ST. LOUIS — How’s this for a crazy idea?
Week 17: Seahawks vs. Rams, Qwest Field, for the NFC West title?
The Seahawks contending for a division title seemed highly unlikely prior to the start of the season, but what makes the above scenario sound downright silly is the fact that the Rams could possibly be in contention for anything come January other than a spot at the top of the draft order.
This is, after all, the same franchise that has won just six games in the past three seasons, and hadn’t defeated an NFC West opponent since 2007. But after four games, the Rams have to be thinking, why not us?
At 2-2, St. Louis is tied with Seattle and Arizona atop the division, and after four games, an argument can be made that the Rams have the best body of work of any NFC West team. St. Louis’ two losses were by a total of six points, and in the last two weeks the Rams have won by 14 and 17 points.
Led by an emerging star in rookie quarterback Sam Bradford, and a defense that has allowed just 52 points in four games, the Rams have to be considered a legitimate contender in wide-open division.
“They’re a lot better,” Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said. “They’re a lot better than they’ve been, and they’re building something here. Like I said before, they could have been 3-0.”
While Bradford is a work in progress, he already looks poised, as was evident in his ability to stay sharp after he was sacked four times and hit several other times. Bradford finished the game 23 for 41 with 289 passing yards and two touchdowns, the only glaring flaw being the interception he threw to Seahawks safety Earl Thomas in the end zone.
“It’s not too big for him,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said “… I think we’re looking at a guy that’s going to be a real big-timer. I don’t see anything in his play or his makeup to think otherwise. And it’s very impressive he’s able to do this this early. They’ve got to be really excited about him.”
When the Rams beat Washington last week by 14 points, there was still plenty of doubt about their legitimacy given their recent history. But after two straight impressive wins, in a very flawed division, there is no reason St. Louis can’t be a factor in the NFC West race.
“It’s a huge win for us,” Bradford said. “Especially coming off last week, a win versus Washington. I think everyone wanted to see if we could validate that and see if we could put two together, or if that was just a fluke that we happened to catch them on an off night. So to come out here and play the way we did and get a win against a divisional opponent and move to 2-2, it’s huge.”
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out the Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
