Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings through the first half at SoFi Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs How tight is the NFC West race?
The Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals are tied for the division lead with 4-4 data, whereas the Los Angeles Rams are a half-game again at 3-4.
That may make for an intriguing matchup Sunday in Seattle, when the Rams go to Lumen Discipline.
The Rams had been simply 1-4 going into their bye week earlier than profitable two video games in 5 days, beating Las Vegas 20-15 on Oct. 20 and Minnesota 30-20 final Thursday, each at house.
“I imagine on this group,” Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned. “I imagine within the coaches. I imagine within the gamers. I noticed resolve. I did not see a flinch. And we nonetheless have an extended option to go. We have received two video games in 5 days, however it’s simply two video games. We have performed a great job of getting ourselves again to the place we wished to be.”
The return of vast receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua from prolonged harm absences helped L.A.’s offense get untracked in opposition to the Vikings.
“They introduced lots of vitality to our crew, and a ton of confidence,” mentioned Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for 279 yards and 4 TDs in opposition to Minnesota after having simply three scoring strikes within the earlier six video games mixed. “It is not solely simply the offense. I do know the protection feels it too when these guys are on the market making performs.”
The Seahawks have been headed in the other way, shedding 4 of 5 video games since a 3-0 begin. That features a 31-10 loss to the visiting Buffalo Payments final Sunday.
“We obtained outplayed and we obtained outcoached, and we have got to go make it proper,” Seahawks first-year coach Mike Macdonald mentioned.
The Seahawks had their probabilities within the first half, however one drive stalled on second-and-goal from the Buffalo 3-yard line when heart Connor Williams’ snap sailed over quarterback Geno Smith’s head. One other ended when Williams stepped on Smith’s foot on a fourth-and-goal play from the 1, inflicting the QB to fall backward.
“Once you discuss all of the issues that we need to do, nicely, I do not assume we did any of these (final Sunday),” Smith mentioned. “So we have got to take a look at ourselves, look within the mirror, and take it from there.”
Linebacker Ernest Jones IV, making his debut for the Seahawks after being acquired from Tennessee, made 15 tackles. Jones performed the earlier three seasons with the Rams earlier than being dealt to the Titans lower than two weeks earlier than the season opener after failing to come back to phrases on a contract extension.
“I do know who he’s as a participant,” Stafford mentioned. “Bodily, actually gifted. Mentally and emotionally, actually gifted. Liked being a teammate with him. Have a ton of respect for who he’s as an individual and as a participant. I do not assume there’s any drawback or benefit. I simply know it is a problem going in opposition to him.”
The Seahawks hope to get DK Metcalf (knee) again after he missed final week’s recreation, although he and fellow vast receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (knee) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (foot) have missed apply time this week.
Nostril deal with Neville Gallimore (shoulder) was the one Rams participant to overlook a complete apply in preparation for the sport in opposition to Seattle.
–Discipline Stage Media
