Los Angeles Rams Vs. Seattle Seahawks: 5 Players Revisited

The Seattle Seahawks came into California and put a lid on the Los Angeles Rams jumpstart offense on their way to a 16-10 victory. Both teams offenses never really found a consistent rhythm as the game morphed into yet another Rams-Seahawks defensive battle. Lets revisit my players to watch from both the Rams’ side and from the Seahawks to see how they fared.

DE Frank Clark

For most of the game, Clark was a force in run support while struggling early and often with Rams LT Andrew Whitworth. The Rams could not find a lot of running room when they ran to Clark’s right side of the defense. As a pass rusher, Clark struggled for the majority of the game but as everyone knows, all it takes is one good rush. And Clark turned that one good pass rush into a sack fumble for a turnover late in the game. Clark had himself a nice day and finished with 3 tackles, 2 TFLs, the sack fumble, and added one batted pass.

DE Michael Brockers

Brockers wasn’t nearly as effective this week against a weaker offensive line as he was in Dallas. Getting plenty of looks at left end, Brockers just never could really get to Russell Wilson. Brockers was a factor in holding non-Wilson Seahawks to just 46 yards rushing but it wasn’t enough. With guys like Aaron Donald and Matt Longacre providing great games, it was a shame Brockers didn’t have more of an impact. He finished the day with 3 tackles.

RB Thomas Rawls

Rawls never found himself as the lead back the Seahawks coaches pumped him up to be for week 5. Rawls and Eddie Lacy nearly split playing time with change of pace back J.D. McKissic being sprinkled in here and there. Rawls had a boring 8 carries for 20 yards with Lacy adding 9 for 19. The only real threat on the ground for the Seahawks was Russell Wilson when he left the pocket. Rawls added 2 catches for 15 yards.

LT Andrew Whitworth

As a pass blocker, Whitworth dominated nearly the entire game keeping Frank Clark safely away from Goff. But as I mentioned earlier, all it took was one as Clark just speed rushed right around Whitworth. The results weren’t there in the running game either like they had been in the previous four weeks. The sack that Whitworth gave up will leave a bad taste in a lot of fans mouths but as a whole, Whitworth turned in another plus performance.

WR Paul Richardson

Richardson was non-existant the entire day except for one series. That one series just so happened to be right before the half where Richardson caught all 3 of his passes for the day for 35 yards against a prevent defense. Richardson was wide open on each catch and helped the Seahawks march right down the field to knock in a field goal before the half. Other than that, no other contributions from Richardson.

EDGE Robert Quinn

As most of you already know, Quinn looks done. Back injuries or lack of effort or whatever it is I’m not sure but he’s been a shell of a his former self. Quinn was able to get a sack on Wilson when the Seahawks didn’t block him at all. His stat sheet looks better than what he showed on the field as he finished with 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL and 2 QB hits. It’s officially time to rotate some other guys in more frequently.

CB Shaq Griffin

Griffin came into the game starting in the injured Jeremy Lane’s place and the Rams tested him. The Rams found some success underneath and took a couple shots to his coverage but couldn’t connect on the deep pass. Overall, Griffin held up in coverage and finished the day with 6 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

WR Cooper Kupp

Kupp was tied with Tyler Higbee and Robert Woods for the team lead in targets with 8 but caught only 3 for 44 yards on the day. The catches he did make were clutch but the one he didn’t will be getting all the attention. Kupp broke free with seconds left in the game and had a chance to tie but couldn’t come up with a diving effort on a laser from Goff. It was a really tough play but one that probably has to be caught in any circumstance. Maybe in a show of faith, the Rams ran the same play the very next snap to Kupp but the Seahawks were ready for it. Tough break.

QB Russell Wilson

As seems to be the case every time the Rams play the Seahawks, Wilson did just enough without doing a whole lot. Wilson shook off a shaky start early on after throwing an interception to John Johnson that would have made Tony Banks proud. With Aaron Donald dominating the OL, Wilson often times faced pressure and successfully avoided it, either pulling the ball down or finding just enough time to dump off a pass. It was another frustrating, albeit respectable game from the Rams defense in containing Wilson. He finished the day completing 24 of 37 passes for 198 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. Wilson was sacked 3 times and added 5 carries for 16 yards.

RB Todd Gurley

It was a frustrating day for Gurley after what looked like would be another great one early. After marching all the way down the field, Gurley had the ball stripped from him reaching for the goal line. The legality of that touchback is still a bit murky but it marked Gurley’s 5th fumble of the year and ultimately a huge turning point. Due to the fumble or some other reason, McVay kind of got away from Gurley as he put up his lowest touch total on the year with 16 total touches. From the play calling, to the OL, and general effectiveness, it wasn’t a great day but credit the Seahawks. Food for thought, Gurley is averaging 17 touches per game in Rams losses vs 29 touches in Rams wins.