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Seattle Seahawks: Studs and duds vs. Rams in Week 14

By Samuel Teets

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks hands off to running back Chris Carson #32 during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks hands off to running back Chris Carson #32 during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks reaches for the first down over outside linebacker Samson Ebukam #50 of the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks reaches for the first down over outside linebacker Samson Ebukam #50 of the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

The Seattle Seahawks lost their grip on the first seed in the NFC with a disheartening 28-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

The New Orleans Saints took the San Francisco 49ers for a ride, but the 49ers prevailed in the high scoring affair. The win put the 49ers back in first place in the NFC, but the Seattle Seahawks had a chance to regain the top seed with a win against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.

The last three meetings between the Seahawks and Rams, before  Sunday night, were all close games. However, the Rams ran away with Sunday night’s contest.

Los Angeles jumped on Seattle early, scoring two touchdowns in the first twenty minutes of play. A missed fourth-down conversion in Rams territory by the Seahawks set Seattle even further back. Los Angeles proceeded to score another touchdown right before the half, making the lead 21-3.

Despite two Jared Goff turnovers in the second half, the Seahawks never challenged Los Angeles’ lead. After just gaining the first seed in the NFC last week, it’s disappointing for Seattle to wake up Monday morning back in the fifth spot. But let’s look back at the Week 14 contest and highlight the studs and duds for Seattle.

Stud: Chris Carson, RB

Even though he didn’t produce big numbers against the Rams, Carson had an efficient night. With Rashaad Penny suffering an ACL sprain early in the game, the burden of carrying Seattle’s running game fell squarely on Carson.

While the Seahawks as a team only produced 106 rushing yards, Carson did his part. The third-year running back carried the ball 15 times for 76 yards. That’s an average of 5.1 yards per carry, Carson’s third-highest average in a game this season.

Dud: Jadeveon Clowney, DE

Considering what they gave up, the Seahawks got Clowney on a bargain deal. However, there’s no way the Seahawks will resign him this offseason. First, Clowney will demand top-dollar defensive end money, since that’s where the Seahawks are playing him, and Seattle can’t afford that. Second, Clowney’s play and impact are disappointing this season.

Experts thought Clowney was the next great pass rusher coming out of college. He certainly isn’t that, but he did make three consecutive Pro Bowls with the Houston Texans. During those three seasons, he produced 24.5 sacks, 158 combined tackles, and 59 quarterback hits. His production is way down with the Seahawks.

This season, Clowney has just three sacks, 30 combined tackles, and 13 quarterback hits in 12 games. If not for his four forced fumbles, this season might drag down his market value.

Against the Rams, Clowney registered two combined tackles. That’s it.

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