Rams-Seahawks: How St. Louis Will Win In Week 4

The Rams long losing streak is finally over. 

Thanks to a resilient performance against the Redskins, the Rams are finally in the win column.

Just in time to face a true nemesis, the Seattle Seahawks.

But who are these birds from the Northwest?

Are they the team that dominated the 49ers in week 1, and then defeated the Chargers in week 3, or are they the team that was soundly beaten by the Broncos in week 2.

Are the Seahawks simply inconsistent, or is it a matter of "location, location, location," as both wins were at home?

One thing is certain: the Rams will be fired up to get a bit of revenge for ten consecutive defeats at the hands of the Hawks.

And, you know what... I think they will do just that.

The Story: Who Are You? (Who, Who, Who Who!)

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 26: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams passes against the Washington Redskins at the Edward Jones Dome on September 26, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Redskins 30-16. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

These are two teams searching for an identity.

Are the Seahawks still Matt Hasselbeck's team, living off the remnants of a former perennial division winner?  Or, are they a young, building team that is ready to move on from the past?

Are the Rams a smashmouth team led by Steven Jackson, or have they transitioned and become Sam Bradford's team.

The answer, in both cases is, a little of both.  That's a good thing for the Rams... not so good for Seattle.

The Seahawks should be moving on from the past.  Hasselbeck, Deion Branch, and Marcus Trufant are no longer the strength of the team.  They need to fall into the background and allow the youth to emerge.

The Rams are not ready to fully become Bradford's team, but they demonstrated that he can carry the load if need be.  For now, the Rams still need the threat and productivity of Steven Jackson.  But Sam's time is coming.

This week, these issues will be apparent.  Hasselbeck, who is not the most mobile QB at this point, will take a lot of hits against the Rams blitz packages.  Branch will do little to help the cause.  Trufant can be targeted. 

The Rams, on the other hand, will hope that Jackson can play so that a balanced attack can be mounted.  But, if he can't, Bradford is ready.

The Subplot: The Rooks

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SEATTLE - AUGUST 14: Wide receiver Golden Tate #81 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes during the preseason game against Jason McCourty #30 of the Tennessee Titans at Qwest Field on August 14, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Sam Bradford is not the only rookie who will have an impact on this game.

Rodger Saffold, who has played as well as any rookie offensive lineman thus far, will have to continue to protect Bradford's blind side.  The Seahawks' pass rush has been solid in the first three weeks, so this will not be an easy task.

The Rams are also relying on Jerome Murphy as a nickel corner, and on Mardy Gilyard both on special teams and offense.  Both players have had their moments, and continue to grow into their roles.

For the Seahawks, the long awaited debut of Russell Okung may finally arrive.  Will he be ready on Sunday to face the Rams' pass rush?  Could be a tougher assignment than Hawks fans may think, but he has to start somewhere.

Safety Earl Thomas has demonstrated the ability to make plays on the ball, and Sam Bradford has thrown a few ill-advised passes.  If Bradford does not keep an eye on Thomas, he could be in trouble.

Finally, there's Golden Tate.  He is becoming the playmaker the Seahawks envisioned.  The Rams don't want to be the recipient of his first true "breakout" game.

The Key Matchup: Rams' Passing Game Vs. Seahawks' Pass Defense

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Mark Clayton #89 of the St. Louis Rams warms up before their game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

With Steven Jackson either out or playing at less than 100 percent, and the Seahawks' strength against the run (allowing 2.6 ypc so far this year), the Rams will have to establish the passing game early.

Expect to see a lot of quick slants, WR screens and other safe passes, as the Rams try to protect Bradford.  This approached worked extremely well against the Redskins, particularly in the second half.

The Seahawks' pass defense will have to be up to the task.  So far this year, they have not been.  Opposing quarterbacks have feasted, throwing for an average of over 315 yards per game (including last week's 455 yard performance by the Chargers).

I anticipate that the Rams will be able to move the ball through the air, which will take the pressure off of Jackson, or whoever is running the ball for the Rams.

The Outcome: Rams 23 Seahawks 14

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 26: Bradley Fletcher #32 of the St. Louis Rams is congratulated by a teammate after intercepting a pass against the Washington Redskins at the Edward Jones Dome on September 26, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Redskin

The Rams will get over the hump and go to 1-1 in the division.

The defense will harass Hasselbeck, who will turn the ball over three times (fumbles and/or interceptions).

The Seahawks will have some success running the ball, but will abandon the run after getting behind.

Sam Bradford will have an efficient day and will throw for at least two touchdowns.

The Rams will continue to open up the playbook, resulting in some big gains on reverses and play action passes.

Steven Jackson will gut it out and play.

A week from today, the QB controversy in Seattle will be at a fever pitch.

That's how I see it.