[aeneas1]

through the first 4 weeks of the season the rams defense ranked dead last in offensive points allowed, giving up 9, 27, 39 and 30 for a whopping 26.3 per game average.

then it seemed clear that the unit had finally turned the corner and settled into wades 3-4 scheme, as the defense gave up just 16, 17, 0, 17, 7 offensive points over the next 5 games, the equivalent of a #1 ranking, which catapulted the 32nd ranked defense in offensive points allowed after 4 games to the 8th ranked defense after 9 games.

but in the last 4 games the rams defense has given up 24, 20, 16 and 37, the equivalent of a 31st ranking in offensive points allowed, which has dropped the rams from 8th to 14th.

so which defense will show up in the remaining 3 games?

the seahawks offense has put together back to back games in which they've scored 24 points against the league's #1 and #2 defenses in points allowed (eagles, jags) - can the rams defense continue their success against wilson and the seahawks offense, which currently ranks 10th in offensive scoring? the rams defense has held wilson and the seahawks to an average of the just 15 points per game in the last 4 meetings, including just 16 earlier this season.

[ramsman34]

The $64,000 question. Add to this that fact that playing up here in rainville has traditionally been a low scoring affair for our offense and we didn't score much against them earlier this season either. So the D will have to play lights out in order to win this game - a prospect that currently seems rather unlikely based on the trends you illustrated.

STs will be needed in a big way as well.

This is going to be a very difficult game to win - hardest of the season, IMO. It is the most critical game as well and losing to the Eagles has made it even more so.

[snackdaddy]

Well, 4 bad games followed by 5 good games followed by 4 bad games. I think we're due for a good game.

[PARAM]

The Rams have to excel on both sides of the ball. While I think the defense will have their hands full with Wilson, they have had success against him. But in this game it's the offense that needs to take control. Their defense is missing a couple of key players in Sherman and Chancellor. Wagner and Wright are two more who might miss the game or be somewhat limited. Thomas is still there but is he more than 75%? The offense needs to score often and allow the defense to play their game. Our D has been Jekyl/Hyde all year but our offense has been consistent with few exceptions.

The Eagles blew chances against Seattle. They had two turnovers and twice they went for it on 4th down and failed. The second time they had to but the first time, they could have taken the 3.

They had 4 first half possessions.

6 plays / 22 yards / punt
3 plays / -4 yards / punt

16 plays / 75 yards / FG
9 plays / 35 yards / punt

Halftime Seattle 10 Philly 3

In the second half

11 plays / 72 yards / fumble
6 plays / 50 yards / downs

7 plays / 81 yards / TD
7 plays / 31 yards / downs
5 plays / 27 yards / INT
5 plays / 34 yards / end of game

Their 3 longest possessions by time totaled 17:13; 36 plays; 182 yards but yielded just 3 points.
Seattle's three longest drives consumed 13:49; 33 plays; 196 yards and yielded 17 points.

Two huge misses by Wentz didn't help.
4:43 of the 1st quarter/drive ended in punt
Miss1
3:55 of the 4th quarter on 4th down
Miss2

Make those 2 plays and it's 24-24 because those two had nothing but empty green between them and the end zone. Pin Seattle deep with 5 minutes plus in the 4th instead of going for it on 4th and 6 from the Seattle 40 and there's a chance to get a turnover or stop them and win the game.

[safer]

I think we put tooooo much pressure on our MLBer's with the coverage responsibilities that they have. We need a stud 3/4 NT.....and 346 lb Vita Vea (Washington) should be picked right about where we will be in the '18 draft.
Look at the best 3-4 D's and they all had a stud in the middle that took up two blockers all day long.

[Hacksaw]

The $64,000 question. Add to this that fact that playing up here in rainville has traditionally been a low scoring affair for our offense and we didn't score much against them earlier this season either. So the D will have to play lights out in order to win this game - a prospect that currently seems rather unlikely based on the trends you illustrated.

STs will be needed in a big way as well.

This is going to be a very difficult game to win - hardest of the season, IMO. It is the most critical game as well and losing to the Eagles has made it even more so.

Yeah, tough, loud, wet and cold place to play a game.
But there are a few differences from what has been traditional imo.

1st, these aren't Jeff Fishers (or Spaglinehasslets ) Rams anymore . We actually do have an offense, ST's and reasonable D.
2nd, this isn't the same "Legion of Boom" D that we've faced year after tear.
3rd, it just seems like these cats have run out of lives. Even their own fan base is sweating it out. If not for Wilson they would be buried in the back yard.

Anything can happen but I like our chances better than in recent past.
It might rain on our game but I have a feeling it's going to rain on their parade.

[Elmgrovegnome]

Yeah, tough, loud, wet and cold place to play a game.
But there are a few differences from what has been traditional imo.

1st, these aren't Jeff Fishers (or Spaglinehasslets ) Rams anymore . We actually do have an offense, ST's and reasonable D.
2nd, this isn't the same "Legion of Boom" D that we've faced year after tear.
3rd, it just seems like these cats have run out of lives. Even their own fan base is sweating it out. If not for Wilson they would be buried in the back yard.

Anything can happen but I like our chances better than in recent past.
It might rain on our game but I have a feeling it's going to rain on their parade.

Love that last line. I have been thinking the same way. They may be running on empty. No running game puts a lot of pressure on a team. They had two tough games in a row. Emotions are starting to affect some of the Dlinemen. Maybe it is permeating through the team. It is hard to fathom how they have gotten this far. If the Rams don't make dumb mistakes they should win in Seattle.