As the Los Angeles Rams prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship at Lumen Field on Sunday, the spotlight is on the Rams” formidable defensive line, led by NFL legend Aaron Donald, who will serve as an honorary captain for the team.
The outcome of this matchup could hinge significantly on the Rams” pass rush, which has previously troubled Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. In their last four encounters, Darnold has struggled mightily, recording seven interceptions and 16 sacks, while his offensive unit has often faltered under pressure.
In their Week 11 clash, Darnold threw four interceptions, matching his career high from the notorious “I”m seeing ghosts” game in 2019. Despite outgaining the Rams in total yards, Seattle walked away with a loss, illustrating the effectiveness of Los Angeles” defensive strategy.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Rams are uniquely equipped this season with three players surpassing 60 pressures: Jared Verse (92), Byron Young (74), and Kobie Turner (66). This season”s performance showcases their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks consistently.
The blueprint for success was established during the 2024 NFC Wild Card game, where the Rams executed nine sacks and generated 25 pressures without relying heavily on blitzing tactics. They pressured Darnold into making quick decisions, a task he struggled to handle.
As the championship game approaches, Darnold has a chance for redemption. The effectiveness of the Rams” defensive line could very well dictate the flow of the game, making it a critical aspect to watch.
With the stakes high, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths, but it is the Rams” pass rush that could prove to be the deciding factor in this crucial clash.
