Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
znModeratorLos Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
Rams CB Cobie Durant ranks 3rd in coverage grade (86.1) among all NFL CBs (min 20% snaps played), according to @PFF. He also ranks 6th among all defensive players in passer rating against as the primary defender (6.3), according to TruMedia.znModeratorBut in my mind, if we used time travel and had Nacua drafted in 2003 by the Cards, then I think he would have put up comparable numbers.
Just SAY you’re a Cardinals fan and you’re jealous that the Rams got Puka, and be done with it. You will sleep with an easier conscience. (I won’t say “easy” conscience, because I know you’ve got other stuff in there. Like the fact that you’re glad that the Cardinals eventually got Warner).
Not only am I a dedicated Rams fan, I’ve been one for so long I know more about the Rams than anybody.
I’ve been a Rams fans since back in the days when Jim Youngblood was the great defensive end who terrorized offensive tackles with his infamous head slip. All while being a tv star on Little House on the Prairie and also (mostly through guest appearances), Cheers.
znModeratorDarious Williams notched his first INT of the 2020 season in Philadelphia. Stalling a scoring drive. He had a spectacular year that season
With the loss of Witherspoon, DWill is back in the fray. He had a nice performance last week. Big matchup against AJ Brown & D. Smith ahead pic.twitter.com/HbAq6ZnEMV
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) September 19, 2025
znModeratorThats high praise comparing him to Boldin.
I said “more gifted” though, and I’m not sure I stand by that. I think they are equals…so it’s that Nacua is as good as Boldin.
Here’s Boldin’s first 3 years, with Blake, then McCown, then Warner as his main qbs. He misses games his 2nd year.
Nacua
Nacua of course has Stafford. But in my mind, if we used time travel and had Nacua drafted in 2003 by the Cards, then I think he would have put up comparable numbers.
…
Can’t-Miss Play: Nacua soars through snow to catch Stafford’s 37-yard strike in the clutch
September 19, 2025 at 3:07 pm in reply to: setting up “E-gals” game–roster stuff, injuries, comments, broadcast map #158120znModeratorThey do the Rams at about 0:50 in.
znModerator…former NFL wide receiver-turned-analyst Andrew Hawkins had some high praise for Nacua just two games into the 2025 season.
“Puka Nacua is playing at a different level than every other receiver in the NFL right now,” Hawkins said on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Thursday. “And, on top of that, his chemistry with Matthew Stafford is a thing of beauty. No one is playing as fast. No one is being as efficient. You get him the ball in space, he’s big, he blocks, he can run after the catch, he can run before the catch, he can get out of his break quicker than even some of the smaller receivers.”
In response, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky had a similar take off of Hawkins’.
“Puka is the best receiver in football that no one says is the best receiver in football,” Orlovsky said. “He’s that good. If we want to have the conversation with Justin [Jefferson] and Ja’Marr [Chase], Puka is right there.”
Through two games this season, Nacua is on pace for an NFL record 153 receptions and a career-high 1,879 yards while Jefferson is on pace for 60 receptions, 1,063 yards and nine touchdowns and Chase is on pace for 136 receptions, 1,624 yards and nine touchdowns.
znModeratorLos Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
Rams Safety Kam Curl ranks 2nd in tackling grade (88.3) and 8th in run defense grade (79.9) among all safeties (min 50% snaps played), according to @PFF. He’s also T-2nd in tackles for loss (2) and T-7th in tackles (17) among safeties through two games, according to TruMedia.September 19, 2025 at 2:43 pm in reply to: setting up “E-gals” game–roster stuff, injuries, comments, broadcast map #158117znModerator.@RamsNFL @emmanuelforbes7 v @Eagles @1kalwaysopen_ a matchup to pay attention to now that Forbes is the starting CB for the Rams. It's an "Egg Bowl" matchup. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/ENZnSuYq7J
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 19, 2025
September 19, 2025 at 2:01 pm in reply to: setting up “E-gals” game–roster stuff, injuries, comments, broadcast map #158115znModeratorznModeratorHe’s not a “system WR.” Not in terms of how that is usually meant. He does have certain skills and abilities as a receiver that could fit into any system.
But…McVay takes special advantage of those skills and abilities.
He is not in the mold of an Ellard, Bruce, Holt, or Adams. He’s not “built” that way. Those guys were receivers in dancers’ bodies. Nakua is more like a tight end in a receiver’s body. But it’s also a bit more than that–for example, the way his feet work on sideline catches. I think of him as a more gifted version of a Hines Ward or Anquan Boldin.
He does things that go way beyond “being a system guy.” Along with his feet, his physicality and hunger for the ball are special attributes. You remember the great 37 yard sideline catch in the snow late in the Eagles playoff game? That’s not a system guy making that catch. He also has a very strong awareness of how to play against zone defenses (he shares that with Kupp and in fact Kupp probably tutored him with that).
September 19, 2025 at 10:29 am in reply to: The Stafford thread…update 12/31: huge S.I. article #158109znModeratorfrom Eagles Opponent Film Room: Scouting the Los Angeles Rams’ offense — https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/eagles-game-preview/158792/eagles-opponent-film-room-scouting-the-los-angeles-rams-offense
Los Angeles Rams Offense
Deep Passes
The Rams’ deep passing attack is still one of the best marriages of scheme and execution in the league. From under center, often in 12 personnel, Sean McVay builds everything off wide and inside zone looks. Receivers motion into the backfield or across the formation, holding defenders in place and creating just enough hesitation to open up shots down the field. When linebackers take a false step, Matthew Stafford is quick to fire into the void.
Rams Offense All22 Preview. 1) No surprises here, but the down the field passing game relies on outstanding accuracy from Stafford and a heavy dose of play-action, especially from under-center. Not many teams marry their passing game to their run games better than the Rams do! pic.twitter.com/AIZfl9EinG
— Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) September 18, 2025
Stafford remains devastatingly accurate downfield. He hits crossers and digs in stride, threading throws into tight windows even when the defense has the numbers. That gap between the second and third level of the defense is where Stafford makes a living. He’s an exceptional thrower of the football.
2) Similar idea here with the under-center play-action. Stafford will hit that gap between the safeties/linebackers over and over again. When Stafford is kept unprotected there is no one better at slinging it down the field. pic.twitter.com/RA8hwZihyt
— Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) September 18, 2025
Add Davante Adams to the mix, and the offense goes to a new level. For years, this was a scheme-dominant passing attack, but now it can win with individual brilliance. Adams still wins one-on-one with precise route running and physicality, while Puka Nacua is more of a threat against zone coverage with his feel for space. The Rams can beat you both ways, and that duality makes them a very tough offense to stop. They only have two outstanding weapons, but they can win in different ways.
3) The biggest improvement between this year's offense and previous versions is the addition of Davante Adams. He's still awesome. The nuances of his route running and ability to get open is still fantastic. The Rams' can win down the field with scheme as well as individual… pic.twitter.com/ZBLIru8Bdl
— Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) September 18, 2025
The Eagles’ secondary will be tested in discipline and communication. Motion and shifts change the picture late, and if safeties fly downhill too quickly, Stafford will make them pay. If I were the Eagles, I wouldn’t be too aggressive early on against the run, and I would be more wary of throws over my head. I would trust my defensive line to stop a Rams’ rushing attack that hasn’t been that dominant so far this year.
…
Some of the Rams’ passing designs in the red zone, in particular, are exceptional. Just look at this…
6) This is so good. The Rams at their best. They show run and have the receiver come in like he's blocking the C-gap. The whole defense flows to the right, then Stafford rolls out and hits the TE on the corner route. Stafford can roll out to his right and left and still throw… pic.twitter.com/rkend4aHE2
— Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) September 18, 2025
Many of their scores are textbook McVay: play-action naked bootlegs where Stafford rolls out to find a receiver in the flat or on the corner. They love stressing the edge defender with a run fake, forcing him to choose between the back and the quarterback’s rollout. Stafford can throw effectively, rolling either way, which makes their bootleg game incredibly effective. There are very few quarterbacks who can roll to their left and throw like this!
September 19, 2025 at 9:46 am in reply to: setting up “E-gals” game–roster stuff, injuries, comments, broadcast map #158106znModerator“Kevin Patullo is learning on the fly… The pass game has been very static, very conservative.”
“I thought there were 4 or 5 times where Jalen had his eyes in the wrong place.”@GregCosell on the Eagles offense so far this season: pic.twitter.com/GpqJCKA3vh
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) September 19, 2025
znModeratorThat’s great, but… honestly… I’ve NEVER allowed a sack. I’m not saying that to brag. It’s just a fact.
I want to see negative sacks on offense.
That is, where the Rams pass protection on offense is so good, it is the defensive pass rusher who is listed as having been sacked.
znModeratorLos Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
Rams’ Center Coleman Shelton ranks 7th in run blocking grade (79.7) among all offensive linemen in the NFL (min 50% snaps played), according to @PFF. He also hasn’t allowed a sack in his last 221 pass blocking snaps, according to TruMedia.znModeratorLos Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
According to @PFF, the Rams are one of two teams in the NFL that have two EDGE defenders who rank in the top-10 in pass rush grade – Byron Young (90.1) and Jared Verse (80.2) (min 50% snaps played).znModeratorStu Jackson@StuJRams
Some high praise from Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula today on rookie OLB Josaiah Stewart:“For an edge guy going into his third game, he’s playing at a really, really high level, and we’re excited by what we’ve seen.”
Full quote:
znModeratorWyatt Miller@wymill07
Through 2 games, Byron Young leads the Rams in sacks (3), pressures (9) and pass rush win rate (24.5%), ranking 4th, 13th and 12th among edge rushers league-wide.September 18, 2025 at 7:20 pm in reply to: setting up “E-gals” game–roster stuff, injuries, comments, broadcast map #158095znModeratorRams Practice Report: The Battle For Snaps Has Intensified
Brock Vierra
https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/los-angeles-kyren-williams-blake-corum-eagles
WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. The Los Angeles Rams continued in their week three preparations as they look to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of last season’s NFC Divisional Round playoff game. The Rams have been unified in their message that this is an important game because all NFL games are important, but while the Eagles themselves may not be the first thing on the team’s mind, getting over the hurdle that is a strong, tested opponent is.
Here’s what I saw in practice.
The battle for snaps has intensified as there are three factors for which we could see movement along the average snaps dolled out so far.
The Interior Defensive Line
Make no mistake about it, Kobie Turner and Poona Ford will get theirs but with Braden Fiske’s game status up in the air, Tyler Davis has taken initiative in drills and his steady improvement is as clear as day. Not only has there been a continuous improvement with his hands, his feet are quick, his base is low and his punch is coming out with a thud.
Tyler Davis
While we won’t know what the snap count will look like until game time, Davis has made it clear that whenever he gets called upon, he will be ready to carry the Clemson tradition of dominant defensive linemen when he puts on the colors of the Rams.
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum
Sean McVay stated that the snap split will likely be 65:35 in favor of Williams, but on the field, especially during individual drills, Corum is pushing Williams to the limit. Don’t be mistaken, Williams has been flying at full speed. This appears to be another situation of iron sharpening iron.
Blake Corum
Make no mistake, it’s all love in the running back room, especially since both men have come from programs where selfless service towards the ultimate goal is an ingrained mindset, but just because they’re giving as teammates does not mean they’re not trying to take as many snaps as each man can.
While Williams remains the better all-around player, Corum’s shiftiness, vision, and explosive movements into gaps are hard to ignore. In fact, it’s down right mesmerizing.
Terrance Ferguson continues to grow
Everything about Ferguson’s work ethic and approach says he wants to play right now and while he’s improved in his abilities as a blocker, there remains a few details about the game and a few nuances about the position Ferguson has yet to master.
Still though, Ferguson will get his shot soon. However, McVay is more than justified with his slow and steady approach because come the later part of the season, Ferguson is one of several aces McVay is keeping under wraps.
znModeratorWyatt Miller@wymill07
Through 2 games in 2025, the Rams rank 5th in explosive run rate at 8.7%. Although it’s a very small sample size, that’s a large increase from the past few years.znModeratorJohn Frascella (Football)@NFLFrascella
Top 10 Cornerbacks in the NFL this season, according to PFF:1. Keisean Nixon & Sauce Gardner, tied
3. Cobie Durant
4. Donte Jackson
5. Tarheeb Still
6. Jacob Parrish
7. Carrington Valentine
8. Roger McCreary
9. Dax Hill
10. Will JohnsonSeptember 18, 2025 at 9:45 am in reply to: around the league going into week 3 (including NFC west) #158088znModeratorSeptember 18, 2025 at 9:19 am in reply to: around the league going into week 3 (including NFC west) #158087znModeratorMy how times have changed.
Kickers nowadays routinely make 50- and 60-yard field goals.
On September 17, 1978, NBC's Marv Albert and Bob Trumpy were incredulous that the #Seahawks' Efrén Herrera — a Pro Bowler and one of the best kickers of his era — connected on a 45-yarder. pic.twitter.com/yvrhHD27NO
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) September 18, 2025
September 17, 2025 at 10:42 pm in reply to: setting up “E-gals” game–roster stuff, injuries, comments, broadcast map #158085znModeratorLos Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
The Rams have won six straight regular season road games dating back to last season.znModeratorNate Atkins@NateAtkins_
Davante Adams is seeing 80% of his catches go for first downs.The only players with more catches and higher first-down rate: Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tetairoa McMillan.
So, Adams hasn’t been most efficient on a per-target basis, but the ones he’s catching are doing some damage.
znModeratorSosa Kremenjas@QBsMVP
For reference, defensive spending:Rams: $53.9M (cheapest)
Steelers: $162.8M (most expensive)September 17, 2025 at 6:14 pm in reply to: setting up “E-gals” game–roster stuff, injuries, comments, broadcast map #158082znModeratorBrock Vierra@BrockVierra
Per Sean McVay: Steve Avila and Braden Fiske will not practice on Wednesday.Colby Parkinson is limited
Game status unknown at this time
September 17, 2025 at 3:32 pm in reply to: The Stafford thread…update 12/31: huge S.I. article #158081znModeratorStafford has completed seven of his nine passes at least 20 yards down the field, and the only two incompletions were drops. Excluding drops, Stafford is 7-for-7 for 198 yards.
Pro Football Focus shed some light on Stafford’s eye-popping stats on deep balls, showing just how good he’s been on throws at least 20 yards down the field. According to PFF, he has a perfect 99.9 grade on deep passes, by far the best grade of any quarterback in the NFL. Brock Purdy is second with a 94.0 grade, and that’s in just one game.
znModeratorJ.B. Long@JB_Long
Sacks since 2023 by players drafted since 2023, per NFL Research@RamsNFL – 55
TB – 27.5
PHI – 23September 17, 2025 at 1:37 pm in reply to: setting up “E-gals” game–roster stuff, injuries, comments, broadcast map #158075znModerator
znModeratorNate Atkins@NateAtkins_
The Rams have the No. 2 most explosive offense (No. 1 passing game) and are No. 4 at preventing explosive plays on defense (No. 1 against the run) through two games.All will be put to the test in some major ways in Philly this week.
-
AuthorPosts
