Smart bet is one playoff team from the division. But man wouldn't it be nice to see the Rams shock everyone with a playoff berth.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/07/17/bruce-arians-is-no-fan-of-the-spread-offense/

Bruce Arians is no fan of the spread offense
Posted by Mike Florio on July 17, 2017

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If/when the Cardinals draft a quarterback while Bruce Arians is still coaching the team, don’t expect the quarterback to come from a college spread offense.

“[T]hat damn sure ain’t what playing quarterback is all about,” Arians writes in his new book, The Quarterback Whisperer. “The most important trait needed to become a QB is leadership. But there is no leadership required of the quarterback in [the college] version of the spread.

He doesn’t talk to his teammates in the huddle, he doesn’t change the snap count — hell, he barely even reads the defense. The college spread quarterback doesn’t learn the mental and physical skills needed to execute the intricacies of the NFL game. That puts the college spread QBs who aspire to play and succeed in the NFL at a distinct disadvantage.”

Arians adds that any NFL team drafting a spread quarterback “can expect him to fail early in his career,” which means he’ll need the mental toughness to deal with failure. “Most rookie quarterbacks are going to suck anyway . . . but he’ll really be at a disadvantage if he’s coming from a spread team and has no idea of the pro concepts.”

These passages suggest that the Cardinals would have taken neither Patrick Mahomes nor Deshaun Watson with the 13th pick in round one, if the Chiefs hadn’t sprung to No. 10 for Mahomes and if the Texans hadn’t jumped to No. 12 for Watson. However, Arians claimed to admire Watson’s leadership and his game before the draft; if Watson had still been on the board, who knows what Arians and the Cardinals may have done?

Here’s what we know for now: The Cardinals have no rookie quarterback to develop behind Carson Palmer. Appearing last week on PFT Live, Arians said that Drew Stanton would be the replacement if Palmer retires before Arians does. The coach also expressed positive reviews regarding free-agent acquisition Blaine Gabbert. (Yes, Blaine Gabbert.)

However it goes, one thing is clear about the Cardinals of the last decade. When they have Kurt Warner or Carson Palmer, they contend. Without either guy, the Cardinals struggle.

Of course, that’s probably true for every other team and their good or bad quarterbacks, further confirming the importance of having a guy who can play — and who can lead.

den-the-coach said:

You need to put it on and take a selfie and post it.

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I will ASAP! I'm wearing it right now!

:sadwalk: 0-7, just like Goff and probably IR'd due to Rams OL play.

Legatron4 said:

He seems like such a chill dude. Like nothing bothers him. I think we see a whole new guy this season.

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I agree and he is also a lot tougher than people realize.

If Michael Floyd has an alcohol problem, then he has my sympathies, it isn't always in a person's control to just 'stop'. He needs support and advice at all steps. Has he been to rehab? Doesn't his agent think he should be taking better care of his charge?

As @Legatron4 mentioned he should have read the label, but as @OldSchool said the volumes that would have to be consumed would be massive. It does sound like he thought his test period was over and fell off the wagon - thats a shame because going 90 days dry, the 'craving' should have gone. But if he was staying away from alcohol on his own, without the assistance of a trained counsellor then you don't really know what his state of mind was in after 90 days...

LesBaker said:

2000 was a crazy season. I think it is the only time a team was first in total points and last in giving them up.

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This website (http://mcubed.net/nfl/ptmpapg.shtml) has a list of 102 teams with the highest points allowed/game average. According to the website, the 2000 Rams gave up an average of 29.4 points/game (471) which is tied for the 21st highest average ever. Of the 102 teams, the 2000 Rams are the only team to finish with a winning record. They are also the only team on that list to make the playoffs.

That was a damn good offense. If we had any kind of defense that season we most likely would've gone back-to-back. That would have been a great Super Bowl too! The 2000 Ravens defense vs the 2000 Rams offense...

Classic Rams said:

Donald is fine, I won't nit-pick him to do more than he does already.

Pressuring the QB is great since it can cause a pick, but I still don't like them having a stat for it. Old school here... take away hurries, pressures and targets and don't add anything else to the mess o' stats. When a story describing that "D-lineman X was pressuring the QB," that's enough of an indicator for me rather than X amount of pressures, X amount of hurries. Seriously... stat overkill.

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I think Wade is big on defensive turnovers. The Rams need to up there INT's . I think will see that this season.

Well, then, what about the Decatur Staley's?

BonifayRam said:

Does Donnal get injured more than the rest of the Rams OL 'ers ? Brown has been injured both of his seasons and placed on IR. What about Safford ? Darrell Williams has been on the IR the last 2 seasons. Havenstein was injured the entire 2016 season. Donald was active for all 17 weeks in 2016 season. Donnal has not been placed on any NFL IR list to date. Who could replace AD's ability to play 4 OL posts?

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Saffold and Brown have been consistent starters when they were injured.

Donnal is getting injured in spot duty as a backup.

So yes, on a per snap basis, Donnal is getting injured too often.

Also he was injured in college and Brown and Saffold didn't seem to have that problem.

Don't get me wrong.
I'm pulling for Donnal to stay healthy and be an All-Pro tackle.

But in final cut downs you can't make the club from the tub.

I'd pick teams that have been away from the postseason tournament for a while and fan bases that badly need a reprieve from years of mediocrity. Those Cinderella stories and surprise teams have always been my favorite.

AFC

Bills
Dolphins
Raiders
Browns
Titans
Jaguars

NFC

Eagles
Rams
Lions
Bears
Bucs
Saints

Let the Packers, Patriots, Steelers, Seahawks sit at home in January. It'll be good for them, builds character. Fans of those teams could stand to learn a little humility.

SteezyEndo said:

Johnny?

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It was before Johnny and just after Fisher walked out.

Dxmissile said:

I understand, for me it's different then a lot of the LA era fans because they saw the team in all it's glory but for a young guy that grew up watching them in stl I don't have those memories to pull from all I have is the GSOT and about 18 more years of misery. I feel like both fan bases need to be respected because they both had to really show their loyalty in different ways, like you mentioned there were a lot of la Rams fans supporting the team in STL and vice Versa now. The main difference between then and now is technology lol. I don't know what Georgia said or did when the Rams left LA all I know is the blantant disrespect and lies that was told by Kroenke and Co and go he just blasted the city on the way out. Everyone I know has a problem with that and not the move. As far as empty seats go, hell yeah there were for one you had a lousy product on the field but attendance didn't start going down until there was no commitment to keep the team so you couple that with a lousy team and that same team not committing to stay that's what happens but the team still had very high ratings on tv. I guess I'm just frustrated because I finally thought we all got pass this silly argument. No fan base is better then the other let's just enjoy our new look team and hope for a winning season hell both LA and STL deserve that

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I commend you for remaining a Rams fan. It's not easy sticking with a team after they move..... that I know...lol.

MOD EDIT: I think this is a good post to close on. CGI

We'll see how he does, I expect our 3rd down conversion rate to improve for sure. Just hope that Goff is capable of making multiple reads and not staring down at his receivers like Bradford did with Amendola.

Check it out here:

Login to view embedded media View: https://soundcloud.com/downtownrams/fight-for-la-and-mmqbs-gary-gramling


https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-D...episode/fight-for-la-and-mmqbs-gary-28311079/

https://www.spreaker.com/user/downtownrams/fight-for-la-gary-gramling

Here we go again, making out Kroenke and the rams as the bad guys. No mention of the contract signed by both parties stating the Rams had every right to move back to LA if they didn't fufill their end of the deal. :deadhorse:


Settle out of court Stan and be done with it.

Elmgrovegnome said:

Donald for Cousins straight up? No. Goff for Cousins straight up? No

Cousins was born in 88'. That means he is 29 this year and a free agent so the Rams would be paying him a top QB contract. Goff is affordable and the top pick in the draft.. Cousins was a back up before McVay came along, so I am guessing coaching and scheme helped him along.

It makes more sense to let him hit the market and get Cousins for nothing. I bet his favorite target would be to land with McVay. That way the staff can see what Goff can do before giving up on him.




He had a good two years. Top ten numbers. I wonder how much of it is Cousins excellence and how much it had to do with the system and the players. The Skins aren't a crap team. Cousins had good receivers to throw to in Garcon, Jackson, TE Jordan Reed, a good OLine and Running game. He was on a good, well coached offense. Cousins had a lot going for him in Washington.

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That's true, and I would be fine waiting on Goff.

Donald is where I have more of a problem. I realize I'm in the minority on this, but paying a DT $20-24 million per year is just not a good plan IMO. He goes from being our best asset to a middle of the road asset despite the fact that he's a future HOF.

And I wouldn't necessarily do that trade...it's just something I would consider. They would need to add a lot more in though.

I am excited to see the transformation to the 34.

Barwin very much a potential surprise here.

Please...

Dil-hole needs to be #1 on this list by a mile.

Nice read....I still think Mack would be better served playing MLB

LACHAMP46 said:

I wasn't impressed with Forrest much...In fact, I don't really remember a play he made that was significant last year.I think Hagar is the better player than Forrest also....Hagar can run. And I'll always remember that INT vs the Seahawks that almost won the game...That's a player right there.
Again...this all goes back to, we have a bunch of LB's....from the prior regime...Littleton...Hagar...Forrest...and now we have some more new OLB's.I see some vets...some highly paid ones...getting cut either now, or in 2018

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I would agree with you on Bryce Hager being the better overall player than Josh Forrest. BH was our 4th LB'er in all goal line defensive formations. The thing about BH is he is a general well rounded player good in just about all things but not great in anything except in diagnosing offenses. BH talent fits the weak-side interior best. Its the opposite for JF. JF in 2016 normally 1st down SSLB'er in base D involving rotation with Joyner.When teams would power run to that side JF would replace Joyner. Neither BH or JF would fall into cost cutting cadre of players they are paid close to nothing.

IMO OLB Cory Littleton 53 player spot being in jeopardy. JF/BH no, since CL has always been an OLB in 43 playing both sides. CL 2 biggest games (2016)came after JF injured his knee & Joyner injuries piled up & could not dress. CL played well in the 43 D @ SSLB. The last 3 games of the season CL & DB Blake Countess played the SSLB'er post.

With 2 new drafted Wade type 34 OSLB'ers drafted in April ...CL is in for one serious TC battle. Wish I could see it. Any OLB'er in Wade's D will need to have a serious pass rush game. Not sure CL fits that skill set.

This is my prediction @ this time of our opening season LB'er unit:

WSOLB- Quinn/ Ebukam(R)
WSILB- Barron/ Hager
SSILB- Ogletree/ Forrest
SSOLB- Barwin/ Price(R)

Thus leaving Wade to figure out if Quinn & Barwin will be involved in the DL final numbers where its possible to see only 6 DL'ers (I beleive ROD forum will be surprised @ amount total of DL'ers kept). The rest of our LB'ing cadre hoping to grasp on as that #9 & maybe 2 spots on the PS if we only go with 8 LB'ers.

#9-Cory Littleton
#10-Cassanova McKinzy
#11- Kevin Davis (R)
#12-Carlos Thompson
#13-Nicholas Grigsby

den-the-coach said:

Orlando Pace: Bruce & Holt Deserve to Be in the Hall of Fame –Video

Hall of Famer Orlando Pace talks about which of his former teammates deserve to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Watch Pace Talk HOF

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A no-brainer. Of course they do.

NFC West Q&A: Can Todd Gurley still become an elite running back?

After a strong rookie year, Todd Gurley found little room to run last season. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Todd Gurley went from Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2015 to one of the least productive runners of the 2016 season, compiling 885 rushing yards on 278 attempts.

One thing Gurley lacks is supporting cast. The Los Angeles Rams, who ranked last in yards in each of the past two seasons, have way too much work to do on offense. There are reasons to believe that Gurley will be better moving forward, though. Sean McVay, a prodigy when it comes to the way offenses function, should dream up creative ways of opening up running lanes for Gurley. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth will no doubt improve an offense line that was one of the NFL’s worst units last season.

Heading into his second year, Jared Goff still has a lot to prove, and that receiving corps still leaves something to be desired. Because of those two question marks, defenses will continue to stack the box and focus primarily on stopping Gurley, confident the Rams passing attack won’t hurt them all that much.

Do you believe Gurley can still be an elite running back?

Josh Weinfuss, Arizona Cardinals reporter: In a nutshell, yes. He’s a talent, and in the NFL, talent will shine when paired with the right pieces. Beyond that, Gurley’s talent didn’t just disappear last season. He averaged 2.7 yards per carry before contact in 2015 compared to 1.59 last season -- a sign he wasn’t getting enough space to move before the defense converged. Some of the blame has to fall on the offensive line, which was improved this offseason through the signing of veteran tackle Whitworth. Whitworth may be 35, but his presence on the line should bolster its physicality and productivity, giving Gurley room and allowing him to run more freely. Gurley has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the NFL, with the talent to rival the likes of David Johnson and Ezekiel Elliott. Another factor that could fuel his resurgence involves the expected improvement of Goff. If Goff can grow like most players do between their rookie and second seasons, then an improved passing game will open up the ground game for Gurley, allowing him to return to the elite running back conversation.

Nick Wagoner, San Francisco 49ers reporter: This doesn't seem like a simple yes or no question anymore. Gurley had an impressive stretch of brilliance as a rookie, largely buoyed by his big-play ability. Nobody topped his 14 20-plus-yard runs in 2015. Despite those numbers, Gurley was hindered by a questionable offensive line and questionable passing game, and his production dipped in the final stretch of the season. Last year, Gurley couldn't recapture the magic he displayed during the first half of his rookie campaign. Once again, some of the blame has to fall on a poor supporting cast and an unimaginative offense, but Gurley also didn't resemble his 2015 self on the rare occasion when holes were open. He broke 47 tackles as a rookie, good for seventh-best in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Last year, that number dropped to 41, even though Gurley had 71 more touches. As a result, he ripped off only two 20-plus-yard runs and averaged just 3.18 yards per carry. Yes, teams were focused on stopping Gurley, and yes, he didn't have much help, but the truly elite running backs find ways to get yards. Gurley should be better in McVay's offense, but the new head coach's emphasis on passing leads me to believe that Gurley will be less of a focal point for the Rams in 2017. Though McVay's presence might help Gurley put up better numbers, it might also prevent him from becoming the elite back many thought he'd be after his rookie season.

Sheil Kapadia, Seattle Seahawks reporter: I’m not sure about elite, but Gurley can still be a quality back in the NFL. The numbers suggest that blocking was a huge issue for Gurley and the Rams last season. Gurley averaged 1.59 yards before contact, which ranked 41st out of 42 players last season. In 2015, that number was 2.70, good for 10th among running backs. The Rams need to devise some way of threatening defenses with their passing game at least occasionally in order for Gurley to return to his 2015 form.

If J Brown works out at RT and Sullivan ztays healthy our line will be ok. Top 22 offense plus
top 5-8 defense might=9-10 wins.

Watched the whole AZ game, wk 17, Goff had to throw at 2.3 secs almost every pass--and even then he was getting waylaid. He didnt find WRs past 7 yards...lost. With a high school offense that is what you get

Tavon needs to step up on the 15+ yds routes or else teams sit on Woods and Kupp...top 22 is a wish for this O.

All opinion, imho

VegasRam said:

Dallas is for real. Cleveland?- c'mon man.
Jacksonville may click, but Carolina's going nowhere imo. They have a huge QB problem that ain't going away.
Not sure he ever had it, but Newton's lost his mojo. All he read his whole(and NFL) life was how great he was

All Goff's heard (read) otth, is how bad he sucked. They are going in opposite directions.

As to the OP, be nice to know wtf you're talking about - just sayin', not hatin'.

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Just thinking about what a fan really is. No hate taken. things are looking up.