Rams vs. Seahawks: Key Storylines to Watch in Sunday’s NFC Championship
As the NFC Championship approaches, the match between the Rams and Seahawks brings several critical storylines into focus. Both teams have unique strengths that could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the game.
Seahawks’ Defensive Dominance
Seattle’s defense is noteworthy for its ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Currently, they hold the fourth-highest pressure rate in the NFL, hitting 38.9% of dropbacks. Remarkably, they achieve this without relying heavily on blitzing, which happens only 23.1% of the time.
Despite not having a player in the top 25 for total pressures, the Seahawks excel with multiple contributors. They have five players who each recorded over 40 pressures this season. Seattle primarily operates in Nickel or Dime defensive packages, allowing for a versatile approach that has proven effective against both man and zone offenses.
Focusing on Matthew Stafford
Seattle will face Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has had a challenging season when under pressure. He carries the lowest passer rating of any quarterback in the 2025 playoffs at just 24.8. This statistic gives Seattle an edge as they seek to stifle the Rams, who possess the league’s highest-scoring offense.
Challenges for Sam Darnold
On the flip side, Seattle’s own quarterback, Sam Darnold, has struggled with turnovers, leading the NFL with 20 giveaways. Notably, nearly 55% of these occurred while under pressure, illustrating his vulnerability in intense situations.
Darnold’s performance against the Rams has also been concerning. He holds a 1-3 record against Los Angeles since 2024, with eight giveaways in those contests, marking the most turnovers by any quarterback against a single opponent.
The Unpredictability of Stafford
The big question for the Rams is which version of Stafford will show up. He has displayed both extreme highs and lows in his performances against Seattle. In Week 11, he managed just 130 passing yards, while in Week 16, he exploded for 457 yards.
Despite a strong season, Stafford is 0-3 against teams ranked as the top scoring defense on the road. These statistics highlight the uncertainty surrounding his performance in this critical matchup.
Key Takeaways for the NFC Championship
- Seattle’s defense excels in generating pressure without relying heavily on blitzing.
- Matthew Stafford’s low passer rating under pressure could be a significant factor.
- Sam Darnold’s turnover issues may affect Seattle’s chances.
- The unpredictability of Stafford heightens the stakes for this championship game.
With each quarterback facing their battles, the NFC Championship promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams will look to exploit weaknesses, making for a captivating decision between Seattle’s formidable defense and the Rams’ potent offense.
