Seahawks-Rams final score: Rams embarrass Seahawks 42-7, playoffs look unlikely

The Los Angeles Rams (10-4) seized control of the NFC West by going into CenturyLink Field and curbstomping the Seattle Seahawks (8-6) in a way no team ever has in the Russell Wilson era. It was realistically over in the opening quarter, something I didn’t think I’d ever actually type. Everyone was bad. It was embarrassing to watch. Russell Wilson’s MVP chances? Gone. Division chances? Pretty much gone. The Seahawks need a miracle to make the playoffs, and at this point I struggle to see what that would accomplish other than another thumping.

1st Quarter

Tanner McEvoy gained 20+ yards to give Seattle a 3rd down conversion on the opening drive, except he fumbled and the Rams recovered at the 40. Todd Gurley then ran for 14 yards on the Rams’ opening play. Earl Thomas thwarted Robert Woods on a 3rd and 10, so Los Angeles had to settle for a Greg Zuerlein field goal. 3-0 Rams.

Seattle responded with a three-and-out, including a sack given up by Ethan Pocic. The Rams quickly marched into the red zone, but a Cooper Kupp drop on 3rd down meant another field goal. 6-0 Rams.

An apparent 20+ yard catch for Jimmy Graham on 1st and 20 was ruled incomplete, as he didn’t “survive the ground” upon further review. The drive was a disaster, and the punt return coverage on Pharaoh Cooper was even worse. For the second week in a row, they allowed a returner to go to the 1. Todd Gurley punched it in on the next play. 13-0 Rams.

Seattle advanced to midfield without fumbling the ball for a change, but a misfire from Wilson to Paul Richardson ended hopes for points. The Rams pounded Seattle’s defensive line with effective running plays with Todd Gurley, with absurd ease.

2nd Quarter

Jared Goff and company were seemingly on their way to another score, but Todd Gurley was stuffed on 3rd and short, and Sean McVay curiously opted for a pass on 4th and inches, which was tipped by Bradley McDougald and picked off by Michael Wilhoite. It didn’t matter, as Seattle went three-and-out, and gave up another massive punt return. Bang, bang, bang, Todd Gurley touchdown. 20-0 Rams.

A kickoff out of bounds was a rare positive moment for the Seahawks, instantly erased by Russell Wilson fumbling and the Rams recovering. Bang, bang, bang, Robert Woods got wide open on 3rd and goal to extend the lead. 27-0 Rams.

JD McKissic caught a 23-yarder to jump start a hurry-up offense for Seattle, but then Russell Wilson took an embarrassing 23-yard fumble-sack on the next play. The drive died, the Rams got the ball back, and on 3rd and 20 and just trying to run a safe call, Todd Gurley went untouched for 57 yards. I wish I was making this up. 34-0 Rams.

3rd Quarter

Things didn’t get better in the 2nd half, as Wilson got sacked two more times and then Delano Hill was ejected for throwing a punch at Michael Thomas. The Rams marched down the field for the millionth time (after actually punting on their opening possession), then Todd Gurley waltzed in on a catch for his fourth TD. At least Greg Zuerlein doinked the PAT. 40-0 Rams.

Russell Wilson, having been sacked seven times up to this point, was still under duress, scrambled, dodged, and juked his way into some rushing yards. Things got chippy between the two teams, so Sean McVay called timeout after Robert Quinn was penalized for a personal foul and Aaron Donald threw Ethan Pocic to the ground. The Wilson to Willson connection returned for a 26-yard touchdown. 40-7 Rams.

4th Quarter

Oh, you’re still reading? Russell Wilson committed intentional grounding in the end zone. 42-7 Rams.

Sean Mannion came in to run the garbage time offense for the Rams. For some reason, Wilson stayed in with four minutes or so remaining. They punted on their last drive, eliciting boos from whomever was still left in the stands. Austin Davis came in to close out the day.

Seahawks injury report

With the game in hand, Bobby Wagner sat out much of the second-half.

Justin Coleman injured his chest on a Rams punt return, but would later check back into the game.

Nick Vannett hurt his shoulder and did not return.

Next week’s opponent

Seattle goes to Texas to play the Dallas Cowboys (7-6) on Sunday, December 24th at 1:25 PM PT on FOX.