Seahawks vs Rams: A look at Seattle’s week five opponent
By Luke Allen
Coming off back-to-back wins, the Seahawks will face their toughest opponent yet in the Los Angeles Rams at home on Sunday.
The Rams (4-0) are the best team in the NFC without a doubt. The Seahawks have to play the Rams on Sunday. Los Angeles is loaded across the board and has yet to lose a game this season. None of Los Angeles’ games have even been close.
The Rams offense is extremely dynamic and high-powered. Running back Todd Gurley has looked like an early MVP candidate thus far and quarterback Jared Goff is getting better with each game.
The Los Angeles defense actually got better over the off season. And if that does not terrify you, nothing will. It is rare to see a team with a top five offense and a top five defense. The Rams have exactly that.
After easily winning the NFC West at 11-5 last year, the Rams are on pace to improve on their 2017 record and win their second consecutive NFC West title.
Key acquisitions:
- CB Marcus Peters
- CB Aqib Talib
- DT Ndamakung Suh
- WR Brandin Cooks
- CB Sam Shields
- C John Sullivan
Key departures:
- WR Tavon Austin
- WR Sammy Watkins
- CB Trumaine Johnson
Rams to watch
CB Marcus Peters.
Peters was acquired in a trade with the Chiefs in the off-season in a deal which seemed pretty lopsided, favoring the Rams. Peters was considered one of the best young cornerbacks in the league when the Chiefs shipped him off to Los Angeles for a couple of draft picks. The 25-year old Oakland native had reportedly been in some heated exchanges with some of the Kansas City coaches and that is why the trade was made. Personal issues aside, Peters has played at an elite level since being drafted in the first round in 2015. Russell Wilson is going to have to be sharp when targeting Peters’ receiver; He has already snatched up 20 interceptions in his short career.
DT Aaron Donald.
Aaron Donald is competing with Khalil Mack for the title of best defensive player in the NFL. Unfortunately for Seattle, they had both guys on their schedule this season – Donald twice. Remember last week when I said Markus Golden was a Seahawk-killer? Aaron Donald is a Seahawk-owner. One must believe Russell Wilson sheds a tear any time he sees big #99 on the other side of the ball. Seattle may have to make special arrangements and put together a perfect strategy to keep Donald out of the backfield and off of Wilson.
Match ups to watch
To state the obvious, the Seahawks offensive line needs to play a literally perfect game in order for the Seahawks to have a chance to win. That Rams defensive line is something from a horror movie: Aaron Donald, Ndamakung Suh and Michael Brockers. Running the ball may prove to be nearly impossible, and dropping back to pass could be even worse. For the sake of Russell Wilson’s health, maybe Brett Hundley should get the start on Sunday.
The Seattle defense’s Achilles heel this year has been stopping the run. Enter Todd Gurley. Gurley is the second leading rusher in the league, as well as second in scoring touchdowns. I love him on my fantasy team, but I hate him when he plays Seattle. The defense did a decent enough job on David Johnson last week, allowing 71 yards on 22 carries. Todd Gurley may prove to be a different animal.
Injury report
The Rams come into this game a little beat up. Tight end Tyler Higbee is questionable to play with a knee problem. Linebacker Mark Barron is also listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Guard Rodger Saffold appears on the injury report with a knee injury, but it appears he will be able to play. Kicker Greg Zuerlein and cornerback Aqib Talib have already been ruled out.
Next. Seahawks vs. Rams: Staff predictions week 5. dark
For the good guys, the injury report is not as bad as it has been in the past few weeks – that is if you look past the Earl Thomas and Will Dissly situation. Defensive end Frank Clark is questionable to play with illness. Fellow defensive end rookie Rasheem Green is doubtful to play with an ankle issue. Linebacker KJ Wright will miss his fourth consecutive game with a knee injury. After missing last week’s game, running back Chris Carson expects to return to the lineup Sunday. Guard Ethan Pocic remains on the injury report with an ankle injury and is questionable to play, although JR Sweezy seems likely to remain the starter at left guard.