always in single coverage. There is no excuse for them to not be open more often than they were in this game.
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