Bout time. This game was utter garbage.

View: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10050272-ap-nfl-pro-bowl-changes-to-skills-events-flag-game-with-peyton-manning-overseeing

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants​

"Monday Night Football" shines the spotlight on the NFC East as the New York Giants host the Dallas Cowboys. Last year, Dallas won its lone MNF contest while the Giants went 0-2 against the Chiefs and Buccaneers in the span of three weeks. The Cowboys swept both meetings with New York last year, winning 44-20 at home and 21-6 in New York. They've won nine of the last 10 in this series overall.

No Dak Prescott, no problem for the Cowboys last week, as they beat the AFC champion Bengals 20-17 at home. Cooper Rush managed the game well with one touchdown pass and no turnovers while taking only one sack. Dallas picked up the victory despite not getting much from its ground game, and that's because the defense harassed Joe Burrow into six sacks and disrupted the Cincy offense overall. We'll see if the team can follow that effort up with another big one despite not having Prescott back once again.

The Giants moved to 2-0 for the first time in six years as they held off Carolina 19-16 at home. Daniel Jones completed 22 of 34 passes for 176 yards and one touchdown in the victory. Saquon Barkley was not as effective as he was in Week 1, rushing for just 72 yards on 21 carries. But New York's defense bottled up Carolina's offense as Baker Mayfield threw for only 145 yards in the loss.

Monday Night Football: Dallas (1-1) at New York (2-0)

Kickoff: Monday, Sept. 26, at 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Giants -1

Three Things To Watch

1. Intangibles

This will be the first road game of the season for Dallas, which has already hosted the Buccaneers and Bengals. Normally there would be concern about a contest after two high-profile games, but it is a divisional contest, so focus shouldn't be an issue. The Cowboys do return home in Week 4 to host the Commodes in a 1 p.m. contest before embarking on three straight road games. Meanwhile, this contest is part of a five-game stretch without a true road tilt for New York. They host the Bears next week before heading overseas to take on the Packers in London. With such a hot start, you know New York is going to put in a lot of effort for this one.

2. What a Rush

The Cowboys put together a wonderful game plan for their backup quarterback last week, and he rewarded them with a victory. Rush was a solid 19-of-31 for 235 yards with a touchdown and no turnovers. The signal-caller from Central Michigan spread the ball around to five different targets and may actually get Michael Gallup back as well this week. Gallup has been out since last year with a torn ACL and is being counted on more with Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson Jr. both gone. New York has struggled against the run this season so far, so you can expect New York to stack the box and force Rush to beat them.

3. Giant steps forward

I was ready to give Daniel Jones one final season before completely writing him off, and one of the reasons why is that he's finally playing under a legit offensive mind with Brian Daboll at head coach. So far, that's paid off for the Duke signal-caller, who has a 70.9 percent completion rate (up from a career 63.1 percent) and three touchdown passes to just one interception. His 6.6 yards per attempt remains in line with his career average, however. Jones is running less than he usually does, but it's forced him to stay in the pocket and go through his reads. His wide receiving corps isn't the strongest with Sterling Shepard leading the way as Kenny Golladay has been a massive disappointment since coming over from Detroit.

Final Analysis

This is an important game for the Giants, as it may never be easier to get a win against the division-rival Cowboys. It'll also show America whether it's worth taking their 2-0 start seriously or whether it was a product of a pair of weak opponents. For the Cowboys, a victory on the road would be huge for the NFC East race. It's a really tough game to predict, but I'm going to back the only unit I trust in this one, and that's Dallas' defense. It won't be an entertaining contest in the least, but the road team will get the victory.

Prediction: Cowboys 20, Giants 14

Looks like I won’t make it home in time to prepare. Worried for my kids and grandkids... and my house. THANK THE LORD I paid the flood insurance!!!

supposed to hit Tampa with cat 3 winds while the actual hit looks like the corner of the panhandle and the main part of Florida.

I really hope everything turns out ok… praying… a LOT!!!

The Rams beat the cardinals again. I won't go there with the cards about us beating them because I hated how the whiners tossed out the "SOSAR" Rams because I know how much that hurt. But the pendulum always swings the other way sooner or later.

But the Rams had a chance to bury the whiners last season in our first matchup with them and we got smoked 31-10. We had a chance to prevent them from making the playoffs but blew a 17 point lead in the season ending game. That hurt.

A ROD brother had posted (before the plaoffs started) how the Rams were a team of destiny and the whiners were there because they matched up well with Dallas and Green Bay. Sure, enough it worked out exactly that way and the Rams beat the whiners in a come from behind NFCCG and went on to win SB 56. An unexpected (for me) but amazing ending to the season.

The Rams can bury the whiners if we beat them next week on MNF, or is it too good to be true and we lose, and we end up in a dogfight again to win the NFC West? The good news is that the shehawks aren't as good and the Cardinals would be 0-3 if not for a lucky break against the Raiders.

I'm not lacking confidence, but these situations have seemingly gone against the Rams in the past but I'm hoping we destroy them and make it clear who is the "big dog" in the NFC West. I just have a feeling that ratboy will pull out some surprises for us next week. I guess I'm still a bit nervous going into next week.

ROD brother's thoughts?

1. This is the kind of game that really divides the half-empty from the half-full mindsets.

2. On the plus side, we played a 2021 playoff team on their home field, took an early lead, and never relinquished it.

3. On the flip side, dropped passes, allowed fourth down conversions and an untimely fumble prevented this game from becoming a blowout.

4, But, hey... with this win and losses by Seattle and San Francisco, the Rams sit alone in first place in the NFC West.

5. A bad day for Cooper Kupp, who failed to secure what would have been a pretty TD pass. And, still... he makes his mark with a 20 yard TD run, his first career rushing TD!

6. Tyler Higbee had a nice outing once again.

7. Saw some of the Sun Tzu evasive tactics in the play calling, which kept the Cardinals' defense off balance with wide screens and Kupp's beautifully executed jet sweep.

8. So... who had Ben Skowronek with more receiving yards than Allen Robinson after three games?

9. Another half-full/half-empty issues, I suppose. We'd definitely like to see more from A-Rob, who dropped a slant at the goal line. Skowronek's emergence, though, is nice to see with Van Jefferson shelved for at least another 3 weeks.

10. Loved what I saw from Jalen Ramsey today.

11. Some nice moments for Derion Kendrick too. Unfortunately, he's in concussion protocol. Tough keeping these CBs healthy!

12. Aaron Donald joins the 100 sack club!

13. Cam Akers started cooking, then dropped the rock inside the 2 yard line. Will McVay continue to trust him?

14. Nice job by special teams today. Blocked punt, some nice returns by Brandon Powell, and a couple of (doink!) FGs.

15. The OL did a nice job, as it tries to come together with some new parts.

16. The Rams will have a huge opportunity next week against San Francisco. A win would really put them in a great spot in their quest to win another NFC West Title.

17. Matthew Stafford had some nifty footwork today avoiding sacks and picking up first downs.

18. Rams defense allowed 4.7 yards/play against the Falcons and 4.5 this week. Those are very solid numbers.

19. The Rams have not played great football this year yet. I see reason for hope that they are just getting warmed up, though. Can't wait to see them put it all together.

20. Shana Tovah to my Ramishpacha! Its a new year! Shofar, so good!

I just want to give him a massive shoutout.

Dude is a FOOTBALL PLAYER... and I love the fact that he got to show he's got more juice than a lot of people on here thought. He's getting integrated and turning into a legitimate weapon in the offense.

Really, really fun to watch.

Born to deaf parents, winning an Oscar for the Best Actress while playing the role of Nurse Ratchet in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, she has passed at 88 years of age in her sleep. Loved her performance in the film. She was an amazing person whose acceptance speech touched my heart.

Rest in peace, Mrs. Fletcher.

What is on YOUR menu today?

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

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

.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos​

Russell Wilson may have left the NFC West, but one thing is for sure: he can't avoid Jimmy Garoppolo.

The two quarterbacks will face off for the sixth time in their careers when the 49ers host the Broncos on "Sunday Night Football" in the next chapter of this QB rivalry.

Wilson has won five of the six matchups with Garoppolo, but each of the last five has been a one-score game. Of course, much has changed since they last met. Wilson is no longer on the Seahawks and Garoppolo is only starting because of Trey Lance's season-ending ankle injury. But their familiarity and history are impossible to ignore.

The start of Wilson's time in Denver has been shaky, to say the least, with 16 points in each of the first two games. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett was brought in as a QB guru, but this offense has yet to click. An embarrassing loss at Seattle was followed by a narrow win over the hapless Texans.

Garoppolo, meanwhile, was nothing short of competent in his one appearance taking over for Lance. His patience (and the team's willingness to keep him despite the potential for drama) paid off in the form of a 27-7 win over Seattle last week.

Will Wilson be able to continue his dominance over Jimmy G-led 49ers teams? Vegas has the road team as favorites in this contest between playoff hopefuls in prime time.

Sunday Night Football: San Francisco (1-1) at Denver (1-1)

Kickoff: Sunday, Sept. 25 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: 49ers -1.5

Three Things to Watch

1. How will Wilson handle the 49ers' pressure?

Wilson has always been a mobile quarterback, thriving off play action and designed bootlegs, but he's lost a step or two at nearly 34 years old. He's not the threat to run he once was and isn't as good at escaping pressure. And that's going to be a problem against the 49ers.

The 49ers rank fifth in pressure rate (35.7 percent), fourth in hurry rate (16.1 percent), and third in QB knockdown rate (14.6 percent), all while blitzing just 10.7 percent of the time (29th). Only needing to rush four allows them the luxury of dropping seven into coverage, which has helped them to four turnovers, tied for sixth in the NFL.

Trying to depend on the run instead may not be any better for Denver, despite having the talented duo of Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon III. The 49ers rank second on a per-game basis (67.5 ypg) and first on a per-carry basis (2.6 ypc) against the run this season after ranking seventh in both categories last year.

Getting the ball out quickly will be crucial for Wilson, who tends to be one of the more laborious quarterbacks. His average time to throw of 2.92 seconds is the fifth-longest mark this season and quite a bit longer than his 2.80 from last year. Watch out for slot receiver KJ Hamler, who could be in for a breakout game now that he's back to health.

2. Can Denver force San Francisco to pass?

It's an annual rite of passage for the 49ers to suffer a number of injuries to running back, and San Francisco at least got it out of the way early this year with Elijah Mitchell (knee) and rookie Tyrion Davis-Price (ankle) out. But as is also tradition, pretty much any running back in Kyle Shanahan's outside zone offense can be successful.

Jeff Wilson Jr. is the latest running back to find success — although he's more steady than a big-play threat — as the Niners rank fourth in the NFL at 182.5 yards per game. Much of that has to do with a league-high 41 rushing attempts per game, but the fact that opponents know San Francisco will run and they still do it effectively speaks volumes.

Denver would benefit from getting the 49ers away from their bread and butter, especially considering the other injuries to the offense. Tight end George Kittle (groin) has yet to play this season and may not be effective even if he is active.

There's also the question of how up-to-speed Garoppolo will be without seeing much action. Last week, his on-target rate (71.4 percent) was much lower than his 2021 rate (81.5), although his slightly higher 14.3 percent bad-pass rate didn't yet lead to an interception.

3. Can Nathaniel Hack(ett) this job?

Every season, there's (at least) one lemon among the new coaching hires, and Hackett certainly has the early lead. His clock management has left much to be desired, and he's had inexplicable mistakes like forgetting to send a returner out on the field.

Denver's 25 penalties are so far ahead of second-worst Cleveland (19) that the gap between them is as big as the gap between second and 14th place. The league-high four delay-of-game penalties — so bad, many coming at crucial times, that Denver's crowd had to count down the play clock — partially stem from indecisiveness and poor play-calling. Yes, this is a new marriage with Wilson, but that's going to keep costing the Broncos wins.

Hackett seems to have a good relationship with his new team, which has its own merits. However, his rookie coaching mistakes (with no veterans on the staff to help) stand out as perhaps the biggest thing holding back this team.

Final Analysis

If these teams met later in the season, the Broncos would likely be home favorites. But Wilson and Hackett still have a ways to go before they look like a true playoff team. Garoppolo raises the 49ers' floor, even if they aren't as dynamic as they could be with Lance. And that will be just enough to get them a big prime-time win.

Prediction: 49ers 24, Broncos 23

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

LATE GAMES
Jacksonville Jaguars at Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

EARLY GAMES
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commodes
Houston Texans at Chicago Bears
Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Las Vegas Raiders at Tennessee Titans

SNF
San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2022

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants

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ALREADY PLAYED

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

EARLY GAMES
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commodes
Houston Texans at Chicago Bears
Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Las Vegas Raiders at Tennessee Titans

LATE GAMES
Jacksonville Jaguars at Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SNF
San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2022

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants

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ALREADY PLAYED

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

Hey rams bros. I'm in Phoenix to catch the game this weekend. Is anyone else going? Anyone tailgating?

This'll be my first game and I was hoping to meet up with any of you that might be tailgating.

Not sure I’ve ever seen anything like it so early on.

Where to start?

Can gunslinger Stafford get a handle on some of his stupid throws? Small windows and tipped passes are one thing but the stupid throws have gotta stop. ESPECIALLY when he has a 3 TD lead!

Is Akers still hurt or is it a lack of confidence in his Achilles? Is this the week he explodes? Better late than never.

Can Rams OL do it’s job? We’re on our planned backup OC and our planned 3rd RG. Gulp…

Can/will Rams finally get a much needed 100+ yard game rushing? That’s all RB’s COMBINED? We are in the cellar league wide in rushing. That’s pathetic for a SB contender. A decent running game makes the whole scoring Offense so much easier.

Can Morris manufacture at least a modest edge pressure this week? This has GOT to improve against QB’s like Murray.

Who would have believed that Rams would be down to starting their 5th and 6th CB’s by game 3? That’s stunning. How is Morris gonna scheme THAT?

Will the Rams’ ST coverage and return teams blocking and tackling be at least respectable for a change? Rams need it.

Be prepared to see a few of the players signed just this week getting some snaps. Not ideal, but it is what it is. Rams kinda already have their backs to the wall by game 3. Didn’t see THAT coming.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the Rams playoff run starts this week. This is a division game against a legit opponent and do I need to remind anybody that wins and losses in September count just as much as those of December? Word to the wise Ram coaches. Don’t hold back on this one, show us some killer instinct.

Hey hope all our buddies in Eastern Canada are battering down and safe from the winds of tropical storm Fiona. Hope you are holding up ok @CGI_Ram , eh?

I'm one part stunned and disbelieving, one part crying tears of joy, one part screaming like a fucking banshee in excitement, and one part happy to see him, his team, the fans (Dodgers and Cardinals; much appreciated to the Dodgers fans for cheering #700) celebrate such a momentous occasion.

Congratulations, Albert! You're the third member of the 700 club, and damn, did you earn every bit of it.

My wife and I were supposed to go to the local fanx convention. I couldn't make it.

She sent me a picture and said I think you need this or we need this.

An AD99 signed jersey. I cannot even believe it

You guys know the rules, all predictions must be made before the game begins. $10,000 ROD Dollars for hitting the exact score, that or $5,000 ROD Dollars with the closest score.

Rams - 30

Cards - 20

No surprise the Texans, Panthers, and Falcons are 0-2.

But… Is the pressure starting to mount with the “contenders”; Bengals, Colts, Titans, Raiders?

The Bengals feel like they should fight their way back. With the Jets on schedule this week, they should get off the winless list week 3. The AFC North looks like a Bengals / Ravens battle. While Cleveland is 2-1 they don’t get Watson back for 8 more weeks. Can they stay in it until then?

In Indianapolis… Matt Ryan has started the season with a 1 TD to 4 INT ratio. 63 rating… Yikes. With the Chiefs, Titans, and Broncos next on their schedule… the Colts need to get moving. Thankfully they are in the AFC South where 3 winless teams reside. They can still take the division, if Ryan gets going. But an 0-3 start is very possible for the Colts.

The Titans and Raiders play this week… one of these teams is starting 0-3.

Thoughts?

The amount of week 3 moves is interesting. NFL rosters are ever evolving. The final 53 don't mean squat. More moves to come, and even a trade or two.

Watching Big Whit going into the 'DogPound' was pretty funny ...