Who improved most in Rams vs Seahawks this season?
Introduction
Rams vs Seahawks this season feels like the deciding chapter in the NFC West saga. Both clubs reshaped rosters and coaching staffs during a dramatic offseason. As a result, every divisional game now carries extra weight for playoff positioning and pride.
Why this matchup matters
For Rams fans, this is more than bragging rights. Los Angeles added pieces designed to win now, and the front office acted with urgency. Meanwhile, Seattle made headline moves too, but they lost several key starters in free agency. Therefore the balance of power looks closer than many expected.
A fan’s quick take
I write this from a Rams-first perspective, and I believe the upgrades tilt the series. However, Seattle still poses real threats in pass rush and secondary play. Because both teams changed coordinators and personnel, schemes will evolve through the season.
This article will break down who improved more, analyze coaching shifts, and project how the rivalry will shape the NFC West race. Expect a confident, opinionated read that backs claims with roster moves and game evidence. Stay ready for a divisional race that could decide the conference picture.
Rams vs Seahawks this season: Who upgraded more?
Los Angeles leaned into win-now moves. They added playmaking cornerbacks in Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Because the Rams already led the NFL in stunt rate in 2025, adding more elite coverage helps their disguise-heavy defense. Therefore opposing quarterbacks will face more pressure and more confused reads.
Rams: coaching continuity and targeted pieces
Los Angeles kept key coaches while sharpening the roster. As a result, scheme continuity should let new defenders settle quickly. The McDuffie and Watson additions improve man coverage and depth at nickel. Meanwhile the Rams still rely on their creative stunt packages to generate sacks and turnovers. I believe that combination gives Los Angeles a clearer path to control divisional games.
Seahawks: splash moves but notable holes remain
Seattle made headline-grabbing changes, including a big swing toward pass rush with Myles Garrett. However they also lost multiple starters in free agency. Running back Kenneth Walker and corner Riq Woolen left, and safety Coby Bryant and outside linebacker Boye Mafe departed. The Seahawks drafted Jadarian Price and Julian Neal, and signed Dante Fowler, Irvin Charles, and Bobby Hart, yet those moves do not fully replace proven production.
Coaching carousel and schematic impact
Seattle shuffled coaches heavily, with Klint Kubiak leaving and Brian Fleury arriving. Additionally, Nate Scheelhaase replaced Mike LaFleur, and Kliff Kingsbury took on assistant head coach duties. Jimmy Lake now runs the defensive back coaching and pass game plan, and Bubba Ventrone handles special teams. These changes mean Seattle may still sort out identity early in the year.
Verdict: why the Rams hold the edge
In my view the Rams gained clearer, immediate upgrades. They added polished cornerbacks while preserving scheme continuity and elite stunt tactics. Conversely, Seattle’s high-profile additions create questions about depth and cohesion. Therefore Rams enter the NFC West with a measurable edge, especially in divisional matchups.
Evidence and key numbers that back the case
- Rams led the NFL in stunt rate in 2025, and that trend matters. Because Los Angeles uses disguise and pressure, their added corners amplify chaos for quarterbacks. Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson boost depth and allow more aggressive stunt looks.
- Seattle lost four Super Bowl starters in the offseason, which matters for continuity and experience. Significant departures include running back Kenneth Walker, corner Riq Woolen, safety Coby Bryant, and outside linebacker Boye Mafe. Therefore Seattle faces an uphill battle replacing proven production.
- Myles Garrett joining Seattle changes matchups and forces planning. However his presence does not instantly fix depth issues. Seattle added Dante Fowler, drafted Jadarian Price and Julian Neal, and signed Irvin Charles and Bobby Hart, but those moves feel like piecemeal fixes.
- Recent coaching turnover in Seattle creates schematic risk. Klint Kubiak left, Andrew Janocko followed him, and Brian Fleury arrived. Meanwhile Jimmy Lake now handles the secondary and Bubba Ventrone runs special teams. As a result, the Seahawks may need time to gel under new voices.
- Head-to-head context favors the Rams offensively from last season. In three meetings, Los Angeles had the upper hand. For example they held a late nine point advantage in the first game, a 16 point lead in the second, and benefited from a muffed punt in the NFC Championship.
- For further Rams-focused context, see a roster breakdown and opponent preview at Rams Seahawks Breakdown 2026. Also read a look at the likely photo finish at Rams Seahawks 2026 Photo Finish and schedule strategy at Rams 2026 Season Corum 24.
- Note: analysts like ESPN’s Seth Walder raised questions about long term implications. That skepticism adds a healthy counterpoint to the fan-first view.
| Player or Coach | Team Before | Team After | Role or Position | Impact on Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trent McDuffie | Kansas City Chiefs | Los Angeles Rams | Cornerback | Immediate upgrade in man coverage. Enables more aggressive stunt looks. |
| Jaylen Watson | Kansas City Chiefs | Los Angeles Rams | Cornerback | Adds depth and playmaking in nickel. Improves secondary floor. |
| Myles Garrett | Cleveland Browns | Seattle Seahawks | Edge rusher | Elite pass rusher. Forces opponents to alter protection. Creates mismatches. |
| Kenneth Walker | Seattle Seahawks | Departed in free agency | Running back | Loss of proven rushing production. Reduces Seattle’s ground game reliability. |
| Riq Woolen | Seattle Seahawks | Departed in free agency | Cornerback | Departure weakens Seattle’s back end. Requires rookie replacements. |
| Coby Bryant | Seattle Seahawks | Departed in free agency | Safety | Experience lost in coverage. Harms run support and communication. |
| Boye Mafe | Seattle Seahawks | Departed in free agency | Outside linebacker | Removes a veteran edge presence. Team added Dante Fowler as stopgap. |
| Dante Fowler | Free agent | Seattle Seahawks | Edge rusher | Veteran depth. Helps schematically but is not a long term fix. |
| Nate Scheelhaase (coach) | Seattle staff (in-house) | Seahawks offensive playcaller | Offensive coordinator | Promoted to replace Mike LaFleur. As a result, continuity but new voice. |
| Klint Kubiak (coach) | Seattle Seahawks | Las Vegas Raiders | Offensive coach | Departure starts coaching carousel and schematic shifts. |
| Brian Fleury (coach) | N/A | Seattle Seahawks | Defensive staff | Hired to fill coaching gaps. Brings new methods to secondary. |
| Rams coaching staff | Los Angeles Rams | Los Angeles Rams | Coaching staff | Retained core coaches. Therefore easier integration of new players. |
Conclusion
The Rams improved more this offseason. They added starting-caliber cornerbacks and kept coaching continuity. As a result, Los Angeles looks more ready for divisional grind. The Seahawks made headline moves like trading for Myles Garrett. However Seattle lost four Super Bowl starters and still needs depth.
What this means for the NFC West.
The Rams hold a clear edge in scheme continuity and secondary upgrades. Therefore Rams should control more divisional matchups. However Seattle’s pass rush can flip games. Expect close contests, but I favor the Rams to finish atop the division.
Final fan take.
I write with a Rams-first lens, but I respect Seattle’s threats. For fans, this rivalry will decide playoff positioning and pride. Stay optimistic, because the Rams added pieces to win now.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who improved more between the teams this offseason?
The Rams improved more. They added Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, and they kept coaching continuity. Because Los Angeles led the NFL in stunt rate in 2025, those coverage upgrades should pay off quickly.
How does Myles Garrett change Seattle’s outlook?
Garrett upgrades Seattle’s pass rush instantly. However he does not erase depth losses. Therefore Seattle will pressure quarterbacks, but depth and cohesion remain concerns.
What coaching changes matter most?
Seattle saw the biggest shuffle. Klint Kubiak left and Brian Fleury joined. Nate Scheelhaase moved up and Jimmy Lake now handles the secondary. By contrast, the Rams retained core coaches, which helps integration.
Which Seahawks departures hurt the most?
Losing Kenneth Walker, Riq Woolen, Coby Bryant, and Boye Mafe cost Seattle proven production. As a result, Seattle must rely on rookies and veterans to fill holes.
What does this mean for the NFC West race and fans?
In Rams vs Seahawks this season, expect tight games. Yet Rams hold a small edge in depth and scheme continuity. Fans should stay optimistic, because Los Angeles added pieces to win now.
