The Seahawks wasted no time setting the tone in Thursday night’s NFC West clash, punching in the game’s first touchdown midway through the opening quarter. It was a physical, no-nonsense drive that blended smart play-calling with explosive execution - and it was capped by rookie running back Zach Charbonnet, who bulldozed his way up the middle for a 4-yard score.
But before Charbonnet got his moment, it was Kenneth Walker III who lit the spark. On a first-and-10 from the Seattle 49, Sam Darnold dropped back and dumped off a screen to Walker on the left side.
What looked like a modest gain turned into a big one in a hurry. Walker had a convoy of blockers and a wide-open lane, slicing through the Rams’ defense for a 46-yard burst that brought the Seahawks to the doorstep of the end zone.
One play later, Charbonnet did the rest - a straight-ahead run that showcased the kind of power and decisiveness Seattle has come to expect from the young back.
The Rams, meanwhile, came out swinging. After winning the coin toss, the Seahawks deferred, giving Los Angeles the ball first.
Rams head coach Sean McVay wasted no time showing his aggressive hand, going for it on fourth-and-1 not once, but twice on the opening drive. The first gamble paid off - a conversion from their own 38-yard line that kept the drive alive.
But the second time, from Seattle’s 39, the Seahawks’ defense stood tall, stuffing the attempt and flipping the momentum.
That defensive stand gave Seattle prime field position, and they didn’t let it go to waste. In just a few plays, they were in the end zone, holding a 7-0 lead with 7:09 to go in the first quarter - a statement start in a game with major divisional implications.