A recap of the Seahawks’ 20-3 loss to the Rams

Published on October 3, 2010 by Seahawks.Com News (Feed)     

A recap of the Seahawks’ 20-3 loss to the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday:

PLAYER OF THE GAME
Steven Jackson. With apologies to rookie QB Sam Bradford and the Rams’ special teams units, what Jackson was able to do after not practicing all week because of a strained groin only added to his warrior reputation.

He rushed for 70 yards on 22 carries to become the second-leading rusher in the long history of the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams. He added another 54 yards on three receptions, including a courageous 49-yard run with a screen pass to set up the Rams’ second touchdown. At times on that ramble up the field it looked like a might need a walker, but he kept running to help his team turn this one into a runaway.

“He’s Steven Jackson,” offered Seahawks nose tackle Colin Cole. “He was the same player he’s always been.”

That’s the point. Jackson wasn’t anywhere near 100 percent, but he somehow found a way to give an effort that pushed triple digits.

PLAYS OF THE GAME
Offense: Not to be redundant, but perhaps the most impressive play of the entire day was Jackson taking the short toss from Bradford on the right side and taking it to the Seahawks’ 21-yard line. It not only got the Rams close, it set up the play that produced the score – a screen pass to running back Kenneth Davis to the left side.

Defense: The Seahawks were in a third-and-1 when the game was still a game in the second quarter. But Matt Hasselbeck’s pass that was intended for tight end John Carlson was tipped at the line by Rams defensive end Eugene Sims. Cornerback Bradley Fletcher intercepted the ball and returned it 26 yards to the Seahawks’ 3-yard line. The Rams did not score, however, because rookie free safety Earl Thomas intercepted Bradford’s second-down pass in the end zone. So the Rams’ three-handed play led to the Seahawks’ defensive play of the game – Thomas’ third interception in the past two games.

Special teams: The Rams’ coverage units did an exemplary job containing Leon Washington and Golden Tate, who entered the game leading the league in kickoff and punt returns. But the biggest play was Kevin Dockery reading the Seahawks’ fake off a 51-yard field goal attempt and tackling holder Jon Ryan for a 9-yard loss. That’s how this entire game seemed to go. No matter what the Seahawks tried, the Rams seemed to have an even better countermove.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS
Pregame: As coach Pete Carroll was getting off the bus at the stadium, he noticed a young girl wearing a Seahawks jersey. He went over to sign an autograph.
In-game: In another example of how this game went, defensive tackle Junior Siavii got to Jackson behind the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter. But he then removed his helmet and received a 15-yard penalty. First down Rams at the Seahawks’ 29-yard line on a drive that ended with the second of two Josh Brown field goals.

Post-game: Veteran strong safety Lawyer Milloy was not a happy camper in the locker room and really did not want to answer questions from reporters. But he did, because he’s a class act. But after saying he was done, someone tapped him on the shoulder. “I’m done,” Milloy said. But when he turned, the shoulder tapper was fellow Husky alum Demarco Farr. The two then exchanged a hug.

WORTH NOTING

• The Seahawks had won 10 in a row against the Rams.
• The Seahawks are now 16-6 in games prior to their bye week.
• Justin Forsett had 39 rushing yards in the first quarter, but finished with 65.
• Brandon Stokley, who was just signed on Tuesday, caught four passes for 62 yards.
• Third downs were again a problem for the defense, as the Rams converted seven of 16 for 44 percent.
• Marcus Trufant, who did not practice all week because of a sprained ankle, had a game-high eight tackles.
• Chris Clemons got to Bradford for two sacks, giving him four in the past two games.

INJURY REPORT
First-round draft choice Russell Okung started the game, but didn’t finish. He did not reinjure the right ankle that forced him to miss 5½ weeks, but the ankle got sore so he was replaced at left tackle by Tyler Polumbus. Because Polumbus started at right tackle, he was replaced by Sean Locklear.
Rookie rush-end Dexter Davis strained a hamstring in the fourth quarter and did not return.

YOU DON’T SAY

“We can’t be two different teams.” – Milloy, on the Seahawks who are 2-0 at home and the Seahawks that are 0-2 on the road

Tags: Apologies, Colin Cole, Cornerback, Earl Thomas, Edward Jones Dome, End Zone, Free Safety, Interception, John Carlson, Matt Hasselbeck, Ramsy, Receptions, Rookie Qb, S Pass, Shipping Weight, St. Louis Rams, Steven Jackson, Strained Groin, Tight End, Triple Digits, Two Games