It wasn’t easy for the 8-2 Los Angeles Rams, but they squeaked out a victory against the 7-3 Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon.
The game was one of the season’s most anticipated, as coming into the day, the Rams and Seahawks were tied for first place atop the NFC West, with both riding a four-game win streak.
The Rams jumped out to a quick start, scoring two first quarter touchdowns courtesy of a two-yard rush from running back Kyren Williams, and a one-yard completion from quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Davante Adams.
However, the Rams’ offense didn’t maintain the level of electricity fans have become used to, as they were held scoreless in the second and third quarter on just 51 total yards of offense.
Despite the lack of production, the Rams defense stepped up and held the Seahawks to just three field goals in the first half, with two coming within the red zone.
Entering the day, the Seahawks had given away 16 turnovers, the second most in the entire NFL despite their dominant victories and winning record. On Sunday, their issues taking care of the football came to head.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold threw for four interceptions — the most of any quarterback this season.
Safety Kamren Kitchens, who had yet to intercept a pass this season, had two major takeaways in Sunday’s contest. Kitchens’ second interception of Darnold set the Rams up in great field position where, after a four play, 25-yard drive, Stafford found tight end Colby Parkinson for a 6 yard touchdown to give the Rams a 21-12 lead with just over 14 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
After a sequence of punts from both squads, Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker scored a rushing touchdown to cut the Rams lead to 21-19. Following the drive, the Rams had an opportunity to close the game, but were forced to punt, where Ethan Evans was able to pin the Seattle offense at the one yard line.
With 1:41 remaining in the game, the Seahawks drove down the field to LA’s 43 yard-line, setting kicker Jason Myers up for a potential 61-yard game winning field goal, his career-long. But, this time Myers didn’t have the same success as he missed the attempt wide right and the Rams survived.
It was a quiet day for Stafford by his standards, as he threw for just 130 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Williams, however, is beginning to show glimpses of his 2024 year self, as he ran for 91 yards and the first quarter touchdown in Sunday’s victory.
The Rams’ staple victory on Sunday should be a wake up call to every team in the NFL. With the offense showing signs of struggle, the Rams defense stepped up and slowed down one of the league’s most efficient offenses, proving their legitimacy as a top contender this season.
The Rams look to keep the ball rolling, as they host the 6-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week on Sunday Night Football in a potential NFC playoff matchup.
The game will kick off at 5:20 p.m. and will be available for viewing on NBC or streaming on Peacock.