The Seattle Seahawks are one win away from the Super Bowl. All that’s standing in their way is their NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams. In both games this season, the two sides played tightly contested matchups. As a result, it’s likely that the third meeting will be the same.
Nonetheless, the difference-maker in this third game will be the Seahawks defense. The Seattle defensive unit made life challenging for the San Francisco 49ers in the 41-6 blowout win in the divisional round.
Ahead of the NFC title game against the Rams, former Seahawks standout Cliff Avril noted that the Seahawks defense needs to pressure and hit Matthew Stafford.
“I have nothing but respect for Staff and what he’s been able to do and see what he continues to keep doing and just like any other quarterback, but especially the older quarterbacks like Stafford, none of them like being hit, right?” Avril said during a Jan. 22 appearance on “The Jim Rome Show.”
“I think that’s key, is being able to continue, keep putting pressure on them. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be hit. It doesn’t necessarily have to be sacks. It can be hits, hurries, just making them feel uncomfortable.”
Seahawks Will Need D-Line to Have Another Big Game
Moreover, Avril states that the bulk of making Stafford needs to come from the Seahawks’ from the front four. If the defensive line can make the Rams veteran uncomfortable, then their chances to win increase.
“If you can get there with your front four, maybe from time to time add a fifth person, but for the most part, get there with your front four and make him uncomfortable, make him feel your presence, make him start thinking about you guys, the guys up front, that is, instead of the guys on the back end, I think that gives you the best chance,” Avril added.
One of the keys to the Seahawks’ win over the 49ers was the ability to run the ball. Kenneth Walker III had 116 rushing yards on 19 carries and three touchdowns, so his ability to stay in this unstoppable form will also be key for Seattle.
“The other thing is keep him on the sideline, let’s keep running the ball, let’s win the time of possession,” Avril said.
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“… But he’s going to have to overcome. They’re going to bring back all the stats about the Rams’ pressure and how Sam Darnold struggled against it. And so, as high as we are for the Seattle Seahawks right now, they’re on the moon. They are freaking playing lights-out football defensively.”
Seahawks Receive Clear Message on Rams QB Matthew Stafford