Rams reveal clear formula for disrupting Seahawks offensive attack

The Seattle Seahawks' high-powered offense finally met its match in the Los Angeles Rams.

In what was billed as potentially the game of the season between two 7-2 squads riding four-game winning streaks, the Seahawks were undone by four costly Sam Darnold interceptions, each of which came in the face of heavy pressure. Those turnovers proved to be the difference, as even though the Rams offense struggled to move the ball against the Seahawks' vaunted secondary, they avoided any back-breaking mistakes. 

A 61-yard desperation field goal attempt by Jason Myers sailed wide right as time expired, sealing a critical NFC West victory for the Rams, 21-19.

While a two-point loss on the road to one of the NFL’s best teams is hardly reason to panic, this contest confirmed Seahawks fans' worst fears about their volatile quarterback and displayed a clear formula for neutralizing one of the league’s best offenses.

Breaking down the Rams' successful game plan

Through all the ups and downs of Darnold’s career, there were never any question about his talent. It’s why the Jets selected him with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, and it’s why teams continue to give him opportunities despite poor numbers in New York and Carolina. When Darnold is clicking, like he had been through his first nine games of the season, there are few better pure throwers of the football.

Too often, however, Darnold’s talent as a passer has been overshadowed by his issues with turnovers. After revitalizing his career with the Vikings in 2024, Darnold regressed back to his old ways in the biggest moments. He completed just 43.9% percent of his passes in a winner-take-all Week 18 loss to the Lions before posting a 77.6 passer rating and taking nine sacks against the Rams in the wild-card round.

Darnold’s regular-season resume was still good enough to earn him a hefty contract from the Seahawks in the offseason, but the new uniform didn’t change the Rams' approach. They sent pressure at Darnold all game long, and though it didn’t result in any sacks, the constant duress disrupted the quarterback’s rhythm and played a part in each of the Seahawks’ interceptions.