The Seahawks’ pass defense has been much better since a week 10 loss to the Rams. (Getty)
The Seahawks’ defense struggled immensely when Seattle last faced the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 15.
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Statistically, the Seahawks were on track to be the worst in NFL history, giving up more than 362 yards per game at one point.
In the game against Rams, cornerback Shaquill Griffin was sidelined with a hamstring injury, and defensive end Benson Mayowa was also eliminated. Quarterback Jared Goff started hot and threw for 221 yards in a dominant first half for the Rams, who built a 17-7 lead.
However, something changed during half time. The Seahawks’ defense began to play better. The Rams only gained 114 meters in the second half. Goff threw only 81 yards.
This Sunday, the game between Goff and the Seahawks defense is key to which team will win the NFC West.
In early November, the Seahawks began having a pass rush for the first time in two years. After just 10 sacks in the first seven games of 2020, the Seahawks have won seven 30 in the past seven. They’ve had more sacks on that stretch than any team in football.
Pass defense also improved when Griffin, Jamal Adams and DJ Reed took to the field with Quandre Diggs, who made the Pro Bowl to safety with Adams this week. Opposing quarterbacks have averaged just 201 passing yards in the Seahawks’ past six games, holding opponents at just 16 points per game.
In order for the Seahawks to win the NFC West and have a role in the playoffs, the defense has to play on a quality level. That’s why Sunday is the best test to see where the Seahawks are as a team. If they play well, they can be a Super Bowl contender. If they don’t, it could be a short trip to the playoffs.
On the other hand, Goff is the big story for the Rams. He’s been up and down since the last game against the Seahawks, with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions in his past seven games after throwing 12 in the first four.
The Rams scored at least 30 points in each of their first five games, but lately the offense scored in the low 20s.
Hall of Famer Kurt Warner was on the NFL Network this week to discuss Goff. He expressed concern about the crime committed by the Rams. He noted the scouting report that they are at their best when they run the ball, which gives Goff a chance to make play-action passes. That’s when Goff is at his best. Warner noted that when Goff was unable to fall back, read the defense, and get the play-action passes, he struggled. That was especially the case last Sunday with an embarrassing loss to the New York Jets.
For the Seahawks, the key is stopping the flight, getting pressure on Goff, and preventing him from going into the game action.
It doesn’t help the Rams that they won’t have talented rookie Cam Akers down their rotation from three man in the backfield to two. They also will not have left Andrew Whitworth, who suffered a knee injury in the second half of the last encounter with the Seahawks who may have sidelined him until the playoffs.
Which team will trend up or down? We will find out on Sunday.
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