The Seahawks won their first road game of the season, finally, in a narrow 16-10 victory over the LA Rams. It was also the first of what I anticipate to be many battle’s for the NFC West crown. The Rams came out firing on all cylinders but in the end were no match for Russell Wilson and the vaunted Seattle D.
Offense
I was very, very worried after the first series of the game; Eddie Lacy stuffed by Aaron Donald, Russell Wilson sacked by Alec Ogletree and an incomplete pass. The Rams defense were fired up and not messing around. Thankfully, Seattle’s offense stepped up real quick and had an impressive showing. Despite the offensive line giving Wilson absolutely no help the entire game and allowing 3 sacks, he was still able to evade the blitz and create plays. Darrell Bevell tried to get a little too tricky allowing TE Tanner McEvoy his chance at QB, only to chuck up a deep pass into double coverage which was intercepted by Rams safety, Cody Davis.
The Rams were the first to put points on the board in the second quarter but the Seahawks weren’t far behind with Jimmy Graham tallying his first TD of the season. The Hawks were able to get great field goal position for Blair Walsh who knocked down a 48 yarder to tie the game 10-10 going into the half.
The numbers aren’t as impressive as the performance, for example, J.D. McKissic caught three passes for 36 yards, lining up as a slot receiver AND catching out of the backfield. McKissic makes the sting of losing Chris Carson a little more bearable. He’s a dual threat back and the Seahawks haven’t typically utilized their running backs out of the backfield with much success until now. Paul Richardson, Doug Baldwin and Graham all ended up with 35+ yards which like I said isn’t so impressive but they were able to get those yards when it really mattered.
Defense
Seattle’s defense was tremendous today. After a quick 3 and out by their offense to start the game, Earl Thomas knocks the ball loose out of Todd Gurley’s outstretched hand to force a fumble inside the pylon resulting in a touchback instead of a touchdown and Seahawks ball. With Jeremy Lane still out, rookie Shaq Griffin stepped in and had an impressive performance with 6 solo tackles. He and Seattle’s front 7 did a great job containing Todd Gurley, holding him to 43 rushing yards and just 7 receiving yards, his lowest combined yardage so far this season. The Rams receivers were a little more successful with Tyler Higbee tallying 98 yards and Robert Woods with 66 yards, however, neither made it to the end zone because Seattle’s redzone defense was spectacular. They forced three incomplete passes in the redzone with 35 seconds left in the game to save their 16-10 victory.
Sheldon Richardson has most definitely proved to be an incredibly successful trade. He recorded a fumble recovery off a tipped pass at a critical point in the 3rd quarter and continues to be so disruptive. Seattle’s front 7, Frank Clark and Michael Bennett to be specific, were able to sack Jared Goff twice for a loss of 13 yards. When the game was on the line, the Seahawks defense stepped up and secured the victory!
Injuries
Unfortunately, defensive end Frank Clark’s neck injury is more serious than originally expected. According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, Avril’s neck injury is in fact career-threatening and is causing numbness from his neck down to his arm. Cornerback Jeremy Lane is still suffering from a groin injury and running back C.J. Prosise is having issues with his ankle again. Chris Carson was placed on IR after suffering a fractured leg last week. Carson underwent surgery last Tuesday and will be out for at least 8 weeks.
Up Next
The Seahawks will get a chance to rest and recuperate during a week 6 bye week and will face the winless New York Giants on the road in East Rutherford, NJ on October 22 at 1:25 PST.
Go Hawks!
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