New England vs. Minnesota: Patriots and Vikings Wrap Up Thanksgiving Tripleheader​

Thanksgiving Day's football action will wrap up at night with an exciting "Thursday Night Football" matchup between the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings. Although both teams are in playoff position, they each have much to prove before the postseason.

The Vikings may be 8-2, but last week threw their title chances into serious doubt with a stunning 40-3 loss to the Cowboys. It dropped their point differential to negative — the first time that's ever happened for a team with at least eight wins at this point — and left many to wonder whether this Kirk Cousins-led team has just benefitted from a soft schedule and good luck.

The New England, meanwhile, is riding a three-game winning streak and has won five of six, although it too has played a soft schedule. The Pats' offense has been lackluster, but it's hard to deny a defense that has held consecutive opponents to just three points and is only allowing 16.9 points per game (second in the NFL).

With so many question marks surrounding both teams, Thursday night's game could provide plenty of insight into their respective playoff hopes. Are Cousins or Mac Jones dynamic enough to lead their teams on a deep playoff run? At a minimum, this single game can provide a measuring stick.

Thanksgiving Day: New England (6-4) at Minnesota (8-2)

Kickoff: Thursday, Nov. 24 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Vikings -3
Tickets: As low as $107 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. Will prime-time Kirk Cousins show up?

It's well-established at this point that Cousins has struggled under the lights. Despite holding a 67-61-2 record overall, he's just 10-18 in night games, including a 3-5 record on Thursdays with especially short rest. His passer rating has also taken a hit at night (93.9) compared to his overall mark (97.5).

To be fair, some of that has to do with the quality of opponents. Over his 11 NFL seasons, Washington and Minnesota have tended to be paired against better teams in prime time. But it also underlines the challenges of trying to win a big game with a physically limited passer.

Cousins had his worst game of the season in the Vikings' lone night game to date — 27-of-46 passing for 221 yards with three interceptions and a touchdown in a 24-7 Week 2 loss to the Eagles. Minnesota can't withstand that many turnovers, but it will also need much more efficient passing in general. He has averaged 6.9 yards per pass attempt in wins and just 4.7 in losses this season.

Putting up big numbers against this Patriots defense will be a challenge, though. New England ranks fourth in the league in passing yards allowed per game (188.3), net yards allowed per attempt (5.2), and interceptions (11). They've also allowed a combined 87 passing yards in the last two games. Despite the departure of J.C. Jackson, this secondary remains dangerous, especially with the emergence of fourth-round rookie Jack Jones, who has the second-highest PFF grade among cornerbacks this season.

2. Can the Patriots limit turnover opportunities?

The Patriots' quarterback controversy is over — for now. Mac Jones has held down the fort since returning as the full-time starter in Week 8, with a 72.8 percent completion rate and just one interception over the last three games. Of course, the downside is he has only thrown for 587 yards and two touchdowns during that stretch.

While the defense has dominated, Jones has really limited his downfield passing. During his first four games, his intended air yards per attempt never dropped below 9.3. In his last three games, it's never been higher than 4.9.

Depending on accumulating yards after the catch can be risky generally, but it has been a good strategy against the Vikings this season. Minnesota has allowed 129.2 YAC per game, the fifth most in the league. So look for quick, short passes from the Pats on Sunday.

Limiting the number of turnover-worthy plays also be key since the Vikings have one of the most ball-hawking defenses in the league. Before last week's loss, they had at least one takeaway in every game and are tied for third overall with 18 takeaways (10 interceptions).

3. How will offensive injuries affect each team?

While their outcomes could hardly have been more different last week, both teams suffered big losses with injuries to key offensive linemen. Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw exited with a concussion and has already been ruled out for Thursday's game, while Patriots center David Andrews surprisingly practiced Tuesday after suffering a thigh injury.

It's hard to understate how devastating the Darrisaw injury was last week. The Cowboys were able to pressure Cousins on a season-high 40 percent of dropbacks despite only blitzing four times. New England isn't quite Dallas, but it does rank second in pressure rate (29.8 percent) and blitzes a tad less than Dallas (28.0 percent vs. 28.3 percent). It's easy to see Matthew Judon doing a Micah Parsons impersonation.

As for New England, Andrews remains doubtful to play and would be a big loss, especially if Isaiah Wynn (who left last week's game with a foot injury) also can't go. The Patriots have had trouble running the ball lately — 690 yards in the first five games, 464 in the last five — and will be facing a Vikings defense that is 14th in yards per carry allowed (4.4) and ninth in adjusted line yards (4.14). The one silver lining for them is that Minnesota is still without defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and has given up 154.3 rushing yards per game during his three-game absence.

Final Analysis

It's clear that the Vikings are not as good as their record would indicate, and facing a Bill Belichick-coached team on short rest is generally not a recipe for success. Minnesota has a clear path to victory by forcing turnovers, but a conservative offensive game plan from New England may take that out of the Vikings' hands. There's only so much Justin Jefferson can do, especially when Cousins will be constantly under pressure by the Patriots and yet another national spotlight.

Prediction: Patriots 20, Vikings 17

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys: NFC East Rivals Get Together on Thanksgiving​

It's a Thanksgiving tradition as the Dallas Cowboys get their annual home game on Turkey Day, with this year's opponent being the New York Giants. And both teams could use some redemption. Dallas has lost three straight and six of their last eight contests on this prestigious holiday. The Giants' last appearance was back in 2017 when they lost 20-10 at Washington.

These two teams last met on "Monday Night Football" in Week 3 as the Giants fell 23-16 at home to the Cooper Rush-led Cowboys. Tony Pollard ran for 105 yards as part of a ground game that racked up 5.9 yards per carry. New York also ran the ball effectively, averaging 6.7 yards per rushing attempt, but Daniel Jones was ineffective at quarterback.

Last week, Jones threw for 341 yards but it was in a 31-18 loss to Detroit as he also added a pair of interceptions. The Giants outgained the Lions by almost 100 yards, but three turnovers were too much to overcome as Jamaal Williams scored as many points by himself (three rushing touchdowns) as New York did as a team. The Giants had been 7-1 in one-score games but couldn't keep up with a surging Detroit team that's now won three in a row. It was a costly loss too, as second-round pick Wan'Dale Robinson is out for the rest of the season after tearing his ACL. He had put up a game-high 100 receiving yards on nine catches prior to the injury.

Meanwhile, Dallas had no trouble taking care of Minnesota, demolishing the Vikings 40-3 on the road. Nearly everything was clicking for the Cowboys, as Dak Prescott had just one more incompletion than touchdown passes in the victory. Pollard was a star once again with 189 yards of total offense and two touchdowns. Ezekiel Elliott returned and was effective too. There weren't really any negatives as the defense held Minnesota to 183 yards of total offense and a first-quarter field goal. Lost in the shuffle also was Brett Maher, who made a 60-yard field goal as well and now has connected on four of those in his career.

This will be just the second time these longtime rivals have played on Thanksgiving. The only other time was way back in 1992, a game Dallas won easily, 30-3.

Thanksgiving Day: New York (7-3) at Dallas (7-3)

Kickoff: Thursday, Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Cowboys -9
Tickets: As low as $60 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. Injury concerns

The quick turnaround will be challenging for both teams to navigate, especially given the injury concerns that popped up after the teams' games on Sunday. With Wan'Dale Robinson (ACL) done for the season, New York will need more from a receiving corps that has left plenty to be desired through the course of this season (see below). The Giants also are beat up along the offensive line and could be shorthanded in the secondary based on the preliminary practice reports. Dallas' biggest concern could be the health of pass rusher Micah Parsons. He suffered what appeared to be a leg injury late in the rout of Minnesota last week but was able to return after sitting out a few plays. Parsons is the engine that drives the Cowboys' league-leading pass rush (42 sacks), as he's one of three players with double-digit sacks to this point. His absence or even if he's limited, could be a huge factor on Thursday. Otherwise, Dallas also is dealing with some sort of bug that has lingered with the team for several weeks. A handful of players were held out of Monday's walkthrough because of it, so that's something worth keeping an eye on as well.

2. Battle of the running backs

These two teams share a lot in common with each other especially when it comes to running the ball. And neither is particularly good at stopping it. New York is 25th defending the run while Dallas is a shade worse at 26th. Of course, the first matchup featured plenty of successful rushes by both teams. Saquon Barkley's 81 rushing yards in Week 3 alone were greater than the 59 he totaled last year in two matchups against the Cowboys. Dallas figures to stack the box against him in order to slow down the Giants' offense. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have started to use Tony Pollard more due to Ezekiel Elliott's knee injury, and he's paid it off royally. Even with Zeke back in the fold (he had as many carries as Pollard vs. Vikings, including two one-yard touchdowns), look for Pollard to lead this backfield as he's been more effective through the course of this season.

3. Who are these guys?

Robinson's injury has forced New York to go even deeper into the wide receiver corps. Eight different receivers have caught passes, with Robinson and Sterling Shepard both gone for the season. Darius Slayton has the most receptions with 24 in nine games with Richie James adding 23. The rest of the healthy group has just 26 receptions overall, with Isaiah Hodgins being used more as of late. Because of the lack of weapons, Daniel Jones has found himself running it more. The signal-caller has 76 carries in 10 games, with 36 of them turning into first downs. We'll see if New York can find a groove offensively, or else what was a hot start could turn into a cold finish.

Final Analysis

Dallas has had a rough recent history on Thanksgiving, but the Cowboys are playing too well to mess this up. If the Giants aren't careful, the wheels on their bus are going to come off and the Commodes will replace them as the third playoff team to come from the NFC East. It might be tight a little early, but the Cowboys have too much offense for New York to keep up.

Prediction: Cowboys 31, Giants 13

Buffalo vs. Detroit: Bills Make Return Trip to the Motor City for Thanksgiving Matchup Against Surging Lions​

Ford Field is supposed to provide a home-field advantage for the Detroit Lions against the Buffalo Bills in their annual Thanksgiving Day game. But after spending nearly two weeks in this stadium, Buffalo might be considering it their second home.

The Bills were forced to play here in Week 11 after a record-setting snowstorm that dropped upwards of 70 inches in some areas in and around the city. The trendy Super Bowl contender settled right in, cruising to a 31-23 victory over the Cleveland Browns to get back on track.

The Bills enter this game at 7-3, tied with Miami atop the AFC East and just a game behind the Kansas City Chiefs for the No. 1 overall seed. They could easily be undefeated, their three losses all heartbreaking fourth-quarter collapses decided by a total of eight points.

But the Lions come back to Ford Field armed with a little momentum all their own. For the first time since 2017, they're on a three-game win streak, two of them coming on the road against Chicago and the 7-3 New York Giants. After getting a vote of confidence from ownership following a 1-5 start, head coach Dan Campbell has brought the lowly Lions to the fringes of playoff contention.

Thursday is when their task gets much harder. The Lions haven't won a game against this team in 16 years, and a defense ranked dead last in the NFL in total yards allowed poised to struggle on paper against the Bills' No. 2 offense. It's not surprising the spread is nearly 10 points; Buffalo knows it needs every game down the stretch now that the Kansas City Chiefs have all but clinched the AFC West with their Sunday night victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Still, the Lions and their fans are daring to dream just a little bit. A victory would move them to 5-6 with just one team with a winning record left on the schedule: the 8-2 Minnesota Vikings, who barely eked out a 28-24 victory at home over Detroit earlier this season. Four of the Lions' six losses have been one-score games against quality competition: Philadelphia (9-1), Miami (7-3), Minnesota, and Seattle (6-4).

Can Detroit use its momentum to get over the hump, pulling off this franchise's biggest upset in decades? Or will Buffalo take care of business before marching toward three straight division games that will decide its fate in the AFC East?

Thanksgiving Day: Buffalo (7-3) at Detroit (4-6)

Kickoff: Thursday, Nov. 24 at 12:30 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Bills -9.5
Tickets: As low as $163 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. Can Detroit take care of the football?

After a rocky start, the Lions' offense has settled down under quarterback Jared Goff. A team that committed 11 turnovers in the first six games of the year has just one during its last four.

During the three-game winning streak, all portions of this unit have stepped up their game. It starts with the offensive line allowing just two sacks of Goff, their lowest in a three-game stretch all season. There's been an increasing reliance on the run game, a season-high average of 34 rushing attempts during this stretch with the league's 10th-ranked offense on the ground. They've also gotten the job done in the red zone, going 9-for-9 in goal-to-go situations.

And Goff, while not putting up the prettiest numbers, has made the plays when it mattered behind blossoming wide receiving talent Amon-Ra St. Brown. Despite losing tight end T.J. Hockenson to a trade that netted the Lions a second-round pick, he's found complementary pieces in Kalif Raymond (seven straight games of three-plus catches) and utilized running back D'Andre Swift as a pass catcher.

2. Can Josh Allen limit mistakes?

After an ugly loss in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings, Allen deferred to his rushing attack against the Browns; Devin Singletary and James Cook had 86 yards apiece as the team was in control most of the game. Allen finished with his fewest passing yards (197) in a game this season.

But the Bills' leader excelled in one area that's killed him in recent weeks: no turnovers. In fact, the Bills scored on all five possessions in the second half, managing the game and their lead after making a habit of struggling during the fourth quarter.

Can Allen keep it up? Only Davis Mills has more interceptions this season than Allen's 10. Four of them came in the two previous games, both losses, and all occurred in the red zone.

"Horrendous second half," he explained after an interception ended the Bills' chances against the Vikings two Sundays ago. "I've got to be better."

He was, and on paper, the Lions' defense should be easy to navigate. They're dead last in passing yards allowed per play (7.76), first downs allowed (23.8), and third-down conversions (50 percent). With that said, their secondary has come to life, posting six interceptions during this winning streak that coincided with defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant getting a pink slip.

The Lions unit forced Aaron Rodgers to match his career high with three interceptions; they caused a Justin Fields pick-six that changed the game the following week; then pickpocketed Daniel Jones with a second-quarter turnover that kickstarted the offense.

That Jones play was the latest tally for star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions' first-round draft pick who is living up to expectations with a team-high 5.5 sacks, 10 additional quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery. The Bills' offensive line needs to have an answer to keep Hutchinson from making the big play or aggravating Allen's right elbow injury, which remains a factor (he was limited in practice this week).

3. Can the Bills come out swinging?

For any favorite facing a feisty underdog, scoring quickly makes a big difference. It's no surprise the Bills are tied for the NFL lead with 65 points scored in the first quarter, building out an early advantage in most games.

But the Lions have typically been the stronger team early, outscoring their opponents 55-33 in the first 15 minutes this season. Especially on a national stage, it's crucial for the Bills to exert their dominance within the first handful of possessions and put the Lions on the defensive.

Final Analysis

The Bills need to be careful. A lot of elements here are in place for one of those big-time upsets and the Lions have played better than their record shows.

In the end, Allen and Co. should get the job done; they're familiar with the confines of Ford Field and there's a need to keep pace in their division. But it won't be as easy as the oddsmakers suggest.

Prediction: Bills 27, Lions 24

Just thought I'd see what you're doing for Thanksgiving.

I'm doing an Angus "Prime Rib" on the smoker with some baked sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, carrots and onions, green salad, none of that disgusting green bean casserole shit, pumpkin cheese cake, and copious amounts of my nephews wine.

Bring it.

And feel free to post pictures on the day of.

Cheers my Rams loving bastards.

Some of the board thought Henderson was a JAG. Well, now he really is. The Jacksonville Jaguars just picked him up.

I'm not sure he's on board with a mini rebuild. Thoughts?

Per ESPN - strained neck.

It’s almost Thanksgiving and, though things seem bleak, we Rams fans have a lot to be thankful for. Here are just a few:

1. The Rams just won the Super Bowl.

2. Yes, that’s obvious, and saying it may seem a bit trite. But its important to remind ourselves just how special and how rare last year was.

3. I know that I remember the valiant effort of the 1979 Rams, who went toe-to-toe with the Steeler Dynasty, far more than I remember the seasons that followed.

4. I know that I remember the 1999 GSOT fairy tale far more than I remember the doldrums of the Linehan and Fisher years.

5. And, as much as this year stings, I know that, years from now, I’ll remember the glory of beating Tom Brady on his field, coming from behind to eliminate the 49ers, and winning the big game in our stadium, far more than I’ll remember this year’s debacle.

6. I get it, though… Sports fandom is a “what have you done for me lately” and “its never enough” type of endeavor. So, rather than blowing smoke up anyone’s posterior in addressing our prospects for the remainder of this year, let me list a few things that make me hopeful for the future.

7. First, there is still a core of talent that will almost certainly return in 2023. Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald, Bobby Wagner and Jalen Ramsey are true stars and, with the right supporting cast, can do great things.

8. There is also a secondary cast of guys who, with the right players around them, can be part of a contending squad. I include in that list Allan Robinson, Tyler Higbee, Rob Havenstein, Leonard Floyd and Ernest Jones. I’d also include Greg Gaines and Matt Gay, assuming they are re-signed.

9. The offensive line is a mess. That’s well-coverer territory. The Rams will need to make rebuilding the OL the primary focus of the offseason. It should be our focus both in free agency and in the draft.

10. Do we need five star OL? No. If we can find a quality LT (I favor taking one in Round 2 of the draft) and a veteran presence inside (OG or center), I think you can mix in (in addition to Hav returning) guys like Brian Allen (who, after all, started every game in a championship season), Coleman Shelton (who, arguably, played better than Allan before he was hurt) and even AJ Jackson (who should be healthy next year) to fill out a quality OL.

11. Running back will be an interesting position to watch. Kyren Williams will get his chances, and Cam Akers is somehow back in the fold. I strongly suspect we’ll target a RB again in the draft (or, possibly, FA). Sean McVay was clearly not happy with what we have.

12. As for the defense. There have been many debates about the philosophy/approach of Raheem Morris but, truth be told, the defense has played fairly well overall this year. Yes, we need another pass rusher, and perhaps some new blood at safety, but I sure would like to see how this defense would fare teamed with an offense that sustains drives and scores points.

13. Getting back to the theme of thankfulness, the recent mention of Torry Holt’s HOF candidacy (he’d better get in this year!) reminds me of how important it is to savor the presence of truly special players when they are here.

14. Cooper Kupp is a player like that. A few years ago, I never thought that the Rams WR “Mount Rushmore” of Elroy Hirsch, Henry Ellard, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt could ever be challenged. Kupp’s 2021 proved me wrong. And, the great thing is…he’s far from done.

15. Aaron Donald is an all-time player. Watching him is a privilege. I hope and expect he’ll continue to wow us until he decides to hang up his cleats.

16. I also find hope in the belief that we have a front office that will do whatever it takes to win. “F them picks” was the right moves to get us to the top of the hill in 2021. Now, as we retool, they might reverse the script. Perhaps we trade an asset to get back in the draft? I would not put anything past Snead and Co.

17. Can’t hurt to have a 3rd or 4th place schedule next year.

18. Some may respond to this with questions. What if McVay is lured by TV? What if Stafford decides to go way of Andrew Luck? What if Donald retires? I don’t expect any of these things to happen but, if they do, I’ll be simultaneously bummed and energized by the anticipation of what will happen next.

19. And that, ultimately, is the point. As fans, we want to be excited by the possibilities of tomorrow. Sure, for the balance of this season, that anticipation will be in short supply. But, once the season ends, it returns. We’ll be scouting the draft class, scouring the FA lists, and waiting for the next big piece of news to break. With each positive development, our hope for the future will grow and, with a bit of luck, those hopes will be fulfilled.

20. So, give thanks, my Rams brothers and sisters. We’re down for now, but we have a lot to be thankful for, a lot to look forward to, and, at the very least, we’re not Cardinals or Browns fans!

A GREAT Thanksgiving Day Line-up. I am looking forward to some good football.

Detroit has won 3 in a row and playing well offensively. They should battle Buffalo, hopefully.

Giants at Dallas both are 7-3 and hungry.

Patriots at Vikes appears less sexy, but Patriots have won 3 in a row and now the 6th seed in the AFC. How did that happen suddenly?

Thursday November 24, 2022

THANKSGIVING DAY
Buffalo at Detroit, 12:30 p.m.
New York Giants at Dallas, 4:30 p.m.
New England at Minnesota, 8:20 p.m.

Sunday November 27, 2022

THE EARLY GAMES
Denver at Carolina, 1 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Baltimore at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Houston at Miami, 1 p.m.
Chicago at New York Jets, 1 p.m.
Cincinnati at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
Atlanta at Washington, 1 p.m.

THE LATE GAMES
Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.
Las Vegas at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams at Kansas City, 4:25 p.m.
New Orleans at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

SNF
Green Bay at Philadelphia, 8:20 p.m. (SNF)

Monday November 28, 2022

MNF
Pittsburgh at Indianapolis, 8:15 p.m.

Would McVay throw Stafford out to the wolves in his condition? If McVay bench Stafford, that means Perkins will be starting. What happens if he goes down? Wolford is Out. What is the backup plan for that scenario? Play Stafford? So it begs the question, why are the Rams dicking around with the quarterback situation?

It's been a helluva year. Extreme highs and brutal lows since February. With my health problems and advancing age, Super Bowl 56 might be my last Championship team on this Earth, so I am forever thankful for what McSnead and Kroenke built in 2021-22.

This season shows how balanced the league is and how quickly a team can be pushed from the top of the mountain, like our Rams have been. With Von, OBJ and Big Whit gone, we were forced to replace them with unreliable and less talented players. Injuries along the Oline were epic, with limited talent. Stafford is enduring concussions at an alarming rate.

Right now, the only team in the NFL with fewer wins than the Rams is the Houston Texans. We don't have a #1 pick in 2023, but our 2nd round pick will be extremely high and so I expect Snead to be active with trades. The question I always have is whether it's wiser to go after a blue chip recruit or trade down for multiple guys. Is more better? And why doesn't McSnead value Oline guys like it seems they should high in the draft? Busts always happen every year, but like any successful MLB slugger who only hits safely 3 out 10 tries you have to keep swinging. Sometimes you get a Greg Robinson and sometimes you get an Aaron Donald, which are the breaks...

I will say something that I have fought against on this site is the idea of trading Aaron Donald. I have stated over and over that I want to AD retire with the Rams, like Merlin Olsen did. One team for an entire career is what I wanted for him, but it might be that I am way behind the times. Others have wanted to trade him for multiple picks. Still others have said we need retain the core of Donald, Ramsey, Kupp, Stafford and get help next year to chase another crown. I am sympathetic to the idea of trying to make another run next year, but are we fooling ourselves? Are there too many holes to fill and not enough ammo to bring veterans in to "right the ship"? As much as we want a high draft pick next year, doesn't that mean we lose even more confidence in the players we have now by season's end?

I guess in McSnead we'll have to trust. I do think we still have great strength at HC and GM and so we'll see what direction they take next year...

Icon to all 90s and 2000s kids. Everyone wanted to be Tommy.

View attachment 57517

Name that WR?

Sorry, but I just don't get it. Watch college film and tell me he's only good for one route...

1. My wife and arrived very late to the Game of Thrones party. We just watched the “Battle of the Bastards” episode. If the carnage in the scene in which the Starks confront the Boltons is a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10, the Rams injury situation this year is a 9.

2. And that, my Rams fans compatriots, is my long-worded way of saying that yes… its all about the injuries.

3. Well, mostly.

4. There are issues that deserve criticism that are not related to the injuries. Its fair, for example, to ask how a defensive scheme that allows Andy Fucking Dalton complete 21 or 25 passes (for over 10 yards per attempt) is not suspect.

5. Its also entirely fair to point out that Jalen Ramsey, for all his elite talents, has lapses in coverage that have hurt us (insert your Chris Olave beat Jalen like Jon Snow beat Ramsey Bolton joke here).

6. And, while I’m reluctant to use terms like “gave up” to describe how players approach a game, I do feel like the defense, shall we say, lost its intensity after Matthew Stafford went down.

7. But, in the end, these criticisms, fair though they may be, miss the point.

8. No team – I don’t care how strong a roster they might have, how much character they might have, and how well coached they might be – could survive the bloodbath on the offensive line and, more recently, the injuries at QB and WR that the Rams have suffered. None. Zero. End of story.

9. So, here’s where I’m going for the next several random comments… I’m coming after you, vultures (that’s my fair warning – don’t read ahead if you think this might be directed at you and you can’t handle criticism).

10. The vultures are the fans who celebrate when things are good, but seem to really get energized when they have something to complain about.

11. Vultures don’t typically kill their own prey, they descend on the dead and the helpless.

12. Vultures think they are insightful and the true “realists” among fans when, in fact, they’re about as insightful as a meteorologist who looks out the window and tells you its currently raining.

13. Vultures are not a new phenomenon. If you’ve been a Rams fan for decades, your seen them carrion (see what I did there?) before.

14. But this year, there’s an added element: WE JUST WON THE FREAKIN’ SUPER BOWL!!!!

15. I know that there’s a “attack the post, not the poster” rule here, so I won’t call out anyone by name. However, here is a partial list of inane, impertinent, immature and insufferable things that the current flock of vultures like to say…

16. They question whether it was worth the “all in” approach? Well, while I don’t necessarily agree with the premise (even if we went only “partially in,” injuries would have killed us this year), the answer to that question is “are you fucking kidding me?”

17. They question whether Sean McVay is really a good coach or, even more comically, suggest he lost it due to resting on his laurels, getting married, being distracted, etc., etc., etc.

18. They suggest that Matthew Stafford will/should retire, that Aaron Donald should be moved to Pittsburgh, and that the entire roster should be scuttled.

19. Here’s the simple truth. The Rams will need to bolster (or, perhaps, retheir OL this offseason. That will be a big task. But if they do, and the rest of the key guys return (most are signed through next year), this team will compete and, with a little luck, contend in 2023. If you don’t get that, you must have just started watching NFL football.

20. So, vultures… shoo! This is a bad year, we all know it. The Rams will be back and, when things are good, you’ll be right back on the bandwagon. In the meantime, you’re not helping the situation. Not even a little bit.

San Francisco vs. Arizona: NFC West Rivals Meet in Mexico City for MNF​

The San Francisco 49ers play the Arizona Cardinals in Mexico City on "Monday Night Football" looking to leave with the NFC West solidly in hand. Just a half-game behind the idle Seattle Seahawks, a San Francisco win would give them the division lead by virtue of their 27-7 head-to-head victory over Seattle in Week 2.

On paper, the 49ers' offense should be one of the best in the NFL after the acquisition of former All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. But it’s the Cardinals who scored more points last week, backup quarterback Colt McCoy leading the team to 27 in their most complete victory of the season over NFC West rival Los Angeles. That kept Arizona out of last place in the division but it’s a far cry from where the Cardinals were at this point a year ago: 8-2 and the NFL surprise of the season.

This time around, the only surprises are which backups get to start for a Cardinals outfit hammered by injuries. Among the players hobbled for Monday night’s contest, if they’ll even play at all, is starting quarterback Kyler Murray (hamstring) and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring). Additionally, tight end Zach Ertz suffered a season-ending knee injury last week. They were among the 10 players that appeared on the Friday injury report, the latest hurdle for a team whose 2022 has been marked by sluggish starts and inconsistency on both sides of the ball.

Can the 49ers come in and take care of business south of the border? Their dynamic offense looked a little shaky last week in a 22-16 squeaker over that other Los Angeles team, the Chargers, going just 2-for-5 in the red zone for the second time in three weeks.

Can quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and company cash in on their opportunities on an international stage? Or will the Cardinals find a way, at 4-6, to drag themselves back into the division race?

Monday Night Football: San Francisco (5-4) vs. Arizona (4-6)

Kickoff: Monday, Nov. 21 at 8:15 p.m. ET
Where: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: 49ers -8
Tickets: As low as $270 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. Who will play quarterback for the Cardinals?

Murray’s hamstring still leaves him iffy for Monday night, as head coach Kliff Kingsbury said on Friday “we’ll see how he feels” after the signal-caller got in a limited practice session. That could leave the 36-year-old McCoy starting a second straight game after his impressive 26-for-37, 238-yard performance last Sunday.

What McCoy brought to the team was a disciplined approach, a turnover-free game manager who utilized DeAndre Hopkins well while leaning on running back James Conner in the red zone (69 yards, 2 TDs). The offense did all the little things right, including going 3-for-3 on fourth down and converting both their goal-to-go opportunities.

That leaves even Murray totally comfortable if McCoy, nursing his own injury (knee), needs to step in once again.

“[Colt] has been around so much football, been around so many great coaches, dealt with a lot of players, schemes, and he’s just a really intelligent football player, and a great friend,” Murray said this week. “Kind of has that father figure vibe to him. All the guys look to him, trust him. To have him in my corner, there is nothing more I could ask from him.”

There’s just one problem McCoy has to face: the 49ers’ No. 1-ranked defense. Third in sacks per pass attempt and second against the run, their front line is going to put more pressure on McCoy to deliver under center. And with Hopkins hampered a bit, options are limited for him; expect Rondale Moore to be the main target, who racked up 94 receiving yards against the Rams.

As much as Murray has been criticized for his lack of preparation, the added mobility alone would give the Cardinals a solid upgrade here. It’s hard to see them winning if he stays on the bench.

2. Can George Kittle have a breakout game?

With Christian McCaffrey’s arrival on the scene, it’s easy for Kittle to fall down the pecking order. So many mouths to feed in this 49ers offense, along with the adjustment from Trey Lance to Garoppolo, has left Kittle facing a down year: just 29 catches and 340 yards at the season’s halfway point.

But the Cardinals have been a team San Francisco's tight end has feasted on as of late: 10 catches, 193 yards and a touchdown in his last two games against them. One of the weaker NFL defenses this year, Arizona ranks just 23rd against the pass and has cracked repeatedly against tight ends. Just look at the stat lines this year from some of the league’s best:

Travis Kelce: 8 catches, 121 yards, TD in Week 1
Darren Waller: 6 catches, 50 yards, TD in Week 2
Dallas Goedert: 8 catches, 95 yards in Week 5
Noah Fant: Leading receiver against them in Week 6 (6 catches, 45 yards
Juwan Johnson: 2 TDs in Week 7
Noah Fant & Will Dissly: 120 combined yards in Week 9
Tyler Higbee: 8 catches, 73 yards last week

Considering Kittle’s All-Pro history, it’s a prime opportunity for him to add his name to that list. The question is simply whether Garoppolo is willing to get him the football. In the past two weeks, he’s gotten just seven targets to McCaffrey’s 15 as the running back has increased his offensive production.

3. McCaffrey, part II?

Speaking of McCaffrey, he’s got the rare opportunity to face a team suiting up for two different organizations in the same season. He slashed the Cardinals for 108 total yards in a 26-16 loss in Week 4 as a member of the Carolina Panthers.

Can he find that magic formula again? Last week was an adjustment for him on the ground as Elijah Mitchell’s return from injured reserve allowed for both running backs to platoon. Mitchell gained 89 yards, McCaffrey 38, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel pulled some end-arounds for 27 as the 49ers’ offensive game plan revolved around balancing their many weapons.

But McCaffrey’s success against the Cardinals should leave San Francisco leaning heavily on him. With the Panthers, he rushed for 153 yards in 2019 (including a 76-yard TD), then 95 yards last season with an additional 66 receiving yards. The one-man wrecking crew should show no signs of stopping, even against a team that ranks ninth in the NFL against the run.

Final Analysis

McCoy appeared to rally the Cardinals last week, just the second time all season they’ve held the lead at the half. But despite the Rams’ status as defending Super Bowl champions, the 49ers’ current makeup on both sides of the ball is a whole different level of competition altogether.

It’s hard to see the Cardinals keeping pace on a neutral site. A loss all but ends their playoff hopes at 4-7 while turning the focus, and the questions, toward the future of head coach Kliff Kingsbury.

Prediction: San Francisco 31, Arizona 13

Apparently Stafford was seen talking with Kroenke and Pastoors.

Whispers are that Stafford is contemplating retirement with his second concussion in three weeks.

Terrible news if true, but understandable.

Less talking more covering. Work less on your pod cast and more on playing defense. You bullshit too much.

the coach is the problem

Got married, got paid and then got soft. I never expected this. I thought we'd be better this year.

Schedule





Home » FIFA World Cup TV Schedule

FIFA World Cup TV Schedule​

See where to watch every match of the world’s biggest soccer tournament with the 2022 FIFA World Cup TV schedule on Fox Sports and Peacock. Key dates: November 20-December 2: Group stage; December 3-6: round of 16; December 9-10: quarterfinal; December 13-14: semifinal; December 18: final.

FIFA World Cup TV schedule 2022​

Select a date

Group stage
Sunday, November 20
Monday, November 21
Tuesday, November 22
Wednesday, November 23

Thursday, November 24
Friday, November 25
Saturday, November 26
Sunday, November 27
Monday, November 28
Tuesday, November 29
Wednesday, November 30
Thursday, December 1
Friday, December 2
Knockout stage
Saturday, December 3
Sunday, December 4
Monday, December 5
Tuesday, December 6
Friday, December 9
Saturday, December 10
Tuesday, December 13
Wednesday, December 14
Saturday, December 17
Sunday, December 18
Asterisk (*) means network designation is subject to change.

How to stream the FIFA World Cup​

You can stream the complete FIFA World Cup schedule on linear TV or through a direct-to-subscriber platform. English-language coverage of the World Cup is available on the FOX broadcast network and Fox Sports 1, both of which are available through the following streaming MVPDs: Fubo TV (purchase a subscription)), YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV and DirecTV Stream. Matches on FS1 can also be viewed via Sling.
For those without cable, Spanish-language coverage will be available on Peacock without a subscription for the first 12 matches of the tournament (November 20-23) and then via Peacock Premium ($4.99/month) for the remainder of play. You can sign up for a free trial or purchase a Peacock subscription here.
LOAD COMMENTS

​

© MMXXII Sports Media Watch

thats just crazy for just one snow fall



Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0-pHnykC9s

From Super Bowl champs to Sean McVay's worst season, Rams on the brink​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- When Sean McVay was chanting "run it back" at the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl parade earlier this year, the coach couldn't have envisioned where his team would be nine games into the 2022 season.

Los Angeles enters Week 11 against the New Orleans Saints at 3-6, after dealing with injuries all over the field but especially on offense. Quarterback Matthew Stafford hasn't been properly protected by a decimated offensive line and missed last week's loss to the Arizona Cardinals because he was in concussion protocol.

When McVay was asked about whether coming off a Super Bowl season has made it easier, he chuckles.

"No. Does it make it easier to go through the downs, is that what you're asking?" McVay said with a smile. "No."

The struggles of this Rams team can be connected to last season's Super Bowl winner. Los Angeles traded first-, second- and third-round picks in 2021 to acquire Stafford and Von Miller, both of whom played key roles in that championship run. The result of those aggressive moves: The Rams front office had to build the 2022 team without much draft capital or salary-cap flexibility.

There's also bad luck, of course, to not only deal with this many injuries, but to have them hit at the same spot at the same time, especially as the team was breaking in new players because of who they let leave during the offseason. But while the injury rate is unlike anything McVay has gone through, the worst came in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp sustained a high ankle sprain that required surgery and he's now on injured reserve.

McVay won't use injuries as an excuse for the team's poor play. But how did the Rams go from a Super Bowl parade in mid-February to their worst season under McVay since he was hired in 2017?

While no one has a clear answer, Rams COO Kevin Demoff said it's a combination of a "trying and unusual" season and something the team needs to learn from.

"Our model has been a top-heavy team that has been consistently one of the least injured teams for the better part of the last five to seven years. So our injury luck wasn't just luck, it was part of the system," Demoff said. "What has changed this year? Did playing 21 games contribute to this year's injuries? Did we miss warning signs in the offseason? A regression to the mean? I think we have to study both outside factors and our approach this year to better understand why this year is an outlier on the injury front."

DESPITE THE FACT the Rams were coming off a Super Bowl victory, there were questions surrounding the way the franchise built the team and key pieces that weren't a sure thing to return.

There were reports McVay was being pursued to enter the broadcast booth. Aaron Donald, the face of the franchise and the player who made the stop that clinched the Super Bowl victory, was contemplating retirement.

Instead of losing both, the Rams went all out to keep their core together, signing McVay, general manager Les Snead, Stafford and Kupp to contract extensions, as well as reworking Donald's contract to make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.

After those deals, the Rams' core of four players -- Stafford, Donald, Kupp and cornerback Jalen Ramsey -- account for 47% of Los Angeles' team cap, according to the Roster Management System. That is the second-highest in the NFL among the top four players on a team; only the Chiefs' -- quarterback Patrick Mahomes, defensive tackle Chris Jones, left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and defensive end Frank Clark -- have a higher percentage of the team's cap. It was important for Donald, he said when he signed his new contract, that the Rams continue to build and keep that core together. But on Thursday, Donald said nobody would have thought this team would be on the outside looking in at a playoff spot.

"Nobody expected to be in a position where you're 3-6 after just coming off the season we had," Donald said.

"But we're here now, and nothing you can do but just continue to play and try to control what you can control."

One key member of the Super Bowl team that didn't return was Miller, who opted to sign a six-year, $120 million contract with the Buffalo Bills. The Rams didn't have high draft picks or prioritize their salary cap space to replace Miller, instead relying on the players they had in the building to pick up that production. His absence has been felt, as the Rams have struggled to get consistent pressure, outside of Donald, and have 18 sacks, which ranks 25th in the NFL.

WHEN THE WORD "unprecedented" is thrown around to describe the Rams' offensive line situation this season, it's not an exaggeration. Los Angeles has used a different starting offensive line in all nine games this season. According to Elias, the Rams are the first team in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) to use a different starting five on the offensive line in each of their first nine games.

Make that 10 different offensive line combinations after Chandler Brewer, who started at right guard against the Cardinals, injured his knee and was placed on injured reserve. The Rams also placed tackle AJ Jackson on injured reserve due to blood clots and will sit out the rest of the season.

The inconsistency on the offensive line has shown on the field. Los Angeles, which finished the 2021 season leading the NFL in pass block win rate, ranks 24th in that metric this season. Even before all of these injuries, the Rams were going through transition on the offensive line. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth retired and right guard Austin Corbett left in free agency, signing a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.

The Rams did try and use their draft capital to add some depth, using their top draft pick -- a third-round selection -- on guard Logan Bruss, who tore an ACL and MCL in a preseason game.

This season, the Rams have played three left tackles (Joe Noteboom, Jackson, Ty Nsekhe), three left guards (David Edwards, Bobby Evans, Coleman Shelton), three centers (Brian Allen, Shelton, Jeremiah Kolone) and four right guards (Shelton, Tremayne Anchrum Jr., Oday Aboushi, Brewer). Right tackle Rob Havenstein is the only offensive lineman to play in all nine games for the Rams.

"Everybody's talked about the offensive line being five strong, one unit all together," offensive coordinator Liam Coen said. "Well, when you have the injuries, you have the revolving door a little bit, that's difficult to all get on the same page and do things as one and that's something that we're striving for."

And not only do the changes on the offensive line make it difficult for this offense to move the ball consistently, but it's also been a challenge for Stafford to be without wide receiver Van Jefferson for six games and now Kupp for at least four.

AFTER THE RAMS' loss to the Cardinals, Donald went to find Kupp in the locker room.

"I just went in there and gave him a hug and told him I love him," Donald said.

It's not just Kupp's production on the field the Rams will have to replace but what he means to this team.

"He's a big spark, not just to this offense," Donald said. "To this team."

Kupp had accounted for 34% of the Rams' receptions this season, which is the highest mark in the NFL. Kupp had entered the Rams' Week 10 game with 72 catches, which put him on pace for 153 over a 17-game season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The NFL single-season record is 149 by Saints receiver Michael Thomas in 2019.

The Rams will use a "committee" approach to replace Kupp's workload, Coen said Thursday, and he feels good "about Brandon Powell, Ben Skowronek, Van Jefferson, Allen Robinson, those guys coming in and making an impact."

"And [we'll] see what Lance McCutcheon and those guys, Tutu Atwell -- we've got a committee of guys who really need to step up."

Kupp had surgery on the ankle Wednesday and will be out at least four weeks, although McVay referenced that the "tightrope" procedure that was performed on Kupp typically has a recovery time of five to six weeks. Unless the Rams drastically turn this season around and are fighting for a playoff spot in six weeks, it may not make sense to put Kupp back on the field for the final few games.

AT 3-6, ESPN's Football Power Index gives the Rams a 4.3% chance to make the playoffs and a 0.5% chance to win the NFC West, where Los Angeles currently sits at the bottom.

At this point, the front office might be peeking ahead at the 2023 draft. The Rams would be in line for a top-10 draft pick, but their 2023 first-round pick will go to Detroit as part of the trade that brought Stafford to Los Angeles. The team currently has six draft picks in 2023, although four are in the sixth or seventh rounds.

Despite the long odds, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris reiterated twice Thursday he doesn't consider this season over and won't unless and until the Rams are eliminated from playoff contention.

"[Other NFC teams] win and we lose, there won't be much time, right?" Morris said. "So it's all determined based on that."

But even though the Rams haven't been eliminated from making the playoffs, McVay said he's been forced to focus on more than wins and losses, instead trying to find "some of those small victories" this season.

"Do we want to go out and win every game based on the amount of work and how important it is to so many people?" McVay said. "Of course. But I think you do have to be able to be process-oriented in order to not let that three-hour window totally hijack your ability to move forward.

"You've got to remind yourself of that. So it's been challenging, but that's the approach that you take.

"I do believe, when you look back on it, it'll cause a lot of the great growth that will hopefully be beneficial for years to come."