Cartoon: Russell Wilson and the Seahawks’ nemesis
Several times this week I’ve been asked what it is about the Rams that enables them to give the Seahawks so much trouble. I only wish I had an answer.
Counting this latest agonizing defeat, Jeff Fisher’s team has now beaten Seattle in four of their last five meetings. This despite a notable gap between the two teams’ relative talent levels and overall competence.
For some reason these games seem to mean more for them. Whereas it’s just another week for Seattle, for the Rams it’s basically their Super Bowl. Why they can’t be so hyped up and well-prepared for all their opponents is frankly bizarre.
How do they do it?
On the field the most obvious factor is that the Rams are strongest where the Seahawks are weakest. LA’s defensive line is composed of early-round draft picks and well-compensated veterans. They have clearly made a strong defensive line a priority and have allocated their resources as such. According to positional spending figures available at Over the Cap, only five NFL teams have invested more in their defensive line than the Rams.
By contrast, Seattle has tried to get along with a discount offensive line. The Seahawks are currently spending less money on their front five than any other team by a considerable margin. It’s not working out so great right now and playing directly into Fisher’s hands.
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The guy who’s suffered most as a result is Russell Wilson. At times it seems like the Rams have his number. This past week Wilson was hit nine times, several of which might make a Gregg Williams highlight reel for head-shots that are just subtle enough to go unnoticed by referees who are more concerned about offensive pass interference.
Pete Carroll and the Seahawks need to figure something out, because the Rams aren’t going anywhere. Unless there’s a divisional re-alignment coming with a San Diego move, chances are that Seattle is going to have a tough time against LA twice a year for at least as long as Aaron Donald is around. If that prospect makes you want to pull out your hair you’re not alone.
Sometimes all you can do is laugh.
In that spirit, enjoy this cartoon from Draw Play Dave, which sums up how Russell Wilson and the Seahawks seem to totally self destruct for some inexplicable reason whenever the Rams come calling.
The best part is the Ram just standing there cross-eyed and stupid with its tongue hanging out. It’s so appropriate it’s almost hysterical.
Go Hawks.
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