Seattle aims to catch receivers
KIRKLAND, Wash. – The CliffsNotes version of last season’s rivalry between the St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks was that one team had the numbers and the other team didn’t.
It’s not so much about the Rams’ 3-0 record, their 83-59 advantage on the scoreboard or their 871-702 discrepancy in passing yards.
When the Seahawks and Rams got together last season, St. Louis had too many receivers, and Seattle didn’t have enough answers.
Nine months and $32.5 million later, the Seahawks believe they have evened that imbalance.
The off-season additions of veterans Andre Dyson and Kelly Herndon have given Seattle a trio of experienced cornerbacks to withstand any multiple-receiver sets. So while Rams receivers Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald might do some damage again this year, they’re going to have to earn it.
“That definitely is a good thing,” safety Michael Boulware said of Seattle’s depth at cornerback. “When we go into nickel or dime (defenses), we know that the (performance) is going to stay the same. It definitely is a big bonus to our defense.”
In three meetings last season, the Rams got typical performances from starting wide receivers Isaac Bruce (16 receptions, 222 yards) and Torry Holt (13 receptions, 193 yards, one touchdown). But reserves made the difference.
Curtis had 191 yards off nine catches, with two touchdowns. McDonald averaged 32 yards per catch on four receptions and caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the October matchup. Even University of Washington product Dane Looker had a key third-down conversion in the final 20 seconds of one game.
The Seahawks’ lack of a third corner – injured veteran Bobby Taylor and inexperienced Kris Richard were the only options – left too many opportunities for the Rams’ passing game in 2004.
This year, Seattle goes three deep at cornerback. Marcus Trufant (in Seattle last season), Dyson (Tennessee) and Herndon (Denver) all started 16 games in 2004. Despite the loss of veteran Ken Lucas in free agency, Seattle might be better suited for the Rams’ offense this time around.
“Anytime you have more corners, and you’re playing a passing team, it’s always good,” said Trufant, the Washington State University product. “So we should do pretty well with that.”
Further closing the schism is the possibility that the Rams’ Bruce won’t play on Sunday. Bruce is listed as doubtful because of turf toe, meaning Curtis will likely get the start.
“I still lean on the other receivers to come up and make plays,” Holt said of being without his longtime running mate. “Last week, those guys – Sean and Dane and Kevin – they did that. They stepped in and made some tremendous plays for us and helped us out, helped us move the football.”
Notes
Defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs was added to the injury report with a strained quadriceps. He did not practice but is probable for Sunday’s game. … Right tackle Floyd Womack will be in Mississippi today and Saturday to attend to a family matter, but he’s expected to join the Seahawks in St. Louis on Saturday night. … The Rams re-signed tight end Cam Cleeland this week. The University of Washington and Sedro Woolley High product was the hero of last January’s playoff game against Seattle, catching the game-winning touchdown pass with 2:11 remaining.