After grappling with a COVID-19 outbreak that put several players in health and safety protocols, the Los Angeles Rams outlasted the Seahawks 20-10 on Tuesday. The Rams’ defense held the Seahawks to 13 first downs and 80 rushing yards.
After tying at three points at halftime, the Seahawks found offensive momentum and scored with a four-yard rush by running back DeeJay Dallas.
With the efforts of running back Sony Michel and wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the Rams responded with a touchdown in their next possession.
“I love the response from the offense after we went down 10-3, I thought our defense as a whole was outstanding throughout the course of the day,” said Rams head coach Sean McVay. “(Corner) Jalen Ramsey showed up, (defensive back) Aaron Donald, those guys continue to make their plays.”
It was a tough night for both quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Russell Wilson. Stafford was sacked four times for a loss of 35 yards and Wilson had three sacks for a loss of 22 yards.
Ramsey committed two pass breakups against Seattle wideout DK Metcalf. While recognizing the talents of Metcalf, he also acknowledges his abilities.
“Not only is he as big as some of our defensive ends, but he’s fast,” Ramsey said. “You got to be prepared mentally and physically but that’s all that is for me personally, don’t nobody in the league put no fear in my heart.”
He played an important role on defense without getting his usual treatments from his trainers last week due to testing positive for COVID.
“I prepare myself mentally, I was working out at the crib physically as I can, as best as I can to be ready to play games,” Ramsey said. “I ain’t gonna say I don’t need practice, but I can turn it when I have to turn it on.”
Linebacker Von Miller was not cleared to play until Tuesday morning but came in second on the team with six total tackles. He also committed one sack and two tackles for loss. In a spontaneous week, Miller relied on a personal pregame ritual.
“If I can listen to Phil Collins “In the Air Tonight,” that’s my routine,” Miller said. “That’s really the only thing I could control …I didn’t get to go through the playbook and get to go through my notes.”
Running back Sony Michel led the Rams rushing game with 92 yards and 18 carries. McVay admired Michel’s performance against Seattle.
“I thought Sony Michel ran tough, physical, and hard,” he said. “This was a tough, hard-earned win.”
This marks the third game in a row where Kupp had over 100 receiving yards. Kupp acknowledged the talents of Stafford regarding their two touchdown plays.
“Receivers, we know we got to be in certain places at certain times within the rhythm and timing of the play,” Kupp said. “That was a product of [Stafford] being a really good football player, getting the ball early, being able to anticipate the spot, being able to put a good trajectory on it to let me run in there.”
The Rams will travel to battle the Minnesota Vikings on December 26 at 10:00 am PST.
