WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – When the Rams and the Seahawks first faced each other this season back on Nov. 16, the game weather at SoFi Stadium that Sunday was cloudy and 64 degrees, but played under the cover of SoFi Stadium's translucent roof.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Round 2 in Seattle calls for a 90% chance of rain Thursday night with a low of 40 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
"Both teams have to play in it," Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said Tuesday. "So you just got to adjust as you play."
Stafford is ready for the impending downpour, as well as what Seattle's defense may present.
In terms of the weather, Stafford noted Los Angeles has played in two rainy games in recent weeks, between what gradually developed over the course of the road game at Carolina in Week 13, and six weeks earlier when they faced the Jaguars in London. Stafford completed 18 of 28 pass attempts for 243 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble against the Panthers. However, against the Jaguars, he managed the wet weather at Wembley Stadium just fine, going 21 for 33 for 182 yards and five touchdowns, including a 31-yard touchdown pass to tight end Terrance Ferguson.
"You just got to call the game, play the game as the weather allows you to, and for me personally, just try to do everything I can to continue do what I always do, throw it in a good spot and let those guys go make plays," Stafford said.
Even (mostly) indoors and under cover, the Rams' offense faced its most significant challenge so far this season against Seattle. Although their second and third drives ended with touchdowns, six of their final eight possessions ended having to punt the ball, another via turnover. The Rams' defense made enough plays that game that it ultimately came down to a missed 61-yard field goal attempt by the Seahawks as time expired.
Stafford said Tuesday that Seattle's defense is "more of the same" since they played them five weeks ago, other than personnel changes with the return of players like safety Julian Love and defensive tackle Jarran Reed from injury.
"Really good, physical defense," Stafford said. "Obviously, well coached, big front, solid and sound in the back end. Second-level players are really good players as well. So, yeah, really talented team and a really well-coached team."
One development that can help Stafford and L.A.'s offense against the weather and Seattle's defense is the emergence of running back Blake Corum, and by extension the efficiency of him and running back Kyren Williams as a tandem. Williams was effective in Week 11 with 12 carries for 91 yards (7.6 yards per carry) and one touchdown, but Corum finished with just 10 yards on eight carries. Corum enters Week 16 having rushed for 70 or more yards and one or more rushing touchdowns in each of his last three games, which is tied with Williams for the longest active streak in the NFL.
"I think back to even the Carolina game, got really rainy there for what was that? Early in the fourth quarter, mid-fourth quarter, I feel like it was?" Stafford said. "And I feel like we had an entire drive almost, maybe a couple plays here and there, where we threw it, but guys started with a big, big run by Blake down the sideline. But that drive was steady, handing the ball off, and our guys winning up front. So like I said, both teams will have to play in it, whatever it is, it is, we'll go play the game. Figure out and try to find a way to win it."
