tweets (Rams) … 1/4 thru 1/7

LMU93

Just looking at their final team stats. Some notes:

– Rams made the postseason for the 30th time, tying Minnesota for 5th most in league history (behind GB, DAL, NYG and PIT).

– Rams finished with a positive Points Differential (+76) for the 4th consecutive year, the first time they have done that since 1983-86. If they can do it for a 5th time next year it would be the first since 1976-80.

– Rams finished 7-1 when they had an even or positive turnover differential and 3-5 when it was negative.

– Goff set a career high with 67.0% completions and most all his numbers were improved over 2019. But his YPA (7.2) and yards/completion (10.7) were his lowest under McVay.

– Cam Akers 625 yards rushing were 8th most by a Rams rookie RB. The Rams 2,018 rushing yards were 2nd most under McVay and also only the 5th time they have surpassed 2,000 as a team in the last 30 years.

– Rams finished with two 90+ reception WRs in Kupp and Woods but without a 1,000-yard receiver for the first time since 2017. Their yards/reception were both career lows. Josh Reynolds and Gerald Everett, both 2021 UFA, each set career highs in receptions and yards.

– Rams 53 sacks as a team were among their most ever (4 behind the franchise record of 57 in 1985 and 1999).

– Kudos to Matt Gay who came in and steadied the Rams’ poor kicking situation. 14/16 FG including 7/8 from 40+.

– Johnny Hekker had a better year for punts downed inside the 20 (41.2%) than 2019 but his gross and net punting average were both the lowest of his 9-year career. Opposing punt returners averaged 12.9 yards/return, by far the most in Hekker’s career.

RamsFanSince69

A’Shawn Robinson had a couple HUGE plays

First getting held by #67 so bad that the ref had to call holding in the end zone for a safety. Second, blocking that ‘gimme’ FG. That’s 5 points as a defender/special teamer. Way to bring it, big fella! (Especially with Brockers out)

Yearly leaders in total pressures:
🔹 2020 – Aaron Donald: 98
🔹 2019 – Za'Darius Smith: 93
🔹 2018 – Aaron Donald: 106
🔹 2017 – Aaron Donald: 91 pic.twitter.com/JZ58QUEAIH

— PFF (@PFF) January 5, 2021

Cooper Kupp had 21 missed tackles forced

Most among all WRs pic.twitter.com/uy42R62fiA

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) January 6, 2021

from https://theathletic.com/2304151/2021/01/05/rams-seahawks-goff-wolford/?source=twittered

Is Cam Akers OK?

Rookie running back Cam Akers suffered what the team said was a high ankle sprain in a Dec. 20 loss to the New York Jets, sat out the following week and then returned against Arizona on Sunday with little change in his workload (21 carries). While Akers’ 34 yards were the third-fewest he totaled this season, and his fewest since a November game against Tampa Bay, he said he felt “100 percent” and even joked that he is actually “110 percent.”

McVay added that Akers did not have “any setbacks” from playing in Sunday’s game.

“When Cam is feeling good, that’s a really good thing for the Rams,” McVay said. “We’ll look to him to have a big game and be a big part of what we’re going to try to do on Saturday.”

Akers was listed as limited in Tuesday’s walkthrough on the Rams’ injury report, and he likely will continue to be limited this week as the Rams get him rested and ready for the Seahawks.

Cooper Kupp, Michael Brockers set to return

Receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive lineman Michael Brockers were placed on the COVID-19/reserve list last week and missed the game against Arizona. I reported Sunday night that both could return in time for Saturday’s game, should they remain without symptoms and continue to test negative after returning to practice. McVay said Tuesday that has been the case to date. He added that Kupp is expected back in practice on Wednesday, while Brockers could return a day or so later.

Both players have continued to participate virtually in team meetings while isolating from teammates.

Kupp caught 13 passes for 116 yards in his last two games against Seattle, while Brockers recorded six tackles and a sack.

For some reason this tweet won’t post.

So here is a screen cap:

And here is a link to it:

https://twitter.com/camdasilva/status/1346883201709600771

The Seahawks and Rams have met in the Playoffs only once before (2004 Wild Card) and it delivered an EXCELLENT ending 🔥 Who will win R2?

📺: @RamsNFL vs @Seahawks, Saturday 4 PM ET on FOX pic.twitter.com/Jac0DYzjxR

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 7, 2021

J.B. Long@JB_Long
According to NFL Research, the Rams have the youngest roster in the Playoffs and the third-fewest games of postseason experience, collectively.

Activating 39-year-old Andrew Whitworth between now and Saturday will change the math, of course, but not *that* significantly.

PFF LA Rams@PFF_Rams
In 2020, Andrew Whitworth earned the 3rd-highest Pass Blocking Grade among all OL and the 9th-highest Run Block Grade among all T’s (min. 300 snaps)

#RamsHouse activated Big Whit from Injury Reserve today ahead of the wildcard matchup against the Seahawks

==

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Good zip to Goff’s shorter throws in warmups so far today- working into mid-range. Small bandage still on the thumb.

Jared Goff warming up at Rams practice pic.twitter.com/saBv0syrq6

— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) January 7, 2021

The boys are back in town! 😎 pic.twitter.com/TYSxaVbxTY

— RAMS REPORT🗯 (@RamsNFLReport) January 7, 2021

Lindsey Thiry@LindseyThiry
Jared Goff listed as “limited” on Rams injury report.

Sean McVay: “I don’t even know what the hell limited means.”

Brady Henderson
ESPN

All-Pro SS Jamal Adams will play in Saturday’s wild-card game against the Rams despite a new left shoulder injury. He declared as much Wednesday and wasn’t even given a game designation on the Seahawks’ final injury report. Adams was limited in practice the last two days. He’s also been playing through a right shoulder injury and two broken fingers on his left hand. “Whatever it takes,” he said. Adams has never been to the playoffs.