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znModeratorAnonymous Law Explainer@horsepire
Here’s a quick thread on Kareem Hunt. Full disclosure: I am a prosecutor, and also a Chiefs fan. I have many thoughts on the TMZ article and video that dropped this afternoon. First, I want to say that while domestic violence is a horrible thing, this isn’t domestic violenceDomestic violence is between family or household members. When we talk about DV, or use the word “abuse,” we’re talking about violence between people in close, intimate relationships. DV, or “abuse,” is treated very differently from a punch thrown in a bar-room brawl
There are many reasons for this. Most significantly, because DV occurs in a relationship, there are power dynamics present that don’t exist between strangers. You would report a stranger for throwing a punch; you might not report your spouse. Consequently, DV is under reported
DV creates what we call a “cycle of violence.” The abuser is violent. The victim doesn’t want to report. If/when he/she does, the abuser, through promises or threats, often coerces the victim to drop charges and come back to the abuser. The cycle begins again.
There are many examples of DV perpetrated by NFL players, most infamously Ray Rice. Ray Rice knocked his girlfriend out cold. Tyreek Hill, too, was involved in a very bad DV incident. Rice never played again; Hill is one of the NFL’s most popular players
We have to be careful about sensationalizing Hunt’s conduct as “violence against women.” That marginalizes DV and abuse. If the victim in this incident had been male, the optics would be completely different. But legally, there is no difference either way. This isn’t DV/abuse.
That doesn’t condone what Hunt did, at all. But if you mention this incident in the same sentence as Ray Rice, Reuben Foster, or even Adrian Peterson, you are making the problem worse, not better, because these things aren’t remotely the same.
On the other hand, it would be extremely naive to pretend that Kareem Hunt, like 99% of NFL players, isn’t a violent person. As his coach said, the NFL isn’t a tiddlywink contest. This isn’t DV/abuse, but that doesn’t mean Hunt isn’t violent.
This makes it all the more important to be precise in our reporting, our dialogue, and our understanding of exactly what is going on here. Does the NFL have a problem with DV/abuse? Yes. With violence generally? Yes. In this incident? Not especially.More
Finally, legally speaking, this is a misdemeanor, if charges were to be filed at all (and they weren’t in February, when it happened). No one was hurt. We don’t know what was being said, or what happened that wasn’t on the video. That is important.
Kareem Hunt should probably be suspended, maybe 2-3 games. He should be held accountable for his actions. But he should not be made a scapegoat for a very real problem which the NFL has continually failed to address, because this? This ain’t it.
znModeratorMMQB: With Win Over Saints, Cowboys Prove Their Defense Can Compete With NFL’s Offensive Juggernauts
As we all penciled in conference title games among the few elite teams in the NFL and dreamt of another offensive spectacular in the Super Bowl, the Dallas Cowboys decided to make a statement on Thursday night.
DeMarcus Lawrence had said it earlier in the week, but who took him seriously? The Saints, winners of 10 straight and owners of the best record in football with the likely MVP under center, entered AT&T Stadium averaging 37.2 points per game.
Dallas didn’t care. With the fourth-best red-zone defense, third-best scoring defense and certainly the best young linebacking duo in football, the Cowboys choked out the Saints on national TV 13-10 just as Lawrence had earlier promised.
“They’re going to have to match our intensity,” Lawrence told reporters earlier in the week. “S—, for 60 minutes straight. If you hit a m—–f—– in the mouth and then they ain’t doing what they’re regularly doing, putting up 50 points, they start to get a little distressed. Now you got them where you want them at, and then you f—ing choke their ass out.”
The Saints managed just 176 yards of total offense against the Cowboys. Not only was it a season low, but also a low in the Sean Payton-Drew Brees era. The Saints hadn’t finished with fewer than 170 yards of offense in a game since 2002, when Aaron Brooks lost to the 49ers and Brees was a Charger.
Brees started the game 0-for-4 passing, something he’s never before done. The Saints, who started the night with just 14 three-and-outs all season, began the game with consecutive three-and-outs. By the end of the night, Brees would throw a game-sealing interception to Jourdan Lewis—just his third of the season—and head back to New Orleans with a 10-2 record.
Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith ran to the ball as well as they have all season long, and they’ve been running to the ball spectacularly all season. Vander Esch had 10 tackles, Smith had nine and, by the end of the night, Troy Aikman was wondering where—if?—Sean Lee will fit in when he returns from injury. It’s possible the two young linebackers will be the best duo at the second level in football by 2019.
In its most impressive outing of the season, there were still two glaring errors by the Dallas defense. And they both came from the same player.
The Cowboys took a chance and held on to Randy Gregory because of what he would do on the field. Sure, the multiple suspensions for violating the league’s substance abuse policy are headaches, but the thought went that he made your team better and he was worth it.
Well…
The embattled defensive end roughed punter Thomas Morstead late in the third quarter at midfield. It was to be Morstead’s fourth punt of the night, which would have tied his season high. Instead, Gregory’s penalty took the ball away from the Cowboys and gave it back to Brees. Three plays later, Keith Kirkwood had a 30-yard touchdown catch and the Saints trailed 13-10.
The next time Dallas’s defense took the field, the unit was nearly off it in four plays. Lawrence strip-sacked Brees and Tyrone Crawford recovered it at the New Orleans 32-yard line. But Gregory was lined up just offside and the play was negated. The Saints would go on to punt and eventually—obviously—lose, making Friday morning not as terrible for Gregory.
While the defense did its part to hold the Saints to just 49 offensive plays, the Cowboys’ offense maximized its 66 plays. Dallas owned time of possession all night, almost tripling the Saints in the first half and finishing with a nearly 14-minute edge on the clock.
Payton decided a dubious Michael Thomas catch and an incorrectly called Dan Arnold incompletion were worth using his two challenges on in the first 18 minutes of the game. While Payton was correct that Arnold did make a football move, fumbled and had it recovered by Michael Thomas, there was a cost associated with proving how right you are.
The Saints were left without a challenge for the rest of the game. New Orleans got a first-and-goal inside the 10 by virtue of winning the challenge, but would have had second-and-10 from the 22 without the challenge. The Saints failed to punch it in on fourth down with Alvin Kamara and the Cowboys took over. Was the challenge worth it?
With five minutes left in the game, Cole Beasley would be more than a yard short of the line to gain on third down on a P.J. Williams tackle. But the officials missed Beasley’s knee touching the ground and only saw him lunge for the first down. Beasley was gifted the first down and Payton would be handcuffed to his fate as Dallas extended the drive and bled more of the clock.
Going into Thursday, the thinking went that the Cowboys would lose this game and move to 6-6. Then 5-6 Philadelphia would face 6-5 Washington on Monday night and beat Colt McCoy. That would send the NFC East into a three-way, first-place tie at the season’s quarter-pole. Instead the 7-5 Cowboys are in total control and riding a four-game winning streak just one month after it seemed like Jerry Jones was waiting until New Year’s to find a new head coach.
The loss for New Orleans is more of a setback than anything. The Saints are still an offensive juggernaut and should win the NFC South and get a first-round bye.
The win for Dallas says much more. The offense has been clicking for weeks since the Amari Cooper trade, and now it’s proven that the Cowboys have a defense that can not only play with, but beat, the best of them.
znModeratorRoss Tucker@RossTuckerNFL
Chiefs making a huge statement with their statement & action.This isn’t an aging RB coming off bad year. This is their best chance to go to Super Bowl in 50 years.
Doesn’t matter. He’s gone.
Robert Klemko@RobertKlemko
If the Washington football team claims Kareem Hunt off waivers the entire organization should be stuffed into a cannon and fired into the sun.ProFootballTalk@ProFootballTalk
Chiefs aren’t messing around. Lie to us, and you’re done. Good for the Chiefs.Chris Baker@cbakerswaggy
So if he told the truth then what???mark schlereth@markschlereth
Good questionznModeratorJared Goff is fourth in the NFL in passing yards 🙌 Check out his best throws so far in 2018!
Give Me 5 Goff plays » https://t.co/7zAfLoJEaT
Give Me $5 🍕 @pizzahut deals » https://t.co/J9RHFNn5QW pic.twitter.com/p0FqUQTKRO— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 1, 2018
znModeratorhttp://www.tmz.com/category/tmzsports?adid=TMZ_Web_Nav_TMZSports
TMZ Sports has obtained video of Kansas City Chiefs star running back Kareem Hunt shoving, bull-rushing and kicking a woman in a Cleveland hotel back in February.
Kareem has not missed a single game this season despite the incident happening MONTHS before the 2018 NFL season kicked off … and team CEO Clark Hunt publicly stated in August he doubted Hunt would be suspended.
In the video, Hunt is seen arguing with a 19-year-old woman outside of his room at The Metropolitan at the 9 at 3:22 AM on February 10, 2018.
Hunt turns a corner and confronts the woman, shoving her hard. The woman strikes him back in the face … and that’s when Hunt goes berserk.
As friends try to hold him back, the 2017 Pro Bowler — who led the league in rushing yards — explodes and knocks one of his friends into the woman … who both go flying into a wall.
Both Kareem’s male friend and the woman appear dazed — but Kareem makes his way over to the female and kicks her while she’s crouching on the ground … knocking her over.
Police were called to the scene but no arrests were made. According to police reports, obtained by TMZ Sports, surveillance video from the hotel was obtained by law enforcement. We’re told that video is part of the evidence that was submitted to prosecutors.Still, cops did not arrest Hunt and no charges were filed because officers say they were unable to determine if a crime had been committed.
At the time of the incident, the woman told police the whole thing started because Kareem kicked her out of his room after she refused to hook up with one of the men in Kareem’s entourage.
Kareem’s friends told cops the woman had gone crazy when asked to leave and called Kareem the n-word … and then struck one of Kareem’s female friends once things turned physical.
Video thumbnailUnclear why the NFL has not taken any action against Hunt. We reached out to the league to find out if they pursued the video. We also reached out to cops to find out if the NFL contacted them about the footage as well.
The whole incident is reminiscent of the Ray Rice scandal when the NFL star knocked out his then-fiancee in a hotel elevator in Feb. 2014.
The NFL suspended him indefinitely — but only after TMZ Sports published the brutal knockout video from inside the elevator … video the NFL claimed they had not seen until our story.
After the incident, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged failures in the NFL’s investigative process and said they would overhaul their protocol.
Since then, the NFL claims it has tried to be tougher on players accused of attacking women — most famously, the league suspended Ezekiel Elliott for 6 games in 2017 stemming from allegations he got physical with an ex-girlfriend in 2016.znModeratorKC Chiefs Running Back Kareem Hunt Brutalizes and Kicks Woman in Hotel Video https://t.co/p4epheQvJZ
— TMZ (@TMZ) November 30, 2018
znModeratorDré Bly (TarHeel)@drebly_32
I’m baaack! I’m blessed to announce tht I will b goin to work for my College HOF Coach Mack Brown to b his Cornerback Coach at the University of North Carolina! This is truly the Dream Opportunity! Thx to everyone for all the support and love! Buckle up! Let’s get it! #GoHeelsznModeratorProFootballTalk@ProFootballTalk
Bad nine days for NFL. Adrian Peterson admits that he still spanks son, league says nothing. Reuben Foster arrested, cut, claimed on waivers and paid to not play. Kareem Hunt video that league knew or should have known about emerges out of the blueAdam Schefter@AdamSchefter
Neither the NFL nor the Chiefs viewed the Kareem Hunt video before it became public today, per official.Ian Rapoport@RapSheet
Neither the NFL, nor the #Chiefs, had seen the video before it was published today. I’m told the league made several attempts to obtain it. The hotel said it was corporate policy to only turn it over to law enforcement. Cleveland PD would not provide it to the league.znModeratorMichael Giardi@MikeGiardi
#Chiefs say he wasn’t truthful with the team in discussion. That opened the door for a quick resolution/release. Hunt is subject to waivers.—
Statement from the Kansas City Chiefs on Kareem Hunt
➡️ https://t.co/MrjIX1Y7Ke pic.twitter.com/efSMqUDio1
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 1, 2018
znModeratorExpect scattered tweets n stuff to fill up this thread as the story unfolds.
Contribute if you find anything!
znModerator#DallasCowboys again negating a typical strength of the #Saints last night w/ Jaylon Smith's speed erasing what would normally be a TD for Kamara
The Saints passing attack depends heavily on this type of play working – typically it does due to Kamara being such a mismatch pic.twitter.com/oxTymad9eS
— Context Matters (@dwainmcfarland) November 30, 2018
znModeratorRams CB Aqib Talib is not heavily taped and moving well. pic.twitter.com/07NnSBupHc
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) November 30, 2018
znModeratorInjury Report 11/30: Barring a Setback, Talib Expected to Play vs. Lions
https://www.therams.com/news/injury-report-11-30-barring-a-setback-talib-expected-to-play-vs-lions
Quotes & Notes 11/30/18: McVay says Talib will “Provide a Big Boost”
https://www.therams.com/news/quotes-notes-11-30-18-mcvay-says-talib-will-provide-a-big-boost
znModerator5 things to know about Rams vs. Lions in Week 13
Cameron DaSilva
5 things to know about Rams vs. Lions in Week 13
After a week off, the Los Angeles Rams return to action on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. They’re seeking their 11th win of the season against a 4-7 Detroit team, hoping to keep pace with the New Orleans Saints in the NFC.
The Lions don’t pose much of a threat to Los Angeles, but playing at 1 p.m. ET isn’t something the Rams have had to do this season.
Here are five interesting stats and facts to know for Sunday’s game.
Lions are 5-10 in last 15 games vs. teams off bye
The Rams are coming off their Week 12 bye, which gave Sean McVay and Wade Phillips additional time to prepare for the Lions. That doesn’t bode well for the Lions, especially considering the Rams’ dominant performance after their bye last season, beating the Giants 51-17.
Since 2004, Detroit hasn’t fared well against teams off bye weeks. The Lions are just 5-10 in their last 15 such games, including eight straight losses from 2004-13. They are, however, 4-2 in their last six against teams off byes, but did lose to the Seahawks 28-14 this season.
Lions average more time of possession than Rams
Believe it or not, but the Lions actually do a better job controlling the clock than the Rams. That could be due to the fact that the Rams score so quickly with their average drive lasting just 2:46 compared to the Lions (2:54). No matter how you cut it, though, the Lions hold the ball throughout the game more than the Rams typically do.
Their average time of possession, 31:22, is third-best in the NFL, while the Rams are seventh (31:08). Not a huge difference, of course, but still surprising considering how bad the Lions’ offense is.
Aaron Donald owns the Lions
Donald has only played Detroit twice, but he has a strong track record against it. In those two games, he has nine tackles, five tackles for loss and four sacks. That’s the third-most sacks against any team he’s faced in the NFL despite only playing the Lions twice. It’s the only team he’s faced multiple times and averaged two sacks per game.
For comparison, he has seven sacks in eight games against the 49ers and just 6.5 sacks in nine games against Arizona.
All-time series is nearly split down the middle
The Lions and Rams have faced each other 85 times, nearly splitting the all-time series. The Rams are 43-41-1 against Detroit but have lost three of their last four games. Their largest margin of victory was 41 points in 1950, beating the Lions 65-24. Strangely enough, the Rams have been shut out by the Lions six times, while Detroit has scored zero points four times against the Rams.
Rams have fewer sacks despite Lions’ leader only having 6.0
No player in the NFL has more sacks than Donald (14.5), but the rest of the Rams haven’t followed suit and provided much help. The next-closest player is Ndamukong Suh with 3.5 and the Rams only have 29 as a team, which is 14th in the NFL.
The Lions, on the other hand, are getting it done in a different way. Their top sack artist is Devon Kennard with six, but they have 32 as a team, which ranks ninth in the NFL
znModeratorRon Clements@Ron_Clements
Is #Saints QB Drew Brees overrated or underrated? Asking for a #Patriots fan reporter, who thinks Brees isn’t a top-10 all-time QB. #NFL #ChargersBenjamin Allbright@AllbrightNFL
Lol. Brees is a top 5 QB all time. He had a bad game last night. Recency bias makes people say things that are insane.Joe Banner@JoeBanner13
Twelve wks into a season dominated by high powered offenses, almost all of whom have the best records in NFL. Now we have ONE game won by a more conservative team with a very good D. My TV was filled this morning with Pundits declaring this is proof that this style works==
.@dallascowboys front 4 got after Brees and got the 🏈 OUT! @TankLawrence and #TyCrawford showing @BroncoSportsFB ❤️❤️❤️. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/a6MIQLbL3t
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 30, 2018
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Defense in the NFL isn’t dead after all, and 4 other takeaways from the Cowboys’ win over the Saints
Geoff Schwartz
Here are five takeaways I have from this game.
Defense won an important game in 2018
Defense and running the football is a winning formula when everything is clicking, like it was Thursday night — a night when the Saints played their worst game of the season and lost by 3. But, let’s give the Cowboys defense their due.
The Cowboys defense is built for 2018. They play fast. They play physical. They lay the wood. They can rush the passer and their linebackers can match with running backs in space. Their secondary can challenge routes to make things difficult for wide receivers. There are no free releases against the Cowboys.
All this was on display early in the game as Brees started 0-4, which was his worst start in any game of his career. The Cowboys continued to harass Brees and put the clamp on the run game for the rest of the night.
On offense, the Cowboys did just enough to keep the Saints off balance
They ended with 308 yards of total offense, good for 4.7 yards a play. Not outstanding but good enough in a game like Thursday night. The best stat of the night for the Cowboys was 36:53 — time of possession. They controlled the ball and limited the amount of drives for the Saints offense.
While Dak Prescott was 24 of 28 for 248 yards, he wasn’t particularly crisp. Prescott often didn’t look to push the ball downfield and when he did, he missed an open receiver by two yards. He took seven sacks, some of which were Prescott not moving well in the pocket. He turned the ball over in a critical spot with poor ball security, fumbling the ball with less than three minutes to go.
But here’s the issue with doing “just enough to win” on offense: the margin of error is so small. So while this win was outstanding for the Cowboys, their offense still proved to be bland, boring, and not explosive. They attempted one pass that would resemble a deep throw. They barely attempted any play-action passes, which again is mind-blowing considering how they allow for easier throws and huge windows for Prescott. How about a zone read every not and then?
Just nothing creative at all. Their best offensive play continues to be the same screen they run multiple times a game. These are all issue that will hurt them going forward and especially in the playoffs when they run into the Saints again, or the Rams, or whomever. But for one night, the formula worked.
The Cowboys’ goal-line stand of the Saints might be the turning point of the season for them
The Saints were down 10-0. They hadn’t done much on offense for all of the first half. After a challenge overturned an incomplete pass, they got the ball on the 7-yard line. An incomplete pass on first down was followed by a 3-yard rush to the 4-yard line. On third down, Brees completed a 3-yard pass, so they faced fourth-and-goal at the 1. The Saints tried running the football and the Cowboys stuffed them.
This play won the game for the Cowboys and it might propel them into the playoffs and beyond. The confidence of the defense, and the team, is now through the roof in these situations. That feeling goes a long way. In 2007, the New York Giants had a similar situation. They stuffed Washington at the goal line in Week 3 to avoid dropping to 0-3. We know how that season eventually ended, and the players often credit that play as the turning point in their season.
This win was awful for the future of the Cowboys
This win, plus the way the Cowboys will probably end the season, will save Jason Garrett’s job. He’s a .500 coach at best and they need a change. It’s laughable that people deflect the blame for the average offense from Garrett to offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. Garrett is a former quarterback. He’s an offensive coach. The offense that’s being run is being designed with input from Garrett and installed at his wishes. Garrett isn’t sitting in the defensive install meetings. He’s with the offense, as he should be.
So winning these games, while awesome for the team and fan base, just means the Cowboys will have the same issues next season if Garrett stays.
With Garrett staying in Dallas, we (and the Cowboys front office) waste another year in evaluating Dak Prescott. I want to see him in an offense that uses his talents wisely. He attempted that one deep pass on the stutter go route. When you only attempt a single pass like that all game I can understand why it’s off the mark. They probably don’t even practice it much either. Are all these check downs because of the play calling? Or is Prescott scared to let it fly? We might never have answers for those questions until we get a new play caller in Dallas.
The Saints will be fine
They might have lost home-field advantage, which is rough for them, but remember where they’d be playing the Rams, if it ends up with that matchup? In sunny Los Angeles. Last season the Falcons, a dome team, went into LA and beat the Rams. I’m not worried about the Saints playing in Los Angeles.
The Saints defense is playing some awesome football. They sacked Prescott seven times, forced two turnovers, and only allowed 13 points. Throw out the Rams game where they allowed 35, and they haven’t allowed over 23 points since Week 3. Their secondary has continued to improve, and their run defense is one of the best in the NFL. We all know about Cam Jordan, but rookie Marcus Davenport has been a boost to the pass rush. Sheldon Rankins has been a beast in the middle of this defense, too.
This one loss shouldn’t set the Saints back.
November 30, 2018 at 12:01 pm in reply to: Donald = ‘285 pounds of dynamite’ (the AD in November thread) #94681znModerator"He's a freak of nature….He's the strongest guy I've ever seen."👀@MichaelBrockers speaks volumes about his DL mate @AaronDonald97 and the return of @AqibTalib21!
📺: @NFLTotalAccess | #LARams pic.twitter.com/6qRTL5TpiB
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) November 29, 2018
znModeratorThe SCREEN GAME is an important facet to any offense in the NFL, with some teams running it incredibly creatively.
*Does not include last night's game so it's equal.#ChiefsKingdom #LARams #FinsUp #BeRedSeeRed #HereWeGo #FlyEaglesFly #GoPats #DallasCowboys #Jets #GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/GYdgZowFH8
— NFL Matchup on ESPN (@NFLMatchup) November 30, 2018
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znModeratorIssue last w/ last night! You think Dallas gave you the blueprint but..Do you have 2 young athletic, physical backers who cover backs and ground? Edge rushers that bend the end? Inside rush that push the pocket? 1 of the best press corners in ball? If not. Still in trouble.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) November 30, 2018
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.@dallascowboys @TankLawrence does any DE in the @NFL play harder than this Bronco? Effort and talent can win a lot of downs in this BIZ. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/D6lQ93Rdcp
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 30, 2018
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Byron Jones has probably been the BEST cornerback in the NFL this season. Good work at the line of scrimmage. Take away the space. Make the receiver work laterally. Strong punch w/inside hand. Wash receiver down the line. Break up pass. He’s consistent with his technique. pic.twitter.com/pXbGRJNLCW
— CrockTIME (@eric_crocker) November 30, 2018
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.@dallascowboys @VanderEsch38 is possessed. Whatever he eats for breakfast I want it: and triple the order please. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/gfO2dGijd4
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 30, 2018
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.@dallascowboys @VanderEsch38 @thejaylonsmith can’t wait to STICK anything that moves . The “Stick Brothers”. Go show this to all your friends and family members. It will bring a smile to their faces. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/zuPpBONVbw
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 30, 2018
znModeratorBooger@ESPNBooger
Last nights game was just as good as Chiefs vs Rams , if u didn’t appreciate the defensive effort from both teams shame on u. Remember when NO one was stopping the Saints ? Let that be a reminder to Rams. Chiefs Patriots Steelers. NO one is unstoppableznModeratorCowboys beat Saints with only 13 points? Wtf?
w
vI am going to try to look for good articles and/or posts that talk about that, ie. why the Saints offense got corralled so to speak. If yer interested, if I find any, I will put them in Ag’s Dallas/Saints game thread here: http://theramshuddle.com/topic/dallas-vs-no-10-0-first-quarter/#post-94665
znModeratorToday, there are 9 teams with 7 or more wins.
* Rams, 10-1
* Saints, 10-2
* Chiefs, 9-2
* Bears, 8-3
* Patz, 8-3
* Texans, 8-3
* Chargers, 8-3
* Steelers, 7-3-1
* Cowboys, 7-5November 30, 2018 at 1:42 am in reply to: McVay twice, Phillips, Kromer, Gurley, Goff … 11/28 & 11/29 … transcripts #94669znModeratorTRANSCRIPTS: Rams Head Coach Sean McVay, Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips and Running Back Todd Gurley II – November 29, 2018
***
Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – November 29, 2018
(On if there is any update on CB Aqib Talib after yesterday’s practice)
“Yeah, he did a good job. He did a nice job. I think he got more and more comfortable as the practice progressed, which was a positive thing. Typically, you wonder do you actually feel like it starts to bother you as it progresses and it was the exact opposite. He’s a guy that, he’s played a lot of football. He’s got such a good feel. But, his presence out there is such a big boost to our football team. As far as what that means for his role this weekend, we’re figuring that out as the week progresses. But, it was definitely a very good step in the right direction with the way yesterday went.”
(On if he’s leaning towards Talib playing on Sunday)
“Yeah, I think the anticipation is we’d like that to be able to happen. What does that mean in terms of snap count? What exactly that role is? Really, it is something that we’re going to continue to evaluate based on the way that his ankle responds. If things go the way that we anticipate, we hope and what we expect, then I think you can expect to see him playing. How much will be determined as the week progresses.”
(On if there are any updates on RB Todd Gurley II)
“Yeah, really, great practice yesterday. I think he came out with a great energy. Did an excellent job locking in on some of the little details specific to this gameplan and some of the things that we’re trying to get done on Sunday. That’s what he does all the time though. That’s why he’s a great player. He would never say that anything was bothering him. He’s so physically tough and mentally tough, but he’s feeling good and we’re expecting him to be his normal self.”
(On if he thinks a running back can win the MVP and if he thinks a running back should have the opportunity)
“I’m not a voter for that. I know that he’s certainly a very important player to us. I think it’s just predicated on how you deem what is the most valuable based on the team. We’ve got a lot of players that are extremely important to us. We’re certainly glad that (RB) Todd (Gurley II) is our running back. As far as who should be available for MVP and not, that’s not for me to say. I know that he’s a very good football player that’s instrumental in a lot of things that we do. Couldn’t be happier to work with a player like him.”
(On if a quarterback is more valuable than a running back to a coach)
“You don’t ever want to say one player is more valuable than the other. But I think based on the nature of the position, the quarterback typically has a lot more influence on the outcomes of the game, just based on the amount of snaps that the ball is in their hand and how you operate in a lot of the situational things where, inevitably at some point, even if you want to run it as much as possible, you’re going to have to drop back and throw it. Does that mean that a running back can’t be involved in the progression and things like that? No, but I think just based on the amount of opportunities to influence and affect the outcome of the game, the quarterback does have more of an influence on that based on the nature of the position.”
(On having a good game coming out of the bye week last year and if there is anything he’s trying to emulate from that for this game)
“I feel like the guys did a pretty good job with the game before the bye and after the bye last year. I think it’s just about consistently playing good football. I think the bye did come at a good time for us – where any time that you’re going 11 weeks straight, just based on the nature of the physicality of the game, our guys were ready for a little bit of rest and recovery. I think our guys have done an excellent job taking care of themselves, getting themselves ready to go. Then, in a lot of instances, especially at this time of the year, you really maximize the physical reps, but a lot of it is that above the neck approach because of where you’re at and how important it is to get these guys as fresh as possible for when kickoff comes on those Sundays or whenever it is that you’re kicking off. So, I expect us to play and continue to improve like we say and I know it gets monotonous, but one of the things you see in the short time that I’ve been fortunate enough to be in this league, when you just look around and you have an appreciation for the good teams that are doing it the right way and giving themselves a chance to play later on past the regular season, they progressively get better. That’s what we hope to do. That’s what our guys are doing every single day to give themselves a chance to improve and we want to see it show up on Sundays.”
(On having a transition on the coaching staff offensively going into the season and how that’s gone and on Senior Offensive Assistant Jedd Fisch’s role)
“Losing two great coaches like (Titans Offensive Coordinator) Matt LaFleur and (Raiders Offensive Coordinator) Greg Olson, that’s tough. Fortunately for us we had some great coaches in-house that were able to seamlessly step into leadership roles and do an excellent job commanding their rooms, commanding our offense. When you talk about (Run Game Coordinator) Aaron Kromer and (Pass Game Coordinator) Shane Waldron, I feel so fortunate the things that I learned from working with them. The influence they have on our staff, they’re great coaches and (Quarterbacks Coach) Zac Taylor has done a phenomenal job. With (Senior Offensive Assistant) Jedd (Fisch) he’s a great coach. A guy that’s had a lot of experience, a guy that I’ve known for a while just based on some mutual connections. You talk about a guy that’s had a lot of success as a coordinator, as a play-caller, as a leader. But then just understanding the intricacies of offensive football, extremely detailed, great communicator and he’s done a phenomenal job. I think the biggest thing with our staff as a whole is everybody does their role extremely well. They know exactly how they want to own that, but then we’re all collectively learning from each other, positively pushing each other, like you want your players to do and I think that’s what creates a healthy environment.”
(On if they will keep WR Pharoh Cooper returning kicks and WR JoJo Natson returning punts)
“Yes, that’s what we anticipate. We’ll keep it the same.”
(On OLB Dante Fowler’s increased role in the Chiefs game and if OLB Matt Longacre will play more this week)
“Yeah, I think so. (OLB) Dante (Fowler Jr.) is going to play a bigger and bigger role as we move forward. Really, the reason that (OLB) Matt (Longacre) wasn’t active for that game was specific to some of the things that we were going to do defensively to defend Kansas City. It’s going to be a little bit different approach. Based on how this gameplan continues to evolve is something that we’ll discuss as a staff as the week progresses. But, that was specific. It wasn’t anything Matt did or didn’t do. He’s been a very good player for us, but he didn’t do anything that was like, “All right, he’s not playing at a certain level.’ It was just specific to the gameplan.”
(On having to play an early game on the eastern timezone and if there’s any adjustments they’ve made to try to get players prepared)
“That’s one of the things that we learned from last year, which was really the first time just from being when I’ve coached on teams in Washington and Tampa, never really had those issues come up except for maybe every couple years. Last year, we had to take six trips on Fridays and I can’t remember how many of those games were actually early kickoffs. But I think are guys do an excellent job, really where I’m leaning on (Senior Director of Sports Medicine and Performance) Reggie (Scott) and (Director of Strength Training and Performance) Ted (Rath) as far as how can we get their biological clocks up to speed in terms of being able to adjust and adapt to being able to kickoff earlier than what you’re really ready for being on the West Coast. We’ll travel two days out in advance and we’ve kind of got a rhythm that we’re comfortable with last year and that’s something that we’ll continue to do this year.”
(On if Lions Head Coach Matt Patricia ever reached out to him for advice about how to handle certain situations as a head coach during the offseason)
“You know what, I’ve got a lot of respect. He’s got a lot more experience than I do. He’s been a great coach for a long time at an extremely successful place. He’s got a great command on how he wants to do things. It’s really cool because you get a chance at some of the owners’ meetings and different things to share different ideas. But I don’t think there’s anything that he’s going to learn from me. He’s seen it done the right way for a long time and putting his imprint on it. The thing that’s really been unique, really just for me being a younger coach, I felt so embraced by just the way that I’ve been treated where you’re trying to learn, and people are willing to share – specific to like the other head coaches around the league, and that’s what’s been a unique thing. (Lions Head Coach) Matt (Patricia) and I certainly have a friendship and things like that, but hasn’t really been anything where he’s asking for advice or a perspective on stuff.”
***
Rams Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips – November 29, 2018
(Opening statement)
“Yes, (DT) Aaron Donald, I’ve said it before, he is the best (laughs). I don’t know how much more you can say about him. The guy is consistent, consistently a great player and, if that’s how you judge a great player. He’s consistent every game. It comes from hard work and great ability, but hard work. He works at what he does. He comes in on days when he’s not supposed to be here and watches film and does all the right things. I’m obviously glad we have him. He’s a special guy.”
(On if there is one play from DT Aaron Donald that he can single out that made him say, ‘Wow’)
“I don’t know. There’s so many. So many ‘Wows.’ I think that’s why he’s such a great player because he makes so many great plays. Obviously, you see him on the rush, but he’s a really good run player also. I think he’s one of the best in that area, too. It’s pretty neat to have him. He makes a lot of big plays in key situations and knocks the ball loose and we score touchdowns. Not many more accolades you can give a guy than what I’d give him.”
(On how he has seen OLB Samson Ebukam develop over the last two seasons)
“He had one of the greatest games ever (laughs). (OLB) Samson (Ebukam), I don’t think I’ve been around a player that’s scored two touchdowns on defense in one game and really caused an interception at the end of the game because he hit the quarterback on (CB) Marcus Peters’ interception. He had a sack. He just had a tremendous game. You don’t see those kinds of games very often.”
(On if that performance was something he had seen coming from Ebukam)
“He’s a hard worker. He’s athletic, he’s fast. He’s a young guy, but he plays hard all the time and it paid off for him. I think he plays at top speed all the time and that’s why he makes plays, those kinds of plays or is able to make some of those plays because he’s going hard every play. He made a big sack against Frisco (San Francisco). He was blocked, but the quarterback tried to run up and he knocked the ball – he makes those kinds of plays.”
(On how he feels about CB Aqib Talib’s status for Sunday’s game)
“(CB) Aqib (Talib) is a wait-and-see. Now, he felt good yesterday which is a good sign. Now, he’s a veteran player that I trust that would say, ‘Hey, I’m hurting or I’m not. I can play or I can’t play.’ I think we’ll just see what happens the rest of the week and see where he is. But, he’ll give you an honest – some players (would say), ‘I’m going to play, but I’m hurt a little bit.’ He knows he needs to be 100 percent healthy to be able to play. So, that’s a good thing with him.”
(On numbers suggesting the defense performed better with Talib in the first three games than in the eight games since)
“Every game is its own entity. We had one game where they didn’t cross the 50 (yard line) one time and then we had another game where they scored 50 (points) and we won both those games. You just keep trying to improve, keep trying to get better. Certainly, players make a difference, but I think overall, we’ve just got to keep grinding on defense to play as well as we can. Play good enough to win first – which we’ve done – but I think overall, we just need to play a little bit better to help this team. That’s our goal.”
(On if DT Ndamukong Suh has lived up to his expectations to this point in the season)
“Yeah, I think we expected a lot. I didn’t expect that he would be able to play different positions like he has and that’s helped us in a lot of situations that he’s played defensive end – both defensive ends and both tackles. He’s versatile, more versatile than what we first imagined, I guess. But he’s still a powerful guy that sometimes it takes two and three guys to block him. That makes a different for us.”
(On how much impact Suh has had on the season that Donald is having)
“Well, we all – I think everybody thought that going in. I’m sure it’s true. They certainly can’t double team Aaron all the time. So, that’s certainly a factor, but he’s been a factor in his own right. I think he’s done some good things.”
(On the five turnovers and 500-plus yards allowed against Kansas City)
“Yeah, we want the five turnovers. We don’t want all the yards or the points. But, that’s what we’re working towards. Like I said, each game is its own. The good thing about this team defensively is they’ve been resilient in key situations. I call them pressure situations. How many times in the last two minutes of the game have they come through and made plays where they caused a turnover? That last game, they have a great offense and they already scored 50 points and they got the ball with two minutes left and then another time with two minutes left and we get two turnovers. So, I think those kinds of things are important. Obviously, you want to play more consistent, not give up big plays and that’s our goal the rest of the way.”
(On if he believes that the team needs to crank it up a notch down the stretch to get to a Super Bowl or if they will go about their business how they have all season)
“We’re thinking about Detroit right now. I think to play well against them, on the road, with a really great quarterback. They’ve had a good running game. They’ve got a running back averaging 5.4 (yards per carry). It’s not crank it up for anything except this game, in my opinion. We’ll talk about all those other things later. The playoffs is really – is different than the regular season, in my opinion.”
***
Rams Running Back Todd Gurley II – November 29, 2018
(On how he would describe the nature of his ankle injury against the Chiefs)
“I never said nothing about it.”
(On if the injury affected him at all against the Chiefs)
“No.”
(On how he is feeling coming off of the bye week)
“Feeling good.”
(On if it was good to get the bye week in Week 12 and be able to unplug from football for a little while)
“It don’t really matter. Some guys want it early, some guys want it late. Yeah, I guess it came – it was a good week for us, for everyone to have a bye week for Thanksgiving. Most guys never had one, if so, they haven’t had one since before college or since college.”
(On why it was important for him to return home and give back to Tarboro, North Carolina during the bye week)
“Yeah, man. Tarboro-Princeville (North Carolina), that’s my home. That’s where I grew up. That’s where all my people are at. It’s always good to go back home. Home is where the love is. Get to see all your friends, see your family and just not even think about football. Just go back and just chill with all your people.”
(On if he has a prediction for the SEC Championship game)
“No. They know what’s up. You know who I’m going with – Georgia.”
(On going into the game with a chance to clinch the division and if it feels similar to last year when they were preparing to play the Tennessee Titans to clinch the division)
“I don’t know. I don’t even remember the Tennessee (Titans) game last year. But yeah, it’s cool. We’ve still got five, six weeks left and to be able to do that – secure a playoff spot – I mean, who wouldn’t want to do that. So, the only team standing in our way now is Detroit (Lions).”
(On if he remembers the last time they played in Detroit a couple years ago)
“Yeah, I remember. It was a good game. It was a great game. (Former Lions WR) Golden Tate, he made a great play. (Former Rams QB) Case (Keenum) was on fire. I think he had like 28 out of 30 completions. Yeah, we just didn’t get it done. But, that’s just how the Lions is. They’re a pretty solid team. At the end of the day, they’ve got a good quarterback in (Lions QB) Matthew Stafford, who loves to come back in the fourth quarter and win games for them. No matter what the score is, it’s never over till it’s over, especially with a guy like him.
znModerator5 Rams players who must step up in the final 5 games
znModeratorLions’ Blount: Ndamukong Suh still dirty player
Here’s what makes Rams offense so hard to stop
Ndamukong Suh disses Matthew Stafford again
Rams’ Ndamukong Suh ready for reunion with Lions, but it might not be cordial
znModeratorSam Farmer@LATimesfarmer
The Saints are just a different team in the dome. For the rest of the NFC, it underscores why those teams don’t want them getting the No. 1 seed.Gary Klein@LATimesklein
Rams DC Wade Phillips on Aaron Donald’s playmaking skills: “So many wows.”znModeratorWeek 13 #DallasCowboys Game Notes
• Dak Prescott (115.5) has higher passer rating than Drew Brees (71.6)
• Ezekiel Elliott (136) more scrimmage yds than Alvin Kamara & Mark Ingram combined (100)
• Amari Cooper (75) & Michael Gallup (76) more rec yds than Michael Thomas (40)
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) November 30, 2018
znModeratorSamson Ebukam has been a difference-maker for the Rams at linebacker; Lions are next target https://t.co/RwdTrCn66V
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) November 30, 2018
znModeratorTo be perfectly frank, I must confess that I receive the news of Dallas prevailing in this contest with a certain degree of genuine, and generally unqualified, satisfaction.
znModeratorthen Dallas picks Brees
znModeratorand then prescott fumbles inside the saints 10
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