Seahawks at Rams: 5 key matchups...

Seahawks at Rams: 5 key matchups, including Metcalf vs. Ramsey

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Patrick Conn

The Los Angeles Rams will be back on the football field Sunday after their bye week. They fell to the Miami Dolphins in their last matchup and will now host their division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks. This has been a good matchup for the Rams over their last 10 games, with Los Angeles winning seven times. Overall, the Seahawks do own the all-time series 24-20.

Much like the Rams, Seattle is coming into this game off a loss. They fell to the Buffalo Bills 44-34 in Week 9. Prior to the bye week, the Rams fell to Miami 28-17. Heading into Week 10 of the NFL season, they will finally play their second divisional game of the year, following a 24-16 loss to San Francisco in Week 6.

Last season, these two teams split the series 1-1, with each time the home team coming out victorious. The Rams have won each of the last two home games against Seattle by a combined 64-43 margin.

We take a look at the five key matchups in this game.

1

Jalen Ramsey vs. DK Metcalf


No question the marquee matchup in this game will pit Metcalf against Ramsey. This year, the Rams have allowed just two 100-yard games to opposing receivers. They lost both matchups with Cole Beasley (Buffalo) and George Kittle (San Francisco) both hitting the century mark.

This year, Metcalf has hit the 100-yard mark four times, and only once this year has he failed to have at least 90 yards receiving in a game. Against the Cardinals, he had just 23 yards in a loss to Arizona. For the Rams, Ramsey shutting down Metcalf will be a key to victory against the Seahawks, assuming Brandon Staley sticks his top cornerback on the talented second-year receiver.

2

Cooper Kupp vs. the Seattle secondary


The top Rams receiver could have a career day against this Seattle defense. This year, Kupp has hauled in 48 passes for 527 yards and a couple of scores. Against Seattle’s passing defense, look for Kupp to have a big day for the Rams offense.

This year, the Seahawks defense hasn’t been able to make consistent stops in the passing game. They are 32nd in the NFL in passing attempts defended and yards given up. On average, they give up 362 yards per game through the air and two touchdown passes per game. Statistically, they are the worst defense in the NFL.

3

Aaron Donald vs. Seahawks OL


For a team that has struggled with protecting the quarterback, it won’t be any easier for them on Sunday. Aaron Donald now awaits. This year, the Rams have racked up 25 sacks through eight games, and Donald leads the way with nine of them. The big matchup will be Donald against Seattle left guard Jordan Simmons. His PFF grade checks in at 49.5 but he has given up just one sack. Does Donald hit the double-digit mark against the ‘Hawks?

Seattle has had its issues protecting Russell Wilson, and it will likely continue on Sunday. Wilson has been sacked 24 times through eight games. They are the sixth-worst team in the NFL at protecting the quarterback. The Rams are fifth in sacks, averaging just over three per game – which is the same number Seattle allows each week.

4

Darrell Henderson vs. Bobby Wagner


Henderson has been the best back for the Rams in 2020, currently averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Henderson has touched the ball 105 times for 5.5 yards per touch and four touchdowns. The key will be getting him rolling to set up the offense to do as they please against this historically bad defense from Seattle.

On the other side of the ball, it will likely be up to Bobby Wagner to slow down Henderson. Wagner is key for this Seattle defense being able to escape with a win, slowing down Henderson from running effectively and taking him down in the open field. If Wagner can slow down one of the top rushing teams in the league, they can focus energy on the passing game.

5

The NFL's No. 2 defense vs. the No. 1 offense


This game features the No. 1 scoring offense of the Seahawks against the No. 2 scoring defense of the Rams. The ‘Hawks offense averages 34.3 points per game, while the Rams defense allows 19 points per game. It will be a serious chess match between Brian Schottenheimer and Brandon Staley.

The only time Staley’s defense has given up more than 28 points in a game came against the Buffalo Bills. The Rams did hold an explosive Dallas Cowboys offense to just 17 points in the opener. Outside of that, it has been relatively weak competition where they feasted on the NFC East. On Sunday, there will be ample opportunity to find out if the Rams defense is for real or just the benefactors of the situation.