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znModeratorWith Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator, the Atlanta Falcons feature a blitz-heavy attack. According to Pro Football Reference, they blitz 35.4% of the time, which is the second-highest rate of any team. They also rank second in the NFL with 50 sacks, in large part because of how often they send extra rushers at the quarterback.
That plan may not work very well against the Rams this week. Matthew Stafford has made a living picking apart defenses that blitz him this year, putting up some eye-popping numbers when five or more players are on the rush.
He has thrown 26 touchdown passes and only one interception when blitzed this season, according to Pro Football Focus. His 126.1 passer rating is the best in the NFL against the blitz, completing 83 passes for first downs – also the most of any quarterback.
znModeratorfrom espn, 36 NFL rookies on the 1 big lesson they learned this season: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47383983/nfl-rookies-tyler-shough-malaki-starks-cowboys-bears-packers
LOS ANGELES — Tight end Terrance Ferguson was a second-round pick out of Oregon, drafted to a Los Angeles Rams team that was heavy at the position.
And because the rookie missed time during training camp with a groin injury — and tight end is a difficult position to learn in a Sean McVay offense — Ferguson spent most of the first quarter of the season on the scout team. He was also a healthy scratch in Weeks 3 and 4.
“{I learned to use} those reps to get better, not just feeling sorry or using them to get by [and] get through the day, but using them to actually get better,” Ferguson said. “And I think that really served me well.”
It didn’t take his head coach long to notice.
“You see some of the things that he was able to do and you’re saying, ‘Man, maybe we should get those plays in,’ because he’s doing an excellent job of bringing some of that stuff to life against a great defense that we have,” McVay said.
Ferguson was active in Week 5 because starter Tyler Higbee was dealing with a hip injury, and he was ready. He caught his only target for a 21-yard reception, but his best game was last Thursday when he had three catches and a touchdown in an OT loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Through 15 weeks, Ferguson has nine catches for 177 yards and two touchdowns.
znModeratorWhere can the Bears offense attack the 49ers defense?
"You can attack them really anywhere," @BaldyNFL says, pointing out the 49ers have lost a lot of talent on that side of the ball.
But the 49ers defense is well-coached and plays really, really hard. pic.twitter.com/44Y333pLdc
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) December 24, 2025
znModeratorIf the Rams take Atlanta, the war is virtually over.
I say after Atlanta, keep going. March to the sea.
Absolutely. It would be awesome to do something historically unprecedented like that.
I was a disappointed to find out my analogy doesn’t hold up. Turns out, Arizona does not border the ocean. (That’s true, I looked it up.) So my little Revolutionary War analogy isn’t very accurate.
znModeratorWhitworth discusses the backwards 2-pointer starting at about 5:57. He talks about other things but I thought I’d put it here.
znModeratorWR Davante Adams (hamstring) may be shut down for the final two weeks of the regular season to ensure he’s as healthy as possible heading into the playoffs, per @JFowlerESPN pic.twitter.com/1jo1Wf4HH0
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) December 25, 2025
znModeratorPoona Ford executing two corkscrew moves to stop run plays … nit just make a pile, but get in on tacjle.
"By the way, what kind of name is 'Poona?'"
"Commanche Indian" pic.twitter.com/1LOa5SmGTA
— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) December 23, 2025
znModeratorJosh@JoshiosTweets
According to @NextGenStats, the Rams defense has 11 turnovers caused due to pressure. That leads the leagueznModeratorChills… 🥶 pic.twitter.com/cHaT793yEr
— x – Rams Tapes 🇵🇷 (@RamsTapes) December 25, 2025
znModeratorNate Atkins@NateAtkins_
The Rams have designated CB Roger McCreary for return from injured reserve.He was the team’s lone trade acquisition from the Titans this season but went out after his first defensive action against the Seahawks in Week 11.
Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Updates from Sean McVay on Roger McCreary and Quentin Lake:– McCreary’s practice window opening today “with the intentions of him being able to play.”
– “Most likely” will open Lake’s practice window next week.
Sarah Barshop@sarahbarshop
Sean McVay said the Rams will “most likely” open the practice window for Quentin Lake next week.McVay said Lake is “making great progress” and indicated Lake may be able to play in Week 18. Lake dislocated his left elbow in Week 11.
znModeratorNate Atkins@NateAtkins_
The Rams have designated CB Roger McCreary for return from injured reserve.He was the team’s lone trade acquisition from the Titans this season but went out after his first defensive action against the Seahawks in Week 11.
Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Updates from Sean McVay on Roger McCreary and Quentin Lake:– McCreary’s practice window opening today “with the intentions of him being able to play.”
– “Most likely” will open Lake’s practice window next week.
znModeratorHouston Stressans@TexansCommenter
Tony Dungy, Rodney Harrison & Jack Collinsworth on who they think the best team in the AFC is:TD: “Houston Texans. I like Houston where they’ve come. I like the way that defense is. CJ’s playing better.”
RH: “I would say NE & HOU. Houston w/ that defense is ridiculous.
JC: “I think the Texans are one of those sleeper teams right now too. Who the heck plays better defense than the Texans. Then if you get Stroud heating up.”
znModeratorPuka Nacua's production this season has been as complete as you could ask for from a wide receiver.
He's been one of the most efficient receivers at the catch point and after it, ranking first in both contested catches and yards after catch, among other stats. pic.twitter.com/GpIR7dqlvD
— Wyatt Miller (@wymill07) December 24, 2025
znModeratorNate Atkins@NateAtkins_
The Rams have designated CB Roger McCreary for return from injured reserve.He was the team’s lone trade acquisition from the Titans this season but went out after his first defensive action against the Seahawks in Week 11.
znModeratorIf the Rams take Atlanta, the war is virtually over.
I say after Atlanta, keep going. March to the sea.
znModeratorBucky Brooks@BuckyBrooks
What does it Philip Rivers’ success after a 5-year layoff say about the league’s QB development process? How can a 44-year old throw for nearly 300 yards after sitting on the couch when so many young QBs struggle? Sounds like an off-season project for NFL front offices..Mitchell Schwartz@MitchSchwartz71
We’ve got to stop this “sitting on a couch” narrative. He’s been coaching, running an offense similar to the one he’s playing in, and in communication with the HC who he previously played for. If any of the under 25 guys now play until they’re 40, I guarantee you they can come off the “couch” 5 years after that and mentally handle running an NFL offense. Your body fails but you never get less experienced or knowledgeable. It says that one of the better QBs the NFL has seen that was really smart learned a lot about football in his career and then he stayed sharp by coaching and it turns out he’s still smart enough to run an offense. I’m not sure why anyone should be surprised by that.And to follow that up like…we’re seeing younger QBs developing just fine. Mahomes Lamar Allen Dak Goff in that mid age on 3rd deals and restructures. Burrow, Herbert, Lawrence, Love, Purdy, Hurts as second contract guys. Stroud, Maye, Caleb, Daniels, Nix as 1st contract. I’m sure I’m missing others. I think the NFL is doing just fine. A rookie made it to the conference championship last year. A 2nd year guy might win MVP this year. I really do not get this referendum on QB development we’ve been having since Rivers came back.
znModeratorfrom Tom Pelissero, NFL GMs, other executives vote on 2025 season awards: Who wins MVP? Coach of the Year? — https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-gms-other-executives-vote-on-2025-season-awards-who-wins-mvp-coach-of-the-year
My annual early awards survey was completed this week by high-ranking executives from 30 NFL teams, including 21 general managers. All 30 individuals participated on the condition of anonymity for competitive reasons and to provide an honest assessment.
Who are the big winners in seven notable categories? Here’s a rundown, with help from statistics compiled by NFL Media researcher Ben Peake.
Most Valuable Player:
Matthew StaffordStafford outdistanced the field with 18 votes as he closes out perhaps the best season of his illustrious career. At age 37, Stafford leads the NFL in passing yards (4,179), touchdown passes (40) and passer rating (112.1) for the 11-4 Rams. He has thrown just five interceptions — the type of ratio that helped Aaron Rodgers win four MVPs in Green Bay. Stafford’s passer rating of 132.0 on deep throws (20-plus air yards) and 127.9 against the blitz are both best in the NFL. And he’s gotten even hotter down the stretch, throwing at least two passing touchdowns in nine straight games — a Rams record and the longest such streak in his career.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was the runner-up with five votes. Still just 23 years old and in his second NFL season, Maye leads the NFL with a 70.9% completion percentage — topping Tom Brady’s franchise-record 68.9% in 2007 — and would be the youngest player ever to the lead the NFL in that category. (Joe Montana was 24 when he completed 64.5% of his passes in 1980.) Along with the arrival of head coach Mike Vrabel, Maye’s growth is a big reason the Patriots have made the biggest jump in total wins from last season (4-13 in 2024 to 12-3 with two games to go this season).
Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the reigning AP NFL MVP, got four votes. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett got two. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert received one.
znModeratorPuka Nacua reception percentage per target this season is at a staggering 78.6%
Comparatively,
Jaxson Smith-Njigba 72.7%
George Pickens 68.2%
Ja’Mar Chase (2024) 72.6%
Cooper Kupp (2021) 75.9%
Tyreek Hill (2022) 70.0%Puka’s Contested Catch rating:
100 overall pic.twitter.com/HBFQJ1TiKX— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) December 24, 2025
znModeratorGames of interest.
It’s the obvious ones.
1 PM et
Seattle at Carolina
4:25 PM et
Eagles at Buffalo
8:20 PM et
Bears at SF
znModeratorfrom PFF, Ranking the 20 best NFL free-agent signings from the 2025 offseason: https://www.pff.com/news/ranking-the-20-best-nfl-free-agent-signings-from-the-2025-offseason
#2
WR Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams compiled a tremendous offseason on several fronts, headlined by extending Matthew Stafford. But, their signing of Adams in particular has paid immediate dividends in helping the team become a Super Bowl frontrunner.Even at age 33, Adams has returned to peak form in his first year catching passes from Stafford and running routes alongside Puka Nacua. His 84.1 PFF receiving grade is not only the 11th-best among qualified receivers, but also his highest since 2022. The ex-Packer has been extremely friendly for his quarterback with a 112.6 passer rating when targeted, too.
The Rams pace the NFL in offensive EPA per play and success rate, and Adams’ contributions have certainly helped spur that production.
#8
Dl Poona Ford, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams already boasted top-notch defensive line talent going into 2025 in the form of Jared Verse, Byron Young and Kobie Turner. Still, that didn’t stop general manager Les Snead from making a splash in Ford — and the addition has been phenomenal.Ford has proliferated his outstanding play from a year ago in SoFi Stadium. In 2025, his 89.5 overall PFF grade is the second-best among qualified interior defenders. While Ford has been good as a pass-rusher with a 73.2 PFF pass-rushing grade, he’s made his mark in run defense — procuring an 85.5 PFF run-defense grade with a 12.7% run stop rate.
Los Angeles’ defensive line holds top-five figures against both the pass and run this year, and Ford is an indispensable part of that.
#20
LB Nate Landman, Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles’ defense has been nearly as effective as its offense, placing sixth in EPA per play and eighth in success rate. While the team’s defensive line is particularly ferocious, positive plays from those like Landman have also been instrumental.Landman was an unheralded signing from the Falcons but has performed like an above-average linebacker in Los Angeles. His 73.7 overall PFF grade is 18th among qualifiers, and his 79.4 PFF run-defense grade is 16th in that same group. Landman also places in the 81st percentile in PFF coverage grade (67.4) and in the 90th percentile in run stop rate (9.2%).
The Rams were so impressed with Landman that they bestowed a three-year, $22.5 million extension upon him in late November. He’s definitely helped shore up what had previously been a shakier portion of Chris Shula’s defense.
znModeratorLos Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
Kam Curl leads all NFL safeties in solo tackles (71) and ranks 8th in tackles causing unsuccessful plays for the offense (28). He’s one of two safeties with 100+ tackles and 2.0 sacks on the season.December 24, 2025 at 8:48 am in reply to: The Stafford thread…update 12/31: huge S.I. article #160531znModeratorThe league leaders in Big Time Throws this season 🚀 https://t.co/IER3AMZRi1 pic.twitter.com/axieFyahn5
— PFF (@PFF) December 24, 2025
znModeratorI wonder if Nate Atkins realizes how fucked up these rags-to-riches capitalism stories really are?
I doubt it.
Doesn’t make him a bad sports writer obviously, but it does make him a typical mainstream American journalist.
But then Rodrigue didn’t show any signs of being any different. Not that I saw.
znModeratorznModeratorSince 1999, only 2 players have gone for more receiving yards than Nacua in a 3-game stretch during a single season.
For 4 of the top 5 seasons in that chart, the qb was Stafford. It’s Calvin Johnson 3 times, and Nacua once.
znModeratorPuka Nacua is on a historic run over the past three weeks, during which he's totaled 573 yards receiving.
Since 1999, only 2 players have gone for more receiving yards than Nacua in a 3-game stretch during a single season. pic.twitter.com/nxNdpEb7Xl
— Wyatt Miller (@wymill07) December 23, 2025
znModeratorChris Simms on the 49ers – Bears game:
“The 49ers defense is not very good. You heard Monday night, they can’t get there with the front 4. Most people can’t name a lot of the players in the secondary… I think Chicago is going to go in there and beat them.”
Mike Florio has the… pic.twitter.com/9UUTNWPZ0z
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) December 24, 2025
znModeratorByron Young is a Pro Bowler for the first time with an 11-sack season.
Crazy rise for a guy who 6 years ago was an assistant manager at Dollar General looking for small school walk-on tryouts.
One of the coolest underdog stories:https://t.co/4rfLs3DSsk
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) December 23, 2025
znModeratorATLANTA
Offense
yds 14th
points 25th
yds per pass attempt 12TH
yds per rush attempt 12th
qb sacked percentage 4th
RZ efficiency (TD only) 5th
turnovers 14thDefense
points 21st
yds 14th
yds per pass attempt 12th
yds per rush attempt 26th
RZ efficiency (TD only) 12th
pressure percentage 7th
turnovers 13thRAMS
Offense
yds 1st
points 1st
yds per pass attempt 2nd
yds per rush attempt 9th
qb sacked percentage 3rd
RZ efficiency (TD only) 4th
turnovers 5thDefense
yds 16th
points 6th
yds per pass attempt 10th
yds per rush attempt 10th
RZ efficiency (TD only) 3rd
pressure percentage 9th
turnovers 4thznModeratorLos Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
Rams Team Offensive Grades through 15 games, per @PFF:
– 1st in Offensive Grade (93.5)
– 1st in Passing Grade (93.2)
– 1st in Receiving Grade (90.8)
– 1st in Run Blocking Grade (88.5)
– 5th in Rushing Grade (88.5) -
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