There will be plenty of focus on the Seahawks slim chance to make the playoffs with a win this weekend and a loss by the Packers Sunday night. There will be talk about the chance for a rare sweep against Sean McVay and the Rams, a team that has tormented Seattle since the Jeff Fisher days. What draws my attention on this last week of the regular season is the return of Bobby Wagner to Seattle.

There is a poetic symmetry to the season closing with a home game against Wagner after it started with one against Russell Wilson. This Seahawks season has been as much about Wilson and the Broncos as it has been about Seattle’s own games. It all began with the titanic trade of Wilson in the offseason, and has turned into a Titanic of a season for the Broncos.

Wilson was booed vociferously in the home opener, and played one of his best games in what became a loss when his now-fired coach opted for a crazy long field goal instead of letting his new franchise quarterback attempt to convert a short fourth down. Who knew that would be one of Wilson’s best games of the year?

Seattle was criticized as a fanbase for booing Wilson. People said Seahawks fans were not classy. They were incredulous about how fans could boo a player who had done so much for their franchise. Something tells me there will not be a single story written or tweet shared by anyone outside of Seattle when another 2012 Seahawks draft choice takes the field in an opposing uniform this Sunday and is feted like a hero.

Wagner will not hear a single boo this weekend. It will not be because Seattle fans were shamed into changing their ways. It will be because of the man Wagner is. He never once made the story more about himself than the team. His entourage, if he has one, is invisible. He does not even have an agent. His excellence is unquestioned. The irony is sweet that the guy who never said a word about wanting to be the MVP is the one person on that famed Seahawks roster to earn an MVP vote.

Wagner did not ask to leave. He was pushed out due to age and size of contract. Not only that, but his exit was badly mishandled, with the front office failing to inform him of the decision before he found out online. This is a man who showed respect to every single person in the Seahawks organization, down to the people preparing sandwiches for him in the cafeteria. He deserved far more respect on the way out.

He played probably his best game of the season the last time these two teams played down in Los Angeles. Seattle managed to win on a late touchdown to D.K. Metcalf with Jalen Ramsey covering. It was a perfect outcome in many ways.

This weekend, Seattle gets a chance to exit the season as it started: winning a football game and treating a former player in a way befitting the way he handled himself as a Seahawk and circumstances of his exit.

The way this works: Each offense will be pitted against the opposing defense and compared on an array of key statistical attributes based on their respective rank in the NFL. The tables that follow show the rank of each unit for each of these categories. 

This series is sponsored by Sarah and Chris Rood, huge Seahawks fans and Hawk Blogger patrons. Please thank them by contacting them to work with them on your next home purchase or sale in the Seattle area. They will donate an additional $500 to Ben’s Fund for every closed transaction!

Seahawks Offense vs Rams Defense

Rams key advantages on defense

Aaron Donald will not return this year. That leaves guys like Ramsey and Wagner to carry the load.

Seahawks key advantages on offense

Kenneth Walker exited after three carries in the first game. He has been his most consistently productive self the past two weeks. With a chance to end the season over 1,000 yards and 10 TDs, Walker should be a central part of the game plan.

Geno Smith was the hero in the first matchup, nearly winning the game himself as the run game was unproductive and the pass protection was suspect. He threw for almost 370 yards and 3 TDs, including the game-winner.

Metcalf and Tyler Lockett tortured the Rams with 8 and 9 catches, respectively. Troy Hill did not play in the first game and will be back in the slot. That may have some impact on the passing attack. Lockett is also clearly playing at less than 100%. Metcalf versus Ramsey is always must-see football.

Rams Offense vs Seahawks Defense

Rams key advantages on offense

Cam Akers and the Rams run game has been much improved of late. What seemed like just the Seahawks typical bad run defense has turned into a late surge by that part of the Rams offense. They also have Baker Mayfield at quarterback instead of John Wolford.

Seahawks key advantages on defense

Seattle has found a little more spine on defense, holding the last two opponents under 300 yards and getting to the quarterback more effectively.

Special Teams

These two special teams are pretty evenly matched.

Be sure to tune into Real Hawk Talk Wednesday night!

Thanks to Sarah and Chris Rood for sponsoring this series!