The Los Angeles Rams played the Seahawks twice already this season, winning the first matchup in Week 11 and losing in overtime in Week 16. These are two teams that know each other well, especially the defenses.
The Rams’ defense has gotten very familiar with Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. Over their past three meetings against him (including a 2024 playoff game when he played for the Minnesota Vikings), the Rams have intercepted Darnold seven times.
That fact isn’t lost on Kamren Kinchens, who intercepted Darnold twice in Week 11.
The Rams’ second-year safety told Gary Klein of The Los Angeles Times ahead of the NFC title game that he loves to play against Darnold and the Seahawks because they like to test secondaries with deep throws. He also understands the nuances of Darnold’s game and how to make him sweat under pressure.
“Usually, you hope a guy doesn’t make the same mistake twice,” Kinchens said about Darnold. “In my case, I’m hoping he makes the same mistake twice, because that’s more picks for me.”
Bulletin board material? Perhaps. But the numbers speak for themselves when it comes to the Rams-Seahawks matchups this year. Six of the Rams’ 16 interceptions this season came off Darnold, and L.A. allowed just 270 and 279 passing yards in each contest with two total passing touchdowns allowed.
“They have good receivers and Sam Darnold wants to throw the ball down the field and push it down the field,” Kinchens added. “That’s a lot of opportunities, and I love when I get to show people my receiver skills.”
Past production doesn’t determine future results, but Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula seems to know what to do against a Darnold-led offense. However, he knows that a lot of game tape means everyone knows everything about everyone.
“I don’t think either of us are going to be tricking each other,” Shula told Klein.
In previous matchups, it was for NFC West supremacy and a better seed in the playoffs. This time around, it’s for a spot in the Super Bowl.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Why Rams DB loves playing Sam Darnold, Seahawks: ‘More picks for me’
Reporting by Tyler Greenawalt, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
