How will NFC West receivers fare on LA Rams’ Ramsey Island?

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks have some great offensive weapons. But much like the LA Rams, injuries have played a significant role on their team. They have a promising tight end in Will Dissly, who has only played on average 20 percent of the offensive snaps in the past two years.  They have a dominating running back in Chris Carson. They have a solid wide receiver in Tyler Lockett, who is entering his sixth NFL season. He stands 5-foot-10 and weighs in at 182-pounds. But the difference-maker on that offense is 6-foot-4 229-pound second-year receiver, D.K. Metcalf.

While he was only eight of nine catches for 122 yards and 0 touchdowns, he is a rapidly rising star in the NFL and will only be better in 2020.  While the Rams have other players covered, Metcalf could prove to be a significant offensive threat if he gets hot. How so?  If the Rams need to shuttle defenders to slow down Metcalf, both Carson and quarterback Russell Wilson will have open running lanes. Then, it gets ugly quickly.

Ramsey island

Thankfully, the Rams have Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey is a seasoned veteran, a defensive back who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 208 pounds. He can stick with Metcalf stride for stride, and can immediately switch to attacking the ball as soon as it begins the long arc down the field.  Wilson is the best quarterback of the NFC West bunch, so counting on mistakes will likely not pay off. Even amping up the pressure can help, but it’s no guarantee as Russell Wilson is incredibly elusive, and can make throws on the run like Patrick Mahomes. No, this battle must be won by Ramsey. Of course, that assumes that Seattle targets receivers his way.

That was not the case when the Rams played the Seahawks. In fact, Wilson tends to throw away from Ramsey, having tossed an interception his way in 2017. With the plans to mix up coverages, disguising the coverage, and putting Ramsey into a rogue defensive back role, the Rams may pry another interception or two out of Wilson.  When Ramsey arrived in 2019 mid-season, he knew how to play pass defense, but he didn’t know much about his teammates. Now, knowing who his teammates are, and working closely with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, he should be able to be that impact player Rams players have hoped for.  Ramsey Island is open for business. But don’t look for visitors to enjoy their stay. They are likely to have a miserable time and return home empty-handed.