These are the four best storylines in the Seahawks-Rams game
SEATTLE – You already know Sunday’s going to be fun – just look at all the new Pro Bowl invitees on both sides.
Here are the storylines to pay attention to when the Seahawks play the St. Louis Rams:
Welcome to the Pro Bowl, Michael Bennett
At the top of the list on the Seahawks’ side is a big-time first-timer: Michael Bennett. He leads Seattle with 9 ½ sacks, and he’s stepped up in a big way this season.
Sometimes what Bennett does goes unnoticed on the stat sheet, because he’s so great and causing havoc behind the line that creates opportunities for others on the defense to make a play.
Cliff Avril, for instance, has had a great year too – Avril and Bennett are the No. 3 sack tandem in the NFL.
Uh-oh, it’s the Rams
The Rams haven’t had a great season, but you’d better believe the Seahawks aren’t overlooking them – especially considering the strength of their defensive front.
It is, however, a revenge game for Seattle. The first time the Seahawks played the Rams, Tyler Lockett broke free and scored a touchdown off a punt return on opening weekend – but the Kam Chancellor-less Seahawks saw cornerback Dion Bailey fall down on a touchdown that sent the game into overtime, and that defensive line shut down the Hawks in OT.
Both teams are very different from the ones that met in that opener though. Seattle has five new starters.
New-look Rams feature Gurley
Probably the biggest difference on the Rams’ side is that Todd Gurley is now getting the carries at running back.
The rookie was named to the Pro Bowl after a sensational season in which he’s been the third-leading running back in the NFL.
He has nine touchdowns after missing the first part of the season coming off a ACL surgery. Gurley has seven runs of 30 or more yards – most in the NFL – and seven runs of 20 or more yards.
See you in St. Louis
If this doesn’t make you feel good about the game, nothing will: The Rams have lost 10 straight games in Seattle.
That dates back to 2004 – two coaches and a whole roster ago.