Hey fells,

It's been a while since I've posted here, hope y'all are doing well.

I think most of us agree in many regards the Rams have outperformed expectations through 5 games with this being a reset year where it was clear we were shedding a lot of contracts and eating a lot of dead cap. The rookie class is looking like a home run so far and we're also getting solid contributions from unproven guys like Kyren, Tutu, Jonah Williams, etc. Right now I see us as a fringe playoff team if we can start putting together 4 quarter games, however I think we should sign a vet edge (someone like Ingram or Dunlap) to add some depth and beef up the pass rush.

There are still some obvious positions that lack quality starters or depth (namely edge, CB, OL). My question for y'all is which positions/players do you see McSnead targeting in free agency and the draft? Also do y'all know how much cap savings and dead cap we have if we cut Noteboom & Allen? That seems like a no-brainer.

He's getting pushed into whipping boy territory and I'm not a fan of that. Let's look at what's actually going on.

Derion Kendrick is 23 years old. And he just turned 23 back in August.

He was a 2022 6th round pick. A late one, pick 212 (a comp pick). Dude started some games last year and played well.

This year as full time starter, he's gonna up against opponents #1 (yes I know he's not shadowing all the time)...

DK Metcalf. 47 yards allowed.

Dweebo. 63 yards allowed

JaMarr Chase. 141 yards allowed. On 12 catches.

Michael Pittman. 15 yards allowed.

AJ Brown. 127 yards allowed. His worst game.

Just look at those WRs. These guys are elite physical freak WRs and he's contained them for the most part. Elite WRs are gonna get their yards.

And he's not allowed a passing tud since week 1.

Having said all that, and putting it all together in perspective as a 2nd year late 6th round pick he's not doing all that bad.

Can we let the kid develop before ripping him? Just a thought.

About the Rams Offense…

Stafford had a decent first half, but he was off badly in second half. In particular when targeting Kupp and Atwell. Lots of first downs and at least one TD were left on the field.

Once again, McVay abandoned his running game. It’s like he can’t help himself. Very frustrating.

And McVay wasn’t using 12 sets that I noticed. These last 2 things could’ve helped our TOP ratio immensely. How did that work out for you, Sean?

What kind of an OC is LaFleur when he doesn’t get in McVay’s ear when McVay goes off the rails with his predictable play calling?

I thought Williams was supposed to be a pass pro ace, but WTF?

About the Rams Defense…

Hoecht is just killing us. Opponents are gleefully targeting him and will continue to do so as long as he’s on the field as OLB. Wouldn’t you? Can Morris come up with a different option of some kind? Or are we doomed to watching this weekly mismatch?

Eagles clearly found a way to neuter AD and no other Rams were able to take sufficient advantage.

Let’s face it. Rams cannot generate the necessary pressure and opponents know it. A mobile QB like Hurts will feast on the ground against us. Probably can’t fix this until next offseason. Sigh…

I blame both the Offense and the Defense for that obscene imbalance in TOP. Neither unit was able to do their jobs nearly well enough. Hard to watch, wasn’t it?

Our D players don’t know how to tackle, do they? They constantly kept Eagle drives alive further complicating the TOP imbalance. Tackling should be such a fundamental thing, too.

Kendrick picked a bad time to revert to his crippling foul tendencies, huh? Such exquisite timing. Frankly, I think opposing teams are targeting both Hoecht and Kendrick and with good success, I might add.

Rams D allowed an Eagle TD after Rams took the lead with only 32 seconds left in the half? How is that possible?

That Eagle ‘push tush’ play should be made illegal. What is the league waiting for?

And yet, even with all of the above the Rams were only down by 6 with approximately 6 minutes to go. Point being that this was a winnable game, y’all. Coaching miscues and poor player execution cost Rams this victory. That’s what is frustrating me this morning.

This was NOT an implosion such as Cowboys had vs 49ers last night.

Arrrrrgh!

The Michigan Wolverines are the best team in America and being a Buckeye Backer, it pains me to post this, but they run the ball well are stout at both points of attack and they have a QB, who has experience and can move the chains with his legs. I have some hope that the Washington Huskies could defeat them, but I just think Michigan would wear them out. Hope I am wrong, but I am preparing myself for a Wolverine National Championship.

Monday October 9, 2023

Green Bay Packers vs. Las Vegas Raiders: 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC

ROD Sportsbook:

I went back and reviewed each pass pro snap from the Philly game to see how our Oline held up.

Here is what I came away with. Mind you this is just pass pro and not run blocking.

I like to post these before PFF grades come out to see how they match up.

I consider a pressure as a defender in the face or flushing before Stafford can complete his drop and have a legit chance to make his first read and get the ball out with reasonable room. Usually this is right around 3 seconds or under. Almost every time in this Philly game the protection would break down in multiple spots very quickly after that setup and read. Stafford almost never had time in this game to sit back there for 5-7 minutes each play like Hurts did. Some games Stafford has, but this Eagles front is an Elite pass rush bunch and the ball had to come out right after the drop and read.

Carter, Graham, Reddick and Sweat can all generate a ton of pressure quickly. Compare that to our one pass rusher Donald.

MY OLINE GRADES
Jackson - B Minus - One pressure given up to sweat. Another time on a 5 man blitz Sweat was unblocked but looked like it wasn't Jackson's assignment. A few other questionable snaps.

Avila - B - One pressure on an inside move to Williams, totally missed the guy. Flushed Stafford to a Blitzer on the other side. Otherwise solid all game.

Shelton - C Minus - One bad Pressure given up to Graham. Another bad sack given up to Carter that almost got Stafford killed. These were critical plays and complete whiffs but otherwise he was solid so he avoids an D grade. Carter is a monster.

Dotson - B Minus - One big pressure given up where he totally missed picking up the stunting guy. A few other shaky snaps.

Havenstein - C - One pressure given up. One sack given up to Reddick. He should have received more help but didn't. Facing Reddick solo is not easy.

Mcclendon - F - Gave up a sack to Reddick when Havenstein came out. Kyren also missed the block.

Overall, the protection was good enough to win the game if was plays were made. The 4 man rush was getting home every time by the Eagles. Carter and Reddick disrupted the game creating a razor thin margin for error that we almost beat.

I will also say on replay of the game that Stafford missed about 5 or 6 key passes. The high throw to Puka early, the Kupp early overthrow. The back to back overthrows of Tutu and Kupp killing a critical drive. The others to Kupp where they were not on the same page. If these throws are made we probably win the game. Those probably get better once Kupp is in the fold another game. The Protection was good enough for these throws and the WR was wide open but Stafford didn't deliver. Tutu dropped one over the middle and the high throw to Puka early was catchable but thrown a little too hard in my opinion, though Stafford had plenty of time. Stafford also missed the dump off on a few blitzes, but he also hit a few tough throws under pressure. This is not to slam on Stafford. He was quick in his reads and making great decisions, he just missed a few throws that could have been the difference in an upset.

It also seemed to me that Mcvay should not have Dialed up some of the longer, lower percentage passes on third down. Maybe he was getting intel about how the Eagles were defending the routes? Either way the shorter completions seemed to be working and there was plenty of time left in the game to continue milking those easy completions.

Does anyone think we might see a surprise trade or two by the Rams before the Trade Deadline?

1. The difference between winning and generally requires a multi-faceted and nuanced analysis. This week, though, I feel like one word tells a lot of the story. That word is TACKLING.

2. The Rams' tackling was, in a word, bad.

3. Missed tackles by the defensive backs allowed the Eagles to convert third downs and extend drives.

4. The inability to make a tackle in the backfield in the rare cases when they were able to get to Jalen Hurts allowed the Eagles to extend drives.

5. The inability to tackle Hurts when he ran the ball allowed him to convert third downs and extend drives.

6. Are you seeing the pattern yet?

7. I actually think that Rahim Morris devised a good game plan. For most of the game, the defense kept the Eagles from making big plays, and had opportunities to get off the field. But, again.... that requires solid tackling.

8. I'm getting a bit tired of commentators talking about teams "neutralizing" Aaron Donald. Donald is the best defensive player of his generation, but he's still only one human being. If an excellent offensive line gameplans to stop him, and double/triple teams him constantly, he's going to have trouble making plays.

9. The real issue here is that the Rams don't have enough pass rushers to make opposing offenses pay for dedicating so much attention to Donald. Byron Young is showing signs of being a guy who can do so, but we need more. Michael Hoecht isn't that guy (and he's a liability setting the edge and in coverage).

10. Allowing the Eagles to drive the field and score a TD at the end of the half was awful. The Rams' inability to finish off the first half has been a recurrent problem, and it's getting to the point of being inexcusable. It really changed the complexion of the game. Derion Kendrick played a big part (though I thought the PI was questionable), but I'm not going to blame one guy (and he did save us 4 points with a key 3rd down stop in the first half).

11. Given that the offense was shut out in the second half, I should be criticizing them, right?

12. Well, to a degree. There were definitely some missed opportunities, including a couple of dropped passes and some deep passes that looked promising, but didn't connect.

13. That said, the offense didn't get a lot of opportunities due to the defense's failure to get off the field. The Eagles held the ball for over 37 minutes. That's going to make it tough for any offense.

14. The "Brotherly Shove" is BS. Its not a football play, and should be banned. Its particularly frustrating when the forward progress is stopped, and the "shove" then gives the Eagles what amounts to a second chance. Not a fan of this gimmick.

15. On the positive side, welcome back Cooper Kupp! He and Matthew Stafford were not 100% in synch, but he looked healthy and ready to be a factor.

16. We also saw the possibilities of a Kupp/Puka Nacua/Tutu Atwell trio. Going forward, that's going to be a strength of the team.

17. Kupp gets my Offensive Player of the Week award with his 8 reception, 118 yard performance in his first game in nearly a year.

18. Given how I ripped the tackling, the Defensive Playter of the Week goes to the one guy who made a lot of tackles: Ernest Jones, 15 tackles (10 solo) and 3 TFL.

19. The schedule gets a bit more favorable after a killer opening 5 games. The Cardinals are better than expected, but very beatable. The Steelers pass rush is fierce, but their offense is suspect. This team has a chance to get to 4-3. That doesn't sound so bad, does it?

20. Rational perspective: the Rams' 3 losses are to teams that were in last year's "Final Four." Not an excuse, and we (and the Rams) should not be satisfied. Keep moving forward.

Was thinking about making chili, but might make cheesesteaks per today's opponent... Whatcha Eat'n on?

Sunday October 08, 2023

Game Day Thread

The GDT is a live thread tradition here at ROD.

While we all get fired up watching the game, please remember our core principles;we always show respect for our team and each other.

Despite the emotional highs and lows watching a game, we will moderate this thread with that in mind, however please refrain from name calling. This applies to players, the Rams organization, and others.

This is the core rule of the GDT. Moderators are tasked to issue thread bans, at a minimum, to maintain this standard.

This is our team. Win or lose. Good days and bad. We are here for FUN, not to be dragged down.

A more loosely moderated atmosphere can be found in the chat room.

Go Rams!

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ROD Chat Room;

Game Day Room

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Sunday Night Football - October 8, 2023

Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

ROD Sportsbook:

Sunday October 8, 2023

THE LATE GAMES
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Arizona Cardinals: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox
New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Minnesota Vikings: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

MEGA EARLY GAME
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills: 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network

THE EARLY GAMES
Houston Texans vs. Atlanta Falcons: 1:00 p.m. ET, Fox
Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions: 1:00 p.m. ET, Fox
Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts: 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS
New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins: 1:00 p.m. ET, Fox
New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots: 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS

SNF
Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

Monday October 9, 2023

Green Bay Packers vs. Las Vegas Raiders: 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC

————

ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday October 5, 2023

Chicago Bears vs. Washington Commodes: 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video

Sunday October 8, 2023

MEGA EARLY
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills: 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network

THE EARLY GAMES
Houston Texans vs. Atlanta Falcons: 1:00 p.m. ET, Fox
Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions: 1:00 p.m. ET, Fox
Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts: 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS
New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins: 1:00 p.m. ET, Fox
New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots: 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS

THE LATE GAMES
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Arizona Cardinals: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox
New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Minnesota Vikings: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

SNF
Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

Monday October 9, 2023

Green Bay Packers vs. Las Vegas Raiders: 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC

————

ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday October 5, 2023

Chicago Bears vs. Washington Commodes: 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video

What do you guys have for streams this Sunday ?
Thanks for any help.

I didn't see a predict the score thread so being a helpful member and overall stellar human, I thought I would start the thread.

Don't duplicate a score or you will be banned forever and ridiculed by all.

If you win, you might get ROD bucks or a thumbs up by some internet stranger you have never met.

If you predict a Rams loss you will be shamed but give yourself a 79% better chance of winning.

What you got son?

I am going RAMS 38 Eagles 31

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Sebastian Janikowski has a son named Dean kicking for the Washington State Cougars.

This video is very in-depth and well worth the watch. This video makes it clear it’s a good thing we didn’t trade for Jonathan Taylor.

The summary is at 23:35. But again, the whole thing is well done and makes a great case against paying running backs. It is fairly numbers intense, but he summarizes everything really well. Great video.

PLOT; Remember when the running backs were holding TEAMS calls to strategize how to be paid their worth? This video uses metrics to conclude RB’s are ALL over paid after their rookie deal.

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Oof!

what the fuck is wrong with Notebook this time? No, I didn't misspell his name, he's more like a closed book or maybe we should close the book on him. If this topic is in another thread I apologize but what's wrong now? Just looking for answers. Thank god we gave him that contract extension he so richly deserved...$*#**%###%^#%^*^###$%$#^&*()&)$(**(^%#@@$...shit!

I started this thread after watching Mike McCready when he was with Mad Season.
Check out, "Live at the Moore".
it's on YouTube.

Check out his guitar solo at about 4:40 on the song, "Wake Up".