Gameday grades: Week 5 Seahawks vs Rams

Here are the week five gameday grades for the Seahawks against division rival, Los Angeles Rams. Check out who impressed this week and who needs to improve.

I was at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Sunday to watch the Seahawks squeak out a division win against the Rams. Not only did the Seahawks exorcise their demons of past Rams road games, they also took over the NFC West division lead and are in great position to maintain it going forward.

As stressful as this game was, upon conclusion the only thing that matters is the Hawks came away with what I consider a massive win. After taking care of business in L.A. the team can rest up during the bye week while looking ahead to a somewhat favorable schedule.

Now that the game has been concluded, let’s dive into the grade book and see how the Seahawks performed this week.

Offensive Line: (C)

This isn’t all that bad considering how this unit has been absolutely dominated by the Rams for several years now. Aaron Donald was an absolute monster for the Rams as usual. The Seahawks couldn’t create any holes in the run game as was demonstrated by the team being unable to pick up a single first down in the 4th quarter.

Luckily Russell Wilson did a good job of avoiding pressure, because the pass blocking wasn’t superb either.

I will say, the offensive line at least fought hard. They didn’t just roll over as they have in the past when facing this formidable front. They were a big reason the team pulled even at the end of the first half. The line helped sustain drives and dominate time of possession. The Seahawks ran 45 offensive plays in the first half.

Seattle Seahawks

Quarterback: (B) 

As I alluded to, Russell Wilson did a great job of keeping plays alive and for the most part helped at least give the illusion that the offense could be a threat. He made some classic Russell plays that no other QB can replicate.

Wilson did throw one inexplicable pick deep in Rams territory which looked destined to be returned for a touchdown. However the chase down effort of Wilson, J.D. Mckissic and others helped to keep the Rams out of the end zone.

Running Backs: (C)

I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but there hasn’t been a lot of room to run for the backs this season. Even so, Rawls and Lacy combined for just 39 yards on the ground. Eventually these guys need to make something happen if this offense ever wants any form of consistency. Yes, the line isn’t necessarily doing them any favors, but good backs find ways to make things happen.

Receivers/Tight Ends: (C)

There wasn’t a ton going on in the passing game either. The receivers weren’t able to get much separation and Wilson was under pressure far too often.

Jimmy Graham was finally able to leave enough space between himself and the sideline for Russell to deliver a touchdown pass on a fade route. That was probably the best offensive play of the day.

I will also highlight the play of J.D. McKissic. The former receiver created some great matchups for the offense when split out. McKissic hauled in 3 catches for 36 yards.