Thursday Night Football November 16, 2023

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens 8:15pm ET Prime Video

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook:

All that talent and what a disappointment that offense has been and the defense has played pretty well. The run to the Superbowl is a fragile thing and this team is squandering it's chances yet again.



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Dorsey, a former NFL quarterback, has been with the Bills since 2019 when he was hired as quarterbacks coach. He was promoted to offensive coordinator just one season later. He previously spent five years with the Carolina Panthers, where he was promoted to offensive coordinator under then-head coach Ron Rivera.


The Bills, as well as their quarterback Josh Allen, have been good statistically but also haven't looked right this season. Monday's loss to the Broncos was the latest example. Allen was the source of three of the Bills' four turnovers, with two interceptions and an embarrassing fumble that came on a simple ball exchange.


Allen is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes with 19, but he also has a league-leading 11 interceptions through 10 games as well as four fumbles. That pretty much sums up the Josh Allen experience in 2023.

Moving Brady to offensive coordinator might be one of the better moves the Bills have made this season. He's just 34 and has spent the past decade coaching at the college level (including LSU, where he coached Joe Burrow during his Heisman season) and in the NFL. Prior to being hired by the Bills in 2022, he spent two seasons as an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints and then (like his predecessor) spent a few years with the Panthers before getting fired.

The Bills now have a chance to test drive Brady for a few months before deciding if they want more of him, or if they want to wipe the slate clean and start over with a new OC in 2024.

Leading up to Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, the Los Angeles Rams made a couple of roster moves. The team announced it has signed Keir Thomas to the active roster and waived Zach VanValkenburg to make room for him.

Thomas has been on the practice squad since the start of the regular season and will now get an opportunity to contribute on Sundays. VanValkenburg made the 53-man roster out of training camp but has just one sack and nine tackles in nine games played.


Thomas was a standout player in the preseason, recording 2.5 sacks and four quarterback hits. It was mildly surprising that he didn’t make the team out of camp, but he’s a talented edge rusher who could contribute in the near future.

The Los Angeles Rams were on the hunt for cornerback hunt recently with Derion Kendrick struggling. According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, the Rams attempted to claim rookie cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. However, the Green Bay Packers were one spot higher in the waiver order so they were awarded Kelly.

The Seahawks recently waived Kelly, which was his second time being cut this year despite being a fifth-round rookie. He was drafted 157th overall by the Ravens out of Stanford but he was waived in late August and claimed the next day by the Seahawks.



He was active for five games in Seattle but only played special teams. He did not play a snap on defense.

Los Angeles gave Duke Shelley more snaps in recent weeks and has also played Quentin Lake in the slot, as well. Kendrick has struggled lately so the Rams could be looking for help at that position. Unfortunately, the Packers beat them to the punch with Kelly.


Story originally appeared on Rams Wire

Seven of the Rams’ nine games this year have been one-score games entering the fourth quarter.

In the games in which the Rams led by 7 or fewer points, they are 2-1.

In the games in which the Rams trailed by 7 or fewer points, they are 0-4.

(Add to that, the Rams blew a 15 point lead against Indianapolis in the 4th before winning in OT).

What does this tell us?

Are the Rams fading because of a thin and tiring defense?

Are the Rams failing because of an inability to score points when the game is on the line?

Is it play calling?

Is it situational offensive line play?

Youth?

Something else?

At the start of the season, many hoped to see the Rams manage to be “competitive.”

I feel like we’ve done that, but failed to demonstrate that elusive “knowing how to win” quality.

Thoughts?

Seahags come to Sofi. We took it to them in their house. But both teams seem to be heading in different directions. We're fading fast and they're hanging in their with the 49ers tied for first. Can we sweep them?

On another note, I thought for sure the streak of 9 straight games on my local channels showing the Rams was coming to an end. They're on the same time as the 49ers. And this is the 49ers market. But the Rams are on CBS and the 49ers are on Fox. My channel lineup is showing the Rams for the 10th straight week. No need to stream again. That is unprecedented for me.

In the last couple years I've definitely put Stephen Stills on my list.
Would love to hear your opinion on who you like.

1. At this, the (sort of) mid-point of the season, my thoughts turn to Third Eye Blind.

2. I’m only pretty sure, that I can’t take any more losing. While I recognize this team’s shortcomings, the most frustrating thing thus far has been the inability to swing outcomes in games that could have been won.

3. But… before we take a swing against Seattle, I wonder… what are we fighting for? Is this team still working toward a 2023 playoff birth, or is it just about building for the future (and… are those mutually exclusive)?

4. So, how’s it going to be for the rest of this season?

5. On the plus side, we should be getting some reinforcements.

6. I’m presuming that Matthew Stafford will be back this week. While the signing of Carson Wentz might make it more palatable to hold him out if his thumb isn’t right, knowing Stafford, I’m betting he’ll play even if he’s not quite 100%.

7. Ernest Jones’ likely return is also significant. He’s been one of our top 3 defenders all year.

8. I’m also expecting Rob Havenstein back. Again… a steady veteran presence who was missed.

9. Not this week, but Kyren Williams and Bobby Brown’s return in the next few weeks will also be welcomed.

10. On the down side, sounds like Tyler Higbee may need to step aside and heal for a while. An opportunity for Davis Allen?

11. I like the matchup with Seattle. We always seem to play them well, particularly at home.

12. A 4-6 mark would keep us in the playoff conversation.

13. A 3-7 mark would ramp up the draft talk exponentially.

14. The NFC West went 3-0 during the Rams’ bye. Ugh.

15. I’ve always hated the 49ers, but I think I hate this particular 49ers team more than most. Such arrogance for a squad that just broke a 3 game losing streak.

16. I’m in two fantasy leagues this year and have a combined record of 14-6. Les Snead… I’m gunning for your job!

17. I hope Kyler Murray plays just well enough to persuade Arizona not to take a better QB in the draft.

18. How many games before Puka Nacua becomes the first rookie Rams WR to surpass 1,000 yards? (He’s at 827)

19. Midseason MVPs: Offense: Nacua, Defense: Donald.

20. Time to break the November curse!

Monday Night Football - November 13, 2023

Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook:

Sunday Night Football - November 12, 2023

New York Jets at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook:

NFL Week 10 - Sunday, November 12, 2023

THE LATE GAMES
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Washington Commodes at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)

MEGA EARLY
Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots (Frankfurt), 9:30 a.m. (NFL Network)

THE EARLY GAMES
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. (CBS)
San Francisco 49ers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. (FOX)
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. (CBS)

SNF
New York Jets at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, November 13, 2023

Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)

———

ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)

Bye week: Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles

NFL Week 10 - Sunday, November 12, 2023

MEGA EARLY
Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots (Frankfurt), 9:30 a.m. (NFL Network)

THE EARLY GAMES
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. (CBS)
San Francisco 49ers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. (FOX)
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. (CBS)

THE LATE GAMES
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Washington Commodes at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)

SNF
New York Jets at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, November 13, 2023

Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)

———

ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)

Bye week: Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles

If you want a good reminder about just what is going on with the Rams, then listen to this episode. Jourdan covers a lot of info while answering questions. It’s one of the best episodes in a while.


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Would you rather it...........

Where Are They Now? Former Rams safety & Super Bowl champion Eric Weddle​

The last time Eric Weddle walked off the field as a Los Angeles Ram on February 13, 2022, he did so as a Super Bowl LVI Champion.

He may be retired, but the two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection safety hasn't left the game, and is completing his first season as the head coach at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego.

Choosing to coach as a second career is something Weddle wanted to do even before he began his first career – playing 14 seasons in the NFL with the Chargers, Ravens and Rams, twice.

"I got my degree in special education, mild and moderate disabilities, so I've always wanted to teach and coach. And obviously, I played in the NFL for a while, so that kind of was put on the back-burner," Weddle said.

"(Rancho Bernardo's longtime coach) Tristan (McCoy) and I have known each other for a number of years and he had mentioned a few years ago that he may be looking for a change. I said it's something that I would be interested in, and we kind of just let it be. He brought it up again my first year out of retirement (in 2020). I was like, 'Hey, if you can coach one more year, I would be willing to do it.'

"I loved the two years that I was able to coach my son, Gaige (in youth football). He's in eighth grade now, so not coaching him for a year and kind of getting out on my own, I didn't want to go two years without coaching him. So that's why I said, 'If you can go one more year.'

"It's something I feel like I can give back now and share the lessons I've learned over the course of playing football for 30 years. I'm trying to give back to the boys and the community and been loving every second of it."

Weddle, who was an assistant on McCoy's staff last year, has guided the Rancho Bernardo Broncos to a 5-5 record and a first-round bye in the playoffs. They will host a second-round game on November 10.
What has he enjoyed most about working with the kids during his first season as a head coach?

"Just the process and trying to help them be their best. Trying to get the most out of them on a daily basis. And trying to teach them and motivate them to be great in everything they do," Weddle said. "You know, the kids have a lot going on. It's easy to get wrapped up on the little things and forget that they do have lives outside of football. So the daily process is something I'm learning and growing with."

And when Weddle notices that his players are learning what he's trying to get across to them, that it clicks in…

"You see it. You see it on the field. You see it in practice," he said. "It just takes time. I mean, I'm doing high level stuff that I did in the NFL, so it's not going to happen overnight. You've just got to keep the repetitions and keep teaching them. And if they're not getting it, then finding different ways to make it make sense for them."

One of the ways he has used to help it make sense is viable because of how well-respected Weddle is around the league. His former teammates have stepped up to offer the Rancho Bernardo players advice.

"I would put them on speakerphone, and they would share some words of wisdom with my boys. Something that they can help them with," Weddle said. "I was fortunate enough in the NFL to build those relationships that I'm able to call teammates. I am humbled by some of my friends around the league that they are willing to share some thoughts for my kids."

Granted, he has only patrolled the sideline for a short time, but Weddle has thoughts of his own about the people who are now colleagues.

"I appreciate high school coaches beyond belief, knowing the time they put in and not getting paid anything," Weddle said. "They truly do it because we love the kids and we love coaching and we love the game of football and what it brought to us. So I have a much more appreciation for that and understanding just the time that the coaches put in. It goes unnoticed a lot of the time, and how much effort goes into it. It is a lot. And just being on the other side, I have a great appreciation for it."

Making their home in the San Diego suburb of Poway, Weddle and his wife, Chanel, have four children: Brooklyn, Gaige, Silver and Kamri. And while Weddle's playing days are behind him, the memories of his time with the Rams will last forever.

"Honestly, the friendships that I made and the closeness I got with all those guys, that's what I miss most. I don't miss the game and I don't miss playing. I miss the late nights in Sean's [McVay] office talking ball and trying to figure out the opponent," Weddle said.

"I was up there my last year, not the Super Bowl year, by myself. That was my one and only year without my family. So I had a lot of time at the facility, and that's why Sean and I grew so close in so short amount of time. Most nights, we were the last ones in the building together."

And what makes Weddle most proud of his NFL career?

"Shoot, that I gave it all, man," he said. "I gave it all every single day and I was there for my teammates. It was never about the individual success. It was always about the team. Every decision or thought that I had was always what's best for the team. What's best for the defense. It was never about myself. I got more joy out of seeing my teammates make big plays than myself.

"I think that's what I'm most proud of, that the relationships that I built will last a lifetime. And that every day, I was trying to be great. I lived my life to the fullest. I don't live with regrets. I don't worry about the past. I'm always moving forward. And I think my teammates knew that, and understood that, and I hope that I raised their level play on and off the field because of that."

News Analysis: Rams’ season is at crossroads but barring playoff run, building blocks are set for 2024​

Maybe it’s only coincidence, but the Rams’ midseason signing of Carson Wentz sure feels like 2016.

Not because of what Wentz might do — if anything — as a backup quarterback for a team that is 3-6 and suffering through a three-game losing streak. If starter Matthew Stafford returns from a right thumb injury for the Nov. 19 game against the Seattle Seahawks, Wentz might never see the field in a game for the Rams.

But you can’t mention Wentz and the Rams without thinking about the NFL draft seven years ago — and where the Rams might be heading in the 2024 draft.

History lesson: In 2016, following another 7-9 season under Jeff Fisher and with the need to make a splash in their return to Los Angeles, the Rams traded up a record 14 spots in the draft to No. 1. In the blockbuster deal, they sent the Tennessee Titans their No. 15 pick, two second-round picks, a third-round pick, and first- and third-round picks in 2017.

The Rams chose quarterback Jared Goff over Wentz, who was taken No. 2 by the Philadelphia Eagles. Before the 2017 season, the Rams hired 30-year-old Sean McVay as coach. A year later, they went to the Super Bowl.

After the 2020 season, the Rams dumped Goff, sending him and first- and third-round picks to the Detroit Lions for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

That deal worked out well for the Rams. Stafford led them to victory in Super Bowl LVI at owner Stan Kroenke’s SoFi Stadium. (Goff returns to SoFi Stadium on Sunday as the leader of a resurgent Detroit Lions team that will play the Chargers.)

Stafford, 35, is under contract through the 2026 season. His 2024 salary is guaranteed. When physically sound, Stafford shows no sign of having lost any of the arm talent that has made him one of the NFL’s premier passers for 15 seasons.

But like 2016, when two quarterbacks were at the top of draft projections, USC quarterback Caleb Williams and North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye are regarded as rare prospects.

Rams general manager Les Snead showed in 2016 that he will go beyond creative to get to the top of the draft and select a quarterback. Regardless of cost.

In ensuing years, he traded one or multiple first-round picks for receiver Brandin Cooks, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Stafford.

In the upcoming draft, for the first time since selecting Goff, the Rams have a first-round pick. But there is no guarantee Snead will hold on to that pick, or future first-round picks, if the player they want is available.

The Rams currently have the NFL’s sixth-worst winning percentage. The Arizona Cardinals (1-8), the Carolina Panthers (1-7), Chicago Bears (2-7), New York Giants (2-7) and New England Patriots (2-7) also are in the running for the first or second pick.

The Rams could play themselves out of contention for a top pick by making a run to the playoffs.

Based on their performance through eight games, that seems like a longshot.

But there is reason for cautious optimism.

Stafford, offensive lineman Rob Haventsein and linebacker Ernest Jones are expected to return from injuries that sidelined them for the Rams 20-3 defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Running back Kyren Williams is eligible to return from injured reserve for the Nov. 26 game against the Cardinals.

Rookie receiver Puka Nacua, rookie edge rusher Byron Young and rookie defensive lineman Kobie Turner are positioned to build on their impressive starts.

But McVay must find a way to help receiver Cooper Kupp emerge from a three-game statistical slump, and to consistently blend Kupp, Nacua and receiver Tutu Atwell into the offense.

Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris must improve a secondary that has received solid play from cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and safety Jordan Fuller.

And kicker Lucas Havrisik and the Rams special teams must consistently convert Rams’ opportunities and control or disrupt opponents.

As for Wentz, he’s not the first former first-round pick to sign with the Rams.

In 2019, with the Jacksonville Jaguars still owing him millions of dollars, Blake Bortles served as Goff’s backup. Last season, with Stafford sidelined because of a spinal injury and John Wolford struggling through a shoulder injury, Baker Mayfield started the final five games.

Mayfield, after being traded by the Browns and released by the Panthers, parlayed his Rams experience into a starting opportunity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wentz, traded by the Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts and released by the Commodes, is no doubt aiming for a similar rebirth that might produce a starting opportunity with another team in 2024.

After last season’s Super Bowl hangover disaster, the Rams essentially told their fans to be patient and wait until 2024. They would have a first-round pick, and about $50 million in salary-cap space to work with.

SoFi Stadium could make another appearance in the Super Bowl rotation, possibly as soon as the 2025 or 2026 seasons.

That journey could start with the 2024 draft.

Unlike previous years, the Rams' 2024 list of internal free agents is not particularly long, and does not include many key starters.

Nonetheless, decisions will have to be made. So... based on performance thus far, here are my priority lists:

Unrestricted Free Agents

GROUP 1 (Bring 'em back!): Kevin Dotson, Ahkello Witherspoon
These are two players who came with little fanfare but have performed well as starters. I presume both can be extended at a reasonable price before they hit the FA market. These are the kind of "glue" players who will be important going forward.

GROUP 2 (Take 'em or leave 'em): Larrell Murchison, Jordan Fuller, Duke Shelley
Completely replaceable. If they want to accept minimal contracts to stay in L.A., fine. Otherwise... buh-bye.

GROUP 3 (Out with the old...): John Johnson, Brycen Hopkins, Demarcus Robinson, Tremayne Anchrum, Troy Reeder
Thank you for your service.

Restricted/Exclusive Rights Free Agents

GROUP 1 (Tender 'em): Alaric Jackson, Michael Hoecht, Jonah Williams
I don't want any of these guys starting in 2024 but, on the cheap, they are decent as depth players.

GROUP 2 (Free to go!): Christian Rozeboom, Ronnie Rivers, Zach Thomas, Earnest Brown

With playoffs unlikely, I'm going to be even more focused on the young players and their performance. I'm looking at who's going to be here next year.

The most interesting players, imo..

-Durant. He's working on the outside now.. can he hold up physically and is he good enough to pencil in as one of the starters next year?
-Bobby Brown. Coming back from injury, can he sustain the improvement he was starting to show? If so, the Rams at least have a legitimate first three starters on the DL and can focus on depth/rotational guys to fill out that part of the team.
-Zach Evans. I really, REALLY hope McVay does give him some actual work. What do the Rams have there?
-Quentin Lake. His work in the star is very encouraging. Interesting to have that big of a body in that spot.
-Hoecht. He seems to have had his best games recently. I'm NOT looking at him to be a starter.. but he looks like a guy who could be your 3rd or 4th edge and bring value.
-Mathis. Show me anything.
-Would love to see anything from backup TEs Allen and Long.
-Tomlinson. Just want to see if he's able to play outside at all on this level. Having one undersized corner isn't the end of the world, if he turned out to be a baller. Just can't have two small guys on outside, imo.

Another solid game slate for week 10.

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)

Sunday, November 12, 2023

MEGA EARLY
Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots (Frankfurt), 9:30 a.m. (NFL Network)

THE EARLY GAMES
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. (CBS)
San Francisco 49ers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. (FOX)
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. (CBS)

THE LATE GAMES
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Washington Commodes at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)

SNF
New York Jets at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)*

Monday, November 13, 2023

Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)

Bye week: Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles

Thursday Night Football - November 09, 2023

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook:

We wanted to share the latest episode of OnPoint - as Vince and Jackie talk about the Rams game from last weekend. Also, if there are any questions or topics to cover, please let me know. They are always into chatting about topics and having guests. Thanks!

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This could be extremely valuable in evaluation processe.