Los Angeles Rams eyed Jimmy Garoppolo if San Francisco 49ers released QB, sources say​

Had the San Francisco 49ers and Jimmy Garoppolo been unable to agree to a restructured contract this summer, the rival Los Angeles Rams were lurking as a possible destination for the veteran quarterback, league sources told ESPN.

Garoppolo and the Rams had the makings of a deal if he was released by the Niners, who were unaware that the defending Super Bowl champions were looking into signing him, according to sources.

The 49ers didn't learn about the Rams' interest until after they agreed with Garoppolo on a one-year deal worth up to $16 million, sources said.

"It was going to be such a Rams move to make," a member of the 49ers organization told ESPN. "Sean McVay and Kevin Demoff would have been basking in it."

The Rams, who were eyeing Garoppolo as a legitimate backup option to Matthew Stafford, continually have demonstrated the capability to acquire high-profile, skilled veterans like Odell Beckham Jr. or Bobby Wagner despite seemingly not having roster or salary-cap space. The Rams were tight against their cap, and it would have been challenging to fit Garoppolo into their salary structure.

For most of the offseason, a divorce seemed imminent between Garoppolo and the Niners, who were set with Trey Lance to take over at quarterback.

But according to Garoppolo, "things kind of fell into place" with the Niners in late August, meaning he will back up Lance to start the season instead of backing up Stafford.

"Seeing the other opportunities that were out there and you weigh in the pros and cons of everything," Garoppolo told reporters on Sept. 1. "Trust me, there was a lot of back and forth going on just with other teams and what I wanted my future to look like. And so, this is what I wanted."

It is FOOTBALL SUNDAY… What is on YOUR menu?

I am grilling a pizza for pre-game / lunch. I found a nice flat/crispy crust, shaped in oval, perfect for grilling top rack. This will go great with the first couple of beers, iced tea.

For dinner / late games I have a pot of beef and sausage chilli. I flip between two versions of chilli… one is tomato sauce based and deep red… perfect in a bowl alone, over spaghetti noodles, or over hotdogs.

Today’s verison will be dark brown… rich and meaty… having espresso shot and cocoa as the base. More of a hearty version. This is is best cooked all day.

What are YOUR food and drink plans today?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys​

For the second straight season, the Buccaneers and Cowboys will open their season against each other in prime time.

One year and two days after Tampa Bay escaped with a 31-29 home victory on the NFL's opening night, this budding rivalry will shift to Dallas for a "Sunday Night Football" showdown.

Looming over this game has been Tom Brady's extended absence this fall. After briefly retiring in February, the 45-year-old missed 11 days of camp and only appeared in one preseason game. And Tampa Bay can't afford to have a slow start with games at New Orleans and at home against the Packers and Chiefs following this one.

Dallas has plenty of pressure to win too, especially head coach Mike McCarthy, who has perhaps the hottest seat in the league. The Cowboys have not made it past the Divisional Round since 1995, but the expectations are to do so at some point in Dak Prescott's four-year, $160 million contract.

So, can the Bucs win a second straight season-opener against the Cowboys? Or will the home underdogs pull an upset in front of the new SNF booth of Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth?

Sunday Night Football: Tampa Bay (0-0) at Dallas (0-0)

Kickoff: Sunday, Sept. 11 at 8:20 pm. ET
TV: NBC
Spread: Buccaneers -2.5

Three Things to Watch

1. Will Tom Brady be fully up to speed?

The Buccaneers open the season with the highest Super Bowl odds in the NFC, and that all rides on the idea that Brady will keep up his elite production at age 45. While quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Drew Brees faded quickly at the end of their careers, Brady led the league with 5,316 yards and 43 touchdowns last season.

Father Time may be undefeated, but Brady is testing that theory as he pushes into unprecedented territory.

The question becomes whether his extended preseason absence will catch up with him. Brady has plenty of weapons — Tampa swapped out Antonio Brown for Russell Gage and Julio Jones — but his offensive line has taken a hit. Guards Ali Marpet (retired) and Alex Cappa (Bengals) are gone, and center Ryan Jensen is out with a knee injury. Brady has always been good about getting the ball out quickly, but that will be even more important if the line is not up to expectations.

The Cowboys' defense could cause problems if Brady is not as sharp as normal. They ranked seventh in scoring defense last year despite finishing 19th in total defense, largely thanks to turnovers. Dallas led the league with 26 interceptions (11 of which came from Trevon Diggs), although their ball-hawking style led to a lot of big plays allowed.

2. Can the Cowboys' patchwork offensive line hold up?

Tampa Bay isn't the only team with issues on the line. The Cowboys have also been dealing with major injuries and departures. What was once one of the best units in the league looks questionable at best and could sink Dallas' playoff hopes.

Losing La'el Collins and Connor Williams was tough but manageable when they had Tyron Smith, but the All-Pro left tackle will miss several months with a preseason hamstring/knee injury. Dallas spent a first-rounder on his potential replacement in Tyler Smith, but the Tulsa product, who was the most penalized lineman in college football last year, may not be up to that task yet.

Keeping Dak Prescott upright will be crucial, especially after the quarterback landed on the injury report with soreness in his surgically repaired right ankle. For what it's worth, Prescott said he felt uncomfortable wearing a new style of cleats. But whatever the cause, the Cowboys will only go as far as a healthy Prescott can take them.

3. Is the elite Ezekiel Elliott still there?

Once teams invest a high pick and major contract into a player, it can be hard for them to move on. Whether it’s hard-headedness or something else, teams don’t always play their best players. But could the Cowboys be right that Elliott still has another gear left in him?

In each of his three NFL seasons, Tony Pollard has out-performed Elliott on a rate basis. Yes, it's easier to rack up big plays with fewer touches and hits, but it has many wondering if the fourth-rounder Pollard is a better choice at this point than the former No. 4 overall (2016) pick.

With just $11.9 million in dead cap after this season, this may be Elliott's last chance to prove that he's still an elite back worth big money. And, to be fair, there are valid excuses why his yards per carry average has dipped into the low fours recently.

The Cowboys had a decimated offensive line in 2020, and he didn't quite look the same after testing positive for COVID. Then in 2021, he played through knee and ankle injuries. But at some point, there are only so many excuses, and recurring injuries become expected.

The Bucs should present a tough challenge for Elliott (and Pollard) on Sunday night. They ranked third in rush defense last season, although that was partially due to opponents running on them a league-low 366 times. Still, a defense that ranked fifth in adjusted line yards (3.73) will be a great early-season test for what the former All-Pro has left in him.

Final Analysis

Both teams are immensely talented but have serious questions along their lines. This game will illuminate a lot about how easily each team can overcome those limitations. It's dangerous to bet on a road favorite with questions about rust at quarterback, but the Bucs should have just enough to come out on top.

Prediction: Buccaneers 28, Cowboys 27

Sunday September 11, 2022

THE LATE GAMES - 4:25 ET
Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants at Tennessee Titans

THE EARLY GAMES - 1pm ET
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers
San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets
Jacksonville Jaguars at Washington Commodes

SNF - 8:20 ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys

MNF - 8:15 ET
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks

ALREADY PLAYED - TNF
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams

Sunday September 11, 2022

THE EARLY GAMES - 1pm ET
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers
San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets
Jacksonville Jaguars at Washington Commodes

THE LATE GAMES - 4:25 ET
Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants at Tennessee Titans

SNF - 8:20 ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys

MNF - 8:15 ET
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks

ALREADY PLAYED - TNF
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams

So this is an amazing fight card. I suggest if you got nothing to watch you got espn+ tune in. Crazy card about to happen. Strangely enough Diaz was supposed to fight Chimaev but dude didn’t make weight. They swapped fighters on the fly now Diaz is fighting Ferguson. 2 bad boys from Cali going to be a good but respectable fight.

Who you got? I hope Hollins demolishes Chimaev.. Diaz Ferg fight I am just going to enjoy it I like both.

Okay I have done the all 22 (and btw Merlin - it is a ton better this year) on the first half.

My thoughts.

I don't know what people are screaming about on Shelton but he did not have a bad game in the first half at least.

He made every block and his guy never got to Stafford on passing downs.

Only one time that I am not sure what the play was but Shelton was too late on a block where Havenstein didn't even chip his guy when he ran to the right.

I think it was a broken play and Stafford did his left hand into the ground on that play. It was a really weird play.

Edit - okay there was one play where Shelton should have helped Allen on a guy but went to help Havenstein instead. And Allen's guy beat him but also Noteboom's guy beat him too.

I think Shelton should have taken Allen's guy and Allen should have helped Noteboom and Edwards

Robinson - he was open on a few plays but Stafford went to his guy Kupp who was also open on the same plays.

There was one pass that I felt Stafford should have gone to Robinson because he had one step deep on the CB. That's the type of throw Robinson thrives on.

And Stafford didn't do it.

But this play drives me crazy. RIght before the end of the half - Stafford had Robinson going to the right and Stafford held onto the ball. It looked like it would be an easy toss too. Just throw it.

Secured my tix this morning.

Looks like some ppl panicked and dropped prices as I was able to secure aisle seats in the 400 section for $60 bucks a pop.

Last year I missed the first 3 minutes vs the Seahags due to the awful parking/traffic situation.

Hoping to get there by 11, find a decent parking spot and tour the stadium with a brew or 2. Hope to see some of you guys out there.
I'll be sure to take and post plenty of GameDay pics.

Idk why we don't have more representation at SoFi here on the board. If you're in LA.... Go out and show out. LFG

Los Angeles Rams want more 'urgency' from Cam Akers, Sean McVay says​

LOS ANGELES -- A day after running back Cam Akers played only 12 snaps in the Los Angeles Rams' season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills, Rams coach Sean McVay said Akers needs to "maximize his [opportunities] when he gets them."

"No matter who you're talking about, you want to see guys do the little things the right way, compete with and without the ball," McVay said. "There were some instances where there were some positive things and some things that he can do better, but we want to see just an increased level of urgency and accountability snap in and snap out from him."

Akers had three carries for 0 yards on Thursday night. Running back Darrell Henderson Jr. started the game, playing 54 snaps and running for 47 yards on 13 carries.

​

McVay said he knows what Akers is "capable of," and because of that, he's confident that Akers will "be that guy that we've all seen at the right moments as this season continues to progress."

"We've all seen how talented and what a special player this guy's capable of being," McVay said. "And I want to see him reach his highest potential. And that's really all there is to it. It's not about anything other than when he and Darrell [Henderson] are playing at a high level, I feel really good about those two guys at running back for us.

"And the opportunities were minimal. There were some things that within each of those individual plays that I think that we can be better collectively, starting with me, then to the players around him, but also with Cam. And so it's more of a reflection of the confidence that I know what he can be and I'm confident that he'll be that guy that we've all seen at the right moments as this season continues to progress. And that's our job to help get it out of him."


McVay was also asked about wide receiver Allen Robinson, who had one catch for 12 yards against Buffalo, but was targeted just twice.

"[Buffalo] did a great job of executing," McVay said. "We've got to try to get Allen more involved. But there were some opportunities for him to come to life that for a lot of different reasons, it didn't end up occurring. But those are things that we'll look into week in and week out."

POSTED FOR HUMOR ONLY


1. The backup offensive line performance from pre-season really isn't as far behind the starters as we feared

2. Jalen Ramsey still has an all-pro trash-talking game. To bad the receivers he covers aren't close enough to hear it

3. Joe Noteboom wants to know how many chickens he can buy with that new extension to lure Von Miller back

4. Kyren Williams to McVay, see coach told you I can 1 up Henderson & Akers

5. McCutcheon to Stafford, Matt I can do all that same shit A. Rob is doing tell coach to put me in

6. Stafford to the media, no that wasn't another no look. I thought I saw someone fall in the stands

7. Tyler Higbee is second-guessing the cancelation of his Lester Hayes pre game prep subscription

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It's the same issue he had with Woods.

Some of the dumbest mf’rs. One said they were going to destroy us…

I can’t wait to play them.

1. That was tough to watch.

2. I'm going to start by giving credit to the Buffalo Bills for what they are - possibly the best team in the league right now.

3. The Bills defense is very strong, and Von Miller does seem to be the final piece they needed.

4. Josh Allen leads an offense that will keep opposing defenses off balance and strike with big plays.

5. But, for fuck's sake.... we're the defending champions. There is no excuse for such a poor showing.

6. The biggest disappointment by far was the play of the offensive line. No push in the running game, and absolutely dismal performance in pass protection.

7. The lack of protection provides context for Matthew Stafford's poor outing, but I'm not going to fully absolve him. He held the ball way too long, and failed to spread the ball around meaningfully. And no... it wasn't because of his elbow.

8. Cooper Kupp did his thing, but he can't be asked to be the whole offense week after week.

9. Allen Robinson was the invisible man tonight. Very surprised by that. Whether it was a function of Stafford's lack of time, a lack of chemistry, or something else... time will tell.

10. Makes me think that we missed Van Jefferson more than I thought we would.

11. Makes me REALLY think that we need to stop messing around and finally sign OBJ. While I know he can't help for a while, we may need him to make another playoff run.

12. As for the defense.... we continue to be vulnerable to misdirection and quick throws. Those are, after all, the only things that can neutralize Aaron Donald.

13. The secondary was just plain bad tonight. I don't know what Jalen Ramsey was doing on the Diggs TD. Perhaps he rightfully expected help, perhaps it was his fault. Either way, it was embarrassing.

14. Can the defense come around? Absolutely.

15. Can the offensive line get where it needs to be? Its fair to doubt that.

16. I was surprised to see Darrell Henderson starting, and even more surprised to see Cam Akers with such a minimal role.

17. Nick Scott gets credit for forcing two fumbles. Those turnovers, along with Allen's two interceptions, prevented an even worse outcome.

18. As big and strong as Allen is, he's not going to last if he keeps taking unnecessary hits. Just ask Cam Newton.

19. I expected adversity this season, just as we had last year. Guess it's coming sooner than expected. We'll see how the team reacts. Certainly, having a couple of extra days to prepare to host a weak Atlanta team is favorable.

20. For seven months we had joy and revelry. That's over now (though the memories will last forever). Now we're back to the grind. This was a tough day. Better days will come.

I'm not speaking from blind emotion here.
If it were possible, I would trade Ramsey (while some teams still think he's a great player) for a good decent CB and two 2nd round picks. I'd do it instantly too. That money can be spent better elsewhere. He's not making plays .... of any kind!

With as much money as we have in him, and as much worship as he gets, I should be asking for the last 5 game changing plays ..... however ..... Someone please remind me of the last game changing play he's made for us?

SOB
Have at it

Nope, not at SoFi.... Man I wish... But check out this rocker I picked up from Dick's. This thing is awesome and sturdy!! Look at the embroidering on the emblem!! I was stunned to be honest. I highly recommend it if anyone is in the market for such things...

RIP

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As per my tradition I try to make something that is pertaining to the teams playing.

For this week my wife found a sandwich that is popular in the Buffalo area called Beef on Weck.

Kaiser roll egg washed and sprinkled with salt and caraway seeds and toasted.

Then topped with roast beef and horseradish and before you top it with the crown the crown is dipped in au jus.

Looks like the Snead Extension happened.