The Seattle Seahawks are NFC West champions, thanks to a masterful second half performance from Russell Wilson and a resurgent defense in a 20-9 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Wilson had two touchdowns (one pass, one run) in the second half to lead the Seahawks offense, finishing with 225 yards passing after being held in check in the first half by a strong Rams front.
The game was tied 6-6 at halftime, but Wilson connected on a 45-yard pass to David Moore and hit Carlos Hyde on an 18-yard pass on third-and-9 to set up the Seahawks' first touchdown -- a four-yard run that gave Seattle the lead for good at 13-6. The Seahawks defense took over from there, holding the Rams to 155 yards and three points the rest of the way, including a fourth down stop at the 1-yard line that resulted in a turnover on downs from the Rams and set the tone for the Seahawks' victory.
Wilson led the Seahawks on a nine-play, 80-yard drive to seal the win, connecting on a 13-yard pass to Jacob Hollister to put Seattle up 20-9 with 2:51 left. The Seahawks scored touchdowns on two of their three red zone trips while the Rams failed to convert on either of their red zone attempts.
The Seahawks clinched the NFC West and are currently the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoff race, which is the worst seed they can end up with. The Rams need to win against the Cardinals next week to clinch a playoff spot and can still miss the postseason with a loss in Week 17.
Here are takeaways from this NFC West slugfest, along with a recap from our live blog below for analysis from this showdown.
Defense and Russell Wilson have been the bread and butter for the Seahawks' success over the years -- and both returned Sunday. The Seahawks defense for held the Rams to 334 yards and 4.5 yards per play, including a huge fourth-and-goal stop in the third quarter that set the course for the win. The Rams were held without a touchdown and under 10 points for the first time this season, thanks to a Seattle defense that held them to 0 for 2 on fourth down and in the red zone.
Wilson made the plays he needed to make, going 11 of 16 for 148 with a touchdown -- and a rushing touchdown -- in the second half. Wilson made several clutch throws to keep Seattle's offense on the field, and paving the way to another division title.
Jared Goff was abysmal in a game Los Angeles had to win, finishing 24 of 43 for 234 yards and an inexplicable interception in the second quarter on a bootleg -- which head coach Sean McVay utilizes as the strength of his game. The Rams didn't score a touchdown on offense, which just isn't enough going against Russell Wilson in a game for first place in the division. Goff was 10 of 19 for 111 yards in the second half playing through a reported broken thumb, but he wasn't making the proper progressions to move the offense down the field. The Rams are a good team and the Goff injury is unfortunate. No one stepped up with his thumb issues getting worse.
There were a few plays the Seahawks made that changed the outcome of the game, but Russell Wilson finding David Moore for a 45-yard gain on third-and-8 set the tone for the Seahawks touchdown that gave them the lead for good. Wilson rolled to his right and threw on the run to one of Seattle's best deep ball receivers in Moore -- who bested Darious Williams for the completion.
The Moore completion set the tone for Wilson's touchdown run, which occurred four plays later. Wilson found Carlos Hyde on a third-and-9 for 18 yards on the play prior to the touchdown, a 70-yard drive that went seven plays. The Seahawks went up 13-6 and never looked back.
Seattle's goal-line stop on fourth-and-goal set the tone for the victory, but the Seahawks defense stood tall the entire series. Malcolm Brown had a touchdown in his sights before Jamal Adams provided the touchdown-saving tackle at the 1-yard line that kept Los Angeles out of the end zone. The Rams stopped Goff on the quarterback sneak on third down and held Malcolm Brown out of the end zone on fourth down -- completing the goal line stand.
The Seahawks preserved the 13-6 lead and it changed the course of the game. This stand won the game for Seattle.
"We love you and we wish we could have shared this win with you." -- Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll to the fans on the NFC West clincher. The Seahawks played their home games -- like the majority of NFL teams -- with no fans this year due to COVID-19.
The Seahawks (11-4) end their regular season against the 49ers. They still have a shot at the No. 2 seed if they win and the Saints lose in the final week of the regular season. The Rams (9-6) close out the regular season against the Cardinals in Week 17. L.A. needs to win to make the playoffs.
Well that was a fun game friends. I still think the Rams are going to the postseason, but this loss to the Jets in Week 15 is rearing its ugly head. Just have to beat the Cardinals in Week 17. If not, we'll have more playoff drama. Need Jared Goff to shine.
Seahawks are getting hot at the right time. I see them playing in Tampa come February.
The Seahawks are going to win the NFC West. The Rams may not make the playoffs.
This wasn't even a thing two weeks ago.
The Rams may not make the playoffs.
If they lose to the Cardinals next week and the Bears win -- there's a three-way tie at 9-7.
The Rams are out in that scenario.
Again assuming this score holds.
Russell Wilson with the knockout punch to Jacob Hollister on a perfect touch pass.
The Seahawks are 2:51 away from clinching the NFC West. Up 20-9 over the Rams.
9-play, 80-yard drive.
That may do it folks.
When you need Russell Wilson to make a play, he makes it.
D.K. Metcalf just runs over Troy Reeder for the first down.
Seahawks are finishing this drive.
I can't get over this Seahawks defense.
Josh Reynolds gets the 26-yard play to get the Rams to midfield. Rare missed tackle by the Seahawks defense today. Just a simple slant goes for 26.
That illegal shift penalty on Metcalf costs Seattle. I thought Metcalf was set, but not as familiar with illegal shift penalties. Michael Brockers with the pressure on Wilson forces the incomplete pass and Seattle gets the stop.
13-9
I keep thinking we're going to get a big throw from Russell Wilson -- and we get a 3rd-and-10 throw to Metcalf for 11. Metcalf fought for that one, but it's a first down.
I think the Rams have to kick here. Get a stop and you still need a TD -- but in a game like this being down 4 is way better than needed a TD to tie.
It's 13-9 Seahawks with 12:49 to play. Goff playing banged up.
Rams are going to the TEs now -- this is why I like Sean McVay. They have openings in the middle of the field. Can go underneath with Kupp, Higbee, and Everett and set up the bootleg.
We head to the 4th. 13-6 Seahawks. What a fun defensive battle.
The Rams were blessed to recover that Webster fumble on the put. Now they have field position at the Seattle 44. Need at least a FG here. Just keep running the ball.
