Seahawks v Rams preview

Week 5 Sunday 9th October 2005

 

Suffering three defeats to the horned ones was quite enough for one season. What made them particularly hard to stomach was the fact that they were all carried live here in the UK.

What case can we make for victory in 2005? A much more convincing one than last year for certain. Torry Holt has been sharing his thoughts this week. They make interesting reading.

Here's his comments on being 3-0 in 2004: "I was basically saying that we do have a mental edge against that bunch because we were able to beat them three times in one year," Holt said. "It could have been Cincinnati. If we beat them three times in one year, you're going to feel you have some type of edge over a particular squad." 

His outlook on 2005 is a little different: "I think it is a different year, that was last year," Holt said. "Again, I have a tremendous amount of respect for the Seattle Seahawks and their ballplayers and their coaching staff, and how they get those guys prepared to play. Looking at them on film, they look again very good, very aggressive. They're flying around to the ball. Their offense is making plays. It's a different bunch. For me to make a comment like that this year would be ludicrous."

He also lauded the Seahawks secondary, particularly the potential of the young safety duo of Ken Hamlin and Michael Boulware, to be the best duo in the NFL.

"I think they have the ability to be and potential to be," Holt said. "Right now, the way they are playing and from what I have seen on film the way they are communicating, I think they can get to the point where they can be the best safeties or tandems in the National Football League in years to come."  

Despite Holt doing his best to make light of his quote on 2004 you can be sure those comments could well come back to haunt him come Sunday.

Injuries

Seahawks: Darrell Jackson (knee) out. Bobby Engram (bruised ribs) Engram has not been ruled out completely. Available again: WR Peter Warrick, OT Floyd Womack & TE Itula Mili. Signings: WR Jerheme Urban returns to the squad at the expense of DE Alain Kashama who goes on the practice squad. Urban no longer has eligibility for the practice squad.

Rams: TE Roland Williams (knee) & CB Jeremetrius Butler are both out for the season. TE/FB Brandon Manumaleuna (knee) & Isaac Bruce (turf toe) could miss out.

The most significant absentee may not be a player but Mike Martz. He has an inflammation of the lining of his Heart. This will almost certainly mean he is absent from the sidelines. You may recall him conducting full contact drills in the run up to the last meeting in St Louis. How will his absence effect his players?   

  Prophet Bob Predicts………

In the never ending search for surefire ways to predict the outcome of sporting events we now present the opinion of Prophet Bob. Is he a Homeless drunk or the worlds greatest sports pundit? You decide.

To me this isn’t exactly rocket science. You only have to look at the Rams & see they are a team on the wane. Good solid defense wins you Championships but St Louis’ would struggle to win a goldfish at the fairground. Playing in their own house will help cover up the defensive cracks. But not enough.

St Louis will score definitely, but not enough to win the game, the Hawks just have too much firepower for the Rams & they’ll sneak it by a Field Goal.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter who’s playing. Even Holt has recognised this a group with a different attitude. This group may have been caned on 3rd down in Washington all day but they hung in there & presented the O with a chance to win the game. 

This is the best shot the Hawks have had at beating St Louis since 2003. Can they seize the day? A road record of 0-2 says not but forget stats this is personal. Bring it on. 

Radio Commentary available via Field Pass: http://www.nfl.com/fieldpass (Subscription required)

Free radio commentary possibly via: http://www.thegamelive.com/

Chat Room: http://hawksnest.co.uk/Chat/phpMyChat.php3

Matt Cheesman (KingdomeUK)

 

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