Final thoughts on the Seahawks-Rams matchup
Dec 28, 2012, 5:31 PM | Updated: 5:44 pm
By Brady Henderson
Four notes on the Seahawks’ Week 17 matchup against the Rams at CenturyLink Field, with some help from ESPN Stats & Information:
Record, redemption on the line for Wilson. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson needs one touchdown pass to tie Peyton Manning’s rookie record of 26.
He’ll try to do that against one of two teams that have held him without a touchdown pass this season. Wilson was 17 of 25 for 160 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions during Seattle’s Week 4 loss to St. Louis. His 16.8 QBR that game was by far his lowest of the season, even though he wasn’t entirely at fault for any of the three picks.
 Rams running back Steven Jackson has never topped 100 yards rushing in 16 career games against Seattle. (AP) |
Milestone in sight for Jackson. Rams running back Steven Jackson is looking to extend one streak and end another.
He needs 10 yards to become the sixth player in NFL history with eight consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. That would put him in some elite company. Perhaps you’ve heard of the five players on that list: Emmitt Smith (11 straight 1,000-yard seasons), Curtis Martin (10), Barry Sanders (10), LaDainian Tomlinson (8) and Thurmond Thomas (8).
As prolific as Jackson has been during his nine NFL seasons, he has never topped 100 yards in 16 career games against the Seahawks. Jackson ran for 55 yards on 18 carries when the teams met in Week 4. The Seahawks have allowed an average of almost 94 yards rushing during their four-game winning streak.
Time could be running out for Jackson. He’s 29, which is old for a running back and even older for one who runs as violently as he does. His contract expires after this season, and he suggested earlier this week that retirement is an option.
Another test for Okung. Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung is heading to the Pro Bowl as a starter thanks largely to the strides he’s made in pass protection. As we’ve noted a few times, Okung and the rest of Seattle’s offensive line have fared well against some of the league’s better pass rushers.
Rushing the passer is a strength of St. Louis’ defense. The Rams have 46 sacks this season, tied for third-most in the NFL. Defensive ends Robert Quinn (9.5) and Chris Long (8.5) have combined for 18. Quinn had one of the Rams’ two sacks in that earlier meeting with Seattle.
Home sweet home. The Seahawks are 7-0 at CenturyLink Field this season, and a win Sunday would give them their first perfect regular season at home since 2005. Seattle also went 8-0 at home in 2003.
The Rams have won their last three road games after tying with the 49ers in San Francisco. The Rams’ last win in Seattle came during the 2004 playoffs.
