1. Competent Offense

Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer admitted that offensively the Rams were a debacle in Chicago. Flat out, they didn’t play well. So now they come back to the Edward Jones Dome, where they scored 31 points against Washington in Week 2. The Rams, like every other NFL team, enjoys playing at home. The Soldier Field turf tripped up Sam Bradford a couple of times.

The Rams need to move the football on first and second down to avoid long, obvious 3rd downs. Commit to running the football, and catch the damn ball (Brandon Gibson).

I’m telling you again: Rookie WR Chris Givens will soon connect on a home run bomb. His speed concerns defensive coordinators.

2. The Rushing Attack

Steven Jackson has not practiced all week, and likely won’t Friday. The strained groin is definitely limiting his burst. In his place, Darryl Richardson has had nice moments, but 2nd round pick Isiah Pead has been awfully quiet. To beat Seattle, the Rams need a balanced attack on offense. Becoming one-dimensional, and essentially throwing out of the shotgun won’t do the trick. That enables the Seahawks pass rush to run wild.

3. Win The Turnover Battle

Cortland Finnegan has a 3-game interception streak. But aside from his own TD, the Rams have managed just 3 points off the other two picks. Russell Wilson has only thrown one interception this season. I think Seattle will test the Rams secondary Sunday. The defensive line has proven pretty stout against the run and expect some big chances off play action.

4. Spy Russell Wilson

He averages 4.4 YPC (20 carries). The Rams defense can’t let coverage sacks turn into first downs. Wilson’s mobility can extend drives and wear out the defense.

In addition, the Rams need to mix in some exotic blitz packages to confuse Wilson. Rookie QB, he’s 5”11, throw some zone blitzes in the bag.

5. Emotionally Ready

The Rams looked a tad slow in Chicago at the onset. Almost lackadaisical, like still content about beating Washington. With home field advantage, the player introductions certainly rev up the adrenaline immediately. Pete Carroll is an energetic coach. Expect Seattle to come out flying. Match that intensity and suck the life out early.

The Dome was loud in Week 2, get louder Sunday. Divisional game against the Seagirls coming off a bogus win.

As Bart Scott once infamously told America, “Can’t Wait!”