The Seahawks are looking to start the regular season on a positive note as they look to face a very dangerous Rams defense that may be the best defensive line in the NFL.
The Seahawks strength is the Legion of Boom however they are without their unquestioned leader Kam Chancellor who is holding out for a bigger contract. The Seahawks traded away their best offensive lineman for Jimmy Graham and will need him to produce points and make big plays to justify his value.
Without Unger it should be tougher for the Seahawks to run the ball which put more stress on Marshawn Lynch and the newly signed Fred Jackson to run the football. Russell Wilson signed a mega contract in the offseason and the Seahawks added rookie wide receiver Tyler Lockett in the 2015 draft to really help solidify their wide receiving core. Lockett will handle kick return duties but will also be utilized as a deep threat.
The Rams are just looking to upset their division leaders and make a statement with a win on Sunday. The Rams may not be in the playoff discussion however they are on their way and their defensive line is just about perfect. They added Nick Foles in the offseason which should give this passing attack a little more punch and have drafted Todd Gurley, arguably the best running back prospect in the 2015 draft. Gurley will be sidelined until around week 3 so the Rams will have to rely on backup Benny Cunningham in the meantime. This game will be a defensive barn burner that will show the Seahawks faults if they have any.
Playmakers to look out for:
Marshawn Lynch: Lynch should lead the way with carries however Fred Jackson could possibly see more time on the field if the score gets out of hand. Jackson could have more time also because the Seahawks want to save Lynch's legs for the second half of the season and Jackson may be the oldest back in the NFL but is a capable starter none the less.
Nick Foles: Foles will have his first regular season game with the Rams and if he can continue his streaky ways from Philadelphia he could become the second best quarterback in the NFC West.
Jimmy Graham: How Graham lines up will dictate exactly how big his role will be. Graham is seemingly the primary target for every pass however the Seahawks may see that differently.