The Seahawks don’t play aesthetically pleasing football, but they are growing more effective. Here’s what we learned during their 30-13 win over the Rams:
1. I’ve said it before, but this Seahawks team is better than last year’s playoff group. They have won four of five games to reach 6-7 because they know how to win ugly.
The defense presents a lot of problems and they can run the ball with Marshawn Lynch. (He had 115 yards and a score.) That’s more than a lot of teams have to offer.
2. Seattle isn’t totally out of the playoff race just yet. They would have a chance to get in at 9-7 if they won out. They play in Chicago, then host the 49ers, before heading to Arizona. It’s a long shot, but topping last year’s win total (seven) would be a step in the right direction.
3. It’s no mistake the Seahawks defense is in the top ten in points allowed. They are one of the toughest teams in the league to run against. Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor form the best young safety duo in the league; Chancellor came to play with big hits Monday.
Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman are physical and better than you’d expect at the cornerback spots.
4. The Seahawks offense needs a lot of work, but rookie slot man Doug Baldwin is a keeper. The undrafted free agent gem is over 700 yards on the season after catching 7 passes for 93 yards and a score. Baldwin also blocked a punt that was returned for a score.
5. The Rams’ Sam Bradford just didn’t look right playing on a high ankle sprain. He completed only 12-of-29 passes, and that was after garbage time stat padding. His accuracy was all over the place. The Rams offense is just a mess.
6. While the Seahawks are ascending, the Rams continue to look like the worst team in the NFL other than the Colts. Fair or not, it’s hard to imagine Steve Spagnuolo surviving this season.