NFL
By: George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams return to SoFi Stadium this Sunday to take on the Seattle Seahawks in an NFC West showdown. The Rams dropped their 5th straight game losing 26-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs dropping their record to 3-8. The Seahawks are coming off a 40-34 overtime defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders, their 2nd loss in a row. Both teams come into this matchup looking to right the ship and end their losing streak.
Rams Offense vs Seahawks Defense
Quarterback Matthew Stafford sat out the game against the Chiefs due to a neck injury and was placed in concussion protocol. Rookie quarterback Bryce Perkins started the first game of his career. Perkins completed 13-23 passes for 100 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. On the ground, Perkins accounted for 44 yards on 9 carries. Perkins was also sacked 3 times by the Chiefs defense. The Rams passing game received bad news prior to the game in Kansas City when the team announced WR Allen Robinson would be out for the rest of the season following surgery on his foot. The offense is now without its top 2 receivers with Cooper Kupp still recovering from an ankle injury. In the absence of Kupp and Robinson, Van Jefferson led the Rams with 3 receptions for 29 yards and the team’s lone touchdown in the game. The Rams have already announced that Matthew Stafford would not play against Seattle. If backup quarterback John Wolford is not able to play, Perkins will get his 2nd start in as many weeks. If Perkins is the quarterback, look for Coach Sean McVay to keep the pass attempts similar to the number of attempts Perkins had against the Chiefs.
Against the Chiefs, the Rams rushed for 116 yards on 28 carries. Cam Akers led the Rams running backs with 37 yards on 8 carries. With Darrell Henderson no longer on the team, Akers slots into the #1 RB position. This week however, Akers appears on the Rams injury report as he did not practice on both Wednesday and Thursday due to illness. If Akers is not able to play, rookie Karen Williams figures to get the start in the backfield. With Stafford not playing this week, look for Coach McVay to utilize his running game and keep the number of pass attempts for Perkins to under 25.
Rams Defense vs Seahawks Offense
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is having a year most did not expect. Smith has thrown for 2802 yards with 19 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. On the ground, Smith rushed for 240 yards on 50 carries. Smith is still a danger to tuck the ball and run if he is not able to find an open receiver. Rams Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris will need to account for Smith’s ability to run when designing the Rams defensive game plan. Leading the way for the Seahawks receivers are WR Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf with 57 and 59 receptions respectively. CB Jalen Ramsey figures to shadow Metcalf across the field when the Rams play man coverage. Defensive back Troy Hill was held out of practice Thursday with a groin injury, leaving his availability for Sunday’s game in question. If Hill is unable to play, look for the Rams to play more zone pass coverage. The Rams pass rush took a serious blow this week with Aaron Donald ruled out with a high ankle sprain. This will be the first game Donald has missed in his career due to an injury. Donald’s absence will be felt in the Rams interior pass rush. Edge rushers Leonard Floyd and Terrell Lewis will need to maintain outside containment discipline in their pass rush to keep Geno Smith in the pocket.
With Donald out, the Seahawks will look to exploit his absence with their running game. Leading the way for Seattle is Kenneth Walker who has rushed for 613 yards and 9 touchdowns, The Raiders were able to hold the Seahawks to 65 yards on 23 carries. Starting LB Ernest Jones has been held out of practice this week with a back injury leaving his availability for Sunday in doubt. Bobby Wagner will have extra motivation facing his former team for the first time. With Jones possibly out, do not look for the Rams to be aggressive with run blitz calls. The Rams defensive line will need to get off their blocks quickly and maintain pursuit angles. If the Rams are not able to contain the Seahawks running game, it will open the play-action passing for Geno Smith.
Prediction
The Rams have been hit by the injury bug hard this season. 9 players are listed on the injury report for this weeks game. Both teams are coming into this game looking to end their respective losing streaks. In the end, look for the Seahawks to end their losing streak while the Rams streak will reach 6
Rams 13
Seahawks 20
