The Rams will be in Seattle this weekend to face the Seahawks for the second time in three weeks, and while these teams are plenty familiar with each other, no two matchups between teams are ever the same and both teams will look a bit different than they did when Seattle beat the Rams 20-9 in Week 16. So with that in mind, we turn again to therams.com staff writer Stu Jackson, who answers five questions from Seahwaks.com about the L.A. Rams ahead of Saturday's game at Lumen Field:
These teams split their regular-season meetings, with Seattle winning 20-9 at Lumen Field two weeks ago, what do the Rams feel like they need to do differently to change that result?
Jackson: The biggest thing is sharper execution and winning the battle at the line of scrimmage on offense. As the three field goals show, the Rams were putting themselves in scoring position, but their lack of execution – and getting stopped on the Seahawks 1-yard line – prevented them from reaching the end zone and coming away with more than nine points.
And on a related note, the Rams' top-ranked defense did a good job against the Seahawks in the first half last time around, then Russell Wilson and the offense got going. How are the Rams hoping to avoid a repeat of that second half?
Jackson: Limiting explosive plays (15 or more yards). Seattle had three in that game (David Moore's 45-yard catch, Tyler Lockett's 24-yard catch and Carlos Hyde's 18-yard catch), all of which came in the second half and on its touchdown scoring drives. The Seahawks offense is usually bound to make at least one explosive play in a game, so for the Rams defense, it's important to make sure they don't let it negatively impact how the rest of the drive goes.
We don't know yet who will start at quarterback for the Rams, but if it's John Wolford again, what did he show the team in his first start last week?
Jackson: Like you mentioned, we don't know yet who will start, but Wolford showed poise and composure, more than anything. He got off to a tough start throwing an interception on his first pass attempt, but eventually settled in to lead the Rams offense on three scoring drives (all field goals) and do enough to help them maintain their lead against the Cardinals. Wolford also displayed toughness. Late in the fourth quarter, he kept the ball on a zone read and ran nine yards, lowering his shoulder at the end to get a third down conversion and keep the drive alive. While the Rams punted at the end of it, they ended up giving the ball back to the Cardinals with less than 30 seconds remaining – not enough time to overcome an 11-point deficit.
Aaron Donald said after the game that a rematch with the Seahawks was "exactly what we wanted." Why are the All-Pro DT and the rest of the Rams looking forward to this matchup?
Jackson: It's a divisional opponent that they're familiar with, and with the two teams splitting the regular season matchups, it's a "tiebreaker" in Donald's words. Defensive lineman Morgan Fox said they "always like playing" the Seahawks and that Saturday's playoff game is the type of "tough, physical wintertime game" that "you dream of."
Aside from the obvious DK Metcalf vs. Jalen Ramsey matchup, which is always must-see TV, what other matchup or matchups do you think could make a difference Saturday?
Jackson: Darious Williams vs. Lockett. Lockett had a big game in Week 17 against the 49ers (12 catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns), so as usual, the Rams will need to be aware of where he is at all times, and it will be important for Williams to try to limit him.
Akers vs. the Seahawks' No. 5 run defense is another matchup that could make a difference on Saturday. Akers missed Week 16 with a high ankle sprain, but is healthy now. When he's at full strength and effective, it helps open things up for the rest of the Rams offense regardless of who is under center.
The Seahawks and the Rams will meet at Lumen Field for the Wild Card round of the 2020 playoffs on Saturday, January 9 at 1:40 p.m. PT. Take a look back at photos from past games between the two teams.
Los Angeles Rams kicker Tom Dempsey (10) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks Oct. 31, 1976, in Los Angeles. (NFL Photos via AP)
Los Angeles Rams running back Rod Phillips (39) runs behind a block by running back Jim Bertelsen (45) on Seattle Seahawks linebacker Mike Curtis (32) during an NFL game at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 31, 1976. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 45-6. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy (96) topples a St. Louis Rams quarterback (16) during a pre-season NFL football game in 1991. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Quarterback Dave Krieg (17) of the Seattle Seahawks releases a pass against the Los Angeles Rams in 1991. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Seattle Seahawks's Ricky Watters is turned on his side by St. Louis Rams' Devin Bush during the second half in Seattle Sunday, Sept 10, 2000. The Rams won 37-34. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk tries to hurdle Seahawks defenders to gain more yardage on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, at Seattle Seahawks Stadium. Bringing down Faulk are Seattle defenders Antonio Cochran, bottom, Chad Eaton (90) and Rocky Bernard (99). Seattle beat St. Louis, 30-10. (AP Photo/Jim Bryant)
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren, center, talks with St. Louis Rams' Torry Holt, left, and Seahawks' Koren Robinson after the Seahawks' 30-10 win over the Rams in Seattle, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
St. Louis Rams' Grant Wistrom sacks Seattle Seahawks' Matt Hasselbeck in the second quarter Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Seattle Seahawks' Shaun Alexander carries the ball as he plows through St. Louis Rams' Aeneas Williams in second-half action Sunday, Sept. 21, 2003 in Seahawks Stadium in Seattle. Alexander entered the game in the middle of the second quarter after being with his wife Valerie for the birth of their daughter, Heaven Nashay Alexander earlier in the day. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Ken Lucas intercepts a pass intended for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt (81) in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004 at Qwest Field in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk looks for room to run around Seattle Seahawks' Anthony Simmons (51) in the second half in St. Louis, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004. Faulk rushed for a season-high 139 yards in the Rams 23-12 win. (AP Photo/James A. Finley)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is grabed by St. Louis Rams defensive end Bryce Fisher before being sacked by other Rams defensemen in the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004 at Qwest Field in Seattle. The Rams beat the Seahawks 33-27 in overtime. (AP Photo/Steve Shelton)
Seattle Seahawks D.J. Hackett, left, and Bobby Engram celebrate Hackett's third quarter touchdown pass reception, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, in Seattle. Hackett had 78 yards receiving and Engram had 70 yards receiving in the game. The Seahawks won, 31-16. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Joe Jurevicius (87) looks for room to run against the St. Louis Rams defensive backs Corey Ivy (35) and Chris Johnson (37) following a pass reception during the second half Sunday, Oct. 9, 2005, in St. Louis. Jurevicius had nine catches for 137 yards in the Seahawks' 37-31 win. (AP Photo/James A. Finley)
Seattle Seahawks' Nate Burleson (81) scores on a 90-yard punt return against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006, in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 24-22. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Seattle Seahawks' Deion Branch celebrates his fourth-quarter touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, in St. Louis. The Seahawks won 30-28. (AP Photo/Bill Boyce)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Mark Bulger, right, is sacked by Seattle Seahawks' Julian Peterson in the forth quarter in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006. The Seahawks won 30-28. (AP Photo/Bill Boyce)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Patrick Kerney (97) sacks St. Louis Rams quarterback Gus Frerotte during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007, in St. Louis. The Seahawks won 24-19. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch celebrates after catching a 9-yard touchdown pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game as St. Louis Rams' Oshiomogho Atogwe, left, and Tye Hill, right, look on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007, in St. Louis. The Seahawks won 24-19. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) yells out a change of play from the line of scrimmage and St. Louis Rams defensive players react during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 33-6. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' T.J. Duckett celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks running back Maurice Morris (20) runs with the ball past St. Louis Rams' Oshiomogho Atogwe (21) and Adam Carriker (90) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Seahawks won 23-20. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger hands off to running back Steven Jackson (39) as Seattle Seahawks SS Deon Grant (24) closes in from the right during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Kyle Boller, top, is hit by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Josh Wilson, right, as he throws during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in St. Louis. Seattle won 27-17. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Julius Jones #22 of the Seattle Seahawks runs for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams at Qwest Field on September 13, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 28-0. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
Cory Redding #94 of the Seattle Seahawks runs on the field against the St. Louis Rams at Qwest Field on September 13, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 28-0. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) runs with the ball during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Seahawks wide receiver Brandon Stokley makes a diving catch across the middle of the field during a game against St. Louis Rams on October 3, 2010. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 20-3.
Seahawks linebacker Lawyer Milloy delivers a hit to Rams' quarterback Sam Bradford during a game on October 3, 2010. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 20-3.
Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate evades a tackle from a Rams' defender during a game on January 2, 2011. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 16-6.
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch tip toes down the sideline as he makes his way down the field against the Rams during a game on January 2, 2011. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 16-6.
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Red Bryant pressures Rams quarterback Sam Bradford during a game on November 20, 2011. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 24-7.
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch celebrates a touchdown against the Rams during a game on December 12, 2011. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 30-13.
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons tackles Rams running back Daryl Richardson in the back field during a game on September 30, 2012. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 19-13.
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Rams during a game on December 30, 2012. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 20-13.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate stands in celebration after defeating the Rams on December 30, 2012. The Seahawks defeated the St. Louis Rams 20-13.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate battles through two Rams defenders to score a touchdown during a game on October 28, 2013. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 14-9.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin intercepts a Rams pass attempt on the sidelines during a game on October 28, 2013. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 14-9.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell jumps a Rams route and intercepts an incoming pass during a game on December 29, 2013. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 27-9.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Cooper Helfet celebrates a touchdown during a game on October 19, 2014. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 28-26.
Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas delivers a hit to a Rams wide receiver during a game on October 19, 2014. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 28-26.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin reads the offense as the ball is snapped during a game on December 28, 2014. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 20-6.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson pulls down a reception over Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins during a game on December 28, 2014. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 20-6.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett takes off down field during a game on September 13, 2015. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 34-31.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham pulls in a touchdown reception over a Rams' defender during a game on September 13, 2015. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 34-31.
Seattle Seahawks wide receivers Tyler Lockett and Doug Baldwin celebrate Baldwin's touchdown reception during a game on December 27, 2015. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 23-17.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright makes a play on the football during a game on December 27, 2015. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 23-17.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson tries to pull in a reception over a Rams defender during a game on September 18, 2016. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 9-3.
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril prepares to sack Rams quarterback Case Keenum during a game on September 18, 2016. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 9-3.
Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor stares into the Rams backfield prior to the snap during a game on December 15, 2016. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 24-3.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Wilson attempts to break a tackle during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on December 15, 2016. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 24-3.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett evades a Rams defender and takes off down field during a game on October 8, 2017. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 16-10.
Seattle Seahawks defensive backs Earl Thomas and Shaquill Griffin embrace following a win over the Los Angeles Rams on October 8, 2017. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 16-10.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Michael Wilhoite celebrates with the 12s after intercepting a pass attempt from the Los Angeles Rams during a game on December 17, 2017. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 42-7.
Seattle Seahawks center Justin Britt prepares to snap the ball during a game against the Rams on December 17, 2017. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 42-7.
Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson takes off and hurdles Rams cornerback Troy Hill during a game on October 17, 2018. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 33-31.
Seattle Seahawks wide receivers Tyler Lockett and David Moore celebrate in the end zone following Moore's touchdown reception in a game on October 17, 2018. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 33-31.
Seattle Seahawks captains stand at midfield awaiting the coin toss ahead of a game against the Los Angeles Rams on November 11, 2018. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 36-31.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett pulls down a touchdown reception over Rams cornerback Troy Hill during a game on November 11, 2018. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 36-31.
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson sacks Rams quarterback Jared Goff during a game on November 11, 2018. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 36-31.
Tyler Lockett's toe-drag touchdown reception from a Russell Wilson 13-yard looping-over-the-top-pass brought a feeling of poetic ballet to the skill of catching touchdown passes. The Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football, 30-29, at CenturyLink Field, October 3, 2019.
Captains for the Seahawks and the Rams watch the opening coin toss by head referee Shawn Hochuli.
In the third quarter, Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin pressured Jared Goff, resulting in an interception by safety Quandre Diggs.
