Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › from off the net–game reactions from around & about
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October 3, 2016 at 1:37 am #54341
znModerator21Dog
so many heroes on defense today
Donald, as always. 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and four QB hits
Barron-an INT and 7 tackles
McDonald-an INT and a big hit to dislodge the ball on the final drive
Trumaine Johnson–INT and a half (if you call it that) All around excellent game with 6 passes defensed
Ogletree–7 tackles to lead the team with Barron.
Gaines–exceptional for his first game back. 7 tackles and 2 passes defensed, including one in the end zone which might have gone for a TD
Davis–a TD saving play in the end zone early in the game
Sims–half sack and a fumble recovery
Forrest–a fumble recovery
Easley–a key forced fumble
Alexander–a sack and four tackles[
October 3, 2016 at 7:28 am #54348
nittany ramModeratorSims–half sack and a fumble recovery
Sims’ boneheaded-ness in regards to personal fouls is really wearing thin with me. I often wonder if his positives outweigh his negatives.
October 3, 2016 at 9:07 am #54352znModeratorbrownsugar
A bunch of stuff—21 Points from Ram-AZ game
1.Every single player appears to be offering something on defense:
Easley and Cam Thomas are doing their thing, EJ Gaines playing with big brains and good ability. Mo Alex didn’t seem to make a huge error this game, and creating terror. Cody Davis looks like he knows what he is doing—and he ain’t no Craig Dahl. TJ Mac looks to fit in better than ever before (& Williams is using his within his talent). Westbrook and LongAcre making some plays. IF Sims doesn’t rush hard and hit Palmer high, we may not be 3-1….he was doing his job with passion as usual—
2. Gurley no space, but made a key 1st down so we could TD, not a FG for a tie.3. Case looked in command, though missed a few simple throws for
4. DBs look like they know what they are doing this year, and even though they are still 10 yards off the line, they know the system and it is working. I always knew they had the talent. I see why Greg Williams doesn’t them in 1 on 1’s too much.
Our D held AZ to a FG when they had first down on the 4…that is the game, right there. Awesome D with great moving parts. They are so unpredictable.5. O line has problems in the run game because it is so obvious to the Defenses that the WRs can’t beat anyone consistently, so they aren’t afraid (giving up a 18 yard slant is no big deal once a half), and so defenses just play the run like it is 3rd and 1 every down. Arizona crashed down with LBs and the house a lot of the time. TE would help this a bit, I think. I know this is simplistic…maybe I am wrong. Also, I can’t think of a worse run blocking O line in the last 20 years (incl Colts crappy O line with no talent).
I believe in these lineman as run blockers, so hopefully this is worked out….so we can become a Fisher type of team (as long as he is coaching). Right now, all 4 games had very substandard run blocking most of the time.
6. Overcoming!—Despite so many penalties, the Rams still are winning these games.
All these guys: Brockers, Ogletree, Tavon, Barnes, Quick,GRob, TJ, Tru Jo are playing with 1-2 years of more intelligence and it is showing.7. Quick was impressive on the fade, and he made that 65 yard TD. Without him, maybe we don’t win these last 2 games—Hard to believe.
8. Tavon got his finger tips on a long one. Keep throwing that to him. He is getting closer9. Kendricks dropped 1….for our offense all these 6-8 yard patterns need to have a 100% catch rate, not 75%. When is Higbee gonna look like he did in that Dallas game. This year?
10. Britt is ok, but we still need a guy like Crabtree-relatively cheap veteran who can move chains.11. This team really is a team; every guy is doing his role.
12. Greg the leg looks so much different. So many balls aren’t pounded. Like the difference between a wedge shot and and 3 iron from Tiger.13. GROB- hmmm, don’t know what to say. Hasn’t cost a game this year, yet.
14. Goff was the 2nd QB again? It might not be this year if Case keeps doing what he is doing. Case is not the big problem….though his throws flutter so he can’t hit so many balls in tight coverage.15. The end of the first half, 3rd and 3…..in the conservative world I run the ball….Gives AZ 35 less seconds…and keeps that TD a FG.
16. I like Mike Thomas’ patterns, maybe he can replace Britt next year. Higbee would really change some things, too.17. Coaching- Usually a fan, through multiple viewings of 4-6+ games can predict his teams moves on particular down and distance. I can’t on defense at all….especially that last play of the game on the TJ Mac int. Williams can do this because the players know the system. Janoris Jenks would be a great player on this team, but we have so many guys who know the system, we don’t need him (and his $12 mill a year)….at least so far we don’t.
18. Aaron Donald looks better than any DT I remember. John Randle and Sapp are two of the great pass rushers (from last 30 years), and to my eyes Donald looks better. Don’t forget that guards, now, pass block a lot better than 20+ years ago. The game is all about throwing and having systems. Donald beats the system.19. Quinn looks great, however I don’t see the inside move much…is his back 100%?
20. Barron, Ogletree, TJ Mac and Mo Alex maybe the best players as a group that Fisher has ever had at those positions…I don’t mean physically only, but knowing the system and attacking. I have watched some old 2002 Titans and this defense looks as physical, with much less 1 on 1 corner play, but much more chess players.21. Ogltree, Mo Alex and EJ Gaines gotta be paid to stay, I think. EJ is still not all healthy, I am sure, but by the end of the year I hope he is.
All opinion, and not all is correct, I am sure
October 3, 2016 at 9:27 am #54355
bnwBlockedCan’t disagree.
The upside to being a Rams fan is heartbreak.
Sprinkles are for winners.
October 3, 2016 at 10:16 am #54371nittany ramModeratorO line has problems in the run game because it is so obvious to the Defenses that the WRs can’t beat anyone consistently, so they aren’t afraid (giving up a 18 yard slant is no big deal once a half), and so defenses just play the run like it is 3rd and 1 every down. Arizona crashed down with LBs and the house a lot of the time. TE would help this a bit, I think. I know this is simplistic…maybe I am wrong. Also, I can’t think of a worse run blocking O line in the last 20 years (incl Colts crappy O line with no talent).
I believe in these lineman as run blockers, so hopefully this is worked out….so we can become a Fisher type of team (as long as he is coaching). Right now, all 4 games had very substandard run blocking most of the time.In the early to mid-80s the Rams had no passing threat. Defenses put 8 or 9 defenders in the box yet Dickerson still racked up huge numbers. The difference between then and now was that 80’s team had an o-line that could run block. On paper it seems like the current o-line should be good run blockers too but it isn’t translating to the field.
October 3, 2016 at 12:40 pm #54384
ZooeyModeratorI don’t think Quick made that TD. The defenders, especially the safety, overran that are blew that play. I think Quick benefited from that mistake.
The run game is a mystery. Gurley isn’t making it past the 2nd level even on those occasions when he makes it past the 1st level which isn’t very often. Defenses are clearly keying on him, but something is wrong there. That second level needs to be loosened up somehow, either with better blocking schemes, or by making them pay attention to receivers.
I’d like to see them throw to Gurley more because those passes seem to be somewhat effective. Whatever happened to the screen? Remember when screens were about 50% of the Rams’ passes? Talk about extremes. They’ve gone from vast overuse to underuse.
October 3, 2016 at 1:36 pm #54390bnwBlockedI don’t think Quick made that TD. The defenders, especially the safety, overran that are blew that play. I think Quick benefited from that mistake.
The run game is a mystery. Gurley isn’t making it past the 2nd level even on those occasions when he makes it past the 1st level which isn’t very often. Defenses are clearly keying on him, but something is wrong there. That second level needs to be loosened up somehow, either with better blocking schemes, or by making them pay attention to receivers.
I’d like to see them throw to Gurley more because those passes seem to be somewhat effective. Whatever happened to the screen? Remember when screens were about 50% of the Rams’ passes? Talk about extremes. They’ve gone from vast overuse to underuse.
Wasn’t TA signed to that big contract to help take pressure off Gurley? The O line isn’t making any holes for Gurley to get through.
The upside to being a Rams fan is heartbreak.
Sprinkles are for winners.
October 3, 2016 at 3:00 pm #54405ZooeyModeratorWasn’t TA signed to that big contract to help take pressure off Gurley? The O line isn’t making any holes for Gurley to get through.
I don’t think that was the “intent” of the TA signing. But they do seem to be using him less on jet sweeps, and those were effective last year.
I haven’t seen statistics, but I would guess Gurley is getting contact pretty early in his runs. Defenses are clearly playing Run First against the Rams, and they should be. I think we’re going to see pretty unspectacular play until the Rams find a way to spread out the LBs more, and make the safeties think more about passing than they do currently. But I am not a film student. I don’t know. I would hope one of the film students will write up some observations about the running attack somewhat soon. There should be a decent body of film to look at now that four games have been played.
Gurley appears completely healthy, so I don’t think it’s him. There do not seem to be holes, and when he does get through, they close very quickly.
October 3, 2016 at 8:07 pm #54441znModeratoralyoshamucci
Man, I guess we’re seeing why trading 6 premium picks was do-able for a non-playoff team … because we have some passionate and talented individuals already in place on this team. I know it’s arguable … everything is … but I’m happy with the win for a number of reasons.
The Great
1) Brian Quick? Ummmm … I guess I’m happy no one took my advice and cut you. BOTH TD catches were crazy. LOL
2) WHEW … Robert Quinn got up and was okay … seriously that may have been the best moment of the game, when he wasn’t seriously injured.
3) Barron for the pro bowl …
4) Trumaine earning his money …
5) FINISHING. This is great experience … winning at the end of games.
6) Gaines open field tackle of Fells IN BOUNDS.
7) Donald’s sack/strip and overall presence. From every position on the D line? Around the corner? Honestly, the only position I don’t think he could play for us is punter. And that’s because Hekker is unreal and would beat him by a nose.
8) Gurley’s STOP and DRIVE for the first down … I don’t care if his stat line is frustrating the fantasy world … he’s winning games for us.
The Good
9) Tavon’s punt return … honestly without the facemask that’s a TD.
10) Kendricks looking like a boss.
11) Case’s 2 plays that were called back for penalties.
12) Cody Davis … the play in the end zone was the first time I’d seen him USE that 4.4 speed to make a play.
13) Gaines being back. I like Troy Hill, and I think he has a future with us, but Gaines is a PLAYER.
14) Matt Longacre with a run stuff and some pressures.
15) Keenum deserves a lot of credit here. He still throws 3-4 balls a game that make me hide my face, but the TD to Quick on the back shoulder was amazing.
The Bad
16) Eugene … the rule is that you don’t hit the QBs head with any part of your body … you may not know this, but your HEAD is part of your body. In fact it’s likely the main part they don’t want you to hit the QB with.
17) GRob you got out played, out physicalled by C Jones. You held because you HAD to … that’s not so good. I expect you to pull it together for specimens like him in the future. You’re not always going to be the physically superior player.
18) I don’t know how we went from a running team to a team that can’t run block … but we better fix that.
19) Did we give up 140 yards to another WR?
20) Bennie’s concussion makes me sad. I want Coop on kickoffs next week and Malcolm running the ball.
The Ugly
21) Just this one thing … the team is going to be in close games … and this is 2 in a row where just getting ONE first down puts the game away, and we fail to do so. I trust our defense … but this seems to be something the offense needs to be able to do if we are going to keep winning.
October 4, 2016 at 9:52 pm #54515znModeratorSaguaro
I listened yesterday to the Cardinals’ radio broadcast of the game.
Dave Pasch and Ron Wolfley do a great job. They’ve been working together for a while, and are smooth. Of course it’s a homer broadcast, but more than most I think they do a good job of crediting the other team when credit is due.
Wolfley is tuned in with the Cardinals and their coaching staff. He played for the Cardinals. When he says “the Cardinals want to do X” or “The Cardinals game plan is to do X”, I don’t think he’s speculating. He’s gotten it from the horse’s mouth.
And at the beginning of that broadcast, they both described the Rams as a one-dimensional offense where the whole key is to stop Gurley.
They talked about how the Cardinals were disappointed in their run defense against Buffalo, and how that had been a focus all week in practice.Although they weren’t rude about it, it was very clear as the game began, that Gurley was the focus and that there was no fear or respect for Keenum. Then as the game went along, they began to acknowledge more and more that maybe Keenum was a little underestimated.
My point here is that other teams, at least until last Sunday, clearly still have the plan we’ve mentioned here multiple times. Stop Gurley. Maintain lane discipline. Make Keenum beat them. We’ve seen not just 8 but often 9 man boxes. At least once I saw Seattle with 10 men at the LOS and 1 safety deep.
This is to Gurley’s detriment and Keenum’s advantage. Not to take anything away from CK, but the defenses are handing it to him on a silver platter right now in an effort to deny Todd. That needs to be considered when evaluating their relative performances.
I think that if an opposing defense decided that the way to really stop the Rams was to stop Case Keenum, then things might be just a wee bit more difficult for him. Of course, that might open the running game in the way we’d like, which would help any QB on down and distance.
It’s just interesting when listening to that game on Card’s radio to hear the other guy’s perspective on our team. They respect the H*** out of the defense, especially Donald and Quinn. And they were certainly impressed again, I think, with TruJo. They definitely know that the Rams come to play physical ball. That Card offense got beaten up and down and they knew it.
October 4, 2016 at 10:31 pm #54519znModerator-X-
You could probably watch any team play and pick out a dozen or so plays that look stupid after the fact. I’m not too worried about stuff like that. All I care about is seeing continual improvement. And I’ve seen that since the first San Fiasco game. Every week is getting better with in-game adjustments and situational play-calling. If anything, they have to start finding more creative ways to spring Gurley. If you can’t get him free by handing it off, then send him somewhere and throw it to him. THEN try and run it again. Gotta keep defenses guessing.
Keenum’s had better games with Houston, so it’s not his ceiling. We already know it’s his physical ceiling, but that’s not a bad thing. He can scramble & get yards, he can throw strikes 50+ yards, and he’s developing a chemistry with Britt & Quick, so who cares if he’s physically limited if he’s getting the job done and improving on a weekly basis.
As far as not seeing the open guy, that’s a criticism every fan offers about every QB not named Brady or Rodgers. And I can tell you with 100% certainty that I’ve seen Brady and Rodgers not identify an open receiver on occasion. I wouldn’t worry too much about that. Keenum is identifying the mismatches in pre-snap and sometimes he’ll lock onto that. Other times I have definitely seen him come off his first read and go through to his 3rd.
I’m just not worried about it. He’s attempting and hitting deep and intermediate shots now at a clip that some the heavy hitters in the league hit, so I can’t complain about it.
And that ridiculous escape act he pulled to get out of 2 sacks and hit an open receiver. Which also was called back – this time due to illegal man downfield. That was a tremendous play by him.
I’ve already said multiple times that I want Goff to play. But until he does, Keenum is the man.
As for the challenges:
JEFF FISHER
Total Challenges (career): 79
Overturned: 30
Upheld: 49
38% success rate.BILL BELLYFAT
Total Challenges (career): 104
Overturned: 42
Upheld: 62
40% success rate.October 4, 2016 at 11:09 pm #54521znModeratorHacksaw_64
Without sustaining any/many significant injuries. (Big knock on wood!) I have been wanting to post this but have been afraid it might curse us. The injuries have plagued us for so many years, we are really due for some good luck here
With as much as our defense flies around its a modern miracle someone hasn’t gone down to “friendly fire”.
– Big Exhale watching Robert Quinn shake it off…
– Our entire starting OL has remained intact for 4 games in a row (including Saffold)! This has to be some sort of new record of late.
– Brockers went down in all three of the first games and got back up and in the game. Did he go down again in game 4? I think he might have , can’t remember. But he’s still not out for the count. Thank god. Because there tends to be a gaping hole that we get gashed repeatedly when Cam Thomas #92 is in the game.
– I can’t confirm, but it looks like Gurley wasn’t 100 percent after game 1. He looked closer to form last game. I’m just guessing here. But especially with Benny out there’s a lot riding on keeping Todd healthy no matter what. Point being is that any form Gurley abuse should be considered a Capital crime in the State of California. I’m sure Brown will be just fine for power right runs at 9 man boxes for a gain of two. I would love to see Gurley get spelled at least a series in each half.
– I’ve seen Britt get up slow a couple times. He will lay out for a catch. He will try and get tough RAC yards and take extra contact (the polar opposite of Jarod Cook). Got to give him props. But he seems to pay for it every year. Our QB’s have made some throws to get Britt killed over the past couple of seasons. So far Keenum has put the ball on target over the middle for the most part on those slants and post routes to Britt. Those balls that are thrown late, high or behind a receiver are absolute killers.
– Tree has been a physically imposing force at MLB. He plays nasty and through the whistle, even when he’s not making a tackle. Did you see the play he came up and absolutely destroyed (blew up) Fitzgerald trying to run block? He hit Fitz like a mack truck and drove him 5 yards back into the hole forcing the RB to bounce the run outside. I’m suprised Fitz wasn’t on concussion protocol after that. Lets hope Tree’s body can hold up to that style of play over a long season. The good thing is that he seems to go that speed on every play. In my experience in football you don’t get injured when your playing 100% and physical through the whistle. The time you get injured is when you let up for a second…
-TJ McDonald went out. But another one that shook it off. We dodged the bullet again here. It looked like GW rotated Barron back to Safety and Forrest in at LB when TJ went down.
– Bennie is out. That’s bad. He knows “the chinese” offense. He’s our 3rd security blanket. Really bad week for it because the Bill’s defense brings all sorts of cleverly disguised and exotic twists, stunts and blitzes. Hint: quick draw play! My “suggestion” is to have an alternate kickoff returner when Benny returns healthy like Mike Thomas or Pharoah Cooper. The best suggestion is call “fair catch” and take the ball at the 25 yard line all the time.
Coaching Twilight Zone
Jeff Fisher ? Who is this guy? Throwing caution to the wind and going for the killshot on fourth down instead of Greg the leg and a 56 yard FG? Did Arians and Fisher switch bodies? Granted it didn’t work. But haven’t we all been begging for those type of calls? 7 times out of 10 that’s how you beat a team like Arizona on the road. TD’s in the fourth quarter not FG’s. Was it the right call? I don’t know. I sure questioned it the way the game was going. Was is a massive shift in philosophy? Sure was. I’m pretty convinced Fisher is got the memo about two things after last year. The importance of TD’s vs FG ‘s and converting 3rd downs. Which is one reason I think the Rams liked Goff so much. His red zone ability was unrivaled in college.
The Rams fans coaching carousel fan favorite Bruce Arians got jacked at home by Fisherball and Case Keenum.
GW called a nice game. Brought pressure early on Palmer. The key was the Rams were hitting Palmer. Palmer does fine with pressure, not with hits.
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