This is a guest article by Curtis Allen. After the game today tune into the instant reaction live stream which will be available on here and on our YouTube channel
The mighty have fallen. The Rams host the Seahawks with a 3-8 record and are on track to be one of the worst teams in NFL history in the season following their championship.
They shockingly have one of the worst offenses this year, standing at 29th in scoring (16.2 ppg), #31 at rushing yards per game and total offensive yards per game.
The defense has not experienced as big a decline as the offense but their aggressiveness has had to be tempered significantly as they have not had big leads to play with nearly as much.
What is happening to this team overall? They have been hammered by injuries.
Their offensive line has been a revolving door this year. Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp have also missed significant time and now it appears that even Aaron Donald is not immune as he is set to miss the game Sunday with a high ankle sprain.
Still, if I was a Rams fan, I would be relieved at seeing the Seahawks on their schedule Sunday. They have won eight of the last ten games against Seattle and while you can definitely point to the top talent they have on their team as a big reason, Pete Carroll and the Seahawks have always struggled to mount an effective attack against the Rams in both phases of the game.
The other reason is the Hawks are playing horribly. They have played down to their opponents in losses to Tampa Bay (4-5) and Las Vegas (3-7), particularly on defense. Seattle has simply not been the same since going to Germany.
Pete Carroll has commented that it took the team until Thursday this week to have practices to show him they are up to snuff for this game. It took three days to get over the loss to the Raiders. You are free to interpret that as you like but you should know he made a similar comment about the team after getting manhandled by San Francisco in Week Two and they could not rebound in time to play effectively against the Falcons in Week Three.
How can the Seahawks break out of their slump and beat a division foe that has dogged them for years? Let us have a look at some of the factors.
With the Seahawk defense a mess and the Rams missing many of their core players, there really aren’t too many locked-in patterns or styles to analyze. Just a collection of thoughts the Seahawks need to be aware of on both sides of the ball.
When the Rams Have the Ball
John Wolford will start at quarterback for the Rams on Sunday and the offensive line may roll out a new front five of players yet again due to injuries.
The circumstantial evidence strongly suggests that the Rams will employ a quick-passing and a run heavy approach to this game. That is not a major departure from what the Rams have done in the past, there is just a high likelihood that downfield attacking passes will be in fewer supply than normal.
So, the first thing the Seahawks will need to do is cover Tyler Higbee effectively. Wolford last started the Week Ten game against the Cardinals and Higbee was his top target. He caught all eight of his targeted passes for 73 yards and had one explosive play. Higbee was their offensive catalyst, as Wolford found him on first and second down frequently and gave the Rams a short third down — something every undermanned offense badly needs.
The Seahawks are one of the worst teams in the NFL this year in defending tight ends. They have given up the second-most yards (711) and the fourth-most touchdown passes (6).
For a comparison, Travis Kelce is the leading tight end this year with 912 yards and 12 touchdowns so far. Mark Andrews is the second-best at 601 yards and 5 touchdowns. Therefore, the Seahawks are every week conceding an amount of production from tight ends that rivals the best at their position in the NFL. I seriously doubt the Rams have not noticed that. That needs to stop Sunday if the Seahawks are wanting to keep the Rams offense from moving down the field.
Controlling the line of scrimmage is something you always want to do. Against these Rams though, it is a goal the Seahawks should be able to accomplish. This is something that the numbers just dictate in plain language that they have the ability to do. The Rams are absolutely battered on the line. The Seahawks have their entire complement of linemen available and have shown that they can succeed in this area in the past.
However, their performance lately has been a horrible regression back to the beginning of the year. Quarterbacks have had pillow-soft pockets and time. Running backs have had holes and inexplicably been able to push the pile forward, even when monster-size players like Bryan Mone and Al Woods are in the game.
There is a perception that Tampa Bay modeled how to attack this defensive line in the running game and the Raiders teed off on them. Pete Carroll has insisted he knows what is wrong and is working to correct it. We will see on Sunday.
Cam Akers and Kyren Williams will be running the ball for the Rams. While they are far from the NFL’s best rushing combo (neither have played big roles this year), the Hawks’ front seven really has something to prove. They have given up a whopping 444 yards rushing in their last two games. Nothing should be taken for granted. Scoffing at the Rams’ offensive line backups playing in unfamiliar positions, with a backup quarterback and one of the NFL’s least productive running back duos is a luxury the Seahawks cannot afford.
This game will tell us a lot about whether this coaching staff can get this defense back on track. Two bad games are a slump. Three in a row is a real trend.
Decisions will need to be made in nearly every defensive area this offseason, from the coaching staff to the line, the linebackers and safeties. The data they collect in the last few games will be invaluable to the team as they enter an offseason with two first-round and two second-round picks.
This game is a contest the Seahawks should rightly dominate on defense. The Rams’ offense might be the weakest opponent they will face this year. And yet, with the division familiarity and the Seahawks’ penchant for playing down to their opponent’s level, our faith is not very high that the team can control this game with a tight defensive performance.
When the Seahawks Have the Ball
The offense put up 34 points last week, which should have been enough for a win. However, at key moments they were not able to move the ball to get in position to win the game. It is hard to fault the offense too much when the defense gives up almost 1000 yards in two weeks, though.
Tampa Bay and the Raiders have been effectively able to bottle up the running game, holding the Seahawks to 104 yards in the last two weeks. The Rams are one of the NFL’s best rushing defenses, ranking in the top 5 of the NFL on yards, yards per attempt and rushing touchdowns. It would seem a natural instinct to open up the passing game a bit and “run the ball” with short passes.
I think the Seahawks need to ignore that instinct and employ a healthy amount of runs on Sunday. In their last five games against the Rams they have run for a very respectable 4.48 yards per carry. That magical 100-yard barrier can be obtained if they keep that pace up and only run the ball 23 times on Sunday.
The point is, they have had success running the ball against LA. In Watch Points of weeks past against the Rams I have made this point several times: you can control the Rams if you commit to running the ball. It keeps their offense (and the Seahawk defense) off the field, gets the offense into a rhythm and allows the quarterback the comfort of knowing he is not carrying the entire game on his shoulders.
All the more so with Aaron Donald out for this game. Looking up and down the Rams’ defensive line, there are not a lot of high PFF scores there. Donald has tormented the Seahawks as much as any player has. They are well within their rights to run the ball up the gut, right at the spot Donald would have occupied and make his replacements do his job.
Geno Smith needs to keep doing Geno Smith things. Watch his great drive against the Rams in Week Five last year. Cue the video to 11:00. You will see Smith doing the things he has been doing this year when he is playing well — being decisive, reading the field and giving what the defense gives him and running when he has yards in front of him. The Seahawks need this kind of performance against the Rams to really keep the offense on schedule and put pressure on the Rams’ battered offense to keep up.
One thing of note from that game: The Rams followed the typical protocol when a backup quarterback enters the game. Call off the blitzing dogs and make him read the field and make good decisions. It did not work. Geno carved them up, moving the offense 91 yards in 5 minutes for a touchdown to pull them to within one score.
On the second drive, the Rams picked up their blitzing. Geno was unaffected. He drove them down the field for a field goal.
That is what the Seahawks need from Geno on Sunday. A player that can make decisions, take what his given him and keep control of the game from his spot.
Special Teams Could Decide the Course of This Game
The Seahawks and Rams have a relationship on Special Teams that dictates the coaches of both sides be ready for anything. There have been some wild plays between these two teams.
My favorite might be the Michael Dickson double-punt from last year (9:30 in that highlight video above). That was a tremendous feat of athleticism to scoop the ball with one hand, awareness that he is still behind the line of scrimmage and get a punt away that put the Rams in a hole.
One of the two Seahawks’ wins against the Rams in the last ten games was sealed by a missed field goal try by Greg Zuerlein.
And the Rams have pulled out a fake punt from their bag of tricks last week that got them a first down:
Punter Riley Dixon with the absolute dart! 🎯
📺 @NFLonFOX | 📲 https://t.co/4beUdmlymg pic.twitter.com/onc0wISfD8
— x – Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 27, 2022
The Seahawks’ special teams units need to be sharp. The Rams have nothing to lose and they are still dangerous as a division rival. Not many things would make them happier than to win this game without Stafford, Kupp, Donald, etc because somebody fell asleep on special teams coverage.
Thanks for this Curtis. Appreciate you!
I’m back into my “no expectations” mode for the Seahawks today. Anything can (and will) happen. I’m just going to enjoy the game and watch it unfold. Hopefully the 49ers lose to the Dolphins (that should be a good game!) but it won’t be televised in my market.
I was just thinking the same thing.
The last 2 weeks have completely shifted my perspective on this season (again).
Now that I’m back to believing that this team still has major flaws that will prevent them from competing in an already weak NFC, it’s difficult for me to care much about the wins and losses.
Instead, I’m back to looking for progress from individual players that will (hopefully) be building blocks for the future.
I really hate the thought of being in the “no man’s land” of around .500, but that looks like what’s going to happen.
Having the Broncos pick mitigates that frustration, to a certain extent. Assuming that they keep losing, of course.
That 2019 draft stings this year. I know they needed more picks, but watching Sweat/ Simmons/ Lawrence flourish this year shows how a quality top pick can really out-weigh the value of “depth” provided in the draft. I know Sweat was the only one we had a chance with and Simmons was hurt, but just go draft THE GUY if you have the chance.
I’ve drastically tempered my expectations this year, but I’m taking the family to the game today, so I’m really hoping for a win against the Rams. I have a feeling it’s going to be a huge Seahawks crowd today at SoFi if the Chargers game was any indication. Go Hawks!
Enjoy the game!
Good for you! Hope the Hawks reward you with a W. Regardless, hope you have fun (a W will help that).
Right on, cha. Every position on defense needs tough evaluating, with the exception of CB. Thank you for including the coaching staff in that comment.
This is a bit off-topic. The Seahawks are elevating Vi Jones from the practice squad this week. They have already done that twice before. I thought that the limit was two elevations before you have to promote to the active roster. Have the rules changed this year?
No. They will either need to add him to the 53 man roster after this or he will be available from their PS.
This is the kind of game that is designed to make us angry.
Indeed. I can see the Seahawks struggling today and just adding gas to the fire.
A blowout win doesn’t give you as much as it normally would either.
Agree with both of you. As you said Curtis:
“This game is a contest the Seahawks should rightly dominate on defense. The Rams’ offense might be the weakest opponent they will face this year. And yet, with the division familiarity and the Seahawks’ penchant for playing down to their opponent’s level, our faith is not very high that the team can control this game with a tight defensive performance.”
Excellent work Cha.
I don’t need a blowout win.
I do need something they rarely do anymore. Not to play down to lesser opponents and let tge rams hang around all game.
Serious doubts about the readiness of this team big picture. But for just this day the Rams are the lesser team. I need the hawks to play like it.
It could be worse. We could be Broncos fans.
I don’t know.
I get it’s been super good for youtubers traffic but whether Wilson is cooked (probably?) Or not they have the most dollars on IR in the league.
We’re playing a full complement of starters and we’re a decidedly middling team.
Anybody know who the ‘Hawks have designated as inactive for this game? Hope they don’t sit Mone again.
They usually post them about 11-11:30 or so.
We know Travis Homer is out with illness.
I think just T Homer
Don’t think they will unless something is wrong with Mone. They are going to challenge the backup QB to beat them with his arm. Of course, Mone isn’t fast, and slow is one of the worst attributes you can have on the NFL.
I expect the Seahawks to be able to put up some points with the injuries on the Rams defense. It would be nick to see the run game get over 100 yards
If the depleted Rams offense is able to move the ball at will today, it will show just how inferior our coaching and personnel are compared to the rest of the NFL
Any thoughts on who should be in the BCS besides Georgia and Michigan?
If they put Ohio State in I would rather they didn’t play Michigan first round, I’m ready for a different match up.
TCU isn’t as strong but damn Duggan put the most effort of any quarterback out on the field.
Alabama looks strong but I’m tired of seeing them in the top four. Nick Saban may be advocating for the players, but he is also silently advocating for his top recruiting position which is now threatened by other teams.
They announced earlier today that Georgia will play Ohio State and Michigan will play TCU.
Final ranking:
1. Georgia
2. Michigan
3. TCU
4. Ohio State.
Looking forward to it!
Ahh thanks. I guess Nick Saban won’t be getting a Christmas gift from the committee.
Lets see Alabama is playing Kansas St. in the Sugar Bowl.
I’ll take K-State. Half the Alabama team will sit out for “business reasons”
Figures Lamar Jackson would get injured during the Denver game. Looking like Denver might luck out in this one.
Broncos leading 6-3 in 3Q. All FG’s.
Tyler Huntley is the Ravens backup QB so don’t count them out yet.
9-3 at end of 3rd quarter. Lets go Ravens!
From Florio: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/12/04/troy-hill-among-the-rams-inactives-but-brian-allen-ernest-jones-are-dressed/
Not being pedantic here. With how often Collier is inactive, why the hell has he been kept on the roster? Delusion? Refusal to accept that he’s busted out? Fear that he’ll share the playbook with another club? He can’t be showing anything at practice, or he’d be getting more reps on Sundays.
I’m genuinely confounded.
I think a lot of us share your confoundedness…a real head scratcher
I can’t decide whether the Vikings are for real or not. They look pretty solid on offense and defense. But then they got blown out by the Cowboys.
Let’s go Ravens!!!
OH YES! Denver is the gift that keeps on giving. Go Ravens! 10-9 final.
Congratulations Rob!
A clean sheet for the Three Lions to advance to the Quarters. France awaits.
That’s gonna be a match!
Baltimore just scored to tie the game vs Denver with the PAT to come
10-9 Baltimore with 28 seconds left
The ravens just scored a touchdown and a successful extra point with 30 seconds to go to go ahead of Denver 10 to 9!!
Hell yes!!
Ravens win and keep the loosing streak alive for the Broncs
Ravens may be salvaging a bad morning. Go Ravens!
Good job Baltimore. I was hoping the Bears were going to win today to also help out the Seahawks draft pick.
Russ, once again, with no TD’s.
This situation has gotten Delphi Oracle level of destiny.
Cleveland won. Pittsburgh won. Detroit won. GB won. Now all we need is for Chicago and Jacksonville to win one in the coming weeks.
Wilson almost pulled a rabbit out of his hat but the 63 yd field goal to win it was no good ravens when!
Win
Holy crap Denver with a chance to win with a FG…
It’s short!
Ravens win!
Denver is the Gift that keeps on giving!!!!! Go Ravens.
Hahaha. Go Ravens!!!! That might be the the one that breaks Denver’s back
Once again Hackett chooses McManus over Wilson, the result?Another Denver loss!
I’m worried they’re gonna fire Hackett though and then the team will rally
I bet that would not make Mahomes (two times) and Herbert worried.
Too late for them to salvage the season.
HAHAHA Denver…..pure joy. Defense quit on that last drive. They are DONE! odd choices, hope Hackett survives the weekend.
At this point all vets under contract through 2023 will start easing up, rookies will become more despondent, and the fan base will not care about results. They will want blood.
They could easily go winless the rest of the year.
Unfortunately, I don’t see the Bears winning another game either.
Even if they don’t, the Broncos have a weaker strength of schedule. If their records are tied, the Broncos pick first.
So look Imma be honest…
I can’t be arsed either way today about a win. It’ll be a bit hollow vs a toothless Rams squad. It’ll cost us a rank or three with both first round picks (Denver are currently a half game ahead of LA to pick in the first, pending the outcome of their game with the Seahawks). And I think I’d rather have the better picks.
But, I want Seattle to win for 805Hawk and his family who will be at SoFi. For them, I want a great game capped by a Seahawks win. Cheers to them at the game!
Go Hawks!
And the Seattle rushing defense is right back to where they left off the prior two weeks.
9 men in the box and they have allowed 15 yards rushing.
Rushing and bootlegging their way right through, around and over this crap defense.
Why is it so difficult for them? Is it scheme, strength, speed, tackling? All of the above?
They have no studs on the front 7.
Nwosu looks tired and outmatched, while the rest just aren’t good enough.
Good gawd, last week there were Collier sightings. That’s how desperate this group has become.
Pretty dreadful start
Will the rams even have to throw the ball?
No possible way we will make the playoffs with this defense playing like this
I shudder to think what the Chiefs are going to do to this defense on Christmas Eve
Not looking forward to that particular game
A chance to get the offense on the field and rolling? Nah, let’s defer and play catch up.
SMH.
Mone looks heavier than usual and not in a good way
And Irvin cmon man, where’s the contain?
Absolute rubbish this defense
Cut Irvin. He’s ballast, at best.
I can’t really enjoy the Denver game with us playing so poorly. We might end up picking in the first 10 twice.
Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.
What you gonna do defense? Curl up into a ball and crumble or adjust and stop these guys?
This defense is the remedy for any ailing offense.
Cam Akers has been gawd awful this year, until he plays against the Seahawks He was even off the team for a bit.
Wow this defense is straight trash. There are no legit starters on that offense.
Hurtt should be fired on monday
Don’t forget, McVay has basically owned Carroll.
Most backup qbs have owned Pete.
Walker to the rescue!
That’ll placate some critics!
Go K9!
Coach of the year…..Hardie har har.
Wolford like many before looking nice and sharp.
Bobby Wagner left grabbin air
But, but tackles!
PLEASE don’t be hurt K9
Blythe was literally standing around doing nothing. WTF?
Jimmy g carted off the field
Headed to another Subway commercial shoot?
Jimm has an ankle injury, questionable to return.
Nice response by the Seahawks Offense
All he does is…
Lockett!
Alright – good response. Game on! I can’t imagine this team without Lockett.
Gift-wrapped sack for Wagner. Jeez….
Maybe someone will gift wrap one for Brooks, one of these days.
Bobby Wagner trying to keep up with Lockett on a crosser LOL.
What was their 33 doing there?
That was all Geno. Saw the blitz adjusted his blocking scheme sidestepped one guy calmly delivered the ball. That was some serious quarterbacking.
Agreed great play by Geno but also good job by the Oliners.
Good point
💯
Geno Ice 😎
The difference between him and Russ this year was on full display right there.
Russ has looked panicked and underthrows a lot of passes. He ignores a lot of easy runs in favor of a hard pass.
Geno, in contrast, gets hit, gets up and business as usual.
Thanks for staying up Tyler!
In the meanwhile our D keeps giving up yards like it’s nothing
I’m convinced Russ could hang 50 on this defense now
My 89 year old mother who gets around with a walker might be able to hang 50 on this defense
I believe we’re in for a Big12 shootout, folks.
Buckle in.
I wouldn’t bet against it
Thought that was a false start on that missed pass to Atwell but whatever
i thought the same
At this point, maybe Hurtt should start offering bounties. Maybe give the DL some incentive to make some TFL?
That was a luck that it’s not 14 to 7
Bryant and Diggs social distancing. All he needed to do was get his left foot down.
Diggs continues to look like a man making business decisions out there.
The guy got paid and doesn’t seem to be interested in actually earning it.
I think hurtt would make a better bouncer than a coach
Complaint about Hurtt, but….
Pete Carroll, “defensive head coach”.
Bryant is consistently burned. Rookies gonna rookie but my lord, he’s a liability back there.
Another unsuccessful position change
OK, can we get a wheel route for K9, please?
I want to see him get a catch on the run.
Nice offensive series there.
Is this the Seahawks JV team? They SUCK!
With this horrible defensive start against a backup QB and a bad Rams team, how close are we to just giving up on this Seahawks team. It would be much better for next year to have better draft picks. Also it is beyond clear that PC has no idea how to put a competent defense on the field every week. If the Seahawks finish terribly this season it might expedite the changes that we all know are needed.
I see 3 more losses guaranteed, 9ers even without Jimmy, Chiefs and Jets. That’s 9-8 so ………..
What changes? We’ve already doubled the amount of likely wins that were anticipated. Unless Waldron gets a HC offer, we’re stuck with the coaches. Carroll can already take a victory lap, as this was a rebuilding year.
As Rob has pointed out, this level of poor defense is unacceptable even in a rebuild. This team has had poor defenses for several years and Pete hasn’t been able to fix it. It is not just a roster problem.
Geno is going to have to really earn it today. His protection is slowly deteriorating.
WTF happened to the efficiency of the 3 TE sets we were running earlier this season? The offense is so vanilla…
Walker and Geno going at it?
Well, that’s not good.
Nwosu totally ran by the play
Guessing Walker missed the blitz pickup and Geno ain’t having any of that rookie crap this far into the season.
That’s exactly what it was. Walker has to break off his route and stick the blitzer and let Geno find his 2nd read.
I really hope Geno doesn’t get priced out of a re-sign. I want him back and that’s a perfect example of why.
A punt? Do my eyes deceive me?
Looked like Nwosu got a Pulisic nut shot.
Walk it off big guy.
My podiatrist, Dr. Victor Nwosu would find this comment humorous.
If we can’t get our defense sorted we might win 1 more game this year
Where’s the flag for the late hit?
The NFL does not like us man. Remember the no catch by DK last week?
Wow that was some throw!
Looks like our two rookie tackles are settling down. Earlier I thought they both had a false start at the same time.
Abe Lucas way out in front of DJ
Let’s see more of that young man!
Lockett is having such a sneaky good year.
Great pass by Geno but DK is so cavalier with the ball sometimes….
Walker has a slight hitch in his giddiyup
Wow. What a perfect play. Absolutely perfect.
Geno had all day to let Fant get open. Great job OL.
That beautiful location pass reminds me of whatshisname. It was perfect.
Shweeeeeet!
Fantastic protection and a wonderful throw
I love how Shane is getting everyone involved, makes us hard to predict.
Watching the Dolphins and 49erson Red Zone. I don’t think the Dolphins will win, but the 49ers are going to be spending a lot of time in the cold tub this week.
Is Jimmy G out?
Really hope Seattle drafts another RB we just can’t have Dallas be a lead back at any point in time
Not having Homer this week hurts
Is Walker injured?
Chris MacIntosh Georgia or Zach Charbonnet UCLA. We have enough picks to get another good one.
Did anyone seriously think they would make that stop?
Taylor has zero football I.q
It honestly looks like he makes the wrong read on every single play he is so out of position
They had him dead to rights for a loss and a punt but instead he gains 3 and gets the first. Horrific run D.
If Walker is dinged up, anybody worth a look on practice squads? Gordon?
Or, is it finally time to unlock Dareke Young?
Barton took goo notes on the play
Do not let Walker play another snap if there is any possibility he might inflame a slight injury.
Don’t do it.
Absofuckinlutely!
What Big Mike said!
Playoff caliber offense and top 5 pick caliber defense.
Well said
I should amend that and say that doesn’t include the CBs on defense but everyone else.
Just about the only time this D Line gets through is when the Rams design to let them through.
We have the least creative defense in the nfl
YOU TRIED THROWING BACKSIDE ON WOOLEN, YOU FOOL!
Post of the day!
You fell victim to one of the classic blunders!
Throwing at Woolen is akin to getting involved in a land war in Asia.
Tariq Woolen! INT!!!
Now that’s a backup QB level throw.
thought they were going to flag Taylor for that hit.
They definitely could have he’s lucky
Finally Wolford does something stupid. He was starting to look like Joe Montana back there.
Won’t be surprised if we come back from commercial and its reversed for that hit on Wolford
That’s how New York rolls on Seattle. Never mind that they late hit us OOB.
So close to a late hit by taylor
But surprise! No flag! Merry Christmas Seahawks…
NFL QB 1.0: avoid Woolen like plague. Great play by the rookie.
49ers @ Dolphins update: Jimmy G out for the rest of the game with a foot injury
Beat me to it.
Shshshaw!
Nobody beats Rusty Shackleford
Garapolo officially out with ankle injury.
So Walker is on the bench and they immediately try running it up the gut with Dallas.
Effing brilliant move.
Raiders playing inspired defense today against the Bolts.
Without walker I expect our offense to stall
Ugh Bobby making a day of it against us
Happy for him. Especially after we botched his release.
Cripes, get over it. He said himself he holds no ill will. Let him enjoys his sacks and being mathematically eliminated by week 15.
What a punt!
And what a sad thing to have to say.
So with Homer inactive and Walker out, who plays RB if Dallas gets hurt?
You do. Suit up.
Sounds painful, especially at age 66
But think of the records you’ll set!
For most injuries on one play?
No, that belongs to Adams.
Post of the day! 🙂
we need him on the d line to stop the run
Uh, why is DK off the field on a 3 and long?
Nice play by Harris
Barton is such a backup player. The man cannot for the life of him shed a block.
Barton is the #1 player i want to see replaced on this team. He walks around like a badass, but when he’s not seeing ghosts he’s misdiagnosing plays or getting bottled up.
Here’s the weaknesses that were noted about Barton heading into the draft
Weaknesses
Just one season as full-time starter
Weighed just 227 pounds at Shrine Game (looks bigger and slower now!)
Lacks discipline in scrapes to the football (check)
More consistent run fits must be prioritized (check)
Attempts to play in front of blocks leads to lost leverage (check)
Below-average block slipper (CHECK!)
More chase than capture due to average range (check)
Movement is a little lumbering and lacking twitch (check)
Lateral change of direction is too gradual (check)
Missed easy interception opportunities from zone
OK so the Irvin thing was a nice story, but seriously………………
Cody Barton broooooooo
Is there a worse defense in the NFL than this??
no, and it is totally in-excusable. Again, another YEAR of historically bad d from a d minded coach.
Finally a negative play
Nice play Nwosu
Thank you Mr. Nwosu. Single handedly stopping that drive.
Irvin only looks good in pursuit because Wofford has a backup’s physicality.
Cross looking like Lucas looked last week.
I have heard that right around the eleventh game most rookies hit a wall where fatigue sets in. This is where in college you get a month of before a bowl game.
RBs just get hurt…so difficult to have an offense that relies upon a good one.
Have two…charbonnet, rodriguez, etc
So I guess we’re gonna get a taste of Jones at RB.
Hell, just go spread offense at this point.
Hopefully we have a TE we can keep in that knows the blitz pickup assignments.
Uh oh. Tony Jones time.
Whoever the hell that is.
Sounds like a fake name, to me.
Josh Jones’ twin brother?
Kristan Michael?
make DK the Wide Back like 9ers Deebo may as well get Metcalf touches
With this Oline blocking?
I prefer not to get him injured, too.
Rams 95 yds rushing? So sad.
Hell with it. Let’s plug Mone in the backfield and see if he can bring that Tukuafu energy.
Admit it. That fumble was exactly the kind of thing that you expected today.
seems like Lockett didnt want to go after the loose ball
Doesn’t Cross need a red cape if he is going to play like a Matador?
That was Damien Lewis
Correct, I was mistaken.
I see that deferring the opening kickoff worked again…. Sigh.
And Lockett with that business decision….
Nice scheme at Jordyn’s sack.
Agree
…that’s what she said?
You on a roll today
I played fantasy football against a guy who’s team name was My Ball Zach Ertz.
Aaaaaand another time Lewis got blown up
Did I wake up to an alternate universe where
Tony Jones is running back?? Krikey
Bijon Robinson is looking better and better for next years draft.
team has just lost it’s mojo…it’s weird. arguing and complaining. less energy on D. less crisp on offense.
Underthrew him or that’s 6
great catch and footwork by DK though
Nice to see a couple deep shots to DK, tho…finally.
Aaaaand, Geno with another adjustment on the blitz.
I love DK.
After that sack I think the Dolphins player said, “You got a Purdy mouth boy!”
And another awesome post!
Lmao DDK playing mind games with Ramsey
Terrible call on DK
and how is that not an illegal contact foul before that?
They can hit him within 5 yards of the LOS
If you meant it was a bullshit penalty, you’re correct.
Yes bullshit penalty, NFL loves the rams
Yeah but no penalty for a hit beyond the LOS?
As usual, shit officiating
DK Metcalf…$100 million dollar child.
I think that’s harsh on that play – he and Ramsey both going at it. Felt like a BS call to me.
💯
I disagree, DK needs to be held accountable. It’s his bone headed decision to open his mouth and it’s happening WAY too often, costing us 15 yards a pop.
Combine that with Pete wasting time outs every game.
Lack of discipline.
Unfortunately, he head butt him RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE REF.
Still waiting to see what dk did for the penalty. As Ramsey is screaming at hawks whole time losing his mind.
He leaned in and hit Ramsey in the helmet with his crown…after the play.
A stupid move that wasn’t needed.
I couldn’t tell watching. That’s dumb but still a real weak looking penalty.
That was an unsatisfying drive considering we made a field goal. Geno Smith is doing his part.
What about everyone else?
Woolen lukrin’
He almost blew it – but speed kills!
Woolen baited Wolford on that one.
The defense came to play in the second half forcing these 3 and outs
what am i missing? is that not interference w a catch on that punt return?
Apparently not when it’s a Seattle punt returner.
Probably lucky the Rams aren’t running more.
Makes no sense, they ran for 95 in the 1st half.
Cmon man
No Geno, never that late. And you’ve played so well today………………….
Say what you want about Bobby Wagner – he’s still tougher than our current no name linebackers.
Listening to kiro and the color guy tells me brooks is the best defensive player this year….
Ha ha, I needed a good laugh. I’ll pick Woolen for best rookie defensive back.
Another screwing by the refs and the NFL coming fir the Seahawks.
i mean…seriously? that’s not a catch when his knee hits the ground?
What will be this week’s incomprehensible explanation by the officials?
That shouldn’t be an interception but it would have been nice to see Wagner make some of the plays last year
OMG – these refs!
To be fair, he hasn’t made those plays this year either. Except for today.
So much for an easy game. This is just a sad effort by the hawks.
Our weekly screwing by the NFL
Just when you’re expecting a reach-around you get the donkey punch.
Second screwing after the Metcalf call. In fact he did that last game too?? or was it against Tampa Bay?
Wow…seemed pretty clear he caught it and was down.
Not if they want to continue the Bobby Wagner storyline
It was hilarious listening to the in studio ref guy, talking through the play, blatently contradicting what we were all seeing, to justify the call from new york
I want to see our guys wrestling for that ball more. Time to get tough!
32 is terrible for us. I guess what are you gonna do he’s our 5th stringer.
He didn’t complete the 17 steps of what is a catch. Therefore it goes to a wrestling match to determine who wants it more. Nfl then does a series of coin flips to determine possession.
at really a crucial juncture of the game too – – driving to go up two scores, that probably wins the game. now – they’re all pumped up again.
Got to give Bobby some credit – didn’t think he still had this in him.
Wagner is in full petulant child mode.
Perkins? where is he from?
And why do other teams have good backup quarterbacks? How dare them!!!
The Sonics I think.
Big Smooth baby
How many times can we get fooled by the bootleg
For 1 more quarter atleast.
Rams entering 3rd string qb godmode offense now.
If the Hawks blow this game, we need to go full tank. Plug in Lock to see what he’s got, Toby Jones as the premier back and Collier on every defensive snap.
💯
Teez Nutz!
Yes – just what we needed.
Like I said before – I’m glad the Rams aren’t running the ball as much this half.
So we gonna get the ball back. What can the NFL and it’s officials do now to continue the Bobby Wagner storyline? You know, like the Jerome Bettis returns home to Detroit storyline.
He hasn’t returned a fumble for a touchdown yet…….
So like a fumble when our player is clearly down? Yeah, that would be perfect wouldn’t it?
And then they can trot Pieria out to tell us it had all the elements of a hold. (reference to Super Bowl XL*)
Hmm this Jones guy may have potential. At least he’s trying to gain yards.
And all of a sudden we have a run game
Too slow to the edge on that toss.
The Rams offense hasn’t been able to stay on the field so their defense is getting tired. Seahawks defense is now winning this game
Really need a td here.
💯
Austin Blythe lead block and missed both guys! that was awful.
Nonsense, he was getting to the third level!
I don’t understand the lack of interest in upgrading the Center position. Never going to.
The IQ of this defense is something else
This is setting up an epic collapse by our defense to lose.
💯
That pass was too well defended. Would have had to be perfect placement and high catch without getting pushed out of bounds.
When our right guard points at his man, the center snaps the ball exactly one beat later. This is either going to cost the game on a strip sack or they will change it up and get offsides.
The NFL rulebook, and officiating – Tony Jones touches his knee down and then rolls onto his back, but when Bobby Wagner rips the ball away it’s an interception because “he didn’t complete the process of the catch” (whatever the hell that means). But when Patrick Mahomes loses the ball while he’s flying through the air, with no part of his body touching the ground, it’s a touchdown because the ball was judged to have crossed the goal line, and Mahomes doesn’t need to complete the process of the catch. Total bullshit.
But you don’t understand, Mahomes doesn’t play for Seattle.
I think Geno’s biggest weakness is wanting to be perfect and it shows up when it’s time to throw it away or even take a sack but he throws it into danger.
Bruce Irvin is an embarrassment.
Pathetic
But it’s a happy reunion
I think that one was on Bruce Irvin.
Those naked boots must be extremely difficult to defend.🙄
They are if you get destroyed on the edge
Does anyone know if Quandre Diggs is playing today?
Was wondering the same
Might as well let them walk it in to save some clock for us
our defense is just so easily fooled….
I was hoping the Rams would be worn down by now!
Well hopefully this utter embarrassment of a D allows them to score soon so our O has a chance to win or tie.
so f-ing weak
Seriously, screw this defense and team. Pussycats in the trenches…
OK, we’ve been wanting to see Geno lead a game winning drive. Here’s your chance my man.
i feel like the O-line is going to let him and us down here
10-4 good buddy!
If he can’t do it vs losing teams in back to back weeks, then it’s what he is.
He did it and they won!
Fuck I hate the Rams
I second this
He ran through tackles by Harris and Woolen.
Mark Sanchez with the Dirty Work/Steely Dan reference. Fantastic.
Do we really want to squeak out a win against tjis depleted Rams team?
At this point, it seems pretty clear that we are too flawed of a team to actually compete this year.
Let’s see if Geno can win this one at the end of regulation.
Go Seahawks!
This is pathetic.
Pathetic!
Shambolic.
This was the easiest game left on our schedule
Easier than Rams in seattle
?
Eff you Ramsey
An actual penalty on the Rams there?
Looking on the positive side – these close games are exciting!!! Bring on the unpredictable ref calls, the drops, the fumbles, the missed tackles. We want it all thrown in our face each week.
Please change “unpredictable” to “shit”
I swear i can catch better than #32, although i only caught footballs on the beach.
Luckily,Wagner didn’t pick up the ball off the turf af tr er the play, for an interception.
Nice catch. Get Marshawn on the line.
This is the last game im watching live. I’m going to go enjoy my Sundays. I mean if they don’t want to show up GameDay, then why the hell am I making time for this.
Late throw.
Had tons of room and time.
Playing to tie?
Yup, that’s Pete ball.
Ok, maybe not. Lol.
Pete gonna play for the tie?
Lockette still Gottette.
No E
Can our defense stop them?
Yes – success for both Geno Smith and Metcalf all rolled into one. That was a good defense on him too.
Well done Seattle. Well done Geno for what may be his first game winning 4th qtr drive in a long, long time
Defense better hold up
Suck on that Ramsey!!!!
What a throw!
Dk against Ramsey. Oh that’s a juicy storyline.
Good job Geno!
Well now the fun part. Defense needs to win it.
That’s the definition of a tight window
Cue Palatypus with “that’s what she said” in 5, 4, 3…..
anyone else nervous with this dee and Rams have 2 timeouts left?
i am scared….
Too much time?
With Ramsey draped across his back too
Nasty
If we can barely beat a depleted Rams team, then what is the point of winning.
Not gonna lie…was just thinking this too. Barely getting by both a bad and highly injured team.
KC didn’t complain
KC has a team way better than this team and has a shot at a SB. This team is no where near as good as KC
A game winning drive will pay benefits down the road
game out of 1st in the division……
“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish”
Pete Carroll at some point or another
DK too strong!!
Ramsey can go kick rocks.
DT sighting
Beautiful PBU by Woolen
Suck it, Bobby Wagner and Jalen Ramsey!
You jawed, and taunted and LOST!
I guess Jessica Alba will have to find something else to do on Sundays.
WOOHOO!!!! They pulled it out!
We needed this win!!!!
Woolen for rookie cornerback of the year.
Cody Barton with better hands than Jamal Adams!
DK has been real good the last several weeks. His hands look better this year to me.
And Woolen? Jesus, how good is this rookie?
Ugly wins are still way better than ugly losses.
If Woolen gets to double digit picks, he’s getting DROY and possibly DPOY.
If he played in NY or Dallas, it’d be 100% done deal
Absolutely 💯.
Even tho we barely beat an awful team. It’s still nice to win. Even if we get smoked in playoffs, i still enjoy seeing a win. Hope we still get jalen Carter somehow.
I’m never one to blame the refs. I know they miss calls sometimes, and you can’t leave the game up to the refs ect. I believe that. Having said that however, this is a few weeks in a row with several AWFUL calls against sea. I’ve always been suspicious that the league directs certain teams to win for ratings and storylines but I try not to go down that rabbit hole too much. The evidence is becoming overwhelming.