The Rams say that RB Steven Jackson will test his groin in warmups, but he doesn’t expect to play because he is unable to cut because of the injury. This means that Kenneth Darby will start. Ex-Jet Chauncey Washington will be active, but the running back will probably play only on special teams. The Rams need to control field position. The Seahawks’ average drive start after kickoffs has been the 38.5-yard line. Rams PK Josh Brown has just one touchback this season, although 10 of his 13 kickoffs have reached the end zone. The Rams will try to hold their opponent to less than 20 points for the fourth straight game. They have allowed just 46, ninth-best in the NFL, and only three touchdowns in 11 red-zone trips. Last week against Washington, the Redskins failed to score a touchdown in three red-zone trips.
The Rams' special teams also must control Leon Washington, who returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in last week's win over San Diego and he leads the NFL with a 46.3-yard average. Plus, rookie Golden Tate leads the league with an average of 25.2 yards on five punt returns with a long of 63. To help the offense, look for Washington to get a few touches out the backfield. Seattle could be minus two defensive starters in LDE Brandon Mebane and LCB Marcus Trufant. However, No. 1 pick Russell Okung figures to make his NFL debut with Sean Locklear hurting.
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