Russell Wilson turns in horrible performance, Seahawks lose 23-16 to Rams

The Seattle Seahawks (6-3) lost to the Los Angeles Rams (6-3) by a score of 23-16 and to make matters worse, a miracle touchdown by DeAndre Hopkins gave the Arizona Cardinals the win over the Buffalo Bills. Seattle is now 3rd in the NFC West and are in considerable trouble long-term if they want to be serious playoff contenders.

Russell Wilson was awful. He was charged with three turnovers but really he had two turnovers, and Kyle Fuller had the other one. Wilson threw two interceptions, no touchdowns, was sacked six times, and was just overall erratic.

This was oddly enough one of the best defensive performances of the season (except on 3rd down) and it didn’t matter because the offense turned in its worst game against an elite defense.

The season is starting to take a turn for the worst. They are in trouble and need to right the ship now. That starts with Russell Wilson.

1st Half

The Rams sliced up the Seahawks’ secondary fairly easily on the opening possession, but made the silly mistake of running it twice in the red zone. Jared Goff couldn’t get an accurate pass away thanks to pressure by Poona Ford. Kai Forbath knocked home a 23-yard field goal. 3-0 Rams.

Seattle’s opening drive was a thing of beauty. A 7-play, 78-yard drive that was wrapped up by a 13-yard pitch play touchdown run for Alex Collins. Russell Wilson was a perfect 4/4 for 58 yards. 7-3 Seahawks.

The Seahawks defense escorted the Rams into the end zone on a 7-play, 77-yard drive that ended in a walk-in score for Darrell Henderson. Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee both had huge catches on the drive. 10-7 Rams.

After an intentional grounding penalty killed a promising Seahawks drive, the Rams got the ball back at their own 7. You can guess what happened. A 13-play, 93-yard drive and a touchdown from six yards out for running back Malcolm Brown. 17-7 Rams.

A 39-yard flea flicker from Wilson to Tyler Lockett set the Seahawks up deep in Rams territory, but they could only muster a Jason Myers field goal after Wilson overshot Freddie Swain for a touchdown. 17-10 Rams.

Jamal Adams strip-sacked Jared Goff for a huge turnover deep in Rams territory on the next possession, only for Wilson to give it right back on an awful interception to Darious Williams. He had all the room in the world to run for a first down and more and he threw up that garbage.

The Seahawks were able to force a punt (and Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth unfortunately hurt his knee and his season is over). At his own 9, Russell Wilson got the Seahawks to the Rams 44 but no further. Jason Myers didn’t worry, because he blasted home a franchise record setting 61-yard field goal! 17-13 Rams.

2nd Half

Pete Carroll preposterously challenged the spot on what was going to be 4th and inches at their own 42. They lost the timeout, didn’t go for it, took a delay of game, and punted it to the Rams. Cowardly cowardly football. And it turned to a touchdown drive. Malcolm Brown got his second score. 23-13 Rams.

The Seahawks meekly went three-and-out but thankfully were able to force a punt back thanks to Poona Ford. It didn’t matter because at midfield, Russell Wilson narrowly missed on a long throw to DK Metcalf. On the next snap, Kyle Fuller botched the shotgun snap and Wilson couldn’t handle it. Turnover at midfield. The Rams went three-and-out and punted it back early in the 4th quarter. Guess what, though? Another interception. This time to Darious Williams.

Los Angeles essentially was in clock-killing mode up by 10 but bizarrely so were the Seahawks, who were down by 10. No using of timeouts, a refusal to go out of bounds, bad decisions by Wilson and others. Jason Myers made a field goal with :25 left. They didn’t get the onside kick. 23-16 Rams final.

Seahawks injury report

S Jamal Adams had a shoulder injury but returned in the 1st quarter.

RB Travis Homer injured his hand in the 3rd quarter and did not return.

Next week’s opponent

The Seahawks have a short turnaround as they return home for a Thursday night game against the Arizona Cardinals (6-3) at 5:20 PM PT on FOX.