The Rams (3-4) were able to defeat the Seahawks (4-4) on Sunday 26-20 in overtime in a telling NFC West battle. This was a pretty good game that started slow but eventually picked up. The Seahawks went into halftime up 13-3 with a big late touchdown from Jaxon Smith-Njigba but the Rams were ultimately able to take over the game in the second half, at one point taking the lead 20-13. This forced the Seahawks to equalize late with a second Jaxon Smith-Njigba touchdown. This game went into overtime with the Rams winning 26-20 on a great one-handed grab by Demarcus Robinson.Â
Rams Keys to Victory
For the Rams to secure a victory against the Seahawks, one of the key strategies would have been to capitalize on creating turnovers, particularly through interceptions. By putting pressure on Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, the Rams could force him into making hurried throws, leading to mistakes. An aggressive defensive front, combined with tight coverage from the secondary, would create opportunities for defenders to jump routes and intercept passes. This approach not only shifts momentum but also sets up an advantageous field position for the Rams’ offense, enabling them to score off turnovers and put pressure on Seattle.
Additionally, having three interceptions would highlight the importance of communication and anticipation within the Rams’ defense. Defensive backs would need to read Smith’s eyes and recognize patterns in the Seahawks’ play calling, allowing them to anticipate where the ball was likely to go. Each interception not only demoralizes the opponent but also energizes the Rams’ sideline and fans, reinforcing a winning mindset. By converting these turnovers into points, the Rams could build onto a significantly better 2nd half, forcing the Seahawks to abandon their game plan and play catch-up, further enhancing the Rams’ chances for victory.
MVP of the Game: The MVP of the game for the Rams this game was Kamren Kinchens. Kinchens had 2 picks, both in the red zone, returning one for a 103 yard touchdown.
What Went Wrong for the Seahawks
For the Seahawks, a primary issue in their loss against the Rams was the protection given to quarterback Geno Smith. Allowing seven sacks indicates a significant breakdown in the offensive line, which struggled to provide Smith with the time he needed to make accurate throws. This relentless pressure not only disrupted the Seahawks’ offensive rhythm but also led to rushed decisions, culminating in three critical interceptions. The inability to establish a solid pass protection plan meant that the Rams could dictate the pace of the game, forcing Seattle into a one-dimensional offensive strategy that became increasingly predictable.
Additionally, the turnovers were detrimental to the Seahawks’ chances of winning this game. The three interceptions not only halted potential scoring drives but also gave the Rams points on some of the costly turnovers. With the defense on the field for extended periods due to the offense’s struggles, fatigue became a factor, further compounding the issue. Overall, the combination of poor offensive line play and costly turnovers created an uphill battle for the Seahawks, undermining their game plan and leading to a disappointing result.
LVP of the Game: The LVP of the game for the Seahawks was Geno Smith. Smith threw three picks, two occurring in the red zone with one being returned for a touchdown.
NFC West Outlook
Current Standings:
- Arizona Cardinals (5-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (4-4)
- San Francisco 49ers (4-4)
- Seattle Seahawks (4-5)
The NFC West is shaping up to be a competitive division as the season progresses. The Arizona Cardinals, sitting at 5-4, are in a strong position but will need to maintain their momentum against increasingly tough opponents. The Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks are all within striking distance at 4-4 and 4-5, respectively, indicating that any slip-up by the Cardinals could open the door for one of these teams to take the lead. With the potential for injuries and late-season adjustments, this division could see significant shifts, making every game critical for playoff aspirations. Overall, expect a tight race as teams jostle for positioning in the final weeks.
For an in-depth breakdown of the Seahawks and Rams matchup checkout this YouTube video