LA Rams game day primer: NFL Playoffs round one

Rams offense needs a wake-up call

Whoever starts under center for the LA Rams, they will need to score early and often. The Rams have been inconsistent with both the running game and the passing game. With the return of Andrew Whitworth, the Rams offense may rediscover some consistency. But the Willingness of the Rams offense to self destruct will be fatal in this one.

The Rams have given up the ball at least once in each regular season game. That cannot continue if the Rams are to have any hopes of advancing to round two. While the defense has done everything needed to carry the Rams, this game will need to find some offensive prowess. Building a solid lead, and then running the clock out would not only be fantastic for this game, but would do wonders for the Rams next contest as well.

The Seattle Seahawks have watched their starting quarterback take a pounding against the Rams, and will likely try a heavy dose of running to change the Rams timing on rushing the quarterback. If they find even modest success, that will open up their passing game. While defensive back Jalen Ramsey can negate whichever receiver he faces, the Seahawks have switched sides to dictate which receiver goes against Ramsey.

Who has the edge?

The LA Rams lost the last meeting between these two teams, and have plenty of good video to plan against. I expect that the Rams defense will be ready, and could hold the Seahawks to a 17 points or less type of game.  The key will be can the Rams offense score points?

With Kupp back on the field, that should be easier.  And the fact that the Rams are still coy about whether Goff or Wolford will start the game has played havoc with the Seahawks preparedness. The Rams know how to play post-season football, so do not discount that experience. Many see this as a defensive struggle, and it could very likely prove to be exactly that. If that is the case, I give the nod to the Rams.