Seahawks Game Day: Seattle at St. Louis
Published 9:41 pm Saturday, November 19, 2011
KEY MATCHUP
Rams RB Steven Jackson vs. the Seahawks front seven
Through seven games, Seattle had one of the best run defenses in the NFL. But in Dallas two weeks ago, some flaws were exposed when the Cowboys rushed for 163 yards and averaged 5.6 yards per carry. It’s hard to know if those problems were corrected last week, because Baltimore all but abandoned the run game against the Seahawks.
Today, however, we’ll see if Seattle has fixed its run defense when it takes on one of the game’s best running backs. Steven Jackson hasn’t gotten the credit he deserves over his career because he has been on some pretty awful teams. But when he gets going, he is a true game-changer.
During the Rams’ past three games, Jackson has had 159, 130 and 128-yard performances, helping St. Louis win two of three following an 0-6 start. If the Seahawks can slow down Jackson and put the game in the hands of second-year quarterback Sam Bradford, that will greatly improve their chances of earning a rare road victory.
“We’ve looked a lot a the Dallas game just to make sure we got those things tightened up, some of those mistakes we made there, because (the Rams) do a lot of the same principles,” defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said. “Steven Jackson is averaging 130 yards, I think, the last three games. … Some of our younger guys, they’ll get a dose of him for the first time when he’s completely healthy.
KEY NUMBER
3—Games this season in which the Seahawks have won the turnover battle. Not coincidentally, those three games are Seattle’s three victories. The Seahawks are minus-eight in turnover ratio in their six losses.
BREAK IT DOWN
Seahawks will win if they
… Exploit a beat-up Rams secondary. St. Louis has placed nine cornerbacks on injured reserve this season. Nine! So while the Seahawks would love to establish Marshawn Lynch early, they’ve got to take some shots down the field as well.
… Find their pass rush. Since getting four sacks in Cleveland last month, the Seahawks have had just two in the past three games, and have just 14 this season.
… Build off their special teams performance from last week. While the Seahawks can’t count on forcing two turnovers every week on special teams, they can build off what was by far the best performance for that unit this season.
Rams will win if they
… Capitalize on momentum. After an 0-6 start, the Rams inexplicably stopped their losing streak with a win over New Orleans. St. Louis has now won two of three after a road win in Cleveland, so despite a 2-7 record, the Rams are starting to feel confident.
… Stop Marshawn Lynch. The bruising running back was the star of Seattle’s win last week, and also had a big game two weeks ago in a loss to Dallas. If he gets going again, it could be a long day for the St. Louis defense.
… Take advantage of the new-look Seahawks offensive line. With two new starters on the right side of the line this week, the Seahawks could be vulnerable up front. That could be particularly good news for DE Chris Long, who already has eight sacks this season.
IMPORTANT INJURIES
Seahawks: Right tackle James Carpenter and right guard John Moffitt are both out for the year with knee injuries. Otherwise the Seahawks are mostly healthy. Receiver Doug Baldwin, receiver Sidney Rice and safety Kam Chancellor, who all suffered concussions last week, are “ready to go” according to Pete Carroll and are listed as probable. Also probable are quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral), tight end Cameron Morrah (toe/knee), who has missed the last two games, and linebacker David Vobora, who missed last week’s game because of a concussion. Safety Atari Bigby and defensive end Anthony Hargrove, who both have hamstring injuries, are questionable.
Rams: Right tackle Jason Smith is out with a concussion, and now left tackle Rodger Saffold could miss the game as well after suffering a pectoral injury lifting weights this week. Backup running back Carnell Williams (calf) has also been ruled out, while starting cornerback Justin King (head/ankle) is questionable, as is backup receiver Denario Alexander (hamstring).
SERIES HISTORY
Seattle leads the all-time series 15-10, and split last year’s games with the home team winning each time. Prior to the Rams’ win in St. Louis last season, the Seahawks had won 10 straight in the series dating back to 2005.
PICK
Seahawks 20, Rams 16
Neither team has the offense to run away with this game, but Seattle has the better defense, particularly when it comes to stopping the run. That will be the difference maker in a game in which both teams would like to establish a ground game early.
