Rams-Seahawks Week 16 Recap

(Written on 12/27/15)

The 6-8 St. Louis Rams traveled to Seattle to take on the 9-5 Seahawks today in a game that the Seahawks were favored by 14 points. The first half was dominated by the Rams as they jumped out to a 16-3 lead that featured Trumaine Johnson’s seventh interception this season, including his fourth consecutive game with a pick, as his 15 career interceptions lead all defenders in the 2012 draft class. Offensively, receiver Kenny Britt ran right past Seahawks corner Richard Sherman for a 28 yard touchdown on a beautifully thrown ball by quarterback Case Keenum on a drive that was set up by a 21 yard Tavon Austin punt return. The defense got on the board as well as Akeem Ayers scooped up a fumble and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown. Kicker Greg Zurlein celebrated his 28th birthday by making a 42 yard field goal before missing an extra point later in the second quarter.

Running back Todd Gurley got going in the second half as 63 of his 85 yards, and a touchdown, came in that span. While the Rams gave up 14 points, they spent the second half without Mark Barron and Nick Fairley as both left the game with concussions; Johnson also left with a concussion but returned later and seems to be 100% for next week. The Seahawks were still no match for the Rams, falling 23-17.

The most important aspect of today’s the game is the fact that the Rams did not commit any turnovers, despite the fact that Benny Cunningham and Gurley fumbles were recovered by center Tim Barnes who later received the game ball following the game. Keenum was particularity efficient, completing 14-23 passes for 103 yards without throwing an interceptions against Seattle’s vaunted secondary. Keeunm was also not sacked nor hit today, a huge milestone for a young offensive line that has struggled keeping passers upright this season. Offensive coordinator Rob Boras has finally built the offensive gameplan around establishing the running game first and early (the Rams ran the ball 30 times today) with Gurley as the workhorse (19 carries). Boras has not asked Keenum to do too much which has allowed them to set up shots down the field as we saw last week against the Bucs as well with Britt, while still being efficient and smart with the football.

The Rams travel to San Francisco next week to take on the 4-11 49ers in the season finale, a team that St. Louis had no trouble with in Week 8, winning 27-6. The Niners have not looked very good, going 1-5 in their last six games including losses to the Lions and Browns whom the Rams both beat. After beating the Seahawks in Seattle and completing the season sweep for the first time since 2004, the Rams are riding a three game win streak carrying enough momentum to win on the road to get to 8-8.