Three Seahawks reasons for hope versus Rams in week 5

The Seahawks have had their share of struggles against the Rams in recent years but have been capable of pulling out a win against their southern California rivals.

The key to upsetting the Rams this week could be Russell Wilson’s ability to make plays outside the pocket and the defense’s ability to create turnovers.

Here are three reasons for hope for the Seahawks against the Rams week 5

1. The Seahawks defense is starting to create turnovers again

Seattle forced two turnovers in last Sunday’s win over the Niners in San Francisco. This is a good sign for a defense that had struggled in recent weeks to take the ball away from the opposing team. The Seahawks were able to score a touchdown off one of those turnovers, which ended up being the difference in the game, as the Seahawks won 28-21.

To pull the upset, the Seahawks will need to win the turnover battle, and their recent success at creating turnovers is promising.

2. Wilson starting to find success outside the pocket

Russell Wilson did a tremendous job of buying time to throw the ball by getting outside the pocket. He had an amazing touchdown throw to Freddie Swain in the corner of the endzone after he evaded a defensive lineman, scrambled outside the pocket, and threw the ball.

Wilson will once again be put to the test this week, as the Rams will throw every scheme at him to contain him and put pressure on him. For the Seahawks to have success throwing the football, Wilson will need to continue to buy time to avoid a punishing Rams pass rush.

3. Alex Collins is becoming a surprising contributor

Running back Alex Collins has stepped up big recently in the absence of Rashad Penny and in place of Chris Carson who has struggled early this season. Collins made several key plays in last week’s game against the Niners in the passing game and in the running game. He was the Seahawks leading rusher with 44 yards on 10 carries, with a big TD run to open a 28-13 lead over San Francisco.

Another big play came in the passing game, on a critical drive right before the half where he caught a pass from Russell Wilson and ran 22 yards after the catch for a huge 28-yard gain. It will be interesting to see if the Seahawks decide to get Collins more involved in the offense this week after a big game in week 4.

Games against division rivals are always tough because both teams know each other so well. The Rams have clearly made improvements on offense and will bring a tough defense into Lumen Field on Thursday. However, positive signs in week 4, show the Seahawks have what it takes to pull the upset in week 5 against the Rams.