Quick Hits: The regular season is finally underway and the St. Louis Rams are all over the Seattle Seahawks in St. Louis. This has been a battle of the defenses and the score shows just how close that battle has been. The Rams offense has been a little conservative, but they have taken chances down field. The Seattle offense has been rattled as the St. Louis front four has limited Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson containing both in the first half. The Rams did not turn the ball over in the first half.
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Rams Offense moving better than expected: Nick Foles has started well, but also had a couple of miscues including a poor throw to Kenny Britt on third down in the late stages of the second quarter that forced the Rams into a punting situation. Foles is 7 of 10 for 64 yards on the half. His favorite target so far, tight end Jared Cook. Cook has been wide open down the seam and sideline to the tune of 47 receiving yards on three catches in the first half.
Aug 29, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (5) hands the ball off to St. Louis Rams running back Benny Cunningham (36) against the Indianapolis Colts at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Many thought with the injuries to running backs Todd Gurley and Tre Mason that the running game would suffer against the stout Seattle defense. While the run game has not been explosive, they have held their own with Benny Cunningham leading the way with 39 total yards in the first half. The Rams would score their only first half touchdown on the ground with a hand off to the versatile Tavon Austin. Austin had everyone fooled on a 16-yard scamper when he high stepped his way untouched into pay dirt.
The Rams defense is just as advertised: The St. Louis defense has stifled the Seahawks offense and taken quarterback Russell Wilson to task with three sacks and one interception. The front four has also limited running back Marshawn Lynch to just 17 rushing yards on seven carries. Wilson is 13 of 16 for 86 yards and the interception through the first half.
Trumaine Johnson, starting in place of injured corner back E.J. Gaines, was on the receiving end of the Wilson interception. Unfortunately Johnson had his half cut short and is currently being evaluated for a concussion. He was replaced by Marcus Roberson. The defensive back group has done a good job limiting the passing game, but poor tackles has provided momentum for the Seattle receivers. And Jimmy Graham, no where to be found. Graham has one catch for seven yards for the half.
Looking Forward: The Rams will receive the second half kick off and look to continue their methodical approach to this game. Look for more of a balanced offense in the second half and the defense to continue to dominate a suspect Seattle offensive line.