Al Michaels shares brutal truth about QB Sam Darnold's issues vs. Rams defense

The 11-3 Los Angeles Rams certainly had every excuse to play poorly on Thursday Night Football. The national narrative was all about the 11-3 Seattle Seahawks, their quest for respect, and the presumed revenge in the rematch. It was supposed to be at worst a Seahawks blowout, and at best a tough-fought game.

But this was never supposed to be a game that Los Angeles could win. And yet, that's why they play the game.

Al Michaels was in the broadcast booth and had the quote of the week in this one:

"Every player seems to have a kryptonite, and the Rams would be Sam's kryptonite."

-Al Michaels on Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold is not the reason for the loss. But his struggles have forced Seattle to lean heavily into the defense and special teams, a strategy that seemed to work as the game wore on.

Rams 30
Seahawks 30

Rams defense struggles when Seahawks play from far behind

The Seahawks tried to run a conservative offense. But whenever the Seahawks fell behind, they unfettered Darnold and encouraged him to open up the offense. But this was the same team that reined in their quarterback in hopes of neutralizing his turnover issue. Gunslingers are going to slint the football.

He was picked off by undrafted safety Josh Wallace and by defensive linemen Kobie Turner. Add in the fumble by wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and that totals three turnovers in a game that had huge playoff implications

There were four lead changes in this one. After Los Angeles jumped to a 16-point lead, the offense stalled and the aggressive Seahawks offense tied the score with two touchdowns and two two-point conversions. The Rams lost the lead as Seattle regained the momentum after a punt return for a touchdown.

The score is tied. The tension is high. Stay tuned.