What a difference a week makes. After getting completely embarrassed in their season opener, the Los Angeles Rams rode their defense and kicker Greg Zuerlein to a surprising 9-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
This was the Rams fourth victory in their last five games against Seattle, but more importantly the Rams sent the home crowd home happy in their first home opener in Los Angeles since 1994.
Between the stout defenses and obscene amount of penalties, this game wasn’t the most entertaining to watch for the fans in attendance. The victory surely makes up for the lack of offensive explosion, however.
Mark Barron and Alec Ogletree led the Rams with 10 and 9 tackles respectively, and Ogletree made the play of the game, forcing a fumble from Seahawks running back Christine Michael as the Seahawks were driving in Rams territory with under a minute remaining.
If there is one thing to still worry about it would be the offense, which still has yet to get in the end zone in two games. Thankfully Zuerlein was able to connect from 23, 39, and 47 yards to keep the Rams ahead on this day.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was slowed by a sprained ankle that clearly limited his mobility and he just wasn’t quite his mobile self. The Seahawks were also without Thomas Rawls for the entire second half, and Tyler Lockett for most of it due to injury, though Lockett did return late.
Todd Gurley struggled for the second straight game, rushing for only 51 yards on 19 carries. Quarterback Case Keenum was 18-30 for 239 yards and averaged a much better 8.0 yards per attempt. Kenny Britt led the team receiving-wise with 94 yards on 6 catches while Tavon Austin caught 5 passes for 50 yards.
With this win, the Rams improve to 1-1, as all four teams in the NFC West have the same record through two games. Up next for the Rams is a trip to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers who were steamrolled by the Arizona Cardinals 40-7 this week.
