Steve Raible's 3 keys to victory for Seahawks vs. Rams

SEATTLE — Fresh off two straight victories, the (2-2) Seahawks return home to CenturyLink Field on Sunday to face the (4-0) Los Angeles Rams.

Here are three keys to victory for the Hawks this Sunday:

Key #1: Three in a row 

... As in 100 yard rushing games.

In the last two games, the Hawks have had a runner hit the century mark..

Against Dallas two weeks ago, Chris Carson took a pounding, but scratched together 102 yards -- his career best. The feat marked the first time Seattle had a 100 yd rusher since Thomas Rawls did it against Carolina in Dec of 2016.

Then last week, in Arizona, Mike Davis took over and he, too, notched a career high 101 yards on the ground, and scored twice.

While they averaged just 69 yards a game on the ground to start the season -- the Hawks are averaging 142 yards rushing these last two games.

The result: they've won the 'time of possession' game, set up a more effective play action pass game.. and best of all -- have won  2 straight.

Help your defense. Take some pressure off Russell, and maybe wear down the Rams' 'all world' defensive tackles. A 100 yard rusher again Sunday would be just what the Seahawks ordered.

Watch the Scouting report on Saturday at 7 p.m. for a complete preview of Sunday's game against the Rams. Hear my one-on-one interview with kicker Sebastian Janikowski, my '710 with 710' conversation with KIRO radio's Mike Salk and Danny O'Neill and more. 

Key #2: Meet J-G

No, this isn't an old Star Wars movie -- this is the very real drama of the Seahawks trying to keep up with the unbeaten Rams in the NFC West.

L-A is led by white-hot QB Jared Goff, otherwise known as J-G. He's tops in the NFL in passing yards, has a 127.3 Passer Rating and 11 TD tosses.

The third-year trigger-man from Cal has Sean McVay's wide-open offense streaking up and down the field leading the league in scoring, first downs and total offense.

With more weapons than the U-S Navy, the Rams face a Seahawks team missing it perennial All-Pro safety Earl Thomas -- finished for the year with a broken leg.

Enter Tedric Thompson, a.k.a T2, the second-year pro out of Colorado who now takes over center field for Earl.

He held the job throughout training camp when Thomas held out. Coach Carroll says he has great instincts was one of the most productive pass defenders coming out of college is confident and disciplined.

Against the Rams' J-G on Sunday he's going to have to be all those things -- and know he can't be Earl Thomas. But he can be the best safety on the Seahawks roster for years to come.

Key #3: Wagner vs. Gurley -- All Pro vs. All Pro 

In my mind, one of most dynamic matchups of the game.

Already in his seventh year, it seems like only yesterday, Wagner has proven to be the best middle linebacker of his generation.

Fast. Tough. Smart. And an explosive hitter -- the four-time Pro Bowler needs just 18 tackles to move into second place on the club's all-time tackle list.

Wagner will be in the "eye of the hurricane" staring down one of the game's most complete offensive threats..

Todd Gurley has already scored 40 points himself  in just 4=four games this season.

He posted over 2,000 yards from scrimmage last season, he's averaging almost 4.5 yards a carry and is one of the team's best receivers.

Last December, at Century Link Field, with Wagner hobbling on a bad hamstring, Gurley shredded the Hawks defense, rushing for 152 yards and three touchdowns.

Two superstars: One becoming a La-La Land legend. The other a team leader and Super Bowl Champion. Winning this "game within the game" may be the biggest key of all.

Cox Media Group