Rams @ Seahawks
Final Score: Rams 26, Seahawks 20 (OT)
Writer: Brett Ford (@FadeThatMan)
For three quarters, this was a pretty tame divisional matchup. Then, in the fourth quarter, it became the Wild Wild West in Seattle, forcing extra time. In the overtime period, the Seahawks blew their chance for the win, and the Rams came all the way back to walk off the game with a long touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Demarcus Robinson. Plenty of stars shined in this one despite the relatively modest scoreline. Let’s dig in.
Three Up
- DeMarcus Robinson – If Puka is going to miss time (or get ejected), then Robinson seems happy to step up.
- Cooper Kupp – Still getting breakfast with Stafford, still getting peppered with targets.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba – The breakout we’ve all been waiting for with DK Metcalf sidelined.
Two Down
- Zack Charbonnet – KWIII has just been so good with the ball that it’s tough to get him involved.
- Geno Smith – He was forced into some dicey throws and made some costly mistakes.
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
Matthew Stafford: 25/44, 298 Yards, 2 TDs, INT | 1 Carry
Stafford played his typical game, slinging the ball around to Kupp and Robinson as the Rams worked the play-action pass and stretched the field both vertically and horizontally to wear down the Seattle defense. On the final play of the game, Stafford rolled to his left and found Robinson in the back of the end zone on an outstanding throw. Robinson made a great play to pull it in for the victory as the Rams walked it off in overtime.
Running Back
Kyren Williams: 22 Carries, 69 Yards | 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 26 Yards
Williams is still getting the usage that fantasy managers know and love but wasn’t able to turn it into solid production on Sunday, generating only 95 yards from scrimmage. The Rams kept Williams on the field for 76 out of 77 offensive snaps – so much for lightening his load. Maybe that’s how heavily they’ll play their bellcow against divisional opponents moving forward?
Blake Corum: 1 Carry, -1 Yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Puka Nacua: 4 Targets, 1 Reception, 11 Yards
Nacua was mostly a non-factor in this one, even before he got ejected. In the second quarter, Nacua was Mossed for an interception and then got up during the return and took a swing at a defensive back. A small punch, certainly, but enough to warrant a flag and an ejection.
Cooper Kupp: 14 Targets, 11 Receptions, 104 Yards
With Nacua sidelined, Kupp was peppered with targets, looking like Week 1 Cooper Kupp all over again. The Rams utilized Kupp in motion extremely frequently, allowing him to get off the line of scrimmage without a jam and create space in the zones and separation from man coverage as well. Kupp will continue to be a focal point of this offense but may have to share more often once Nacua returns to full strength.
Demarcus Robinson: 9 Targets, 6 Receptions, 94 Yards, 2 TD
Robinson was on the field for 54 offensive snaps, including the most important one of the game. He tracked and caught the game-winning touchdown in the end zone as the Rams walked it off with a 41-yard score. Robinson played in a majority of first-half snaps before Puka was ejected, filling out 11-personnel formations with the two headline receivers, but took on a larger role once Nacua exited. He’s now caught two touchdowns in multiple games this season, but the Rams’ schedule gets more difficult, and Nacua and Kupp should both be at full strength moving forward.
Tutu Atwell: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 16 Yards
Hunter Long: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 4 Yards
Davis Allen: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
Allen has begun to cut into Colby Parkinson’s snaps, playing 42 offensive snaps to just 32 for Parkinson. Allen was targeted three times and pulled in a catch, while Parkinson didn’t get a single look. Allen was schemed for a touchdown, pulling in his reception at the five-yard line, but couldn’t turn the corner on the defender and reach the pylon.
Tyler Johnson: 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 28 Yards
Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback
Geno Smith: 21/34, 363 Yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs | 6 Carries, 16 Yards
Geno was forced into some tricky situations, with the Rams’ pass rush in his face and the game slipping away, he made a handful of bad throws. His worst ended up in the arms of a Rams defender and was returned over 100 yards for a score, flipping the script from a Seahawks go-ahead field goal attempt to the Rams taking a 20-13 lead in the fourth quarter. He made up for his gaffe later in the frame when he found JSN for a game-tying score in the final minute of play. Smith looked a lot like Jameis Winston of old in this game – airing it out with middling accuracy and absolutely no fear.
Running Back
Kenneth Walker III: 25 Carries, 83 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 24 Yards
Walker once again received elite-level usage but failed to find the end zone in this one. His 28 (!!!) touches were the most of any player and marked a new season-high for the versatile running back. Consider Walker a top-5 running back the rest of the way. Saddle up and ride this guy to the fantasy football playoffs.
Zach Charbonnet: 2 Carries, 8 Yards | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 25 Yards
A non-factor in this one – it’s difficult for the Seahawks to get Charbonnet the football and justify his presence on the field when Walker has been so gosh darn good. Expect his touches to continue to be few and far between.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 13 Targets, 7 Receptions, 180 Yards, 2 TD
With Metcalf sidelined due to injury, JSN shined with a career-high 180 yards receiving and two scores. Smith-Njigba was consistently getting open against a Rams secondary that has allowed outside wide receivers to run amok in their midst. Hopefully, with his second-straight strong performance, JSN can solidify a place in the pecking order even when Metcalf returns.
AJ Barner: 7 Targets, 4 Receptions, 27 Yards
Barner established himself as the top pass-catching tight end with Noah Fant out. Barner pulled in four of his seven targets and looked mildly athletic when he had an opportunity to create with the football. He’ll be a name to watch once Fant comes back to see if he cuts into the Seahawks’ top tight end’s workload.
Tyler Lockett: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 63 Yards, TD
Lockett was quiet for most of the day, but the crafty veteran hooked up with his quarterback for a 30-yard score on a free play after the Rams jumped offsides. Lockett saw the flag, realized the situation, and took off past the defensive back, creating plenty of space for Smith to deliver him a touchdown pass over his shoulder.
Jake Bobo: 1 Target
Cody White: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 44 Yards