Being division rivals, Rams fans are naturally very familiar with the Seahawks. But it’s been an odd season in Seattle, and this year is unlike any that they’ve had recently. There’s a lot of intrigue regarding the Seahawks up and down 2017 season. Here are five things Rams fans should know about the enemy before the game:
1. Their Offensive Line Keeps Getting Worse
Seattle’s offensive line drew a lot of attention for their struggles last year, and they’ve gotten even worse this year. They can’t open up run lanes and the teams running game is anemic. They’ve cycled through no less than five starting running backs since the season began with Eddie Lacy, Thomas Rawls, Mike Davis, C.J. Prosise, and J.D. McKissic all seeming to lead the backfield at one point. The offensive line also struggles in pass protection, with Russell Wilson regularly running for his life. Wilson is notoriously hard to bring down, but the Rams were able to sack him three times during their first meeting in Los Angeles. Against this offensive line, Aaron Donald and the rest of the Rams defensive front should be in for another big day.
2. They’re Very Banged Up
The Seahawks’ vaunted defense is not even close to the same unit the Rams played back in October. Since that first meeting, the Seahawks have lost cornerback Richard Sherman, safety Kam Chancellor and potentially linebackers K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner. Wright seems almost certain to miss the game while Wagner is more of a question mark. Either way, it’s a much easier matchup on paper for Jared Goff and the offense.
3. They May Miss The Playoffs For The First Time Since 2011
Every year that Russell Wilson has been in the NFL, the Seahawks have made the playoffs. That streak appears in serious jeopardy, and a loss to the Rams may ensure they don’t make the postseason. A loss would all but ensure that the Rams win the division, and the Seahawks wildcard odds are murky. Record wise they’d still be in the thick of things but fellow wildcard hopefuls, the Falcons, and Packers, both hold the head to head tiebreaker over them.
4. They’re Really Hard To Beat At Home
The Seahawks are 12-3 across their last 15 home games. The Seahawks have some of the loudest fans in the entire league and can easily beat anyone at home. Just two weeks ago they beat the Eagles, who had only lost one game at that point, by 14 at home. Last time the Rams traveled to Seattle, in week 15 of last year, they managed just three points. They’ll have to avoid letting the crowd be a factor if they want to be one of the rare teams to win in Seattle.
5. Russell Wilson Is Having An MVP Caliber Season
The Seahawks offense has essentially been a one-man show this season, with Russell Wilson leading the way. He’s responsible for their passing game as well as most of their running game. He’s accounted for all but one of their touchdowns this year. Yes, you read that right, the Seahawks have exactly one touchdown through 13 games that Wilson didn’t pass for or run for. He’s also accounting for nearly 82 percent of their yardage. With no clear frontrunner for MVP, Wilson may wind up winning the award if he can pilot the Seahawks to the division title.
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– Andrew Ortenberg is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage Rams. He covers the Los Angeles Rams. Like and follow on Follow @AndrewOball Follow @FPC_Rams and Facebook
