The Seattle Seahawks defense has been on a tear coming into the playoffs. Led by safety Jamal Adams, the Seattle defense has played aggressive football, hounding opposing quarterbacks. They will need to continue their exceptional play against the Los Angeles Rams in their wild-card matchup. 

One of the Seahawks’ biggest questions going into this game is whether Adams is healthy enough to play. He has been dealing with a left shoulder injury he suffered the last game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers. With this being his playoff debut, Adams won’t let anything stop him from playing.

Jamal Adams is going to play against the Rams

Seahawks’ head coach Pete Carrol said earlier this week that he wouldn’t know Adams’ status until game day. Adamas must’ve not received that message. He made it very clear that he will be playing Saturday, no matter what ailments he might have. 

“No question in my mind. I’m playing, man. Look, as long as these legs are moving, man, as long as my faith is with the man upstairs, which is very strong, I’m going to be out there,” said Adams per ESPN. This left shoulder injury is just one of the many injuries the All-Pro safety dealt with during this season.

He missed four games this season because of a groin injury. Before injuring his left shoulder, Adams sustained a right shoulder injury in Week 10. There are also two broken fingers on his left hand. Adams will be playing through all of his ailments, showing his toughness. He sees playing with two bad shoulders and broken fingers as “just another challenge.”

“I’m looking forward to it. I’m not going to be limited to anything. I’m full-go. I’m full energy. I’m me. I’m going out there to continue to make plays and continue to continue to help the team win. That’s what I’m about,” said Adams.

The Seahawks traded for Jamal Adams this past offseason, citing his versatility and gritty mentality as a reason to get him. Adams’ first season in Seattle has been great, as he has brought speed and physicality to the team. 

Jamal Adams played great football this season

What makes Adams such an impact safety is his ability to play anywhere on the field. He can sit back in coverage or play in the box, making him such a versatile player. Seattle played to his strengths, and they have reaped the benefits. His arrival has changed their defense, even if it took half a season for things to come together.

Jamal Adams has 83 total tackles on the year, tied for the second-most he’s had in a single season. He has got after opposing quarterbacks, leading his team with 9.5 sacks. The 9.5 sacks he accrued this season are the most by a defensive back in NFL history. He has played out of his mind and wants to continue that in the playoffs.

As mentioned previously, this is Adams’ first playoff game. He never even sniffed a playoff berth his first three seasons with the New York Jets. With this opportunity in front of him, nothing will deter him from making his post-season debut. 

“I’m a savage, bro. I’m a warrior, man. It doesn’t matter. Whatever it takes…I’m excited for this opportunity. It doesn’t matter what obstacle is thrown my way. I always figure it out, and that’s all that matters, man. So I’m looking forward to the matchup,” said Adams.

The Seahawks need Adams against the LA Rams

Having Jamal Adams on the field is such an advantage for the Seahawks. Going against a Rams team with injury questions at key positions, his presence will make an impact. In two games against the Rams, Adams has 15 total tackles and two sacks. 

The Seahawks defense is noticeably better at pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run when Adams is on the field. According to ESPN Stats and Information, the Seahawks get pressure on 7.2% of their opponents’ dropbacks with Adams on the field. That number drops to 3.5% when he is off the field. Opposing QBRs with Adams on the field is 60.3, but rises to 63 when he isn’t.

Seattle’s defense relinquishes 4.29 yards per carry to opposing rushing attacks when Adams is off the field. Teams only get 3.7 yards a carry when Adams is on the field. Numbers don’t lie; the Seahawks defense plays better when their leader in the secondary is in between the white lines. The Seahawks will need his presence against the Rams.

Nothing is stopping Jamal Adams from making his playoff debut, not even two bad shoulders. He did say that he will be wear “something” to help support his left shoulder. Nevertheless, the Seahawks will have their defensive leader present and ready to go in a high stakes division matchup on wild-card weekend.

All stats courtesy of ESPN