Russell Wilson looks to get Seattle back on the winning track. (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)
Seattle Seahawks (3-2) at St. Louis Rams (1-4)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis – TV: FOX
*TV announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
*Keys to the game: Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell came under heavy criticism for a game plan against Dallas last week that saw RB Marshawn Lynch receive only two first-half carries and 10 for the game. Ironically, the criticism is similar to what Bevell heard after Lynch logged just eight carries in a narrow 14-9 Monday night win at St. Louis last year. The Seahawks have been working to get WR Percy Harvin the ball numerous ways, but almost exclusively within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage — rarely sending their fastest player downfield. Part of the theory is the Seahawks need to complete a few outside passes to open running lanes, but Seattle’s receivers must do a better job of gaining separation against the Rams’ young and inconsistent secondary than it has through the first five games.
Rams QB Austin Davis has engineered three long opening scoring drives this season, but his inexperience begins to show as games wear on and defenses incorporate more stunts and blitzes. St. Louis will mix formations and has developing playmakers who can do damage against a Seahawks defense likely to be minus MLB Bobby Wagner (turf toe) and starting Marcus Burley, picked up just before the season began, opposite Richard Sherman.
*Matchup to watch — Seahawks LT Russell Okung vs. Rams DE Robert Quinn: Quinn had 19 sacks last season, but has yet to bring down a quarterback in 2014. He had three sacks in that Monday night tilt last season, terrorizing a Seahawks offensive line that was minus an injured Okung. Okung, who gave up one sack to Quinn in Week 17 last season, is again less than 100 percent as he deals with a shoulder injury, and has struggled with numerous pre-snap penalties this season.
*Player spotlight — Rams RB Tre Mason: Mason received his first regular-season carries last week, and the rookie provided a spark with 40 yards on five carries. He brings more speed and elusiveness than Zac Stacy or Benny Cunningham, and Mason could be in line for more work after watching the Seahawks uncharacteristically struggle with missed tackles last week.
*Fast facts: Seahawks QB Russell Wilson’s 47.6 passer rating last week was the third-lowest of his career, but he has a 118.8 rating in the past three meetings. … Davis has 938 passing yards in his past three games.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Rams typically play the Seahawks tough, and Seattle enters with a disjointed offense and injury-depleted defense. But the champs respond with their backs against the wall facing a near must-win on a loaded schedule.
*Our pick: Seahawks 24-23
