The Rams have been an offensive machine, but they aren’t unbeatable. The Seahawks proved that last season and can prove it again today.
For the purposes of this article, I’m going to ignore the results of the last visit from the Los Angeles Rams. Let us never speak of the events of December 17th again. Instead, let’s focus on the throttling the Seahawks gave them in their first meeting last season. That was so long ago Blair Walsh was actually an NFL kicker. Despite that, it really did happen.
The Seahawks hardly dominated the Rams in that contest. They only managed 62 yards on the ground. Russell Wilson was sacked three times, was intercepted twice, and passed for less than 200 yards. Doug Baldwin has held to just 37 yards on four catches. It certainly sounds like a loss on paper, doesn’t it?
Of course we know the Seahawks won that game. They won despite allowing 375 total yards. Seattle won by making the big plays at the right times. They contained the Rams offense, and forced huge turnovers time after time. Seattle picked off Jared Goff twice and forced four fumbles, and recovered three of them.
Seahawks have to repeat that effort today
Seattle Seahawks
That, along with a commitment to the running game, is the recipe for success against the Rams. A lot of young players will need to carry on from some heroes of that win a year ago. Earl Thomas is gone for the season. Sheldon Richardson was lost in free agency. Seattle comes into this critical contest with several other key injuries. To make matters worse, the team just lost new addition Mychal Kendricks to suspension. He had been excellent stepping in for the injured K.J. Wright. That’s a lot of defensive firepower to replace.
Players like Austin Calitro will need to step up their game against the high octane Rams offense. Tedric Thompson will get an early chance to launch what can be his legacy in Seattle. Don’t sleep on another new addition to the team, Maurice Alexander. He has plenty of experience going against Goff in practice over the past two seasons, and could come up big in the right situation.
Do I expect Seattle to pull off the upset? Despite my optimism, I have to agree with the rest of our crew here at 12thmanrising, and see a loss coming today. The Rams have been remarkably consistent this season, never scoring less than 33 points. They’ve recorded at least 23 first downs in every contest. Los Angeles has only turned the ball over three times in four games.
Turnovers are the key. Bradley McDougald had two picks in the season opener, and can do it again. He’s been limited in practice this week, so Alexander may have an even bigger role than expected. I believe Alexander is up to the job, but I really hope McDougald can go today.
While I believe Seattle can win, it’s going to be very tough to pull this one off. They have to limit the Rams opportunities with a solid running game. When Goff is on the field, Bobby Wagner, McDougald and crew need to force turnovers. If they can, the Seahawks will be right back in the picture.