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Highlights and key players from the Los Angeles Rams game against NFC West rivals the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on Thursday Night Football in Week 15.
The Los Angeles Rams meet the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football to start Week 15 in their first game since firing Jeff Fisher as head coach. John Fassel has taken over for Fisher as interim coach, but faces a tough debut against NFC West leaders the Seahawks.
Fassel needs to find ways to set running back Todd Gurley and rookie quarterback Jared Goff free against a stingy Seattle defense. Of course, the Seahawks were anything but stingy during a 38-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.
Seattle allowed quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to find big plays at will. But big plays haven’t been a forte for the Rams since their move back to Los Angeles.
In fact, L.A.’s offense is 31st for runs of over 10 yards or more, per Sporting Charts. The same source puts the Rams 29th in passing yards per game.
Those aren’t good numbers for a unit set to face Seattle’s formidable D’. The Seahawks may have been flaky in Green Bay, but this is still a defense loaded with playmakers. Ends Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril, linebacker Bobby Wagner and safety Kam Chancellor could all beat up on Goff and Co.
The Rams can stay in the game if their own defense collapses the pocket around Seahawks passer Russell Wilson. He’s struggled in the past against a Rams line capable of swarming on quarterbacks.
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald and end William Hayes must keep Wilson inside the pocket and force him into the mistakes that saw him throw five interceptions against the Packers.
Highlights
*Highlights will be added and updated as and when they happen.*
Three Stars
Here’s a prediction for which players will dominate this week.
1. Michael Bennett
He’s been a little sluggish since returning from injury, but Bennett can get back to his game-wrecking best on Thursday. Bennett is arguably the most dynamic D-lineman in the NFL.
What sets No. 72 apart is his ability to play every spot and each technique along the front. Bennett’s versatility is bad news for a Rams offense ranked 25th in sacks per game.
If the Rams don’t have a plan for Bennett, he’ll not only trash Goff. He’ll also make sure Gurley stays bottled up.
2. Thomas Rawls
The Rams are giving up 110.3 yards on the ground per game. They’ve also surrendered 42 runs of 10 yards or more. Those are two big reasons why Thomas Rawls can excel on Thursday night.
Rawls has looked terrific since returning from injury. He’s still blessed with outstanding vision and sneaky good quickness, two qualities essential for attacking the cutback lanes.
Rawls brings game-breaking potential to the Seahawks’ running game. He’s a good bet for a few big runs against these Rams.
3. Aaron Donald
Donald has been on a tear this season, having logged seven sacks through 13 games. He can run riot against a Seattle O-line weak at every position.
The Seahawks don’t have a combination of blockers who can sustain a double team against 99. If the Rams are smart, they’ll move Donald around to target weak blockers and keep Wilson and Rawls off balance.
Next Week
The Seahawks will host another NFC West foe, the Arizona Cardinals, in Week 16. Meanwhile, a home game against the San Francisco 49ers awaits the Rams.
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