Rams await a new Seattle Seahawks team

With a number of young players stepping up, the Seattle squad that the Rams surprised in Week One has won six of its previous eight games.

In the two months after the Rams opened the 2023 NFL season with a 30-13 road victory over the Seattle Seahawks, a lot has changed.

In terms of record, the teams have diverged, with the Seahawks winning six of their previous eight games and the Rams losing six of their previous eight.

Both teams’ rosters have altered as a result of trades and acquisitions, slightly altering the appearance of this Sunday’s game.

One of the more obvious distinctions is that, as the season has gone on, the Seahawks in Seattle have begun to use their rookies more frequently.

After Seattle’s bye week, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba—the 20th overall choice in the April NFL Draft—has participated more in the last five games. In that time, he has recorded 21 receptions for 263 yards and two scores. He caught three passes for 13 yards against the Rams in the season opener.

Former UCLA players Zach Charbonnet and Jake Bobo have also begun to receive greater playing time; in the last three games, Charbonnet has played in more than 50% of the team’s possession.

“They are improving. It’s clear that Bobo is playing several roles. On 11, they entered with very high expectations (Smith-Njigba). Before Thursday’s practice, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said, “His first game was against us, he came out and you can just watch him get better and better as it goes on.” “They’re playing incredibly well and improving all the while. It is the same as with our rookies. You expect those guys to improve, and that is what we want.

On the defensive end of the ball, the Rams will also see a rookie that they did not see in their previous encounter.

Reverse cornerback The No. 5 overall choice in the 2023 draft, Devon Witherspoon, did not participate in Week One but is expected to be a major player on Sunday.

He didn’t play against us in the first game, which pleased me. He’s incredibly remarkable and a great baller. He plays with toughness, has excellent position mobility, and a strong concept trigger. About Witherspoon, Rams head coach Sean McVay remarked, “You see why he was picked where he was.” “He’s an individual who has improved with experience.” He is able to play outside and has established himself as a major player at the nickel spot.

When asked what he thought was the biggest difference between Seattle’s defense in the first week and now, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford brought up Witherspoon.

Stafford remarked, “I think it’s great that 21 (Witherspoon) is in there; we missed him in the first game. He’s a really good player.” When you watch him, his enthusiasm leaps off the film, whether he’s blitzing in the backfield or covering players. As a quarterback, I think they do a pretty good job at keeping things interesting and unpredictable.

Additionally, someone who wasn’t available in the season opener will be on the field for the Rams. Famous wide receiver Cooper Kupp was out for the first four games of the 2022 season with a hamstring ailment, and he also missed the two games versus Seattle in 2022 due to a surgically repaired high ankle sprain.

The seven-year veteran stated that he was eager to return to action against a squad that he is accustomed to playing well against.

“Playing against them is a lot of fun; there’s always fierce rivalry. They play very well defensively and have been fairly consistent during our time together, but this year they’re experimenting a little bit, according to Kupp. It’s going to be enjoyable. This league is fiercely competitive, with some strong football teams and players. I’m eager to visit them this time.