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Gameday grades: Week 5 Seahawks vs Rams

By Andy Larkin

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 08: Justin Coleman #28 of the Seattle Seahawks breaks up a pass play intended for Cooper Kupp #18 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 08: Justin Coleman #28 of the Seattle Seahawks breaks up a pass play intended for Cooper Kupp #18 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 08: Kam Chancellor #31 celebrates a broken pass play with Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 08: Kam Chancellor #31 celebrates a broken pass play with Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line: (B+)

I’m sure some people will blast me for handing out a B+ instead of an A. First, a B+ is still a very solid performance. I realize the defensive line created two turnovers and made some huge plays. I also know that they helped bottle up Todd Gurley as he was held to just 43 yards.

The reason they didn’t earn an A was due to the lack of pass rush. Jared Goff was far too comfortable for most of the afternoon. Two sacks isn’t enough when you consider that one of those was the result of Goff tripping on his own feet. And for most of the day Goff was hardly even hurried or made uncomfortable. The good news is Frank Clark got home when it mattered.

Linebackers: (A)

Good day for this group. I loved their pursuit of the football and the way the were able to string out run plays. It’s so nice to have linebackers that you know will always find their way to the ball and rarely miss open field tackles.

Secondary: (A)

The secondary gets a lion’s share of the credit for this one. They gave up some passes, but overall played fantastic football. But let’s be honest, this game belonged to Earl Thomas. I was stunned to watch the All-Pro safety once again knock a ball out of a Rams running back’s hands at the goal line to save a touchdown and end a possession that was sure to result in points. Thomas also picked off Goff in the fourth quarter to end another drive.

Earl Thomas is without question the best safety in the league. If anyone wants to dispute that, watch the film. Without Earl the Seahawks are 2-3, looking up at the 4-1 Rams, and would have a slim chance at coming back to win the division. Luckily, in the real world the Seahawks have Earl and a division lead.

Special Teams: (A)

Blair Walsh nailed all of his field goals. Jon Ryan continually pinned the Rams inside the fifteen. The punt coverage team recovered a fumble. And unlike Tavon Austin, Tyler Lockett didn’t muff any punts So all around, it was a pretty good day for the Seattle special teams.

Related Story: A look at key plays in the Seahawks big win in L.A.

The Seahawks now get a week to rest and heal before their next road game. The Giants are reeling, so let’s hope the Seattle offense can catch up with the terrific Hawks defense.

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