This week's stat is about PRESSURE.

In 2020, the Rams allowed a pressure rate of 20.1%.

In 2021, its down to 11.9%.

Interestingly, the Rams have improved this stat without relying on play action. In 2020, the Rams lead the league with 194 play action plays (over 12 per game). This year, the Rams have run only 37 play action plays (just over 5 per game).

So how did the Rams accomplish this? Well... I'm sure you have some cosmic rationale, but
I think this can be attributed to many factors, including better pass protection and Stafford's pocket presence and quicker release time.

If the Rams can keep this up, Matthew Stafford will continue to carve up defenses.

Should the Rams fire Morris by the bye week if the defense doesn't dramatically improve?
If they do move on do you feel confident on in-house talent to be the d coordinator until next season?

Our eldest Dobie has been really sick these last few days with bronchial pneumonia (we think).

He's had one night in vet hospital and 3 vet visits with another to come tomorrow - so lot's of $'s.

But he's tough because his name is Jackson and I don't want him meeting up with his sister who passed away a year or so ago just before we moved back to the UK called Tori just yet.

He had a brother called Cooper but they didn't really hit it off (both alpha male rescues - it happens) and we had to rehome Coop who is now blissfully happy in Florida.

I'm sure nobody here is in any doubt who all of those three were named after and Jackson sat with me as I watched the Lions victory last night.

Have you ever named a pet after a Ram?

https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58604/LA_Gamebook.pdf



Off


Def


ST

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we all know it.

we've all seen it.

but we've never seen it all in one video.



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Monday Night Football: New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks​

The Seattle Seahawks are still looking to find their footing after losing quarterback Russell Wilson to a finger injury, and they'll have a chance to bounce back on "Monday Night Football" against a well-rested New Orleans Saints team.

The Saints resume their season after their bye week. They enter with a 3-2 record due to a stunning upset to open the season and a fourth-quarter collapse in their first home game. Despite not playing last weekend, they moved into sole possession of second place in the NFC South thanks to a Panthers loss.

In contrast, the Seahawks have a slightly shorter week than normal after losing an overtime thriller at Pittsburgh last Sunday evening. They trailed 14-0 at halftime but briefly pulled ahead after scoring on their first three possessions of the second half. However, they could not hold onto the lead and lost in regulation.

The series between these teams is tied, 8-8. The Seahawks hold an advantage of 6-4 for games played in Seattle. The Saints have won the two previous meetings.

Monday Night Football: New Orleans (3-2) at Seattle (2-4)

Kickoff: Monday, Oct. 25 at 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Spread: Saints -5

Three Things to Watch

1. Can the Seahawks' offensive line protect Geno Smith?

Two weeks ago, Smith took over for Russell Wilson due to his injured finger. Smith finished the game by completing 10 of 17 passing attempts for 131 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. That served as only his second appearance in a regulation game in his third season in Seattle.

Smith's first start with the Seahawks provided some promise of his ability to fill in for Wilson. The nine-year veteran completed 23 of his 32 passing attempts for one touchdown and no interceptions.

However, Smith faced tremendous pressure from Pittsburgh. The Steelers hit him eight times. They sacked Smith five times, resulting in a loss of 44 yards. The last sack caused a fumble, which Devin Bush recovered to set the Steelers up for the game-winning field goal.

With Wilson sidelined for this game, the Seahawks must protect Smith. Behind him are two inexperienced quarterbacks. Jake Luton is in his second NFL season, having completed 60 of 110 passing attempts for two touchdowns and six interceptions during three games, all starts, as a rookie for the Jaguars. The other option is Danny Etling who last played a regular-season game in 2017 at LSU. As an insurance policy, the Seahawks signed Jacob Eason, who had seen action in one game with the Colts this season, completing two of five passes for 25 yards and an interception.

2. Which team can limit their mistakes more?

The Seahawks are missing some key components to their offense. Wilson and leading rusher Chris Carson are on injured reserve. One significant contributor to the offense, Alex Collins (48 rushing attempts for 225 yards and two touchdowns plus five receptions for 56 yards), has missed practice due to a hip/glute issue. Dee Eskridge, their top draft pick, has not played since the season-opener when he ran the ball twice for 22 yards and caught a pass for six yards.

Several of the Saints' important contributors seem unlikely to play too. Taysom Hill suffered a concussion against the Giants three weeks ago, and he has not been practicing since. The Saints' pass defense has suffered as defensive end Marcus Davenport cornerback Ken Crawley, along with linebackers Kwon Alexander and Chase Hansen, have been on injured reserve, all designated to return this week.

With so many important members gone or limited, both teams need to avoid helping the opponent by committing costly penalties. The Saints' defense has committed the fewest penalties per game (4.4) in the NFL for the second fewest yards (36.4). The Seahawks' offense has averaged 5.8 penalties per game, 10th best in the league, for 46.7 yards, tied for eighth fewest.

3. Can Seattle limit the Saints to field goals in the red zone?

The Saints have ventured inside opponents' 20-yard line 14 times during this season. Thirteen of those drives ended with a touchdown. Alvin Kamara and Juwan Johnson each accounted for three of those touchdowns, all receptions. Hill scored the same number as those two, although Hill did so on the ground.

The Saints have needed such a high rate of reaching pay dirt when they have entered the red zone. Their placekicking has given stress-induced headaches to Asshole Face and his staff. Aldrick Rosas only connected on one of his four field-goal attempts before being released after four games. His replacement, Cody Parkey, did not attempt a field in the Saints' most recent game, but he did miss two of his five extra-point attempts. During the bye week, the Saints signed rookie Brian Johnson in hopes of finding a temporary substitute. Wil Lutz cannot return from his abdominal injury fast enough for the Saints' liking.

Final Analysis

The Saints enjoyed an extra-long respite, not having played since Columbus Day weekend. That break has allowed Payton more time to rest his numerous injured starters. That could serve as the difference.

The Seahawks nearly escaped Pittsburgh with a victory or at least a tie. The fans might blame Smith for fumbling away the game. However, he faced far too much pressure all night. His remaining health teammates must bolster their efforts.

Prediction: Saints 28, Seahawks 27

Today wasn’t the best day on the ground but overall I think Hendo has been really freaking solid this year.
That said. I *do* think the better long term play for the season would be to rotate Michel in more frequently. It will keep Hendo healthy and fresh, and plus, Michel adds a physicality and toughness that’s a nice change of pace. I’d love to see McVay get a rotation going where Hendo gets 2 series, then Michel 1—kinda similar to what he did with Gurley/Malcolm Brown.

1. I think this one is a matter of perspective.

2. If you're a casual fan, you probably looked at the final score and said "huh... that was a bit closer than I thought it would be, but I'm not surprised by the outcome."

3. If you're a Rams fan (or someone who bet on the Rams giving 15 points), you might be feeling a bit disappointed.

4. This is the NFL, though. Its a league in which the Ravens can blow out the Chargers one week, then get demolished at home by the Bengals the next. No win should be discounted.

5. From an analysis standpoint, the running game and run defense were both lacking today. That, along with the Lions' "nothing to lose" approach to special teams, allowed the Lions to play keep away for much of the first half.

6. In the end, though, I never really felt like the Rams were going to lose this one. It kind of felt like a preliminary round fight in a movie like Bloodsport. Sure... the plucky underdog may land a few early haymakers on Bolo Yeung, but you know that he's just going to shrug them off, land some vicious blows, win by knockout in the end.

7. Matthew Stafford threw for over 300 yards, 3 TDs and registered a passer rating of 117.3.

8. The fact that I'm not more excited by those numbers shows how spoiled I've gotten after 7 weeks of Matthew Stafford as our QB.

9. Jared Goff avoided the rush well and made some good throws, but when he threw an INT in the 4th Quarter with an opportunity to take a lead, I wasn't shocked.

10. I also wasn't shocked that, on an overall lackluster day for the defense, it would be Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey combining for the game clinching play.

11. I'm guessing the Rams will spend a bit more time this week on certain special teams scenarios.

12. Tyler Higbee was close (a spectacular almost-catch away) but didn't quite get the Rams' all-time TE receiving yards record on National Tight Ends Day (I'm assuming that's a football thing and not a reference to individuals blessed with a low fat percentage in their gluteus maximus). Next week, Truax will be supplanted!

13. As Goff watched Cooper Kupp balling with Stafford, I wonder if Labrinth's lyrics were on his mind: "Its hard for me to say... I'm jealous of the way... you're happy without me."

14. Speaking of Kupp... 56 receptions, 809 yards, 9 TDs. Wow.

15. Tutu Atwell may one day be a valuable player for the Rams but, right now, with his even his kick/punt return duties reassigned, he seems like a poorly timed luxury pick, at best.

16. Ramsey was the defensive MVP today, but Kenny Young had some nice plays and deserves an honorable mention.

17. Robert Rochell's injury doesn't sound too bad, but the Rams may need to get some more depth at CB before the trade deadline.

18. Houston is next. Another game the Rams are supposed to win, and win big.

19. Just keep winning. Its a long season.

20. Thanks for the memories, Jared.

I guess this can also be a vent thread, but the special teams needs to be addressed, badly.
Aside from our kicker and punter, who are great, the rest of special teams is a disaster this year.

I mean, we got fooled 3 times today on trick plays, that has to be a record.
First time is forgivable, but the other 2 times, no.

So is it the coaching, or some of the players, or what? And how do we fix this mess?

Every time I see the QB not to be named....

Go Rams... after today it should be a 15 yard penalty for mentioning Jared Geoff.. for at least the next 6 months ... hip hip horaaaaaaa lolol. What say you fellow rams fans ...
GO RAMS ...!!!!

Go Rams... after today it should be a 15 yard penalty for mentioning Jared Geoff.. for at least the next 6 months ... hip hip horaaaaaaa lolol. What say you fellow rams fans ...
GO RAMS ...!!!!

I’ve watched half and they have done a great job staying true to the book.

be forewarned

its “part one”……

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!

———

ROD Chat Room;

Game Day Room

Sunday, Oct. 24

LATE GAMES
Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 pm (FOX)
Philadelphia Eagles at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 pm(FOX)
Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 pm (CBS)
Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:25 pm (CBS)

EARLY GAMES
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens, 1 pm (CBS)
Washington Football Team at Green Bay Packers, 1 pm (FOX)
Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins, 1 pm (FOX)
New York Jets at New England Patriots, 1 pm(CBS)
Carolina Panthers at New York Giants, 1 pm (FOX)
Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans, 1 pm (CBS)

SNF
Indianapolis Colts at San Francisco 49ers, 8:20 pm (NBC)

Monday, Oct. 25

MNF
New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 pm (ESPN)

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ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, Oct. 21
Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns, 8:20 pm (FOX, NFL Network, Amazon)

Sunday, Oct. 24

EARLY GAMES
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens, 1 pm (CBS)
Washington Football Team at Green Bay Packers, 1 pm (FOX)
Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins, 1 pm (FOX)
New York Jets at New England Patriots, 1 pm(CBS)
Carolina Panthers at New York Giants, 1 pm (FOX)
Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans, 1 pm (CBS)

LATE GAMES
Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 pm (FOX)
Philadelphia Eagles at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 pm(FOX)
Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 pm (CBS)
Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:25 pm (CBS)

SNF
Indianapolis Colts at San Francisco 49ers, 8:20 pm (NBC)

Monday, Oct. 25

MNF
New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 pm (ESPN)

---

ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, Oct. 21
Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns, 8:20 pm (FOX, NFL Network, Amazon)

Sunday Night Football: Indianapolis Colts vs. San Francisco 49ers​

Week 7 comes with a "Sunday Night Football" matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers, both of whom looked great on paper during the offseason. These teams entered this season with aspirations of making a deep run into the playoffs, if not all the way to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, this game now has the feel of a loser-leaves-town scenario, as the Colts (2-4) are two games behind Tennessee in the AFC South and the 49ers (2-3) are in a deep hole in the NFC West with Arizona and the Los Angeles Rams sitting at a combined record of 11-1.

Indianapolis handled its business last week, cruising past the Houston Texans for a 31-3 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium. Carson Wentz had just 11 completions (on 20 attempts), but they went for 223 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, he didn't the turn ball over. Wentz also didn't have to do too much with Jonathan Taylor running all over the Texans to the tune of 145 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. T.Y. Hilton’s return to the lineup brought a sense of stability to the offense as he caught four passes for 80 yards, but he also suffered a quad injury and won't play on Sunday. The defense also did its part in the blowout, creating three turnovers and keeping Houston out of the end zone all game long.

San Francisco is looking to get back on track after a bye week following a 17-10 loss at Arizona in Week 5. Trey Lance's first career start went about as expected in a hostile environment. He was 15-of-29 for 192 yards and an interception against an aggressive Cardinals defense that sacked him twice. The highlight of the day for Lance was how he used his legs as he rushed for 89 yards on 16 carries. It's his dual-threat capabilities that could make him very dangerous once he fully grasps head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Defensively, the 49ers did a good job of limiting Kyler Murry and Arizona's explosive offense, holding them 304 total yards and their fewest points thus far. In every other game, the Cardinals have scored 31 or more points. San Francisco will need more performances like this from the defense until the offense comes together, especially with both Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo dealing with injuries.

Sunday Night Football: Indianapolis (2-4) at San Francisco (2-3)

Kickoff: Sunday, Oct. 24 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Spread: 49ers -4

Three Things to Watch

1. Carson Wentz and the Colts' big-play ability on offense

Wentz has played well over the last few weeks as he is not trying to win the game by himself. For the season, Wentz is completing 62.4 percent of his passes for 1,545 yards with nine touchdowns and just one interception. His 102.4 passer rating ranks 11th in the NFL and is a good sign of his development. Wentz is capable of putting up big numbers, but he needs to continue to be content to take what the defense gives him (and rely on his running game) instead of trying to play hero ball, which is what often got him into trouble with the Eagles. Wentz needs to play like a basketball point guard, especially this week against an aggressive 49ers defense. Explosive plays are certainly possible from this Colts offense. They have produced plays of 42, 51, 52, 76, and 83 yards in the last two games alone. Look for head coach Frank Reich to attack what has been a vulnerable San Francisco secondary early and often to try and come up with some big gains. That will loosen up the front seven and should open up more running room for Taylor, who is averaging a healthy 5.4 yards per carry and already has four rushes of 20-plus yards. Indianapolis also will get a boost with the return of All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson, who was activated from injured reserve on Saturday after missing the past three games because of an ankle injury.

2. 49ers' offense vs. Colts' defense

Lance, who is nursing a knee sprain, didn't practice all week so it's no surprise he's been ruled out. This means that Garoppolo will be back on the field for the first time since injuring his calf in Week 4. Because of the bye, he's only missed one game, but rust could be an issue. Garoppolo is a solid player, but he will definitely need his playmakers to do their job to help him succeed. The backfield has dealt with numerous injuries and is still missing a couple of pieces. Tight end George Kittle is on injured reserve, and the only consistent pass catcher has been Deebo Samuel. He's fifth in the league in receiving (548 yards) and is on pace for 100 receptions but can’t do it alone. Samuel is going to be a point of emphasis for Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus' game plan, which is made easier due to Kittle's absence. That could free up linebacker Darius Leonard to make plays from sideline to sideline, and you know defensive tackle DeForest Bucker will be fired up to face his former team. Look for Shanahan to dial up a lot of runs and some screen passes to try and slow down Indianapolis' pass rush, especially with his quarterback coming back from a leg injury.

3. Finishing games and the addiction to analytics

Two weeks ago in Baltimore, the Colts held a 25-9 lead over the Ravens and failed to finish the job, falling in overtime. The NFL has become over-reliant upon analytics instead of using good old-fashioned common (football) sense. If you are on the road and have a lead with a physical offensive line like Indianapolis does, there is no reason to overcomplicate things on offense. Taylor is a high-quality running back that can put a game on his shoulders late and bring it home by moving the chains. The Colts have gone 8-for-20 on third down over the last two weeks and will need to improve that success rate this week to put them in the best position to win on Sunday night. The goal for Reich and his staff should be to have Taylor get around 25 carries to try and wear down Nick Bosa and the rest of the 49ers' defensive line.

Final Analysis

Expect this game to surprise the nation and surpass expectations in relation to what transpired last Sunday night. What initially looked like a decisive Pittsburgh win over a Wilson-less Seattle turned into a thrilling overtime affair. Wentz has been playing well lately, whereas Garoppolo is coming back from an injury and hasn't played in a few weeks. Wentz is in a good spot mentally right now, which should help him to continue to make the right decisions when he's in or out of the pocket. Besides knocking off some rust, Garoppolo also will be missing his favorite target in Kittle. Samuel has been getting the job done, but fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk has not developed as quickly as many thought he would. He has just eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown through five games. Indianapolis appears to have more balance on offense right now, which will help the visitors outlast the 49ers and improve to 3-4 on the season.

Prediction: Colts 24, 49ers 20

I was going to try Prarie at Brown Medical.

What is your preferred way to get to game?

Just heard it on Foxsports 570am talking heads here in LA. Looks like he's getting the nod for Mundt's 2nd TE spot. (rams-wire.com)

Where art thou Brycen Hopkins?

Good game to get back to scoring on first possession.
Will Stafford be a little overhyped, causing his accuracy to suffer in the first drive or two?
Or will he be cool hand Luke and slap up 2 td's in first two possessions

Is this typical run of the mill team business or are we planning on a outside signing? Thoughts?

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Terrell Lewis is maximizing opportunities, but more focused on the plays he should have made​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Terrell Lewis' mindset is as relentless as the way he pursues opposing quarterbacks.

Yes, the Rams outside linebacker has recorded a sack in each of the Rams' last three games. But when asked about his performance over that span, he was more focused on the plays he should've made instead of the ones he actually did.

"It's been good obviously," Lewis said Monday. "Did well I guess. I'm always more critical of myself. I notice other stuff I could've done too."

By that, Lewis means plays he left on the field.

Even though he had two total tackles (one for loss), one sack and one QB hit, he said he felt like he was supposed to have an interception too in the Rams' 38-11 win over the Giants last week.

Overall, he's recorded nine total tackles (three for loss), two QB hits and one forced fumble in addition to those three sacks over the last three weeks.

"He's been great. It's been a real positive," Rams head coach Sean McVay said Wednesday. "If you look at all the things that he's overcome, to see the significant amount of snaps that he's really played over the last three weeks, more than he's ever played by far, seeing how he's coming out of these games, that's been a real positive. You talk about a guy that's overcome a lot of adversity and a lot of setbacks from a health standpoint, to be where he's at, it's a great feel-good story. (We) want to continue to keep him healthy, which is why you see us be smart with him throughout the course of the weeks, giving him a rest day like today, but he's only getting better. And if he wasn't so long, maybe we wouldn't have that offsides last week (laughs), but he's doing a good job."

That adversity McVay is referring to is when Lewis was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list prior to the start of it as he dealt with atrophy from a knee procedure he underwent. That procedure was done because of infection concerns from a previous procedure, and while no infection was discovered, the atrophy led to Los Angeles placing him on that list, subsequently delaying Lewis' Rams and NFL debut until Week 5.

This year, the Rams are managing Lewis' health by giving him a rest day during practice each week. In turn, Lewis has been able to have many more opportunities to self-critique his performance.

Lewis has also picked up things like time in the sauna from Rams' veterans to help optimize his recovery and performance.

To be in the position to make the impact he has, Lewis said it's "a blessing," but unsurprisingly indicated there's more work to be done.

"It's a start, definitely," Lewis said. "I'm just happy to be able to get be able to be on the field consistently and be able to contribute and help this team to reach our ultimate goal."

In that regard, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has been pleased with what he's seen.

Morris joked that he was still looking for the third sack Lewis got – perhaps one more thing for Lewis to examine – but it counts nonetheless, and Lewis has continued to capitalize on his increased playing time in Morris' eyes.

"He went out man and he's absolutely been phenomenal," Morris said. "He's another guy that kind of taken advantage of the snap count. We've seen it go up increasingly more and more every single week. It's a credit to him for (his) health, it's a credit for him to taking care of himself, it's a credit to him put in this position to take advantage of the moment, and he's certainly done that."

Got tix for the game this weekend! So pumped!

I know there are a few season tickets holders on ROD... but for most of us mere mortals, any in-person Rams game is a huge fricken' deal!

My two teenage kids have never been to a pro sporting event, so this'll be fun. (My wife and kids vaguely support the Rams to humor me.)

I'll write up a game day report next week. Can't wait to see the 5 billion dollar palace!

This might be hard core for some fans but I was able to watch it and balance out the narrative and media hype for the Lions game this Sunday.



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