Instant Reaction: 710 ESPN Seattle on Seahawks’ 33-31 loss to Rams

The Seahawks took a lead into the fourth quarter but ultimately fell 33-31 to the undefeated Los Angeles Rams at CenturyLink Field on Sunday. As we do after each game, we have polled the hosts from 710 ESPN Seattle for their instant reactions, giving a glimpse at what you can hear Monday on the air.

O’Neil: Seahawks kept in step | Recap |  Photos | Stats

Bob Stelton (Bob, Groz and Tom)

The Seahawks did some great things in this game. They ran the ball extremely well – again. The Rams’ defense came into the game fifth in the league against the run, allowing 86 yards per game, and the Seahawks ran for a total of 190 yards, with Chris Carson accounting for 116 of those on 19 carries. That’s the third game in a row that the Hawks have had a running back go over 100 yards.

The bad part of this game was the defense coming up empty when it was needed most. When the Seahawks desperately needed a stop, they were unable to come up with one in the final few minutes of the game. Thus, The Rams were able to run out the clock and run out of CenturyLink with a two-point win.

Overall this was a great game, and even though the Hawks lost, I think they caused a lot of people to reevaluate their opinion of this team. The offense was not considered to be anywhere near competitive enough to keep up with the explosive offense of L.A. Yet in the end, Seattle was two points and a stop away from proving a ton of people wrong.

Mike Salk (Brock and Salk)

I’ve never been one for silver linings after losses but I walk away from the Seahawks’ loss to the Rams feeling the best I have all season. The team that played today looked like it could go to the playoffs. They imposed their will by running hard and often. They made big plays in the passing game off of play action. They nearly found a way to stop the best offense in football this year despite missing two stars (Earl Thomas and K.J. Wright).

They just needed one more big play on defense.

So yes, I’m mad that they got into field goal position late and then took themselves out of it with two horrible penalties. I wish they could have stopped the Rams on that final drive and final fourth-and-inches. But I am more encouraged than discouraged. Beat the Raiders in London next Sunday to get to 3-3, and they’ll put themselves in a good spot in a wide-open NFC wild card race.

Jim Moore (Danny, Dave and Moore)

For anyone who thought the Seahawks were going to lose, you were right, but did you think it would be that close? From a Rams’ perspective, you could call it a good win on the road, particularly playing the second half without top receivers Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp because of concussion protocol.

But from the Seahawks’ point of view, they stood toe to toe with the superior team and nearly pulled off the upset. The outcome was disappointing, but in this take-away world we now live in, I’ve got some:

• 1) The Seahawks’ offense looked terrific. This is what we’ve been waiting to see, a bunch of explosive passing plays to go with outstanding running by Chris Carson and Mike Davis. Give the line a lot of credit too.

• 2) Has Tyler Lockett become the Seahawks’ No. 1 receiver, as Curtis Rogers wondered on Twitter, or does Doug Baldwin just need a little more time to be himself after two knee injuries?

• 3) What’s more certain – with two touchdown receptions, David Moore has overtaken Brandon Marshall on the receiver depth chart.

• 4) For all of the firepower with that Rams’ offense, they might be more similar to the Chiefs, the NFL’s only other unbeaten team, than previously thought because of their suspect defense.

• 5) The Seahawks missed a lot of tackles that might have made a difference in the final score.

• 6) I’ve gone from really liking the idea of Michael Dickson’s drop kicks to seeing them and not really liking them anymore. How about just improving your kickoff return team?

• 7) It was nice to see Russell Wilson coming out of the slump or whatever it was he was in.

Tom Wassell (Bob, Groz and Tom)

Let’s face it, the Seahawks were on the verge of winning this game after the big pass to Lockett in the fourth quarter. Penalties to Germain Ifedi and D.J. Fluker moved them out of field goal range and killed what could have been the game-winning drive.

Moral victory for hanging with the Rams strike for strike. Chris Carson and Mike Davis ran the ball for this team as well as anyone has in recent memory. It’s great to know that the big play ability is still there (Russell to Lockett).

Defense did about what you would expect. Gave up a ton of yardage all day long, and made a few stops here and there.

Hang in there, fans. This team isn’t going to quit.

Dave Grosby (Bob, Groz and Tom)

For 56 minutes, the Seahawks slugged it out with the undefeated Rams and looked like they were on the verge of a terrific season-changing victory. Then it all went poof.

I imagine there will be a lot of critics who will blame Pete Carroll for calling that final time out, which gave the Rams a chance to change their minds and go for it on fourth down. But that assumes the Seahawks’ offense doesn’t self destruct like they did on their final possession.

From Seattle’s perspective, there was a lot to like on offense. They are beasts running the football and it makes Russell Wilson a very efficient QB. Tyler Lockett looks to be worth every penny of his contract extension and Chris Carson looks like an elite back.

Defense had its moments though it was a bit disappointing that the Rams were still so effective on offense after they lost their two top receivers. Special teams was a decidedly mixed bag and that goes for both teams.

Ultimately this was a golden opportunity lost with a bit of a silver lining. Play like that and you will win your share of games. But you are three games behind the Rams, 2-3 overall and really feeling like you let one get away with two penalties driving you out of field goal range during a forgettable four minutes after battling toe to toe with a 5-0 team.