I think Sunday’s game provided way more than a shadow of a doubt for both teams.
Seattle’s offense was pretty bad, with the exception of Russell Wilson avoiding numerous sacks to finally complete passes.
Seattle’s defense was only really good (and fortunate) in the red zone, and a few key plays that resulted in turnovers.
The Rams offense dominated a good part of the game, but couldn’t finish. They had the ball in Seattle territory seven times, including 6 DRIVES INSIDE THE SEATTLE 25, but came away with only ten points.
The Rams defense probably looked better than it is against Seattle’s shaky offensive line, but once again got killed by a scrambling quarterback on so many crucial third down plays.
Seattle barely won a game where the following had to happen:
- +3 in turnovers
- Inexplicable non-dive into the end zone by Gurley, which would have resulted in a touchdown or a first down at the 1.
- Your quarterback preventing a touchdown off a badly thrown interception that would have resulted in a 14–0 deficit
- Two dropped touchdown passes by the Rams on separate drives (early third quarter by Everett, end of game by Cupp)
- Missed 36 yard field goal by the same guy who was 7 for 7 the week before
Looking forward at the Rams:
The Rams did what so many inexperienced and less successful teams do by blowing opportunities that should have resulted in a 17–0 lead (the lazy/stupid fumble play by Gurley at the end zone) in the first half, and a 24–10 lead at the start of the third quarter (dropped pass by their tight end Everett that hit him in the chest in the end zone) and a chance to win the game on the last play (Cupp’s drop in the end zone).
In spite of all the mistakes (don’t forget the burned time outs that might have made the difference on that last desperate drive), this young team battled the whole game and had a chance to win the game on the last play. That is nothing like the offensive nightmare of seasons past.
Next week may determine the course of their season. They will face a very tough test against a Jacksonville team that has a great defense and a great rushing attack. If they can win the game, they have a very favorable schedule (Cardinals twice, Giants, Tennessee, San Francisco). That would give the Rams nine wins and their first winning season since 2003.
Looking forward at the Seahawks:
With the initial tie breaker in hand, Seattle still looks like the favorite to win their division. The big question is how much they will improve. The defense is not dominant the way it was in their glory days. They got beat on the pass by the Packers, and beat on the run by Tennessee. They still have some guys who can make big plays that result in turnovers (two fumbles and two interceptions on Sunday), but depending on the ball to bounce your way every time is a crap shoot that will eventually lead to disappointment.
Fortunately, most of their games against winning teams (Texans, Redskins, Falcons, Eagles, Rams) will all be played at home.
We’ll know more about Seattle over the next month. After their two bye weeks (bye next week, @ the winless Giants the following week), they should get healthy and be in top form to host Houston and Washington. If they win these games, they will only need to split their remaining games against teams with winning records to reach 11 or 12 wins this season.
On the other hand, if Seattle’s offense continues to play like they have, the Seahawks could regress to being a nine-win team.
