Seahawks @ Rams
Final Score: Seahawks 27, Rams 23
Writer: Matthew Theodosopoulos (@FreeMattyTee on Twitter)
Going into the season, most people would probably predict these two teams in dramatically different places. And yet, here we are, with the 6-5 Seahawks going in as seven-point favorites over the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams would be without quarterback Matthew Stafford, whom the team placed on IR, as well as Aaron Donald who is nursing an injured ankle. The game managed to stay close throughout, with both offenses finding holes and ways to score on both team’s defenses. Seahawks rookie running back Ken Walker III dealt with an injury early on and eventually was declared out for the remainder of the game at halftime. In the end, Geno Smith would lead the Seahawks down the field on a game-winning drive to secure the victory.
Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback
Geno Smith: 28/39, 367 Yards, 3 TD, INT | 2 Carries, 3 Yards, 1 Fumble (Lost)
Geno Smith had a very strong showing, especially considering the Seahawks lost Ken Walker so early. His interception was a very weird/flukey play that, in my opinion, should have been ruled as a completed pass down by contact so I do not fault Geno so much here. He did also have a fumble on a play where the defender got to his arm before he could get his arm going forward. Aside from these errors, Geno played a great game and made some beautiful throws. He supported two 100-yard receivers and drove down the field to put his team in the lead with under a minute to play. With the running back room so banged up, the Seahawks had to lean on Geno this game, and he delivered. He threw it all over the Rams, for 367 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Running Back
Kenneth Walker III: 3 Carries, 36 Yards | 1 Target
DeeJay Dallas: 10 Carries, 37 Yards | 1 Target
Tony Jones Jr.: 7 Carries, 14 Yards | 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 18 Yards
This was a tough game for the Seahawks backfield, but not necessarily from a talent/output standpoint. Of course, the production could have been better, but Ken Walker was off to a pretty nice start until exiting early with what Pete Carroll called a “jammed ankle.” In his stead, DeeJay Dallas was next up, until he got injured himself! We finally made our way to former Saint Tony Jones Jr. Each of these players had big plays, with Walker having a long run before exiting, and the combination of Dallas and Jones Jr. picking up multiple important first downs. It certainly wasn’t a pretty or necessarily productive game from the Seattle backfield, but it was probably about what you would expect given the circumstances.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Tyler Lockett: 12 Targets, 9 Receptions, 128 Yards, TD
DK Metcalf: 8 Targets, 8 Receptions, 127 Yards, TD
Noah Fant: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 42 Yards, TD
Will Dissly: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 22 Yards
Marquise Goodwin: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 17 Yards
Colby Parkinson: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 12 Yards
Laquon Treadwell: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 1 Yard
Let’s start with the stars: DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett had monstrous games against the Rams. Both Seahawks receivers went for over 100 yards and caught touchdowns, with DK’s being the game-winner and coming with Jalen Ramsey draped all over him. Both players were vital today, and Lockett could have had an even bigger day if he hadn’t messed up on a route or two. That being said, Lockett was still Geno’s safety valve, seemingly open whenever the team needed him to be. The three-headed tight end monster was largely represented by Noah Fant this week, catching a handful of first downs as well as the second Seattle touchdown of the day. Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson still had plays, but are seemingly settling in to more minor roles next to Fant. Marquise Goodwin had a big catch and also almost came down with a touchdown, but the defender made a great play to knock the ball loose from Goodwin’s hands.
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
John Wolford: 14/26, 178 Yards, 2 INT | 5 Carries, 29 Yards
This Rams team is broken, man. John Wolford did his best with what the Rams have, and to his credit, he and the offense managed to keep this game close. But no Cooper Kupp, no Allen Robinson, 13 different offensive line combinations… this offense is only capable of so much. Wolford threw a bad pick early to Tariq Woolen, but McVay seemed to say it was his fault as the Rams headed back towards the sideline. Wolford played aware, escaping when he could and extending plays. This offense mainly ran through runs and sweeps, and Wolford managed the game well enough to give them a chance to win… until he threw a pick on the last possession of the game to seal it for Seattle.
Running Back
Cam Akers: 17 Carries, 60 Yards, 2 TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception
Kyren Williams: 3 Carries, 9 Yards | 1 Target
Has there been a weirder season for a player than the one Cam Akers has gone through? From sharing the backfield, to being held away from the team, to now being the lead dog, what a whirlwind it has been. Akers had a decent day, running well for about 3 yards a carry. He managed to get into the endzone twice. I was personally very surprised by how little the Rams utilized Kyren Williams. He seemed to get a lot more involved last week, and I thought the Rams would lead into him against a Seahawks run defense that can be bested, especially considering his strength as a pass-catcher. Alas.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Tutu Atwell: 5 Targets, 2 Receptions, 48 Yards | 4 Carries, 23 Yards
Brandon Powell: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 39 Yards | 3 Carries, 45 Yards
Van Jefferson: 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 39 Yards
Ben Skowronek: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 30 Yards
Tyler Higbee: 5 Targets, 2 Receptions, 14 Yards, 1 Fumble (Recovered)
Austin Trammell: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 8 Yards
Tutu Atwell and Brandon Powell were the stars of this offense. Atwell had a beautiful catch and almost added another that would have been a touchdown, but he only managed to get one foot down inbounds. It seemed as though most plays other than those immediately handed to Cam Akers were designed for either Atwell or Powell, as the Rams looked to get the little speedsters involved. And honestly, they succeeded in their roles against the Seahawks’ defense. Despite the fact that the Rams ran these plays continuously throughout the game, it seemed as though the Seahawks couldn’t really stop them. Van Jefferson had a couple of catches but was otherwise quiet, and it was much of the same for Ben Skowronek. Tyler Higbee was practically invisible. The fact of the matter is that this offense is anemic without Cooper Kupp.