The most important game of the Seattle Seahawks’ season has arrived!
This matchup could define who will win the NFC West. Obviously, a loss doesn’t mean we’re out of the playoffs, nor does a win mean we’re automatically
qualified, but the result of this game can greatly help or complicate things when thinking about the postseason.
It’s the strongest opponent the Seahawks will face this year and the biggest test for a defense that has been improving each week. It’s a chance to beat a strong playoff contender in the NFC (we lost to the Bucs and 49ers this season). Last year, the Seahawks only beat two opponents who finished above .500: the Broncos in the opener and the Rams with their backups in the final game. This is also an opportunity for Mike Macdonald to show he can win this type of matchup, marking a clash between a great defensive mind and a great offensive mind.
The Seahawks also have three tough games after this one against the Rams: Colts, Rams again, and 49ers. Meanwhile, the Rams will face the Bucs, Lions, and Seahawks.
Let’s go!
Seahawks face a healthy Rams team
The Seahawks have key players on IR, such as Julian Love and Jarran Reed. Jalen Sundell, the team’s starting center, is out. Ernest Jones is questionable, and the Seahawks’ injury report lists several other names, including rookie Grey Zabel, a key piece of the offensive line.
The Rams, on the other hand, seem to be missing only DT Kobie Turner. Davante Adams was limited in some practices, but that’s common for a veteran.
Matt Stafford in an MVP-caliber year
The Rams’ QB began the season surrounded by doubts due to his back issues. But that seems to be behind him, considering his level of play. His ability to buy time and get rid of the ball quickly has helped boost the offensive line’s performance.
Stafford won’t threaten defenses as a runner, but he’s capable of extending plays in the pocket and making throws off-platform or into tight windows. In other words, the smallest opening can be enough for him.
He throws well even under pressure and when disrupted in the pocket. He has been successful throwing from different platforms and angles to complete passes.
A duel of brilliant minds: Can Mike Macdonald beat Sean McVay?
Sean McVay continues to find ways to keep his offense creative. After years of focusing the run game on wide and outside zones, the head coach has found success incorporating more inside zone concepts and thriving with this change in approach.
His offensive line is very physical, with Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila dominating inside. Tight end Davis Allen isn’t a well-known name, but he plays a fundamental role as a blocker—either sealing the edge or moving in motion to open interior gaps.
Note: The Rams remain dangerous on outside zone runs. For example, Blake Corum is 2nd in the NFL in yards per carry on outside zone plays and leads the league with a 13.6% explosive run rate.
Like the Seahawks, the Rams have used many 2- and 3-TE packages. They use these heavier sets to force defenses into bigger personnel and open room for play-action. The big difference is that McVay has also been using these packages to feature his athletic tight ends. One standout is rookie Terrance Ferguson, who has shown things on tape at Oregon that weren’t common—contested catches, refined route running, and good fluidity. In the play mentioned above, he smoothly beats safety Justin Reid.
Still in a heavy 13-personnel set, the Rams use Ferguson on a clear-out route to open space for dig routes in a Dagger concept—a call that has traditionally been a nightmare for Seahawks defenses under Pete Carroll. The potential absence of Ernest Jones may cause the LA offense to lean even more on these dig concepts.
I’m curious to see how Nick Emmanwori will be used in this game. Will he have a special coverage role on Ferguson or Puka Nacua? We’ll see.
Speaking of Nacua, he does everything in the Rams’ offense. He’s an excellent blocking WR, and McVay leverages this by using him as an insert blocker (motioning into the C-gap to create new lanes). This makes him a threat not only in the run game but also in play action, where this movement gives him a free release.
Finally, pay attention to Davante Adams. The veteran has developed impressive chemistry with Stafford, especially on timing for dig routes. Riq Woolen had his best game of the season against Arizona and will be crucial here, as he’ll be tested more on in-breaking routes than deep shots. Moreover, Adams is nearly unguardable in the red zone.
Great test for the offensive line
Sam Darnold was sacked by the Rams nine times in last season’s playoff game. For comparison, he’s been sacked ten times this year so far. Keeping Darnold protected is crucial to the success of this offense.
The Rams’ defense has been playing very well, and the defensive line is a highlight. Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske are standouts inside. Poona Ford is excellent against the run and has even lined up as a 5-tech in some situations.
Byron Young already has 9 sacks, and Jared Verse is a constant nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Both are also very physical in the run game. In the play above, Verse chases the RB from the backside while Young seals the edge and makes the tackle. It’s hard to find running lanes.
Verse won’t only be a problem for the tackles. The Rams have used him in multiple alignments—A-gap, B-gap, and also as a blitzer. In one example, the Colts’ reliable center is overwhelmed and the pressure arrives instantly. Anthony Bradford struggles in pass protection, Olu Oluwatimi will be the new starter, and Grey Zabel appeared on the injury report during the week. The Rams will certainly look to attack the interior of the line.
Final Thoughts
This game could be decided by details. The Rams have a physical offensive line, but the weak spot is offensive tackle Alaric Jackson, who ranks 18th in pressures allowed with 22. Expect overload blitzes from Macdonald on that side. The last time the Seahawks couldn’t pressure a QB, Baker Mayfield had a big game against this defense. Stafford can do even more damage if he has time. I trust that Macdonald has a special plan to generate pressure and potentially force turnovers from the veteran QB.
On offense, Klint Kubiak will have the chance to show the NFL whether he deserves consideration for a head-coaching role. This is a very strong defense, and its biggest strengths directly match the Seahawks’ biggest concerns—especially in the trenches.
