Seattle Seahawks November preview and predictions
By Jake Luppino
The Seahawks will head out to Sofi Stadium, to face divisional rival, Los Angeles Rams in what most anticipate to be a huge game.
Sunday, November 15, 2020: Week 10 — Seattle Seahawks @ Los Angeles Rams
Last year against the Los Angeles Rams, the Seahawks went 1-1. The home team won each game and if we follow suit, that means the Rams would be winning this game. Whenever the Seahawks and Rams meet, the games are typically high scoring with one team answering the other time after time. This year, I expect the same thing. These two teams are very familiar with one another.
The Rams, similarly to the 49ers, like to run the jet motion. They also like to pick up the tempo when reaching the goal line, giving the defense no time to substitute. The Rams and Seahawks have kind of flipped the script this year. The Seahawks, typically reliant upon their 4-3 defense, are now letting Russ cook and opening up the offensive playbook. The Rams, led by Coach McVay, are known for their efficient offensive production. Thus far on the year, it has been their defense carrying the weight.
It is interesting to see if that will have any effect on this game. As mentioned earlier, these two teams meet in high scoring battles. Quite honestly, I don’t see that changing this year. This will be a big game for both teams as the NFC West has become the hardest division in the NFL. That means each divisional game carries more weight. The Rams and Seahawks are currently 0-1 in NFC West play.
What Will Determine the Outcome: Aaron Donald
Aaron Donald is just out of this world. He is once again having a monster year and is once again in contention for defensive player of the year. Every time these two teams meet, Russell Wilson just knows that man is coming for him every single down. But, too Wilson’s credit, he has done a great job of evading the pressure with his Houdini like escapability.
As it currently stands, Aaron Donald is has the second most sacks (8.0) in the league, trialing none other than Myles Garrett. The Rams as a team, currently have the third most sacks (24.0) as a team, only trailing the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Rams rank as a top 6 defense in terms of total yards against, currently allowing 312.9 yards per game. The Rams defense has been dominant to say the least. We just saw them hold the Bears offense to just 3 points on Monday Night Football.
The biggest difference between these two teams is that one is successful in applying pressure, while the other is not. I know Carlos Dunlap will be playing and Jamal Adams should be causing havoc in the secondary as he always does. But, unfortunately, I just see Donald and company causing too much pressure. I do not see Wilson forcing a bunch of turnovers. I just see the Seahawks offense being stagnant and falling too far behind early on. As always, they will cut into the lead giving fans hope, but ultimately, I have them falling short in this one.
28. 51. Prediction. 24. 36