Los Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
OL Steve Avila (@Stevelavila) has not allowed a sack, quarterback hit, pressure or hurry in consecutive weeks.

According to @PFF, his 88.5 pass blocking grade in Week 17 vs. Arizona was the sixth-highest in the NFL and the second-highest among guards. It was the highest single-game pass blocking grade of his career.

from: https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/30/rams-cooper-kupp-sean-mcvay-stats-recent-games/?taid=6773ced0db443200010c9993&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

In the last three weeks, Kupp has just four receptions for 53 yards, and that includes a zero-catch game against the 49ers.

When Sean McVay was asked about his star receiver’s play as of late, he had this to say.

“I think he’s played well,” McVay said. “I think it really comes down to are we getting opportunities? The receiver position is unique because there are so many things that you’re relying on to be able to be a factor, protection… Does the coverage dictate me getting the football and am I getting the opportunity? With what he can control, I think he’s done a good job.”

…

@speed_kills@speedk1lls
I thought the explosiveness was there prior to the ankle. Very similar to last year. He’s hurting. and it shows

NFL Rumors@nflrums
The Detroit Lions go UNDEAFEATED on the road for the first time in team history..

InvaderRam wrote:

i’m also hoping they sign staley for new rams left tackle.

I agree, sign Stafford.

At OT, I would sign Jackson. Improved over last year, solid, knows the system. I would draft tackles though. 1 to replace Hav sooner if not later. They need OT depth. I would also argue that you don’t bring in a new FA to replace a young one who has been with you…keep your guy, and use FA money to bring in an outsider who fits a position where you have issues to fix.

Here’s PFF on Jackson. One of these comments is embedded in their take on the Steelers LOT, Dan Moore.

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2025-nfl-free-agent-rankings

46. T Alaric Jackson, Los Angeles Rams
The former undrafted free agent out of Iowa has settled in quite nicely over the past few years protecting the blindside of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, with a career year across the board in 2024 coming at just the right time.

Top free agent comparison: Jared Veldheer, 2014

47. T Dan Moore, Pittsburgh Steelers
… Moore and Los Angeles Rams tackle Alaric Jackson stand to benefit as the young, potential multi-year solutions at left tackle who are hitting free agency.

Zooey wrote:

zn wrote:

There are matchups where the Rams aren;t quite ready to win yet, no matter how well they play. That’s just how I see it.

Yeah, I think that’s true. But you asked for one good game, and I think we will get it. We might get two. Depending on what you mean by “good.”

I think the window we are looking it ranges from “Crappy game against Seattle, followed by a thumping like the one they got from Philadelphia” on the low end, to “Some things to really like about the Seattle game, followed by a valiant effort in the Divisional Round, but ultimately just not enough.” That’s what I think the bell curve looks like to me. I’m sure there are other multiverses out there in which things end far worse or far better, but I expect that to be the low side/high side of the next couple of weeks.

We’re just tabulating this somewhat differently. I am counting as a good, watchable game as one they win with the starters. They could play well in a playoff loss, but my own private “what I want to watch” meter isn’t counting that.

On this, I am being a spoiled fan, exercising the god-given right of every spoiled fan to bitch and whine a bit. 😎 It’s actually kind of liberating.

Zooey wrote:

He didn’t age 10 years after the Buffalo game. He didn’t forget how to play. He’s had pretty good protection. So, he’s hurt. Maybe he got a bad bruise in his shoulder, or fractured his ring finger, or something. In which case… you know… he could be fine in two weeks.

I’m with you. The Buffalo and Minnie games stand out as exceptions to this “Stafford doddering on the edge of geriatric collapse” argument.

Zooey wrote:

I propose that we vote against zn’s proposal for a good game against Seattle, and instead put Stafford on ice until next Monday, then fire him up.

I didn’t propose that. I assume Stafford will be out against Seattle. That just means the final game is less fun for me. I didn’t argue that Stafford should play in that game. I just accepted that he isn’t but then lamented that that comes close to meaning the end of fun to watch games.

Of course he should rest. It would be stupid not to do that. But…the game is, then, less watchable, for me anyway.

My hope for one more good game would be if they win in the first playoff round. That depends on who they play, I think.

…

I don’t really look forward to this that much. I don’t like watching the 2s in a meaningless game, and then that could be quickly followed by a Rams playoff defeat, depending on who they get in the first round (not their year). So if it goes that way–a 2s game followed by a playoff loss–the next good Rams game we get to see will be next September. Unless they win their 1st playoff game, which depends on who they play. That could be a win and a good watch, depending.

I just want one good game before the season ends.

They could do a lot between now and September and field a real contender in 2025. Need to draft and/or sign an OT, a CB or 2, an ILB, and probably a fast receiver. Which is all do-able.

All that remains… 👀

🏈 AFC Wild Card – Bengals, Broncos, Dolphins
🏈 NFC South – Buccaneers, Falcons pic.twitter.com/SmsZj8aatW

— DraftKings (@DraftKings) December 30, 2024

Greg Beacham@gregbeacham
The Rams win the NFC West for the 4th time in 8 seasons under Sean McVay. Only Chuck Knox (5) won more division titles as the Rams’ coach. McVay’s 7 winning seasons are a team record, and now his 6th playoff berth matches John Robinson’s record.

Sarah Barshop@sarahbarshop
The Rams are the first team in NFL history to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons after being three games under .500, according to ESPN Research.

One play puts 2 teams into the playoffs. Commanders clinch a wild card and the @RamsNFL clinch the NFC West pic.twitter.com/QL7aUiFRT7

— trey wingo (@wingoz) December 30, 2024

nittany ram wrote:

Maybe they can trade Joe Noteboom for Justin Jefferson?

No way. You don’t trade a franchise lineman like that for just another receiver.