Seattle Seahawks: 3 Bold predictions vs. Rams, Week 14
By Samuel Teets
2. Todd Gurley held below 50 rushing yards
Whether it’s collective fatigue from his first four seasons or the injury he dealt with in the playoffs last year, Gurley isn’t the back he was in 2017 and 2018. Sure, he’s carrying the ball four fewer times per game and is catching two fewer passes, but even on his limited pitch count, he doesn’t look himself.
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The two-time First-Team All-Pro rushed for fewer than 50 yards three times in 2018, including Weeks 14 and 15, where he carried the ball just a combined 23 times. In 2019, Gurley already has five games with fewer than 50 rushing yards.
When the Rams and Seahawks met in Week 5, Gurley ran for 51 yards on 15 carries. He did find the end zone twice during that game, but the Seahawks did an excellent job limiting his efficiency.
On the whole, the fifth-year back is struggling with his efficiency this season. His yards per carry average is down from 4.9 in 2018 to 4.2. His yards per reception average has also dropped, dipping from 9.8 last year to 6.1.
Gurley’s weakening impact shows in Los Angeles’ play. Last year, the Rams ran for 139.4 yards per game, which ranked third in the NFL. This year, Los Angeles’ offense ranks 25th in rushing, gaining 94.2 yards per game on the ground. That’s just one spot above Pittsburgh’s battered backfield.
Seattle’s defense ranks eighth in rushing yards allowed this season, giving up 99.6 per contest. Unless he turns back the clock, Gurley won’t make a significant impact against the Seahawks in Week 14.