In the first NFL game for the Los Angeles Rams since 1994, the Seattle Seahawks were unable to play the role of spoilers, falling 9-3 in road game number one of the 2016 season.
Russell Wilson finished the game 22 of 35, passing for 253 yards while battling through an ankle injury, and additionally ran for 14 yards on five carries. Unlike last week against the Dolphins, Wilson wasn't able to put together another game-winning drive for the Seahawks, who fell to 1-1 on the season.
The Seahawks held the ball trailing 9-3 with under two minutes, but were unable to capitalize off a great start to the drive. After a 53-yard bomb to Tyler Lockett set the tone, Los Angeles' defense held its own in the final minute, forcing running back Christine Michael to fumble a short pass on third down.
The score of the game resembled a baseball score more than a football one, largely because of the defensive performances from both teams along with penalties. Although the Seahawks didn't register their first sack of the game until the third quarter — a week after recording five against Miami — Seattle held up well against Los Angeles most of the day and contained running back Todd Gurley to just 51 yards. Still, the Seahawks committed 10 penalties for 114 yards, which included a face-mask call on a third down that would've handed them the ball with roughly 2:39 to go. Instead, that gave Los Angeles a new set and additional time to burn the clock.
The Seahawks will now begin preparation for their Week 3 NFC West battle against San Francisco tomorrow at Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
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The Seahawks fall 9-3 in their first road game of the 2016 season against the Los Angeles Rams.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, left, and Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Alec Ogletree talk after the Rams defeated the Seahawks in an NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum, right, is tripped up by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark during the second half of an NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, left, sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum during the second half of an NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham, right, fends off Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Mark Barron during the second half of an NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson, left, makes a catch while under pressure from Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson, center, and free safety Maurice Alexander during the first half an NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson, left, can't hold on to a pass intended for him as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Troy Hill puts pressure on him during the first half an NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, left, hands off to running back Thomas Rawls during the first half an NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
