For a third consecutive year, the Seattle Seahawks are kicking off their hopeful Super Bowl run on Wild Card Weekend. The Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams for the second time in the last three weeks – and the second time in the franchise’s playoff history – in Seattle to start the postseason.
The last time these two teams met in the playoffs was during the 2004-05 season when the then-St. Louis Rams upset the Seahawks 27-20 at the formerly named Qwest Field. That year, the Rams swept the Seahawks in all three games they played against each other.
Since then, Seattle has become a postseason fortress. The Seahawks are currently enjoying a 10-game home playoff win streak. Of course, the Rams know how to snap 10-game win streaks for the Seahawks. From 2005-2014, the Rams were unable to notch a victory in Seattle until the 11th game in 2015. (Furiously knocking on wood.)
The Rams are facing some good injury news and some uncertain news. The good news is they will be getting some key contributors back. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp – who gave the Seahawks considerable issues in Week 16 – has been activated off the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Los Angeles will also welcome back 39-year old left tackle Andrew Whitworth who has miraculously recovered from a seemingly season-ending knee injury.
The biggest question mark comes down to who will play quarterback.
Jared Goff broke the thumb on his throwing hand against the Seahawks, which caused him to miss the Rams’ regular-season finale. In his stead was John Wolford, who had a decent game in Los Angeles’ 18-7 win over the Cardinals.
Initial reports from the start of the week were saying it would be difficult for Goff to play only 12 days following his thumb surgery. Although Goff was seen throwing at practice and practice reports from the week are saying he’s feeling “good,” it still seems like Goff’s playing will be somewhat of a long shot.
Even if Goff manages to play, it’s not hard to assume the thumb injury will factor in, in some capacity.
If Goff cannot play, or if it’s clear his thumb is affecting his performance, the Rams will likely turn once more to Wolford, who passed for 231 yards and rushed for an additional 56. Wolford did not account for any touchdowns but had one interception on his first pass.
Regardless of who is quarterback, the Rams offense has struggled to move the ball and score points. Los Angeles has been kept out of the end zone for consecutive weeks for the first time under Sean McVay – only scoring 18 offensive points off six field goals. Now it will face an improved Seattle defense which has seemingly cracked the Rams’ offensive code.