Rams-Seahawks final score: LA comes out on top in bizarre Thursday Night Football win

The Los Angeles Rams found just what they needed on Thursday after an ugly loss last week.

A win.

After starting out slow in the first half Stafford found his footing and lead his team to a tough 26-17 victory over the divisional rivals. The Rams may have some questions to answer during an extended break from action after an up-and-down first half, but a win is a win and this is how they got it.

First Quarter

For the second time in two games LA took the first drive of the game. On the opening kickoff Tutu Atwell brought the ball out and outran himself, falling to the ground and very nearly giving up the ball to the Seahawks. Luckily it fell harmlessly out of bounds. After a first down strike to Van Jefferson Los Angeles was forced to punt it away and give Seattle their first chance on offense.

Russell Wilson’s first throw went for 26 yards to Tyler Locket as Seattle started out fast, but much like the Rams drive it stalled after just one first down.

On Seattle’s second possession Wilson was able to move his team up the field, though it took some Wilson magic to make it happen. On a second-and-9 LA’s defensive front got free and nearly had their first sack of the game. The Seattle QB somehow managed to find a crease and some breathing room and spotted DK Metcalf for 25 yards. It would all be for naught after a fourth down attempt went south and gave the Rams back the ball.

Score: Rams 0, Seattle 0

Second Quarter

Stafford started to get hot on the Rams third drive of the match and found Robert Woods multiple times for big gains. LA worked their way to the red zone for the first time of the game, but what appeared to be a throw away went the other way as Quandre Diggs toe-tapped the back of the end zone for the interception.

LA’s defense had an answer. Troy Reeder came down with Wilson’s first interception of the year after Ramsey made an incredible play against Lockett.

It took a 47 yard pass interference call on Robert Rochell to get things going for Seattle’s offense. The rookie had the unfortunate assignment of covering Lockett, who blew past the defender and found plenty of space. Though the coverage may be inexcusable Rochell’s penalty saved an easy touchdown. It did not matter much, however, as the next play Wilson found Metcalf for the first score of the game.

Fifth time is the charm might be the new saying after LA finally got their first points on the board. Darrell Henderson appeared to have an injured arm as he worked on it on the sidelines and Sony Michel tapped in for his first action of the night. Michel immediately created a spark for the offense with a 15 yard rush and later in the series was able to convert a fourth-and-1. The 14 play 7:56 drive ended with three points as Stafford’s throwing hand was evaluated for an apparent injury on the sideline.

With just 1:03 left on the clock the Seahawks moved the ball with ease down the field. On a second-and-1 Wilson found Lockett in the back of the end zone for a 15 yard touchdown, but a holding penalty on the play nullified the score. Misfortune stroke again for Seattle when Jason Meyers missed a 35 yard field goal.

Score: Rams 3, Seahawks 7

Third Quarter

And then the Rams rush finally hit home. The Seahawks received the second half kick and appeared to once again be moving the ball well against LA. Terrell Lewis, who also forced the holding call to negate a touchdown, found himself one-on-one with Wilson in the backfield. The quick-footed QB could not find any space to run and was wrapped up by Lewis for a 12 yard loss.

After getting pinned in their own 4 yard line after a fantastic punt by Seahawks kicker Michael Dickson LA finally made their statement drive. Stafford looked off after missing two open receivers on passes that were too high and out of reach. On third-and-10 Stafford threw it deep to DeSean Jackson who had to come back to the ball to make the catch. Fortunately for Stafford under throwing it may have been the only way Jackson could have a chance on the ball.

Two plays later Henderson found space and ran it in for a five yard touchdown, giving LA the lead. On the extra point attempt Matt Gay missed wide right, and on the ensuing kickoff could not keep the ball in play and gave the Seahawks the ball on the 40 yard line.

Seattle was not able to do much with the good field position and went three-and-out. It might have been the most costly drive of the game as Wilson appeared to have a dislocated middle finger after getting hit on a deep pass to Lockett that fell incomplete. He did come back on the field on third down after popping it back in place, but the offense was forced to run the ball on third-and-long due to the injury.

Woods continued to put up plenty of stats as Stafford’s new favorite receiver had two receptions of 20 yards. Henderson put his own touch on the drive when he turned a gaping hole in the line into a 29 yard run, setting Stafford up in optimal field position to make a touchdown strike to Tyler Higbee, his second on the season.

Wilson’s injury was clearly effecting his performance on the field as the Seahawks went three-and-out. Dickson’s kick may be the most entertaining, confusing, and exhausting punt in NFL history. I would just watch the video if I were you.

Score: Rams 16, Seahawks 7

Fourth Quarter

This might have been the game of ages in terms of punting. After a wild punt by the Seahawks, Johnny Hekker only needed one kick to get the ball at Seattle’s own two yard line.

Geno Smith would take over at QB due to Wilson’s injury. In his first drive Smith was absolutely perfect, going five-for-five, 72 yards, and closed it out with a strike to Metcalf for the touchdown.

Stafford must have taken notes from Smith as the Rams QB put together his own perfect series in which he was four-of-four and had 71 yards on the drive. Michel did the rest and walked into the end zone on a two yard score.

Down two scores, 6:08 left in the game, and Wilson on the sideline as a spectator, Smith and company took to the field to attempt the comeback. In order to avoid the big play Raheem Morris played his defense off the ball, giving Smith the underneath throw and the ability to drive down the field. The drive stalled at the 14 yard line and with 2:49 until the end of regulation Jason Meyers put up three, making it a one score game.

On what could have been a game ending drive, Stafford’s third down pass was blocked by Carlos Dunlap. A Hekker punt pinned Smith at the 16 yard line with 2:09 left in the game.

On Smith’s first pass on the possible game winning series Nick Scott ended it quickly with an interception. Gay, after an off game, put the game away with three.

Final Score: Rams 26, Seahawks 17