NFL Game Preview Week 1: Seattle Seahawks Vs. St. Louis Rams

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Tom Gannam

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Tom Gannam

Looking ahead to several marquee games coming up this Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks (0-0) are set to host the St. Louis Rams (0-0) in what looks as a competitive Week 1 matchup. The game is set to take place at Edwards Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri this Sunday at 1:00 P.M. EST.

Preview

Seattle Seahawks

Coming off what is most likely known as the most devastating game in NFL history, Seahawks’ history, the Seahawks look to avenge their loss with a new season. The Seahawks have had a surplus of success in recent years, resulting in two consecutive Super Bowl trips and one Super Bowl victory.

It has been reported and stated by Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll that safety Kam Chancellor will not be playing Week 1 against the Rams following his contract holdout.

A new look is implemented on both sides of the ball for Seattle. Offensively, the addition of tight end Jimmy Graham can prove to be effective, in terms of the passing game. However, with the Seahawks’ tendencies of running the ball with running back Marshawn Lynch, Graham will more than likely find himself blocking more than half the time this year.

Defensively, the departure of Byron Maxwell was shrugged off as minimal, but the subtraction of Chancellor missing could exploit the Seahawks’ secondary.

St. Louis Rams

What was considered a disappointing season in St. Louis in 2014, could now be interpreted as a building block for a prominent 2015 season.

The acquisition of quarterback Nick Foles from the Philadelphia Eagles could further develop their emerging offense. Of course, receivers remain inconsistent, but with Foles in the picture, one could hope for the best.

Newly drafted, and highly touted, running back Todd Gurley is expected to miss at least four weeks, therefore providing running back Tre Mason with the bell cow duties until then.

Defensively speaking, the Rams hold one of the most dangerous front seven in the league; of those including, but not limited to, Aaron Donald, Nick Fairley, Robert Quinn, and Chris Long.

Key Points

Both teams split their games last year, resulting in a 1-1 record between the two. The Rams shocked the league when they took down the Seahawks in Week 7 with a final score of 28-26. The Seahawks salvaged their final game by defeating the Rams 20-6, securing their number one seed for the playoffs.

If the Rams intend to put themselves in the best position possible to win they must achieve several tasks. Applying pressure to the Seahawks’ pocket and quarterback Russell Wilson is a must, but also containing Wilson. By containing the mobile Wilson, this will result in less extended plays and less time for the Seahawks to salvage any positive yards.

For the Seahawks, playing their style of game is simple, but effective. Leaning on Lynch should be expected, but testing Graham’s blocking abilities should be noted. Protecting Wilson and providing rushing lanes for Lynch should be enough to rely on offensively.

Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 17 St. Louis Rams 14