In Week 4 these teams faced off in St. Louis, where both defenses were able to dominate. MLB James Laurinaitis (+5.8) was unstoppable in run defense, pass rush and coverage, while his teammates joined him to limit Seattle to just 64 yards rushing on 24 attempts. Seattle’s defense was equally tough vs. the run, limited St. Louis to just 88 yards on 28 attempts.
The difference in this game was rookie QB Sam Bradford (+2.2) who despite obviously favoring his right side by throwing 15 balls to the right and just two to the left, was able to make a few nice throws including two touchdowns which gave the Rams the victory.
The Seahawks need to…
Get the ball to the wide receivers
The Seahawks have quietly deveoped a group of very strong receivers for them. WR Mike Williams (+6.5) has been a great addition, although he hasn’t played well in over a month, while WR Ben Obomanu (+5.9) has stepped up in recent weeks. If Brandon Stokley (+6.6) plays then the Seahawks are three deep at receiver. CB Ronald Bartell (+1.5) is the only defensive player of the Rams the Seahawks need to be really worried about when it comes to throwing the ball, and he can only cover one of those three receivers. Expect one of them to step up and have a big game if the Seahawks are to win.
The Rams need to…
Let Sam Bradford take over and make big plays
QB Sam Bradford (+21.7) has been the clear standout on the offense this year. Bradford has been more impressive on deeper throws than closer ones, with a rating of +19.5 on throws 10 yards or more, and just +3.0 on passes 10 yards or less. Against this Seahawk secondary, Bradford is more than capable of making big plays, which means this game could become a shootout if these teams abandon the run like they should have done in Week 4.
Matchups
Seahawks RT Sean Locklear vs. Rams DLE Chris Long
The Seahawks' best pass blocker Locklear (+10.5 in pass block) goes up against the Rams best pass rusher Long (+27.6 in pass rush). Most matchups on the line favor the Rams, but if Locklear can get the best of this matchup than Long won’t need to get double teamed which will help the offensive line double-team elsewhere. The Seahawks don’t like leaving in extra players to block, so that makes the play of the line and this matchup that much more critical.
Rams WR Danny Amendola vs. Seahawks CB Jordan Babineaux
Amendola (+2.8) frequently lines up in the slot position and is possibly the best receiving option the Rams have. In these occurrences he will line up against Babineaux (+0.2). This is another battle of strength vs. strength for these teams.
Notes
Bradford leads the league in times being hit while throwing with 17. The next highest is 12. … Seahawks CB Marcus Trufant has allowed the fifth most yards receiving this year with 856.