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Rams takeaway: Demarcus Robinson's catches, Kamren Kinchens' picks sink Seattle


Rams takeaway: Demarcus Robinson's catches, Kamren Kinchens' picks sink Seattle

Rams (from left) Demarcus Robinson, Matthew Stafford and Kamren Kinchens celebrate their win in Seattle.

Three Rams standouts in a win over the Seahawks, (from left) Demarcus Robinson, Matthew Stafford and Kamren Kinchens, celebrate their overtime triumph in Seattle. (Lindsey Wasson/Associated Press)

The Rams defeated the Seattle Seahawks 26-20 on Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle.

What we learned from a win that improved the Rams' record to 4-4:

The offense lacked punch, but not puka nacua

Puka Nacua (17) was sent off for throwing a punch after this interception by the Seahawks' Riq Woolen.Puka Nacua (17) was sent off for throwing a punch after this interception by the Seahawks' Riq Woolen.

Puka Nacua (17) was sent off for throwing a punch after this interception by the Seahawks' Riq Woolen. (Stephen Brashear/Associated Press)

Before the game, there was concern that star receiver Puka Nacua's injured right knee might not hold up.

However, Nacua was ejected from the game in the second quarter for striking Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson after cornerback Riq Woolen intercepted a pass. Nacua watched the rest of the game on a screen in the locker room.

“Just a learning experience,” said Nacua, who caught one pass for 11 yards. “Because I was very competitive between those lines, some things were said at the beginning of the game, just letting my emotions flow and reacting instead of answering.”

Coach Sean McVay said he told Nacua “that we're smarter,” and he referenced former Rams defenseman Aaron Donald.

Read more: The Rams' NFC West victory over Seattle shows that veteran leaders like Cooper Kupp cannot be spared

“One of the best qualities he has is the emotion and the way he loves to compete with his teammates and do whatever he can to contribute,” McVay said of Nacua, “And he also understands how important it is to have AD.” This used to be called controlled aggression. So he’ll learn from it.”

Quarterback Matthew Stafford said he wasn't worried about Nacua.

“Sometimes the emotions get the best of us, but I have full confidence in his ability to respond and understand that these are the things we can't do,” Stafford said. “And as difficult as it is sometimes, you have to step away from these things.

“You have to do it and I have no problems with how he's going to move forward.”

Kamren Kinchens is a playmaker

Rams safety Kamren Kinchens (26) returns the first of his two interceptions 103 yards for a touchdown against the Seahawks.Rams safety Kamren Kinchens (26) returns the first of his two interceptions 103 yards for a touchdown against the Seahawks.

Rams safety Kamren Kinchens (26) returns the first of his two interceptions 103 yards for a touchdown against the Seahawks. (Lindsey Wasson/Associated Press)

Rookie safety Kamren Kinchens intercepted two passes and returned the first 103 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, giving the Rams a 20-13 lead.

A few years ago, Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf knocked down Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker after an interception. Metcalf was unable to play on Sunday due to a knee injury.

Kinchens was happy.

“They didn’t have DK on the field,” Kinchens said, “so I didn’t have to worry about him rushing me.”

Read more: The Rams win the Wild West game in Seattle as Demarcus Robinson scores the second touchdown in overtime

About three minutes later, Kinchen intercepted another pass from Geno Smith at the Rams' seven-yard line.

Kinchens said Hall of Famer Ed Reed gave him advice when Kinchens played at the University of Miami.

“Ed Reed in Miami always told me, 'If you catch one, it's not illegal to catch another,'” Kinchens said. “So I try to go out and catch as many as I can.”

Demarcus Robinson continues to produce

Demarcus Robinson of the Rams makes the game-winning touchdown catch behind Riq Woolen of the Seahawks.Demarcus Robinson of the Rams makes the game-winning touchdown catch behind Riq Woolen of the Seahawks.

Demarcus Robinson of the Rams makes the game-winning touchdown catch behind Riq Woolen of the Seahawks. (Lindsey Wasson/Associated Press)

Rams receiver Demarcus Robinson caught six passes for 94 yards, including a one-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter and a 39-yard touchdown to win the game.

Robinson, a ninth-year pro, has five touchdown catches in the last four games, including two against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 24 and two against the Seahawks.

Robinson's best performance last season was four touchdown catches.

“I just focus on the details,” Robinson said. “I’m just trying to win the game and help the team win.”

The defense produces sacks

Jared Verse of the Rams releases Geno Smith of the Seahawks.Jared Verse of the Rams releases Geno Smith of the Seahawks.

Jared Verse tackles the Seahawks' Geno Smith for one of the Rams' seven sacks. (Stephen Brashear/Associated Press)

The Rams collected a season-high seven sacks.

Rookie lineman Braden Fiske had two and edge rushers Jared Verse, Byron Young, lineman Kobie Turner and safety Quentin Lake each had one.

Edge rusher Michael Hoecht and rookie lineman Tyler Davis shared a sack.

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.

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