Turf Show Times
The end conclusion was all but certain; however, the Los Angeles Rams escaped Week 11 with a 21-19 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams now lead the closely competitive NFC West division with an 8-2 record.
Seattle drew within one score after a Kenneth Walker rushing touchdown. The Rams needed to milk the clock, but ran only four plays before punting. LA’s Ethan Evans perfectly placed a punt at the one-yard line in order to stack the odds against the Seahawks. Seattle settled for a 61-yard field goal attempt that never seemed to have a chance.
Which individual efforts deserve praise for the all-important win?
The Rams’ special teams unit has been oft-maligned this season, and deservedly so.
When LA needed it the most, Evans stepped up big-time to down a punt at the one-yard line and forced Seattle to earn every inch as they progressed toward field goal position. You couldn’t walk down and place a punt any better.
The end result? Sam Darnold and the Seahawks offense were slow in their operation, which chewed up clock and made them settle for a long-shot 61-yard attempt.
This punt was one of the single most important plays of the game.
Kamren Kinchens has six career interceptions in two seasons. Four of his picks have come against the Seahawks, including the two he recorded last year around this time versus Geno Smith.
Kinchens set the tone early by stepping in front of a late Darnold throw over the middle of the field on Seattle’s opening possession. Darnold never saw him. The second interception came late in the third quarter and gave the Rams great starting field position that setup a touchdown to Colby Parkinson.
Kinchens is a good safety. He’s even better when he plays the Seahawks.
Perhaps one of the mysteries of this game is why Kyren Williams didn’t carry the ball more. He toted the rock 12 times for 91 yards (7.6 average) and scored a fourth-down touchdown following three unsuccessful rushing attempts by Blake Corum.
Williams looked shifty, explosive, and found the open field. While the stat sheet won’t necessarily reflect it because of a low volume of opportunities, this was one of his most efficient performances as a Ram.
Steve Avila played very well in this game, especially as a run blocker. Some of Williams’ best runs came on the left side behind Avila.
Seattle is committed to their rushing attack but it’s not the most efficient nor dangerous. The Rams were able to mostly bottle up the run without running too heavy in their personnel, which plays into the Seahawks’ favor as they then look to throw the ball deep. Poona Ford was stellar in run defense and deserves a nod on the “winners” list, especially considering he started his career with the Seahawks.
