Déjà vu: Earl Thomas Infamous Swipe

Ed “Pi Double i” Henderson

WorldWide Rams

The Los Angeles Rams experience a very tough loss yesterday to their division rival Seattle Seahawks. However, they can’t blame anyone for this loss but themselves, as they left several scoring opportunities to slip away.

Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas in a live interview with NFL Network sportscaster Lindsay Rhodes, he mentioned that loved to leave his fingerprints in the game. That is just what he did, well better yet, he left his handprint, as he caused a costly fumble of Rams running back Todd Gurley.

Earl Thomas effective swipe at Benny Cunningham

December 2014, Thomas created what is known as the forearm swipe; something he used against other Rams running back Benny Cunningham (former) in Seattle week #17. Cunningham was attempting to cut the Seahawks lead down to seven points late in the fourth quarter, but Thomas had another idea in mind. (watch video)

Earl Thomas effective swipe at Todd Gurley

Well, what do you know, As Gurley attempted to score on the Rams very first possession, its Déjà vu all over again? Who would even begin to think that the one play Thomas was able to pull off three seasons ago, would come back and haunt the Rams again? Thomas slapped Gurley’s forearm, jarring the ball loose that hit the pylon and went out of bounds. 

​Initially, the play was signaled as a Rams touchdown, however, after a booth review (as they do after every score or turnover), the touchdown was reversed and the Seahawks was given possession of the ball. It was ruled as a touchback and the Seahawks started their second drive on their own 20-yard line.

Just an opinion, when Gurley’s touchdown was reversed, it appeared it took the wind out of his sail for the rest of the game. He never seemed to get back on track that he’s been the last several games, but just one bad game with more games to come to redeem himself.
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The Rams were given the ball with 1:12 left in the fourth quarter after the Seahawks kicked a field to increase their lead by six points. Jared Goff attempt to rally the Rams in the fourth quarter nearly happened as tight end Tyler Higbee made two huge catches extending the drivers. 

On a third down and ten, Goff will find a wide-open Cooper Kupp who dives out for the pass, but couldn’t reel it in as it went through his hands. The roar of Ram fans quickly went to an awhhh! Fourth and ten he tried to hit Kupp again with the same passing but the Seahawks were waiting and knocked the ball away. Rams lose the game of a final score of 16-10.

After the game, it was reported that many were complaining that Goff overthrew Kupp. Kupp insisted: “At the end of the day, just face the facts, I gotta make that play. I’m going to take responsibility for that. 

A rookie receiver with comments of that nature to protect his young quarterback, tell many that he’s worth of his misfortune. Rams travel to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars next week. Jaguars have a very strong defense, but let’s remain optimistic that they come back with a win.

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