Rams vs. Seahawk Game Preview

Last week was just another example of why NFL football is the best sport in the world. The St. Louis Rams were trailing 16-14 to the Washington Redskins in the 3rd quarter and were on the verge of starting the season 0-3 for the fourth straight year. The Rams then outscored the Redskins 16-0 over the remaining portion of the game for a 30-16 victory ending a 10 game losing streak. Now just one short week later the town has a buzz to it talking Rams football. The Rams with a win today over the Seattle Seahawks would move into first place in the NFC West. For the first time in a long time that light at the end of the tunnel may not be a train.

Well lets not get too far ahead of ourselves. The Rams still have lost 27 of the last 29 games they have played. In addition the Rams have also lost 10 straight to the Seattle Seahawks, 15 straight to NFC West foes, and 11 straight NFC West games at home. We still have a lot of work to do and some more pieces of the puzzle to acquire but for the first time in a long time the Rams are competing. The Rams for the first time in a very long time or out of the bottom 10 in soe major stats like rushing and passing offense where they have moved up to 20th.

So today is a big day and a big game. It is time to prove if the win over Washington was just a lucky win or a win that can help springboard a struggling franchise and give them the needed confidence to progress forward in their journey. The Rams most likely will be without Steven Jackson today as he still is suffering from the groin injury he suffered in the Redskins game. Both Steven Jackson and Oshiomogho Atogwe will be game time decisions prior to kickoff. The Rams have so many injured players this week they are not sure if they even have 45 healthy players to dress for the game. In addition to Steven Jackson's injury Keith Toston is also injured so newly acquired Chauncey Washington may be pressed into service. So there is once again a lot of pressure on rookie Sam Bradford to produce. The Seahawks are 30th against the pass and I expect a big game from Bradford today, we will need it.

Key matchups - Sam Bradford will need to pick apart the Seattle secondary today with our questions at running back. Also will Kenneth Darby be able to produce just enough to keep Seattle from an all out attack of Bradford. Will the Rams front seven be able to contain Justin Forsett. Forsett is a back with a lot of promise but has not been give enough carries yet to shine. This is the type of back in the past that has ripped the Rams for 100+, that can not happen today. Will the Rams linebackers be able to shut down or minimize TE John Carlson who has killed the Rams in the past. In a close even game often special teams are the difference and the Rams are going to have to keep the ball away from Leon Washington who returned to kicks for touchdowns last week against the San Diego Chargers.

On paper this game is pretty even. The Rams seem to be moving in the right direction while the Seahawks seem to be falling however they did find a way to win against the 49ers and Chargers. Both teams lack explosion on offense and have average defensive ability. This game should come down to mistakes and a couple of plays here or there. I am very worried about Leon Washington being the difference. I am going to put my faith for once in the St. Louis Rams this week. I just believe Bradford is what it takes for the Rams to now win these types of games. The Seahawks do not play well on the road and so far the Edward Jones Dome has been pretty loud and may provide the slight edge needed for the Rams today. Today is the day fans have been waiting for, for a very long time. Today is a big game and it is time to see if the light at the end of the tunnel is the Rams future or still another oncoming train.

Prediction St. Louis Rams 27-20 over the Seattle Seahawks

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com