With Davante Adams doubtful, Rams ready for a ‘big one’ vs. Seattle

SEATTLE — Sean McVay You can truly call it sleepless in Seattle.

After Rams win over Detroit Lions on Sunday, Rams The coach left the Sofi Stadium for the hospital and the birth of his second son, who arrived on Monday morning. McVay then scheduled the game for Thursday night showdown with the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.

When asked this week how much sleep he's had since the birth of his newborn, McVay, known for waking up early, chuckled.

“Not really,” he said. “Even for me… It's a good challenge.”

McVay and the Rams, the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a playoff berth, face their biggest and most important test of the season against the Seahawks.

Both teams are 11-3. The Rams are in first place in the NFC West standings and have a tiebreaker over the Seahawks thanks to their victory with a score of 21-19 above them at SoFi Stadium on November 16th.

But that will change if the Rams can't contain a Seahawks team that defeated the Indianapolis Colts 18-16 last week with six field goals.

As if the meeting with the Seahawks wasn't challenging enough, the Rams' regularly scheduled flight to Seattle was delayed due to mechanical problems with the plane.

When Rams players are asked about the significance of a game, they tend to default to, “No game is more important than any other.” Matthew Stafford acknowledged the bets.

“Yeah, it's a big deal,” he said. “They're all at this point in the season. … That's what you love about playing NFL football.”

Since the teams have the same records, it “just adds a little more Oh” Rams defensive back Camren Kinchens spoke about the game.

“As far as the division goes, there's a lot on the table,” he said. “And Thursday Night Football does that a lot more.”

The question that still faces the Rams, at least publicly, is whether their star receiver can Davante Adams will play.

Adams, who leads the NFL in touchdown catches with 14, suffered a hamstring injury that forced him out of the game against the Lions. McVay said this week that Adams' status for Thursday night would not be determined until after the game. The Rams listed him as questionable on Wednesday.

If Adams doesn't play, it could mean a bigger rookie role. Famous Mumpfielda seventh-round draft pick out of Pittsburgh who had five catches for 42 yards and one touchdown.

“I feel like this season has gone well, I just feel like I can be the best in my role no matter what I’m given,” Mumpfield said. “Whether it’s blocking, whether it’s getting to third, whether it’s special teams.”

Adams, a 12-year professional player, has been a mentor and “like a big brother to me,” Mumpfield said, adding that he tries to “take pieces of his game and add to mine.”

Puka Nacua, who ranks second in the NFL in both receptions and receiving yards, is expected to be Stafford's top target, along with a tight end that includes Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and rookie Terrence Ferguson.

Parkinson, who scored five touchdowns in his previous five NFL seasons (the first four with the Seahawks), has six touchdowns this season.

But with the cold and possible rain during the game, McVay could rely heavily on his running backs. Kyren Williams and Blake Corumwho have been particularly effective in the last three games.

“Being able to run the football will be paramount and key to success,” Stafford said.

Five weeks ago, the Rams' defense intercepted four passes from Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold.

So they expect adjustments from the Seahawks.

And countermoves from Rams coaches, including a sleep-deprived McVay.

“Obviously he's a dedicated family man, but he's also committed to us, so he does a great job,” Stafford said, adding, “He's ready to rock 'n' roll.”