How the Seahawks can win the NFC West again in 2021

Seahawks versus the Rams

The Vegas oddsmakers have the Rams as the favorites to win the NFC West in 2021. So whereas beating the Cardinals who are the outsiders to take the division should be the easiest task within the division for the Seahawks, defeating the Rams will represent the toughest challenge.

Again using my own ratings the Rams greatest strengths are as follows:

1. Defensive front
2. Cornerbacks
3. Matt Stafford at QB
4. Offensive guard and tackle positions

And weaknesses are:

1. Center
2. Safeties

For me, the Rams have the fourth-best roster in the NFL as it stands, and are therefore rightly favorites to win this division. They are good in all departments and exceptional in some.

Their strengths also look well placed against seem of the Seahawks weaknesses, notably getting a push rush to Matt Stafford past these guards and tackles is going to be tough. Stafford given time will find his receivers, this is worrying for the Seahawks in terms of this match-up.

To be honest, without additional help for the Seahawks secondary, these games can probably only be victories for the Seahawks in a shoot-out. The ‘Hawks will need to put up 30 points to beat the Rams.

So again some sort of running game will need to be achieved, and also finding a way to get receivers to engage the safeties and win those battles. So as it stands, key personnel for the Hawks in these games could be Gerald Everett, Will Dissly and Freddie Swain.

Yes, Metcalf as an elite receiver, will always win his share of battles, but against this excellent secondary more will be needed, especially in the red zone.

If we look back at last season, the Seahawks had a 1-2 record against the Rams, the victory coming via a 20-9 victory in week 16. In that game, the Seahawks defense limited the Rams running game and Jared Goff was not good enough to win the game. Something which they have addressed with the addition of Stafford. Poona Ford wreaking having on the Rams center could be another major victory in these games.

Offensively for the ‘Hawks most of the passing game came via short passes or to receivers who beat safeties rather than corners. This is the model to follow if the Seahawks are to take down the Rams again in 2021.

Russell Wilson did find plenty of running room on occasion against the Rams D, so this may be another avenue worth exploring as part of the offensive game plan. I am sure these will be games Gerald Everett would love to show his old teammates what they let go, he could be the key to winning games against the Rams for the Seahawks in the coming season.