Three keys to a Seahawks win over the Rams

A 4-4  Seattle Seahawks team is looking to step into the bye week with a signature win over  NFC West division rivals Los Angeles Rams.  A win over the Rams would put the  Seahawks division record at  1-1.   Beating the Rams will not be a task.

The Rams snapped a two-game win streak after their week six bye with a high-flying offense that saw the return of Puka Nacua and Cooper  Kupp.  Rams quarterback Mathew Stafford had his best of the season in the Ram’s 30-20 win over a previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings team. Stafford was 34 of 25 for 279  yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.

CAN THE SEAHAWKS GET TO STAFFORD?

The Seahawks’ interior defense will need to win the trenches battle. In the Seahawks’ 31-10 loss to the Bills, Leonard Williams, Jonathan Hankins, Jarran Reed, Bryon Murphy, and Dre’ Mont Jones had just one sack and not a single tackle for a loss or a quarterback hit. The Seahawks have recorded at least six quarterback hits in their four wins. According to Proffotbal Focus, the Rams ‘ offensive line pass-blocking efficiency rating is 27th.

WHO WILL START AT RIGHT TACKLE?

Rookie Michael Jerrell has started the last two games at correct tackle after replacing Stone Forsythe, who started the previous five games for the injured George Fant. Fant started the season opener against the Broncos but left due to an injury and was placed on Injury reserve before the Seahawk’s win over the Dolphins on September 22nd. On Saturday afternoon, the Seahawks activated Fant from the IR list.  The move was unsurprising as  Macdonald hinted the team would make some roster moves during  Friday’s post-practice press conference.

 “He’s full. All the necessary transactions O-line-wise, and rest of the team, we’re going to make those tomorrow and then we’ll be ready to roll,” said Macdonald.

When asked if Fant would start, Macdonald was not comital.  Whether the starter is Jerrel or Fant, the Seahawks need to create some rushing opportunities for running back Ken Walker. Walker had just nine carries for 12 yards against the Bills.

HOW WILL  THE PASSING GAME FARE WITHOUT DK  METCALF AND NOAH  FANT?

A banged-up passing attack took another blow Friday when the DK Metcalf and tight end Noah Fant were both ruled out for Sunday’s game with the Rams. Metcalf missed the Bills game and his absence was obvious. Metcalf is second in receptions with 35 behind  Jaxson Smith-Njigba but first in TD receptions (3) and receptions yards with 568 yards. Fant is fourth in receptions   (27th) and 285-yard receiving yards.  Rookie AJ Barner will replace  Fant.  Offensive coordinator  Ryan Grubb was asked if the absence of Metcalf was the key to a lethargic performance against the Bills.

“Anytime we can have him in there, he obviously changes the complexity of the football game. But I also think we had seven or eight incompletions. I think it was more just a part of us not staying on the field in general.” Said Grubb Just getting first downs, staying out there, sustaining drives. I think, more than anything, it was that.”


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