tweets & stuff like that … 10/8 & 10/9

from: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/10/8/20904105/los-angeles-rams-news-49ers-week-samson-ebukam-jared-goff-andrew-whitworth-todd-gurley-taylor-rapp

Rams’ Super Bowl odds drop after disappointing 3-2 start | RamsWire
Rams' Super Bowl odds drop after disappointing 3-2 start

It’s not surprising to see the Rams fall in Vegas sportsbooks and NFL power rankings. A win against the undefeated 49ers would be a good way to flip the script.

Cooper Kupp could set new career highs with Rams by end of October | FanSided

Cooper Kupp could set new career highs with Rams by end of October

Is Cooper Kupp the Rams’ best WR? That’s debatable. Is he the most critical to the Rams’ offensive success? Without a doubt.

As Matthews’ fill-in, Ebukam hopes to go beyond his one-game fame | LA Times
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2019-10-07/samson-ebukam-clay-matthews-fill-in-rams-chiefs-49ers-nfl-injury

It was one of the most productive performances by a defensive player in NFL history — and Rams linebacker Samson Ebukam produced it on “Monday Night Football” in only his second season.

Rams’ Samson Ebukam gets new opportunity after Clay Matthews’ injury | Press Enterprise
link: https://www.pe.com/2019/10/07/rams-samson-ebukam-gets-new-opportunity-after-clay-matthews-injury/

A few articles on Samson Ebukam, who will take over Clay Matthews’ starting role at EDGE while he recovers from a broken jaw. I know it’s fun to call him Ebulamb, but I think he’s played very well in a more limited role this season. Let’s see if he can finally relive the promise he showed during his career game against the Chiefs last season.

Andrew Whitworth reflects on reaching 200 career starts | Rams Official
https://www.therams.com/news/andrew-whitworth-reflects-on-reaching-200-career-starts

All class and HOF talent. Watching Greg Robinson’s turnstile act against SF last night, I wondered: What if the Rams had never signed Whitworth? Would Sean McVay still be lauded as a genius? Would Jared Goff be the highest paid player in the NFL?

Rams tight ends capitalize on opportunities against Seahawks | Rams Official
https://www.therams.com/news/rams-tight-ends-capitalize-on-opportunities-against-seahawks

As the Rams run more 2 TE sets, it’s reasonable to suggest the uptick in TE production would follow. Goff and Co. downplay it, but at least in the case of Gerald Everett, I think there’s clearly a conscious effort to get him more involved.

Sean McVay shares injury updates on Taylor Rapp and Clay Matthews | RamsWire
Sean McVay shares injury updates on Taylor Rapp and Clay Matthews

Good news visa vi Taylor Rapp. We know the story on Matthews, but let’s just hope they can keep his weight up with his jaw wired shut.

Todd Gurley, Rams RBs must get going in passing game | RamsWire
Todd Gurley, Rams RBs must get going in passing game

Even when the Rams DO target Todd Gurley, his catch rate and YAC are indicative of the ongoing TG narrative. Is it time for third round pick Darrell Henderson to inject some life into the Rams’ screen game?

Proud to honor @BigGame81 at Thursday's game for his induction into the @NFFNetwork College Hall of Fame!#Family | #1Pack1Goal https://t.co/xgakdO2bdW

— NC State Football 🐺🐺🏈 (@PackFootball) October 7, 2019

Target share leaders through Week 5:
1. Michael Thomas: 34.6%
2. Cooper Kupp: 28.4%
3: DeAndre Hopkins: 28.4%
4. Keenan Allen: 28.3%
5. Le’Veon Bell: 27.4%

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 8, 2019

Rams Q&A: Vinny Bonsignore
https://theathletic.com/1275058/2019/10/07/live-qa-with-rams-writer-vinny-bonsignore-on-tuesday-from-1-to-2-p-m-pt-5/?=twittered

As in any workplace or situation, there are clearly people you simply click better/easier with compared to some others. So yes, there are players that I, as a reporter, have a better/closer relationship with than others. I think at this level most guys understand we have a job to do and sometimes that means having to frequently ask the same or similar questions. And yes, sometimes it’s worth pulling someone aside and just reminding them ‘hey man, just doing my job’ For me, the most important part is that when I do have to ask tough questions I do it responsibly and professionally in order to make it clear it’s not intended to embarrass anyone or troll them into reacting angrily. After doing this for as long as I have, I think the people I cover understand and respect that.

given how 49ers offense is very much in line with what Rams do as well you can be sure the Rams have an idea how to defend it. But as always it will come down to execution. I’m really looking forward to this game.

How does a QB “protect the ball” when he’s cocked back ready to throw and is blind sided? Asking for a friend…

It hasn’t always been from the blind side. So be more aware and decisive and quicker. I’m not suggesting it’s easy. But I am saying even he will tell you he needs to do better. he definitely needs to protect the ball better. Now more than ever with the blocking not as good as its been

Their argument would be they are a makeable FG away from being 4-1 right now even while (in their mind) prudently using/preserving Gurley. But this has always been a fluid situation, and I think adjusting accordingly has always been part of the plan. In no way is this hubris – this is an organizational decision made for the long-term well being of a very valuable asset. Not unlike the plan the Raptors had for K. Leonard or a baseball team might have for a prized pitcher. I’ve always felt his usage would increase throughout the year. And I think there will be games – Sunday being a prime example – where they might need to lean on him more. Very curious if that will be the case

Allen has been getting praise from coaches, so I think he’s on his way. Been a little bit of a rough start for Noteboom going from tackle to guard. Feel like Thursday was a good step for him

I think Gerald is turning a corner and I think with the Rams offense continuing to evolve it makes a lot of sense that TE will be more and more of a point of emphasis

I think Obo might be the more natural pass rusher but Patrick showed a lot of ability in camp/preseason. They are both on the team for a reason.

After using 11 personnel on 85% of plays YTD Sean McVay switched things up vs SEA.

Used 11 on only 58% of snaps & 12 on 36% of snaps (up from 5% YTD).

Problem was predictability:

100% pass on 38 snaps in 11
71% run on 24 snaps in 12
• the 7 passes from 12 were all play action

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 9, 2019

presumably aaron donald is a human. this proves otherwise pic.twitter.com/xn33Pkc2wq

— betz (@alltwentytwo) October 9, 2019

#88 Preston Dennard WR #AllTimeRamByNumber (Torry Holt is #81 recipient) Fun Facts: This talented Lobo was a 2 time nominee for NFL Man of the year during his 9 year @NFL (6 in Horns) career. Continues to Help Youth Leadership programs and countless charities in Albuquerque NM. pic.twitter.com/Vqgk1l4StX

— 𝒥𝒾𝓂 𝐸𝓋𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓉 (@Jim_Everett) October 10, 2019