4 key matchups to watch in Rams vs. Seahawks on Sunday

[theramswire.usatoday.com] 4 key matchups to watch in Rams vs. Seahawks on Sunday

Cameron DaSilva
December 16, 2021 1:29 pm PT

The Rams are back home this week after beating the Cardinals on Monday night, hosting another division rival, the Seahawks. With the season nearing its end, every game is more important than the last now as the Rams try to keep pace with the Cardinals in the NFC West.

There are COVID-19 concerns on both sides for the Rams and Seahawks entering this matchup, with players such as Jalen Ramsey, Odell Beckham Jr. and Tyler Lockett all on the reserve list. But there’s still a chance all of them can return before kickoff.


Here are four key matchups to watch as the Rams go for the sweep against the Seahawks.

1
Von Miller vs. Duane Brown
Miller registered nine pressures in Monday’s win against the Cardinals, putting together arguably his best performance so far as a member of the Rams. Next, he’ll go up against Brown, who has a pass-blocking grade of 68.3 this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Generating edge pressure against Wilson and maintaining the proper rush lanes is critical, just as it was against Kyler Murray. Wilson isn’t as elusive as Murray but he’s still more than capable of escaping the pocket and making big plays down the field. Miller can’t let Wilson roll out to his left and make throws to receivers deep without at least hurrying the quarterback a little bit.


2
Jalen Ramsey vs. DK Metcalf
Ramsey isn’t certain to play in this one as he remains on the COVID-19 list, but there’s a chance he’ll return before Sunday’s game. If he does return, he should be on Metcalf plenty, especially if Tyler Lockett misses the game due to COVID-19. Ramsey hasn’t been shadowing receivers this season but if Lockett is out, Wilson will be looking Metcalf’s way a ton.

The Rams should absolutely stick Ramsey on Metcalf in that scenario to limit the options for Wilson when he drops back to throw. They shouldn’t worry too much about Gerald Everett, Dee Eskridge or Freddie Swain.


3
Rob Havenstein vs. Carlos Dunlap
Like Ramsey, Havenstein is also on the COVID-19 list, so he’s not guaranteed to play. If he doesn’t, it’ll be Joe Noteboom again at right tackle. Dunlap can be a handful for linemen because of his size, length and power as a pass rusher, especially in obvious passing situations on third down.

Dunlap has 21 pressures this season but he’s been held in check in recent weeks, recording just one in his last five games (47 pass-rush opportunities). The Rams need to keep that up because he can cause turnovers and negative plays with his pass-rushing ability.


4
Van Jefferson vs. D.J. Reed Jr.
Ugo Amadi will probably get Cooper Kupp in the slot, which means it’ll be up to Reed and Sidney Jones on the outside to cover Beckham and Van Jefferson. Neither cornerback has had a particularly great season in coverage, but Reed is only allowing a completion rate of 51.8% and a passer rating of 83.0.

Beckham is on COVID-19 reserve and regardless of whether he returns in time for Sunday, Jefferson will be a huge part of this offense, especially on downfield plays. He changed the game on Monday night with a 52-yard reception and you can be sure Sean McVay will try to draw up a few more deep shots to Jefferson on Sunday against a defense that has allowed the most passing yards in the NFL.