Grades for Seahawk-Rams game

Published 1:30 am Sunday, September 18, 2016

Here’s how the Seattle Seahawks grade out in their 9-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday:

OFFENSE

The overall numbers actually don’t look that terrible, but it doesn’t change the fact Seattle’s offense was toothless. Quarterback Russell Wilson was clearly affected by his sprained ankle, and while he gutted it out, his lack of mobility decreased his effectiveness. The Seahawks also were unable to get anything going on the ground, with the exception of a short burst in the third quarter. Seattle wasn’t helped by the fact that its average start position for drives was its own 17-yard line.

Grade: D

DEFENSE

Seattle’s defense played well enough to win, with the Seahawks holding the Rams to just 283 yards of offense. Seattle did allow Los Angeles to sustain a few drives, but in its usual bend-but-don’t-break fashion it limited the Rams to field goals on those occasions. If there’s any concern about the defense early in the season it’s the inability to create turnovers. The Seahawks forced zero turnovers Sunday, and it’s the second straight game to start the season in which Seattle hasn’t created a turnover.

Grade: B

SPECIAL TEAMS

The special teams battle wasn’t much of a battle, as all but one of the game’s six kickoffs were put through the end zone, and just three of the game’s 13 punts were given a chance to return. Los Angeles had the definite edge in the field-position battle, but that had more to do with the offense and defense than it did special teams. Both kicker Steven Hauschka (1-for-1 on field goals) and punter Jon Ryan (44.1 yards per punt) performed the way they should.

Grade: C

COACHING

The Seahawks have always prided themselves on being a team that finishes, and it’s common for Seattle to make halftime adjustments that help the team perform better in the second half. However, the Seahawks were no better on offense in the second half than they were in the first. Much of the team’s ability to change the offensive scheme was hindered by running back Thomas Rawls and receiver Tyler Lockett going out injured late in the first half — Lockett eventually returned in the fourth quarter, Rawls never did.

Grade: C-

OVERALL

There’s just something about the Rams that gives the Seahawks fits, and getting away from St. Louis didn’t make a difference. Los Angeles was the only team to get shut out during Week 1, and the Rams didn’t do a whole lot offensively again Sunday. Yet Seattle’s offense couldn’t take advantage, even when a minimum number of points was required to get the job done. The Seahawks have now lost three straight and four out of five against a Rams team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2003.

Grade: C-