Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III runs around Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick in the season opener. Walker has scored six touchdowns this season.
(Lindsey Wasson / Associated Press)
Quarterback Geno Smith, the 2022 NFL comeback player of the year, no longer is a mystery. The Rams neutralized Smith in the opener, shutting out the Seahawks in the second half. Smith has passed for 11 touchdowns, with seven interceptions, in an offense coordinated by former Rams assistant Shane Waldron. The staff also includes former Rams quarterbacks coach Greg Olson. Receiver DK Metcalf averages 15.8 yards per catch and has scored two touchdowns. Tyler Lockett has a team-best 46 receptions, four for touchdowns, and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba has two touchdown catches. Smith also will rely on tight end Noah Fant, who averages 14.5 yards per catch. Second-year running back Kenneth Walker III has rushed for six touchdowns. Rams linebacker Ernest Jones returns after sitting out against the Packers because of a knee injury. Nose tackle Bobby Brown III also will play after recovering from a knee injury that landed him on injured reserve. Lineman Aaron Donald has a team-best 5½ sacks for a unit that has received solid play from rookie edge rusher Byron Young and rookie tackle Kobie Turner. Cornerback Cobie Durant has been nursing a shoulder injury, but he could start on the outside opposite Ahkello Witherspoon.
