Marshall Faulk, Merlin Olsen ranked among top 60 players of all time https://t.co/IhUZNveVpR via @theramswire

— RamsNewsNow (@RamsNewsNow) October 12, 2019

Rams' 3 biggest causes for concern against the 49ers in Week 6 https://t.co/NBYMSzbgd8

— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) October 12, 2019

Rams passing more, but less effectively, as they face tough 49ers defense

link: https://www.ocregister.com/2019/10/10/rams-passing-more-but-less-effectively-as-they-face-tough-49ers-defense/

THOUSAND OAKS — The Rams’ passing game brings to mind the old joke about the math-challenged discount store owner who loses money on every sale but says he makes it up in volume.

By most measures of passing-attack effectiveness, the Rams are below the NFL average this season, a lot less efficient than they were last year. Yet they keep throwing, nearly 45 pass attempts a game, selling more of an unprofitable product.

Jared Goff sounds as if he wishes he could keep flinging the ball around the field, but knows an imbalanced offense isn’t ideal.

“Obviously, as a quarterback, you love throwing the ball,” Goff said this week. “But you do know — especially in the NFL — it’s not the best recipe for success to be throwing it so many times.”

The Rams (3-2) might wish to pass less and run more in Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers (4-0), since the Niners have been the league’s hardest team to complete a pass against, led by cornerback Richard Sherman and defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Nick Bosa.

But they might not be able to. Rams running back Todd Gurley is uncertain to play Sunday after bruising his left thigh in last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. If Gurley (4,817 career rushing yards) is out, the rushing workload falls to Malcolm Brown (628) and rookie Darrell Henderson (0). So the ground game could continue to shrink.

To hear the Rams tell it, passing more wasn’t the plan for this season. They say they’ve been forced into it, mainly because they’ve trailed nearly half the time in their past three games, including almost all of the Sept. 29 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“We’re throwing the ball because w’re trailing in games and have to play catch-up, because we have to. It’s not what we want to do,” said Robert Woods, one of eight Rams who have caught Goff’s passes this season.

“We’re getting the yards. We’re just not completing our drives. I think the biggest thing is completing our drives, scoring touchdowns, and that will allow us to be more balanced.”

That’s somewhat accurate.

While it’s true the Rams have thrown a lot when they’ve trailed, they’ve also done it early in games when they’ve been tied. In Rams drives while the score is still 0-0, they’ve thrown 26 times (15 completions) while running 12 times, actually a slightly higher pass-to-run ratio than in the rest of those games.

Goff’s 68 pass attempts (third most for a single game in NFL history) while nearly pulling off a comeback against Tampa Bay are a big reason the Rams have thrown 222 times, tied with the Atlanta Falcons for most in the league in 2019.

But even if you ignored the Tampa Bay game, the Rams would still have more passes per game than all but six other teams. (And those six other teams are a combined 10-19-1.)

They’re passing more than they did in 2018 and far more than in 2017, when Gurley was rushing to the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award.

Maybe it’s because they’re throwing so much — not always in ideal situations — that Goff’s passing statistics have almost all trended downward. The quarterback with the league’s largest guaranteed contract has its 25th-best passer rating, when it was seventh best last season.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan sounded as if the 49ers are preparing for the best version of whatever the Rams show on Sunday.

“They seem to get about 500 yards every game and almost 40 points every game, so it seems like regardless how they do it, to me, it doesn’t matter,” Shanahan said of the Rams, who average 413 yards (fifth in the league) and 29.2 points (sixth). “Whether you’re throwing it or running it, it’s just good offense. They have the scheme and they have the players to do either one.

“I’m sure it will balance out a little bit more for them as the year goes, like it does for most people. I don’t see that as a negative for them, I see that as a positive. They are hard to deal with in the pass game, and everyone knows how good they’ve been at running the ball and how good their backs can be.”

The Rams’ passing game might improve as young center Brian Allen and left guard Joe Noteboom mature, and if Goff finds still more favorite targets, on top of Woods, Cooper Kupp, and Brandin Cooks. Tight end Gerald Everett set career highs with seven catches for 136 yards Oct. 3 against Seattle.

Rams passing-game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Shane Waldron said balance is a goal, but that this can change depending on what an opposing defense permits.

“We’ve got to keep doing a good job of staying the course and trusting the process over the results,” Waldron said.

Goff said he’s ready, whatever the process produces.

“Obviously, moving forward we don’t want to throw the ball 50 times every game,” he said. “But if that’s what happens, and that’s the way we have to do it, I’m good with it.”

The floor routine of the most decorated woman in world gymnastics championships history: @Simone_Biles 🥇#Stuttgart2019 pic.twitter.com/W3rSS6EX6z

— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) October 8, 2019

49ers Film Room: More brilliant play calling from Kyle Shanahan, including that called-shot TD to George Kittle

– How 18/19 force (OZ) complements 14/15 Wanda FB Sift (IZ)
– Utilizing Coleman in the RPO game
– How good scouting led to Kittle TD

Link: https://t.co/NWKyhMudul pic.twitter.com/jqxDZLWx0d

— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) October 10, 2019

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – – October 11, 2019

(Opening Remarks)
“From an injury standpoint, (RB) Todd (Gurley II) will be doubtful for the game, (CB) Aqib (Talib) will be out and then everybody else that was on the injury report should be in good shape. (LB) Clay (Matthews) is not going to play with his jaw wired shut.”

(On if RB Todd Gurley II will be a game time decision if he plays)
“He’s (listed as) doubtful right now. We’ll have a little bit more clarity and it’s really just kind of taking our time making that decision.”

(On how Gurley missed a few games last season and if Gurley doesn’t play on Sunday, how he thinks it will impact them)
“What you know is that you’ve got a lot of confidence in (RB) Malcolm Brown. (RB) Darrell Henderson (Jr.) is a guy that has a skillset that we do feel good about. If that’s the case, then obviously Malcolm, we feel more than confident can handle that and Darrell will look to get in there as well. As far as anybody else, that’s something that will be determined once we have the status of (RB) Todd (Gurley II) for sure kind of determined for us.”

(On if he has been able to get a read on if Gurley is improving)
“I talked to him before and he’s in a good place. I think he knows his body as well as anybody. I think we all know what a tough, elite competitor he’s been in terms of the things that he’s been able to push through. Really, it’s just about that collaboration, that communication and then making sure we do, No. 1, what’s best for him. He’ll always be able to communicate that honestly with us. We’re a better team when we do have Todd Gurley, but if he’s not feeling right, then that’s where you have the confidence in the other guys to step up.”

(On how close he has been to using RB Darrell Henderson Jr.)
“There’s a situation where you have a lot of confidence in him. (Running Backs Coach) Skip (Peete) has done a very nice job with him. But then, there’ a so been some things where it’s like, okay, haven’t been able to really run it as much just based on some of the circumstances and you want to really try to get (RB) Todd (Gurley II) and (RB) Malcolm (Brown) more involved and then you’re trying to find touches for Darrell. It’s been a positive problem for us, but he is a guy that we always anticipated at some point, whether it’s this week or down the line, is going to help this football team. That’s something that I do believe will happen at some point.”

(On how Henderson’s skillset is different from the other running backs)
“He is a complete back like those other two. He’s a slasher-type runner. Really, haven’t seen him a whole lot in some of those live game settings other than the preseason or when you’re evaluating his Memphis tape. He’s got a great feel for the game. I’ve heard (Former Head Coach) Mike Shanahan say this, ‘Some of the best runners you’re around, usually you don’t have to tell them how to run the ball.’ They have a good feel for it and they have an understanding of where the play starts. Kind of feeling and picking and choosing their spots accordingly. He’s got great hands. He’s got a nice skillset that makes him a versatile piece and that’s a reason why we like him so much.”

(On if Gurley has been evacuated from his home after tweeting about his mandatory evacuation)
“He has and a couple other players. I know that they are okay, but those fires – I could smell them when I was driving over here. It’s so unfortunate and it gives you such a perspective. This is now the third year in a row that stuff has happened. Obviously, I’m newer to this area, but it’s so unfortunate when you watch people have to go through that. It’s affected three of our players right and hopefully it’ll be something that they’re able to return back to their homes with no damage done and guys get everything under control.”

(On if he is able to say which players got evacuated)
“It’s (OLB) Samson (Ebukam) and (S) John Johnson (III).

(On if all the players are at the facility)
“Yeah, they’re here. Everybody is okay, but I can only imagine how I would feel. A couple years ago, we had to get evacuated from my house and that’s an unnerving thing. Is it close, is it not? Those are things that are not fun to go through and you never wish that, especially on our guys.”

(On if there is any point of emphasis on the defense as far as making adjustments)
“What we want to do is, let’s look at what are the reasons why? There are some instances, too where the points can be a little bit misleading where offensively, we turn the ball over and gave them some short fields against Tampa (Bay Buccaneers). It’s always about the team, but it’s really, okay, if it is focused on the defense, what are the things that we haven’t done that have enabled teams to be able to make some plays? How do we face that? How do we fix it and then, how do we make sure that we do it better if it’s something that the 49ers activate? I think before you even get into your game preparation for your upcoming opponent, you’ve got to make sure that you’re aware of fixing your mistakes and making sure you don’t leave those same things susceptible to being attacked again. Our guys have done a great job. I’m confident that it’s going to be a great challenge, but guys are going to be ready to go and play well on Sunday.”

(On having a lot of personalities from his defensive backs and what he thinks it is about those personalities that make for a good secondary)
“I think the one thing that is consistent, we’ve got some coaches with some great personalities too. I think that there’s a mutual love for football. The guys all work hard, they enjoy that and there’s a consistent accountability. I think when you’ve got the consistent core beliefs and a mutual respect for one another, that’s really a good chemistry that they have. We enjoy it and that’s part of the deal. You want guys that have some swag, some confidence. That’s really what you feel from that room.”

(On if CB Aqib Talib’s injury is a bruise or a break)
“It’s his ribs. I guess we’d have to ask (Director of Sports Medicine and Performance) Reggie (Scott) specifically, but those are things that really do effect and inhibit your ability to move around. It’s his ribs.”

(On if he would consider bringing RB John Kelly off the practice squad and making active for this game)
“That could be something that we would explore. If Todd’s out, you might have to find another spot to get three backs up. That could be something that you could see us potentially do, definitely.”

(On his confidence level in CB Troy Hill stepping in for Talib)
“Very high. He’s played a lot of football. He played a lot of football last year. We think he’s a starting-caliber player. He’s got great short-space quickness, good agilities, good lateral movement. He’s got a good understanding of what we’re trying to get done. Really, he’s one of those versatile players that can play corner, he can play the nickel spot for us. His movement, his competitiveness, you look at when we played them (San Francisco 49ers) in week 7 last year, the interception that he made on the jeep in-breaking route – really impressive. When Troy’s played, he’s played well, he’s played at a high level and we’re very confident in Troy.”

(On Gurley’s injury catching him off guard)
“Here’s what I would say, I don’t know that it caught me off guard is the best way to articulate it. I think it was one of those deals where he’s so physical that you’re just saying you get your typical bumps and bruises usually you turn over pretty quickly. That was communicated to me that he had taken a good shot. He has adrenaline going and he’s so tough to just continue compete. He stayed loose during the course of the game, so it didn’t pull him out, but when you look at it if you get caught in the right spot, those things it’s hard where you can’t get that full range of motion back. Especially when so much of your movement is predicated on being able to put your foot in the ground and have those reactionary movements as a runner. I don’t know that it caught me off guard, but I think he got caught with a little bit better injury, in terms of the shot that he took then maybe I had realized is probably a better way of saying it. He communicated it to us, but that is really what happened.”

(On if he came in for treatment over the weekend)
“Yeah he came in immediately. He’s been doing everything in his power to be able to get himself ready to go. He’s held up his end of the bargin and that’s why you have such a respect for these running backs and the toll that it takes when you just look at what a physical game it is out there. You’re standing on the sidelines and all it does is week-in and week-out continue to give you an appreciation for what these guys do and how physical this game is with the high-level caliber of athletes and the type of collisions that you’re seeing.”

How good are the #49ers through the first five weeks of the season? @PFF_Sam gives you the rundown.

See if he thinks those grades are for real, or just a hot streak and check out the full podcast here. https://t.co/FW0VcDfntM pic.twitter.com/GJFacVGsT0

— PFF SF 49ers (@PFF_49ers) October 11, 2019

Nick Wagoner@nwagoner
#49ers injury report for Sunday against the Rams:

Out — FB Kyle Juszczyk (knee), T Mike McGlinchey (knee), T Joe Staley (fibula), CB Ahkello Witherspoon (foot).

Questionable — TE George Kittle (groin).

Shanahan said he expects Kittle to play.

Lindsey Thiry@LindseyThiry
Rams WR Brandin Cooks (Concussion) was a full participant in today’s practice.

Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
Sean McVay said Todd Gurley is doubtful and Aqib Talib is out vs. 49ers this weekend.

“Doubtful” basically means “out.” In 2017, 4 of 161 players listed as doubtful ended up playing. In 2016, 8 of 207 did

Same shot…the normal skin tone is CBS…the red faced skin tone is CNN…this is modern day PSYOPS. Especially with a weak minded populace like we have here.#Bernie2020 https://t.co/gyLy8Y7INF

— Mike4SFmayor 🌹 (@CaccioppoliMike) October 11, 2019

Rams Wire@TheRamsWire
Marcus Peters is one of PFF’s top 10 CBs in NFL this season

—

Rams will explore using TEs Higbee and Everett together more this season https://t.co/IjS07QChWQ

— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) October 11, 2019

A Rams win could reaffirm their grip on the West.
A loss could leave us questioning this season’s expectations.
TONS at stake vs the 49ers this week.
https://t.co/7Gm5whXetE

— skyeattolah (@Skyeattolah) October 10, 2019

Bate™@NoPlanB_
Want the #LARams to run more 2-TE sets? Your prayers may soon be answered. McVay:

“I would say that being able to get Gerald and Tyler on the field a little bit more with some of the different things we can do…it’s definitely something that you can expect to see us expand on.”

—

Albert Breer
https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/10/10/dolphins-josh-rosen-redskins-dwayne-haskins-nfl-week-6?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=themmqb&utm_source=twitter.com

Gurley is getting the ball a little less than he has in the past so far this season. The 25-year-old back has had medical issues in the past, coming into the league with a degenerative condition in his knee, and last year didn’t end the way anyone wanted it. Put it all together, and it’s clear the Rams are trying to have him peak closer to the end of the season.

I don’t think the Rams, or Gurley himself, are 100% what sure what lays ahead and have approached it as such, which means it’s a play-it-by-ear situation.