What Is the Seahawks weakness Rams Can Exploit?

February 10, 2026

Seahawks weakness: How the Rams should attack Seattle in 2026

This piece centers on the Seahawks weakness and how opponents can exploit their margins. Our focus is analytical and critical. We break down scheme issues, roster mismatches, and in-game tendencies. Because the goal is clear, we highlight areas the Rams can pressure this offseason and on game day.

Context matters. In 2025 the Rams won one of three games against Seattle. Yet the series was razor close because the three games combined for a three-point total margin. Therefore, small edges decided outcomes. As a result, exploiting matchups and forcing turnovers mattered more than raw yards.

We will examine quarterback tendencies, run defense, and the secondary’s persistent gaps. Furthermore, we will evaluate how Sam Darnold and Kenneth Walker III create stress points. Finally, we outline tactical suggestions for Los Angeles. Read on for a concise, evidence driven scouting report built to help the Rams attack Seattle’s most exploitable weaknesses.

Seahawks and Rams clash illustration

Seahawks weakness in the secondary and coverage assignments

The most obvious Seahawks weakness lies in their secondary coverage and situational tackling. For example, the Rams cornerbacks have struggled to limit Jaxon Smith-Njigba. As a result, Seattle often concedes chunk plays in critical moments.

“The Rams cornerbacks may be proud players, but they have yet to stop JSN.”

That quote frames the issue plainly.

  • Sam Darnold’s turnover profile shows risk and reward. He completed 76 of 114 passes for 895 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions. Furthermore, he threw four interceptions in one game. Therefore, pressure and disguised coverages can force mistakes.
  • The Patriots have not sacked Darnold yet. However, they used creative blitz packages to keep him guessing. As a result, opponents that mix pressure have seen success.
  • The Rams need to upgrade the secondary in the offseason. Because Les Snead has not spent many dollars on the defense, Seattle can exploit mismatches deep and over the middle.

Short zone drops and late reactions have cost Seattle in tight games. In 2025 the three games between these teams were decided by a combined three points. Therefore, single plays swung outcomes.

Seahawks weakness vs the run game and quarterback tendencies

Kenneth Walker III remains a clear advantage for Seattle at times. Yet he broke through in Week 16, when he was not stopped. Still, the Rams can scheme to limit him by controlling gaps and forcing outside runs.

  • Run fits must be disciplined. If the Rams load the box and still spy Walker, they can win the line of scrimmage more often.
  • Sam Darnold’s slow first-half reads matter. He completed 9 of 22 for 88 yards in one first half. Consequently, early-game pressure and blitzes can yield turnovers.
  • Defenders like Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon create high-level matchups. However, their alignment leaves seam windows vulnerable when safeties cheat up.

Tactically, Los Angeles should mix late blitzes, tight man coverage on JSN, and disguised zone fronts. Moreover, opponents must force Seattle into third-and-long. Finally, because small edges decided the 2025 series, exploiting these Seahawks weaknesses will likely decide future games.

Metric2025 Series / TotalsNotable game details and implication
Series resultRams 1, Seahawks 2The three games were decided by a combined 3 points. Small edges decided outcomes.
Combined score margin3 points (total across three games)Games were razor close. Single plays swung results.
Sam Darnold passing (total)76 completions on 114 attempts, 895 yards, 5 TD, 6 INTTurnover risk is real. Pressure and disguise force mistakes.
Sam Darnold first half (example game)9 of 22, 88 yardsSlow starts and short early reads invite blitzes.
Darnold single-game interceptions4 INT in one gameBall security broke down under pressure in at least one matchup.
Kenneth Walker III rushing (highlight)Explosive runner; not stopped in Week 16When he gets lanes, he punishes defenses. Schemes must crowd gaps.
Sack and blitz effectivenessPatriots have not sacked Darnold but used effective blitz packagesCreative pressure has kept Darnold guessing. Rams must mix late rushers and disguise.

How the Rams can weaponize the Seahawks weakness

Los Angeles can turn the Seahawks weakness into a strategic advantage. First, upgrade the secondary and add true playmakers. Because Les Snead has not spent many dollars on the secondary, the Rams must act in free agency and the draft. See Rams free agency targets for 2026 for prioritized names and fits: Rams Free Agency Targets 2026.

  • Strengthen the back end with a confident veteran corner. Then pair him with a rangy safety who can cover seams. As a result, the Rams reduce chunk plays to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
  • Add a slot defender who closes quickly on short route concepts. This counters Seattle’s quick passing game and limits YAC.

Mix pressure and disguise coverage to force turnovers. The Patriots used creative blitz packages to keep Sam Darnold guessing. Therefore, the Rams should study those looks and adapt. See the Patriots breakdown here: Patriots Breakdown.

  • Use late, delayed blitzes and zone stunts to generate confusion. Consequently, Darnold’s turnover profile becomes exploitable. He finished with six interceptions across the series, and he threw four in one game.
  • Prioritize pass rush depth. If the Rams can pressure without blitzing, they limit Kenneth Walker III’s space. Then linebackers pursue downhill and force outside runs.

Offseason moves must match in-game plans. In other words, avoid spending purely on offense. Les Snead’s roster choices matter. The all-in strategy debates speak to that reality. For context, review the team’s decision framing here: Rams All-In Strategy.

  • Target versatile defenders who excel in man and zone coverage. Also, sign a disruptive interior rusher to collapse pockets.
  • Emphasize third-down stop packages in training camp to win tight games. The 2025 series was decided by three combined points, so small margins matter.

Finally, combine smart signings with schematic tweaks. For example, disguise coverages against Jaxon Smith-Njigba and spy Kenneth Walker III on zone reads. Moreover, study league data and film via trusted stat resources like Pro Football Reference: Pro Football Reference to refine targets and tendencies.

This plan is analytical and optimistic. If the Rams upgrade the secondary and execute mixed pressure, they will exploit the Seahawks weakness more often. Success will come from better personnel and sharper game plans.

To conclude, the Seahawks weakness centers on coverage breakdowns and susceptibility to mixed pressure. Small edges decided the 2025 series, so targeted changes can shift outcomes. The Rams can exploit seams, force turnovers, and neutralize Kenneth Walker III with disciplined gap control. Therefore, tactical pressure and improved secondary play will matter most.

Offseason moves must match in-game scheming. Les Snead needs to prioritize the back end in free agency and the draft. Moreover, adding a veteran corner and a rangy safety would reduce chunk plays to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Likewise, investing in pass rush depth and disguised blitz packages can make Sam Darnold uncomfortable. As a result, Los Angeles can tilt tight games in its favor.

Rams News LLC will continue covering these developments with expertise and urgency. For ongoing analysis visit Rams News and follow us on Twitter/X at Zach Gatsby. Finally, expect further film study and roster tracking here, because small adjustments will decide next meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main Seahawks weakness the Rams can exploit?

Seattle shows coverage breakdowns and situational tackling lapses. Sam Darnold’s turnover profile is exploitable because he finished with six interceptions in the series. Jaxon Smith-Njigba often creates chunk plays when left unchecked.

How should the Rams pressure Sam Darnold to force mistakes?

Mix disguised coverages with late, delayed blitzes. The Patriots kept Darnold guessing with creative looks, and that approach produced opportunities. Therefore, disguised pressure and timely stunts should increase turnover chances.

Can Kenneth Walker III be contained, and how?

Yes, but it requires disciplined gap control and pursuit. Walker was not stopped in Week 16, so defenders must crowd lanes and force outside runs. As a result, linebackers must tackle downhill and maintain assignment discipline.

Does Los Angeles need to spend in free agency to fix these issues?

Absolutely. Les Snead has not prioritized secondary spending, so adding a veteran corner and a rangy safety makes sense. Also, invest in pass rush depth to free up disguise options.

How much did small margins affect the 2025 series outcome?

Tremendously. The three games combined for a three point margin, so single plays decided winners. Consequently, third down stops and late-game execution will determine future results.

Additional FAQs

What specific matchups should the Rams target in 2026 to exploit Seattle’s secondary?

Target Jaxon Smith-Njigba in single coverage and force Seattle to rotate its nickel defender. Use a physical boundary corner to press the outside receiver while running quick slot concepts inside. Additionally, stress the seams when safeties cheat up and run misdirection to create mismatch opportunities against slower linebackers. Focus on matchup exploitation, slot coverage, press coverage, and reducing yards after catch.

How can the Rams pass rush affect Sam Darnold under pressure?

Generate interior push and edge speed to collapse the pocket and shorten his throwing window. Use stunts, delayed rushes, and twisting fronts to create confusion and hurries. Consequently, pressured dropbacks will increase turnover chances, lower completion percentage, and produce more strip sacks and QB hits. Prioritize pass rush depth and situational pressure packages.

What signs should fans look for to gauge improvement in the Rams defense?

Watch third down stop rate, opponent yards after catch, pressures per dropback, and missed tackle totals. Also note fewer chunk plays allowed, cleaner communication in coverage, and faster pursuit angles against the run. Finally, monitor sack totals, quarterback hits, and third down conversion percentage as clear progress signals.