This game used to be a great rivalry, but Seattle has owned St. Louis the last 5 years, and I think we have forgotten how tough St. Louis used to play the Seahawks. This used to be a tough game to win prior to 2004-2005. that being said both teams are entering a new phase in their history, with new players, coaches, owners and schemes. This game will set the tone for the next 5 years of this divisional rivalry.
THE MATCH UPS TO WATCH; Everyone is saying the key to this game lies in Seattle's ability to stop Sam Bradford from eating their secondary apart. Seattle secondary has looked awful the last two weeks, but I don't see that trend continuing. If the secondary play does become an issue for Seattle in this game it will be at the hands on Rams WR, Mark Clayton #89, who is averaging 13.3 yards per catch so far this season. That 10-15 yard depth in coverage is where Seattle has faltered this season in zone coverage, leaving gaping holes across the middle of the field at just that depth. Key to correcting this however, lies in the linebackers for Seattle. With Steven Jackson, RB, most likely out with a groin injury the LB for Seattle should be able to drop back into secondary coverage with out the threat of a run.
THE QUARTERBACKS; Sam Bradford, has looked decent in his NFL debut. Analyst are hyping him up a little unjustified in my opinion. Bradford's STATS thus far, 96-117 completions/attemps, for 655 yards and 4TD, are comparable to Hasselbecks, 57-90 , 623 yards, 4TD. While Bradford is being celebrated, Hasselbeck has been criticized thus far. Which makes no sense to me, Hasselbeck has struggled going into week 4 yet Bradford has only thrown for 32 more yards than Hasselbeck and it took him 27 more attempts to do so. I'm not sold on Bradford just yet. I think he will be a great QB in the future, but he's still a rookie QB starting only his 4th game in the NFL. I expect Hasselbeck to show the rookie how its done this week, and our front four on defense to get to Bradford often. 
THE ROOKIES; Earl Thomas had 2 INT last week against the Chargers, and I wouldn't be surprised if he got one or two more this week as well. The Rams have a rookie Offensive Left Tackle Rodger Saffold #76 starting,and I look for Seattle to pick on him throughout the game. Seattle's first round draft pick OLT Russel Okung will also be playing in his first game of the regular season. The line in time will be improved with Okung at LT, but not having played yet this year, and missing a large amount of training camp due to contract negotiations, could create a slight learning curve for the rookie. Golden Tate, WR may have a breakout game today,w ith Mike Williams still nursing a thigh injury as well.
MEN LIE, WOMAN LIE, .... NUMBERS DON'T!! The Seaahawks have won the last 10 games against the Rams, and The Rams had lost 14 games in a row at home until just last week. I look for Seattle to continue its dominance, and assert themselves atop the NFC WEST with a big win over the Rams.
PREDICTION;
Seahawks 41 RAMS 17
GO HAWKS!!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment