Los Angeles Rams

5 Questions For Los Angeles Rams Heading Into Week 2 Against Seattle Seahawks

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

Here’s five questions for the Los Angeles Rams heading into their Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during a NFL game at Levi

The Los Angeles Rams were the only team in Week 1 that failed to record a single point, and unfortunately for Jeff Fisher’s squad, it’s not going to be any easier to score in Week 2 against a very tough defense in the Seattle Seahawks.

Over the last couple of years, the Seahawks have established a reputation for being one of the top teams in the NFC, and there’s every reason to believe that will happen again in 2016–even if Marshawn Lynch is out of the picture due to retirement. While Seattle struggled at times against the Miami Dolphins opening weekend, this team should never be counted out, and will have an extra motivation heading into Sunday after the way things turned out between these two teams last season.

This matchup between the Rams and Seahawks is even more exciting for football fans since it features two of the top defenses from a year ago. Without wasting any more time, here’s a look at five questions surrounding Los Angeles heading into Sunday’s game against Seattle.

Sep 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 12-10. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

5. Will Russell Wilson Stay Healthy?

What’s the most impressive statistic about Russell Wilson? Maybe it’s the fact that he’s entering his fifth season with the Seahawks without throwing more than 10 interceptions.

Wilson is coming off the best season of his young career in 2015 after throwing for 4,024 yards with 34 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. There’s no question Wilson is the most important piece to Seattle’s offense, but a sprained ankle suffered in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins has given the team a little reason for concern heading into this weekend’s matchup against the Rams.

Wilson claims he’s ready to go for Sunday, but the main question becomes how effective he’ll be under center for Seattle. His mobility has always given Wilson an extra advantage against opponents, and don’t be surprised if the Rams’ defense tries to use the quarterback’s ankle injury to their advantage with stopping him in the ground game.

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) rushes against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) and 49ers linebacker Tank Carradine (95) during the first half of an NFL game at Levi

4. Can Todd Gurley Bounce Back?

From a fantasy football perspective, Todd Gurley was a major letdown during his Week 1 performance against the 49ers after rushing for just 47 yards on 17 carries. Unfortunately, things won’t be any easier for Gurley against the Seahawks’ defense when considering the Rams inability to move the football down the field through the air.

Los Angeles entered the regular season with one of the weakest receiving corps led by Tavon Austin, and if Monday’s game against San Francisco is any indication of what’s in store this year, it’s going to be a long season for the offense. Don’t be surprised if the Seahawks use the weakness of the Rams’ passing game to their advantage by stacking the tackle box–which puts even more pressure on Gurley.

The only chance Los Angeles has at winning this game is if Gurley comes up big in the ground game. If he doesn’t, well let’s just say there’s going to be a ton of fantasy football owners for the second-straight week.

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi

3. Can Tavon Austin Finally Step Up?

If Austin wants to convince Rams fans he’s worth every penny of the $42 million extension he signed in the preseason, he still has a long way to go.

After failing to record a single catch in the preseason, Austin’s performance against the 49ers opening weekend was just as disappointing as the wide receiver only caught four passes for 13 yards. What makes these numbers even more frustrating is Case Keenum did all he good to get Austin involved on offense by targeting him 12 times, and he still ended up being a disappointment.

So why on earth should fans have any sort of faith in Austin heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Seahawks? Well, take a look at what Austin accomplished against this team during the first meeting of 2015, and there may be some hope after all.

In that game, Austin found the end zone, not once, but twice (rushing and punt returner). It may seem like a long shot, but maybe Austin can figure out a way to re-create this magic from a year ago to at least give the Rams a chance.

Dec 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) greets St. Louis Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) after a game at CenturyLink Field. The Rams won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

2. Could There Be Another Repeat of 2015?

For a team that finished 7-9 in 2015, it’s hard to believe how successful the Rams were when it came to playing in the NFC West. Los Angeles finished with a 4-2 record within the division, and believe it or not, two of those wins came against Seattle.

So does this mean the Rams have what it takes to repeat history against their division rivals? It certainly won’t be easy, but that’s one of the beautiful things about football as anything is possible on Sundays–especially when it involves division rivals.

Los Angeles realizes the only way they’re going to have any shot at competing in the division is if they can find a way to beat Seattle and the Arizona Cardinals. After a disappointing Week 1 performance against another division rival in the 49ers, this is the perfect opportunity for the Rams to prove they’re worth consideration in the division.

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) reacts before the play against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Levi

1. Is This Case Keenum’s Last Chance?

How bad was Keenum’s performance in the regular-season opener? After completing 17 of 35 passes for 130 yards and two interceptions against the 49ers, there are plenty of fans already calling for the benching of Keenum, and having Jeff Fisher go with rookie Jared Goff instead.

Would this be the right move? It’s still way too early to tell.

One thing is certain though–which is Keenum better display one heck of a performance against the Seahawks.

Keenum was given the starting job at quarterback due to the fact that Fisher believes he gives the Rams their best chance of being contenders in the NFC. The one thing that seems to be holding Los Angeles back from reaching the next level is their offense, and hopefully Keenum realizes this is the best chance he’s ever going to receive when it comes to proving himself as a starter in the NFL.