Here are a few.

LINK

If we keep making the same mistakes it's really hard to see us winning this game

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Basically kliff vs mcvay so you already know how this is going to go.

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Not feeling good about this game. McVay and Rams already have the mental edge over Kliff and the Cardinals. The Rams defense is going to be smarting after loss to the Niners. Combine that with the regression of the O-line and Rams may continue their streak of injuring our QBs. Does Kliff have the ability to motivate and scheme this team out of their funk? I really don't think so.

I see this game only being competivie for a half at most. I think Rams win 38 to 21.

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We are going to get curb stomped American History X-style this weekend.

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I think the fanbase has already been doing a good job of curb stomping since yesterday. Not much gonna be left for the Rams at this rate lol

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I mostly agree. There are no signs of life right now.

I'm so pissed about last week I can barely post here right now.

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Mcvay is 6 & 0 vs the Cards. IMO game won't even be close. Easy win for the Rams.

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We played the Rams close the last time we played them & KM was even hurt. We had less of a team then compared to now. I actually think this game is gonna be close & we pull out a close one at home. 30-28. Calling it now.

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I believe Kiem and Kliff had a conversation over these past couple days. I think this game will be a "get back on track" game and the Cardinals take it, close but they make more plays.

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Lowest the McVay led Rams have put up against Cards is 31 pts. Not sure if we can do that much against they defense if needed to win.

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A W on Sunday cures all ills.

unfortunately I think we get pounded 30-17.

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We’ve lost 3 of 4. The Rams are a better team and a bad matchup, but there are no more excuses. Just win, period. For once, want it more than the other team!!! This team is so infuriating, we know they have talent but do they have heart? That’s still to be determined.

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Sources: COVID-19 restrictions could force all NFL franchises out of California for rest of 2020 season

Charles Robinson

Fri, December 4, 2020, 6:24 PM GMT+11·3 min read

On the heels of Santa Clara County forcing the San Francisco 49ers out of Levi Stadium with new COVID-19 restrictions, the NFL has had communications with both of its Los Angeles franchises about safeguarding against a forced move to alternative playing sites in the coming weeks, two league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The sources said the steps being taken by the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams include troubleshooting potential practice and stadium sites outside the state of California, similar to the 49ers’ sudden relocation of all its operations and home game dates to Arizona this week. Both teams are said to be eyeing backup plans that could include the use of another NFL facility in neighboring states. The sources said the planning by the franchises began swiftly in the wake of the 49ers being forced out of Santa Clara County, but have also been driven by a ramping up of COVID restrictions at the state and Los Angeles County levels.

“[NFL] operations may not be able to continue [in California] soon and considering where we’re at in the schedule, dramatic changes like the 49ers’ relocation of operations could encompass the remainder of the season,” one source said. “That could be the case for all of the teams [in California]. The situation is being monitored and how it will impact the rest of the season is a little fluid right now. But the best thing everyone can do is just prepare for any eventuality.”

What L.A. County restrictions could mean for Rams, Chargers

As viral infections have spiraled in California recently and hospitals have come under greater strain to respond, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide order ramping up COVID restrictions on Thursday. The order would go into effect on a county-by-county basis and be triggered by each locality’s ICU bed capacity. If the locality has ICU availability that dwindles to less than 15 percent, the restrictions go into effect for that county. Once in place, the order puts tighter limits on travel, community events and retail-level shopping. The new set of restrictions are slated to begin Saturday for the qualifying counties and span for at least three weeks once the restrictions are triggered. The mandate could also raise restrictions further in the coming weeks and possibly run through the end of 2020.

“The bottom line is if we don’t act now, our hospital system will be overwhelmed,” Newsom said in a Thursday news conference to announce the new set of restrictions. “If we don’t act now, we’ll continue to see our death rate climb [and have] more lives lost.”

Newsom Announces Targeted Stay-At-Home Order As COVID-19 Cases Surge

As it stands, Los Angeles County is not yet in the zone to implement the restrictions. However, the county’s infection and hospitalization rate is expected to eventually bring it under Newsom’s order — possibly as early as next week. That could jeopardize the game day and practice facility operations of the Chargers and Rams.

What the NFL doesn’t want is a repeat of the messy back-and-forth between the 49ers and Santa Clara County officials, which made headlines last week when the team suggested that it was blindsided by an order banning contact sports for a period of at least three weeks. That sparked a prickly exchange between San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan and Santa Clara County officials who said the team was kept in the loop about potential changes in COVID restrictions.

The Santa Clara County order shuttered two homes games for the 49ers and ultimately forced the team to relocate its entire operations to Glendale, Arizona, where the franchise will utilize the Cardinals’ practice fields and stadium through at least Dec. 21. Given the direction of California’s tightening of COVID restrictions, there is a possibility that San Francisco may also be forced to remain in Arizona through the final weeks of the regular season.

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The 90's were suppose to be the best time of my life but I had parents who didn't believe I should have the same rights as other children. Even at 14 years old, I was not allow to watch WWF wrestling. I wasn't really allow to watch or do anything for that matter that wasn't strictly E or PG rating. Even though I have only watched 1 or 2 full shows during the entire span of the Attitude and most of the Ruthless Aggression era, it will always be apart of my missed childhood.

So I'm not coming from a place of nostalgia when I compare the PG era wrestling today to the past Attitude Era. I give anything to have the attitude era back in wrestling again. I'm purchased WWE subscription in the past but doesn't contain every Raws and Smackdowns shows (it hardly contain any) as it mostly contain PPV's and other videos. There is no way to follow every wrestling feuds, segment/promos like you would if you watched it live back then.

Now I can watch as much wrestling as I want and it doesn't even cater to teenagers/adults anymore. I can't even finish a wrestling show if I try. I had false hope when TNA and AEW debuted but it isn't even close to the WWF. I want wrestling to be apart of my life but I don't know if it ever will.

Do you think Attitude Era wrestling will be back someday or is it gone forever?

What do ya think??

Kyler Murray draws comparison to 'a great boxer' from Sean McVay

Lamar Jackson is the only quarterback to carry the ball more often than Kyler Murray this season, but no quarterback has more rushing yards than the Cardinals’ signal-caller. Murray has rushed for 650 yards on 97 attempts, scoring 10 touchdowns on the ground.

Given the importance of the quarterback position, it’s always risky for a passer to tuck the ball and run, but when you’re as electric and elusive as Murray is, it’s a weapon. What makes it less risky for Murray to carry the ball as much as he has is his ability to avoid hits.

Sure, he’s been popped a few times, but rarely does a defender get a clean shot on the former No. 1 overall pick. That attribute of Murray’s game has caught the attention of Sean McVay, who compared him to a great boxer.

“What I’m so impressed with is his ability to slip punches,” McVay said Wednesday. “Usually you see guys that run the football and carry as much as him, they’re taking a lot of shots. He just has such a great way about being able to slip those punches, almost like a great boxer. You never saw Floyd Mayweather really get caught. That’s kind of how I look at him, but then he’s got the speed and athleticism like (Michael) Vick to be able to run away from you. You see some of the runs that he’s making against All-Pro-type of players and he’s running away, separating. Sometimes you’re watching and you’re saying, ‘Holy, this is a joke, man. I can’t believe we got to freaking defend this guy.’ But as a fan of the game, this guy’s awesome. Not looking forward to having to play him twice a year, but I do know that our defense is excited about the challenge. He’s a great player. He’s a great quarterback.”

Murray is listed on the injury report with a shoulder issue, which limited him in practice Wednesday. He hasn’t missed a game yet this season, though, nor did he miss any time last year, either.

And even when Murray isn’t taking off and running, he succeeds from the pocket. That has also left McVay impressed, recognizing his intelligence in the pocket and as a quarterback overall.

“When you watch him, the one thing that stands out is this guy’s playing the quarterback position at a high level,” he said. “He can stand in there, he can recognize coverage, he can progress through things. When he ends up breaking contains, he’s keeping his eyes down the field. And then when he is activated as a runner, he’s a great quarterback that has amazing running skills.”

The Rams beat Murray and the Cardinals twice last season, but this is a much-improved team from the one L.A. played last year – and that has a lot to do with Murray.

Opposing View: Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury on the Rams' "attacking" defense

Heading into his third game against the Rams, second-year Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury is preparing for an energized Los Angeles defense led by defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.

"I've been really impressed with the job he's done, and it starts with just how hard that group is playing," Kingsbury said. "I mean to me, that jumps out on tape. They're playing hard, they're playing with enthusiasm. They're flying around. The scheme is more of a zone-coverage scheme than they ran last year. It's an attacking defense. They're playing with a lot of confidence."

That effort has produced the NFL's No. 2 total defense (297.0 yards allowed per game), which will go up against the NFL's No. 2 total offense (403.7 yards per game) led by Kingsbury on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. (1:05 p.m. PT, FOX).

For Kingsbury, what has made L.A.'s defense – which has also allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (93.5) and is tied with Pittsburgh for the second-fewest passing yards allowed per game (203.5) entering Week 13 – particularly effective is the way they have deployed Jalen Ramsey and taken advantage of his versatility.

Staley this summer said he viewed Ramsey as a defensive back rather than just a cornerback because of his command for every position in the secondary. That vision has manifested itself in the form of Ramsey playing at "star" – the hybrid defensive back position in the Rams' scheme that combines the skillsets of a cornerback, linebacker and safety.

"It's definitely a challenge," Kingsbury said. "Like when I saw it, I thought it was a brilliant move by them allowing him to kind of showcase what he can do and the way he can close space and then being an eraser for them in that role. So offensively, when you see that, you try to do different things to attack it. That's a great role for him. I just thought it was a very smart move by them to allow him to not just be occupied by one guy, but kind of see the ball and chase it and then kind of seek and destroy."

While Ramsey plays all over the field, it wouldn't be a total shock to see him shadow Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a three-time First Team All-Pro who is currently 33 yards shy of logging his fourth-consecutive 1,000-yard season and sixth overall in eight NFL seasons.

"Yeah, I'm sure it'll be a great matchup," Kingsbury said. "Ramsey is a tremendous competitor, tremendous player, really like watching him play. I like the way they're using him. Not only just matching up at corner, but letting them play in space and chase the football. He's really shown what a complete defensive player he is. So, they'll have a heck of a battle on Sunday, I'm sure."

Kingsbury is also aware of how tough the Rams' defense has been in the second half – Los Angeles has allowed seven or fewer points after halftime in 8 of its 11 games this season.

"I think there's a stat where they're only allowing an average of five points a game in the second half, and that's a credit to Coach Staley and the job he does at halftime making adjustments," Kingsbury said. "They got it rolling in that phase and it'll be a heck of a challenge trying to make first downs against them."

With the abbreviated college season, and the Rams not selecting until Round 2 once again, its tough to zero in on prospects at this point. That said, here are 5 I like who I believe would be good fits and could potentially last to the second round and beyond:

Asante Samuel, Jr., CB, FSU
With Troy Hill set to be a UFA, and Darious Williams an RFA, I think the Rams may consider looking at CBs early. I like Samuel, a feisty CB who isn’t afraid to mix it up and help in run defense. I’m sure Jalen Ramsey would welcome a fellow Seminole to the mix!

Patrick Jones, EDGE, Pittsburgh
While the Rams’ pass rush has been productive, there are a lot question marks with Leonard Floyd playing on a one year deal, Samson Ebukam heading into free agency, and Terrell Lewis and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo fighting to stay healthy. Jones has great size (6’5, 260) and productivity (17.5 sacks in 21 games over last two years). Just as Ramsey would welcome a Nole, Donald would probably like playing with this fellow Panther!

Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
The Rams seem favor safeties with varied skill sets, and that is Holland’s forte. He can swing between SS and FS, and also play in the slot. This is another prospect I’m watching out of potential necessity, as John Johnson (who Holland reminds me of, a bit) could depart in free agency.

Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
If Josh Reynolds moves on, Van Jefferson moves up the ladder, and an opening is created at the No. 4 WR spot. I’d like to get someone with the kind of speed that really could scare opposing defenses. Atwell fits that bill. He’s small, and maybe not an every down player, but that’s okay. I’m thinking mid-rounds.

Josh Myers, C, Ohio State
Austin Blythe is a solid player, but Myers could be a nice addition to the inside OL and, possibly, a long-term option at center. I’m a fan of Big 10 OL, and Myers has the strength to hold up at the point of attack, and the technique and athleticism to move.

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Interesting stat that JB brings up. Since the second half of the Seahawks game the Rams are averaging 2.27 yards per carry.

I have another game before I mention any names but I’ll say this. Predictable.

Steelers undefeated: Here's a look at the other 12 teams that started 11-0 in Super Bowl era

Three weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers became the first team in franchise history to win their first eight games. In Week 10, Pittsburgh became the NFL's first 9-0 team since the 2015 Panthers. On Wednesday (yes, Wednesday), the Steelers stayed undefeated after completing a season sweep of their AFC North rival Ravens. The NFL's last undefeated team, the Steelers currently have a one-game lead over the defending champion Chiefs for the race to secure the AFC's No. 1 seed. They also have a three-game lead over the Browns for first place in the AFC North.

Since the start of the Super Bowl era, 13 teams, including the 2020 Steelers, have won at last 11 games before losing their first game. Out of those teams, nine reached the Super Bowl, with five teams ending the year with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Here's a look at each 11-0 NFL team since the start of the Super Bowl era.


While it's way too early to predict the Steelers' playoff fortunes, Pittsburgh's depth at various positions should enable them to withstand possible injuries better than most clubs. It will also give them more versatility as it relates to their possible playoff matchups.

One-dimensional teams seldom win the Super Bowl; just ask the '84 Dolphins, whose prolific passing attack was not able to deliver a third Lombardi Trophy to Miami. Conversely, the '06 Colts, after falling short of their goal the previous season, received vastly better play from their defense that allowed them to win the franchise's first title since moving from Baltimore to Indianapolis.

Pittsburgh's 1978 team, whose 7-0 start stood as the franchise's best mark until being passed by the current team, is another example of a team that possessed a complete team in all three phases. The Steel Curtain defense, albeit a little older, was still the league's most dominant unit. Pittsburgh's offense received a career year from quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who that season became the first and last Steeler to win league MVP. And while Bradshaw and the passing game was the focal point of the offense, Bradshaw certainly did not forget about his talented backfield duo of Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier, who both scored touchdowns during Pittsburgh's 35-31 win over Dallas in Super Bowl XIII.

The right arm of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been the Steelers' main mode of transportation on offense. Roethlisberger may be edged by Alex Smith for Comeback Player of the Year, but he is currently a front-runner to win league MVP. In Wednesday's 19-14 win over the Ravens, Roethlisberger attempted a season-high 51 passes, completing 71% of his throws despite several drops by his receivers. Monday's game against Washington may help further determine which quarterback takes come Comeback Player of the Year honors.

While they anything but perfect on Wednesday, the Steelers did enough to stay undefeated. Facing a Ravens team that was without a host of significant players (including reigning MVP Lamar Jackson), the Steelers committed two turnovers while going just 1-of-4 in the red zone. Pittsburgh's defense allowed two splash plays: a 39-yard run by quarterback Robert Griffin III and a 70-yard touchdown pass from Trace McSorley to Marquise Brown. On special teams, Chris Boswell missed his fourth extra point of the season, while Ray-Ray McCloud muffed punt set up the Ravens' first touchdown.

Despite the miscues, the Steelers received several strong individual performances. T.J. Watt racked up two of Pittsburgh's three sacks. Joe Haden's pick-six of Griffen got the Steelers on the board. Benny Snell, playing in relief of James Conner, racked up 93 total yards on 19 touches. J.C Hassenauer, who had just 42 career regular season snaps prior to Wednesday, filled in for Maurkice Pouncey after the eight-time Pro Bowl center was placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list hours before kickoff. James Washington's clutch third-down catch on the game's final possession helped put the game on ice.

"We don't have to reinvent the wheel," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said when asked about his team's struggles on Wednesday. 'It's not some transformational thing that needs to transpire. We've got to coach better and play better when we get inside the bowl. So I expect our team to play better on Monday night."

Can the Steelers go undefeated? They have the talent to do so, but health will likely play a significant role in that coming to fruition. The Steelers are dealing with a new injury after outside linebacker Bud Dupree reportedly suffered a torn ACL during Wednesday's win. Pittsburgh will also have to overcome its current challenge of playing three games in a 12-day span.

"It has been a very challenging last few days," Roethlisberger told the media after Wednesday's game. "Mentally, we're getting into that mental warfare, if you will. Proud of the way the guys won the game today, but we've got to get ready to keep going."

Inspired Andrew Whitworth staying patient, connected as he works his way back from injury

A little over two weeks since sustaining a painful knee injury, offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth's perspective remains unchanged.

He continues to stay patient, stay connected to his Rams teammates and do everything he can to get back as quickly as possible, because he feels it's his responsibility to have that approach.

Quite simply, anything less is unacceptable to him.

"You sign up to be a leader, a captain, to be somebody who people look up to, man, you've got to have the same attitude in adversity that you do in great moments," Whitworth said during a video conference Tuesday. "I mean, I can't just enjoy when I have a great game as a left tackle, or become an All-Pro or Pro-Bowler or whatever. Those great moments aren't what it's all about, it's these adversity moments that I get a chance to prove I am who I am."

So far he's done a great job of setting that example.

He has invested in the process laid out by the Rams' athletic training staff, so much so that he acquired the equipment they have at the facility to do rehab work on his own at home, filling his garage-turned-home gym with an assortment of medical devices like red light therapies, power dots and an infrared sauna to aid his recovery.

Though Whitworth admitted it's hard to tell whether those devices are working, he figures if he uses them all collectively at least one will work and he'll be pleased. Starting to walk again, to the pleasant surprise of the medical professionals he has been working with, is perhaps a sign one of them is helping.

"Taylor Lewan and I are actually really close, Taylor Lewan with the Titans. (He) tore his ACL and is in the middle of that process, and we've almost been in a little bit of a competition for who can acquire the most medical devices," Whitworth said jokingly.

When he's not growing his collection of medical equipment, Whitworth is in constant contact with the other Rams offensive linemen via their group text chain. He will also text them individually "all the time before every game, throughout the week, just for little things that they may have questions about and stuff."

Whitworth also has plenty of confidence in Joe Noteboom, who is starting at left tackle while he recovers.

"I have no doubt that Joseph Noteboom will step in there, and as these games keep going, his play will continue to go on the upwards direction," Whitworth said. "He's a talented young man. And as I've told him, and he knows, I expect him to go in there and do a fantastic job and own it like it's his job. I wouldn't want anything other than that from him."

However, it's not just those teammates who are inspiring him to keep pushing foward.

Arriving home after getting an MRI and with a cast on, Whitworth texted Rams head coach Sean McVay a picture of his children waiting for him in front of the house with signs made to cheer him up, and told him "I got no choice (but) to be who I am, because I've got all these little faces watching me."

He also received additional support from his children's classmates and friends in the form of "25 different letters" of encouragement.

"To me, it's one of those things (where), what a great opportunity to show these kids toughness and resilience and a positive attitude, and those kind of things," Whitworth said. "That makes it easy for me, an easy why. To do it for all of them is fun for me. Through ups and downs and challenges, I'm excited about it."

Cowboys at Ravens has been moved to Tuesday Dec-08 at 8pm EST.

It has been added to Pick’em.

Rams QB Goff on McVay's criticism: "He's absolutely right"


GREG BEACHAM (AP Sports Writer)
Thu, December 3, 2020, 4:13 PM GMT+11


THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) -- Jared Goff didn't get offended last weekend when Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay called out the quarterback over his recent spate of turnovers.

In fact, the quarterback had to admit his coach had a point.
''If he was lying, I'd feel differently about it,'' Goff said Wednesday. ''He's absolutely right. I'm a big boy. I can handle it.''

Goff has 10 turnovers in his last four games for the Rams (7-4), who slipped out of first place in the NFC West last weekend with a 23-20 home loss to San Francisco in which Goff threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. One of his interceptions was returned 27 yards for a touchdown by rookie Javon Kinlaw.

McVay almost always avoids any public criticism of any Rams employee except himself, but he voiced his frustration with Goff's carelessness Sunday: ''Our quarterback has got to take better care of the football.''

McVay said he went against his normal public policy because he thought Goff would handle the challenge correctly by striving to be better. Judging by Goff's
response Wednesday, the quarterback is taking it the right way.

''We have a great relationship, and I'm accountable for myself,'' Goff said about McVay. ''I need to be better than that. I need to take care of the football, and he's absolutely right, and I will. I have done that for majority of my entire football career, and will continue to take care of the football better.''

Goff hasn't been taking care of the ball lately, however: His 14 turnovers this season are tied with Minnesota's Kirk Cousins for second-most in the NFL, behind only 18 by Philadelphia's Carson Wentz.

Goff is eighth in the league with 3,021 yards passing, but many of his numbers are somewhere in the middle of the NFL pack, including his 16 touchdown passes (tied for 17th), his 67.2% completion rate (16th) and his 97.3 passer rating (23rd).

Goff also is in a mini-slump as the Rams begin the five-game push toward the playoffs with a visit to the Arizona Cardinals (6-5) on Sunday for an important divisional showdown. In Los Angeles' last four games, the fifth-year quarterback has thrown four touchdown passes and six interceptions while losing four fumbles, getting sacked seven times and posting a 79.7 passer rating.

Goff went 19 of 31 for 198 yards against the Niners, matching his least productive passing game of the season by yardage.
''You try to limit them and move on, but for the 24 hours after it, I was not in a happy place, for sure,'' Goff said of his mood on Monday. ''Really, really disappointed in myself, but you move on. We've got a big game this week. You move on, you play well, and then you just keep moving on. That's all you can do and stay confident, and it's just part of the game.''

McVay said he never considered benching Goff during his rough stretches against the 49ers - no surprise considering Goff's backups, John Wolford and Bryce Perkins, have never taken an NFL snap.

The Rams and Goff are tied together for the next four seasons in his $134 million contract extension, so McVay and his franchise quarterback are determined to get it right again, starting in Glendale. Goff had a similar midseason slump last year, but broke out of it in the final five games - starting with a 424-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 13 at Arizona.

''One of the things that you do really appreciate about him is he steady, he's neutral,'' McVay said about Goff. ''He's coming back ready to go, and that's what you want. You don't want somebody that's going to ride the emotional roller coaster. I think there's too many ebbs and flows, especially at that quarterback position. I am looking forward to seeing him bounce back.''

NOTES: LB Ogbo Okoronkwo is likely to play Sunday for the first time since undergoing elbow surgery, McVay said. The second-year backup has missed six games. ... Rams DT Sebastian Joseph-Day was limited in practice Wednesday due to a hip injury. McVay wasn't certain of the injury's severity. ... Backup C Brian Allen remained limited in practice with his persistent knee injury.

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CBS has the doubleheader this week, so hopefully you luck out with the late Fox game. Looks like it'll hit a few more states this week.



Get the rest:

I was diagnosed about a year ago. I still have issues controlling my sugar. Im not insulin dependant. I dont use it at all. I am on Metformin, Invokana and Trulicity. My high ends usually get up to 260-270 with fasting at about 150. But I struggle with crashes. My doctor just told me she thinks I may have become hypoglycemic. Ive had issues falling down over the past couple months.

Just looking for tips to help keep that crash away.

Every NFL Team's Shopping List for 2021 Offseason | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights

Los Angeles Rams
KRISTOPHER KNOXDECEMBER 2, 2020

1. • 
     
     
     Projected Cap Space: -$18.5 million
     • Offensive Tackle
     • Quarterback
     • Cornerback
   • The Los Angeles Rams are one of the most complete teams, but they have one glaring need they must address. They need to find a new franchise left tackle. Andrew Whitworth was rock-solid before suffering a knee injury that has sidelined him indefinitely, as he didn't allow a sack, according to Pro Football Focus. It does sound like Whitworth plans on trying to play in 2021."Now I get an opportunity to lead in a different way while also rehabbing myself back ready to ride with my teammates!" he said in an Instagram post. However, he is not in a position to be the long-term answer at left tackle. He will be 39 at the start of next season.
   • 
     While quarterback Jared Goff hasn't fallen off in a Carson Wentz-like manner, he has made frequent mistakes this season, including two interceptions in the Week 12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. It would be smart for the Rams to bring in a veteran backup just in case Goff's inconsistencies continue.
   • 
     Defensively, L.A. doesn't have any major needs, though it could benefit from adding another quality cornerback. Jalen Ramsey is a star, but Troy Hill has surrendered his fair share of big plays. He has allowed 437 yards and two touchdowns in coverage and an opposing passer rating of 97.5.
   • 
     Unfortunately, spending big in free agency probably won't be an option.

@Loyal gave us a great thread to share some rather twisted stories and it made me want to open up another one for posters to share their close calls or craziest moments.

Disclaimer - I realized I have a lot of crazy stories, some that others might find interesting and some that others might find hard to believe. I do worry that sharing too many of my stories will give off the wrong impression. I have lived a very good life and am the luckiest guy on Earth imo, so please don't mistake my posts about my wife's condition or my childhood experiences or close calls as someone singing the blues about their "hard life". I don't feel that way. I have been super fortunate throughout and I have no more regrets or hang ups than most.
I will start on the next post.

I hope to get some good participation. Should make for some interesting reading.
Anyone should share anything they feel even loosely fits the criteria: NDE, close calls, crazy shit, etc.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

What was supposed to be a Thanksgiving night showdown between Baltimore and Pittsburgh is set to finally take place on Wednesday, following multiple postponements due to the Ravens' ongoing COVID-19 issues. A game that was originally scheduled for last Thursday, was first moved to Sunday afternoon, then Tuesday night, and finally Wednesday afternoon because Baltimore was dealing with the biggest outbreak the NFL has seen yet.

At one point, 22 players alone were on the reserve/COVID-19 list for the Ravens while several other coaches and team personnel either tested positive or were deemed high-risk close contacts. The team's facility also was closed for several days so if this game does happen, Baltimore will be both shorthanded and have had practically no practice time. The Steelers aren't immune to the surge in coronavirus cases among teams either. Three players are currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list and will miss this game and the coaching staff has been impacted as well.

What hasn't changed, however, is the importance of this game, especially for the Ravens. With two straight losses, Baltimore is 6-4 and currently in third place in the AFC North behind Cleveland (8-3) and undefeated Pittsburgh (10-0). A loss for the Ravens would eliminate any hope of winning the division, but more importantly, it would drop them a game behind Indianapolis, who is currently holding the final wild-card spot. Don’t forget that just a year ago, Baltimore was the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.

This rivalry has been fierce and it's been close with the majority of the games coming down to the wire and decided by one score. That was the case in their first meeting earlier this season when Pittsburgh won 28-24 in Baltimore in Week 8. Ironically, this game also had to be moved from Week 7 because of the Tennessee Titans' COVID-19 issues at the time. The Steelers got the victory despite the Ravens doubling them up in yards (457-221) as four turnovers by Lamar Jackson (2 INTs, 2 fumbles) proved costly.

Baltimore at Pittsburgh

Kickoff: Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 3:40 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Spread: Steelers -10.0

Three Things to Watch

1. What will the Ravens look like?

As of Tuesday morning, 19 players are currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list for Baltimore. The offensive players alone include quarterback Lamar Jackson, running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins, tight end Mark Andrews, and wide receiver Willie Snead IV. There also are three starters from the defense – linemen Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams, as well as linebacker Matthew Judon.

Simply put, the Ravens will not be anywhere close to full strength on Wednesday, even though it's nearly a week after the game's originally scheduled date of Nov. 26. They should get Ingram and Dobbins back, which will give the offense a big boost. Dobbins ran for 113 yards on 15 carries in the first meeting. The running game may have to carry even more of the load than usual with Jackson, Andrews, and Snead all ineligible to play.

Robert Griffin III will get the start in Jackson's absence. He's seen very few snaps this season, completing one of two passes for nine yards with an interception to go along with one rushing yard on five carries in three appearances. Between the missing personnel and practice time, chances are Baltimore's game plan will be simplified and very run-heavy with Griffin at the helm.

The good news is that the Ravens were very successful running the ball against the Steelers the first time out. They gashed Pittsburgh for 265 yards on 47 carries with Gus Edwards (87 yards, TD) and Jackson (65) joining Dobbins on the damage. Ingram missed that game because of an ankle injury.

The bad news is that even with that poor showing, Pittsburgh is eighth in the league against the run, giving up an average of 103.4 yards per game. Take out Baltimore's big game and that drops to 85.4. Also, Griffin is nowhere near as dynamic or explosive as Jackson and the Steelers can simplify their defensive game plan knowing they don't have to account for the reigning NFL MVP, as well as Andrews or Snead.

2. Baltimore's D? What about Pittsburgh?

And speaking of defense, while the Ravens D has been a hallmark throughout head coach John Harbaugh's tenure, it's the Steelers who actually rank ahead of Baltimore in almost every category.

Defensively, the Steelers rank fourth in yards allowed (306.9) and second in yards per play (4.94). Compare that to a Ravens slide to eighth and 10th in both categories, respectively. Where Pittsburgh stands out the most, though is their ability to produce turnovers that lead to points. Their 21 takeaways lead the NFL as does a plus-12 turnover margin. The Titans (+11) are the only other team in double digits.

The Steelers' capitalized on four Jackson turnovers in the first meeting, including an interception returned for a touchdown by linebacker Robert Spillane, who has taken over for an injured Devin Bush (torn ACL). They also sacked Jackson four times and boast three of the top seven players in the AFC in sacks this season — T.J. Watt (9.0), Bud Dupree (8.0), and Stephon Tuitt (7.0). Tuitt will miss this game because he's on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but Baltimore's offense is even more shorthanded so Pittsburgh should still be able to put plenty of pressure on Griffin when he drops back to throw.

The Ravens' defense can still make big plays, too; their fumble return against the Colts three weeks ago set the stage for a rare win during this stretch. But the unit will be missing three starters and a couple of key reserves (lineman Justin Madubuike and linebacker Pernell McPhee) and a lack of overall depth and practice time will make it hard to match the Steelers' intensity reminiscent of the 1970s Steel Curtain.

3. Can Big Ben's big moments continue?

Ben Roethlisberger has been enjoying one of his best seasons under center at 38. He's on pace for 38 touchdowns, setting a new career-high while throwing just five interceptions in 10 games. More importantly, the offensive line has been giving Big Ben time to throw. He's taken just two sacks in the last five games, both against the Ravens, which culminate in a career-low sack rate (2.6 percent).

Roethlisberger has been helped by the emergence of multiple receivers as weapons. A pair of top draft picks in the last two years, Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson, have come out swinging with a combined 1,096 receiving yards and 12 touchdown catches. Lately, it's Johnson who has the hot hand, coming off back-to-back 100-yard performances.

Homegrown talent has opened the door and made it easier for veteran receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back James Conner to do their jobs. It's created such a long list of offensive weapons all Roethlisberger has to do is sit back and wait for someone to get open, and will make it easier for the Steelers to survive without Conner, who is on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Can a depleted Ravens defense find a way to put a lid on all these guys? Last time, they were moderately effective, holding Smith-Schuster, Johnson, and Claypool to 115 receiving yards combined. But then tight end Eric Ebron burned them for 48 yards and a touchdown. You just can't win.

Final Analysis

Baltimore needs this game to have a sliver of a chance at the AFC North (an easy remaining schedule still should slot them in as a wild-card team). The problem is they will be severely shorthanded and ill-prepared to face a Steelers team that is undefeated and would want nothing more than to sweep their archrivals.

Even with a depleted roster and minimal practice time, the Ravens will put up a spirited fight. But the Steelers D will overwhelm a Lamar Jackson-less offense and Ben Roethlisberger and his weapons will do the rest. There's a reason the spread on this game has gone from a little more than a field goal prior to the original postponement to double digits.

Prediction: Steelers 31, Ravens 16

2021 NFL salary cap conundrum: Three major consequences of projected decrease

Complying with the NFL's salary cap from year to year is always a balancing act, and it's a job general managers and decision-makers don't take lightly, nor should they.

Right now, along with navigating a pandemic-impacted regular season, all 32 NFL organizations are preparing for perhaps the biggest challenge the salary cap has ever presented. Clubs are aware there will be a decrease in the cap number next year due to COVID-19 repercussions, but to what degree? That's still unknown, as there are estimates out there, but no official number from the league. All 32 teams must be below the cap number at the start of the new league year.

Introduced for the 1994 NFL season, the salary cap traditionally increases on a year-to-year basis and has only decreased one time: 2011, the year of the NFL lockout. In fact, over the past seven seasons, the league has seen its salary cap per club increase by no less than $10 million per year; since 2012, the cap for each club has risen from $120.6 million to $198.2 million in 2020. Over the Cap estimates the 2021 salary cap will be $176 million, a decrease of $22.2 million or 11.2 percent from 2020.

In past seasons, complying with the cap has been relatively manageable -- and somewhat easy for fiscally thoughtful clubs -- because of the percentage increase year over year. With the margin between the cap number and player commitments about to get squeezed exponentially, though, cap management will be a much greater challenge for all teams -- but especially those that are already short on cap space. When looking at Over the Cap's 2021 projections, 10 teams are already in precarious positions, with expected player payrolls in the red. The New Orleans Saints have one of the most challenging cap situations heading into offseason, as they are $93.7 million over the cap before making any contract adjustments, new signings, etc.

Before diving into the potential ripple effects of a decreased cap, I want to state that I believe the need for cash spending by clubs will increase in 2021. Generally speaking, the way most club's lower cap numbers is by spending more cash in the present to spread the cap hit out over future years. However, as we all know, it has been a very difficult year for teams and owners to generate revenue, so the availability of cash might be a real issue for some organizations. In addition, this type of cash now/credit card borrowing will likely increase to push spending forward, but past credit card borrowing may exacerbate problems for teams this year because the bill might come due.

With all that in mind, here are three prominent challenges that could arise from a salary cap decrease in 2021.

1) Using the franchise tag will become more difficult. Each team can only use one franchise tag per season. Over the past 10 years, there have been three instances where at least 10 players received the tag (14 in 2020; 21 in 2012; 14 in 2011), while the lowest number of tags was four in 2014. Each year, franchise tag figures are based upon the top five salaries at each respective position, while transition tag figures are based on the top 10. Simple math tells us that an increased cost of franchise tags for each position will have a more egregious net impact on an overall cap number that is going to be reduced. Therefore, franchise tags will account for a larger percentage of cap space than in previous years.

For instance, quarterbacks playing under the franchise tag this season (see: Dak Prescott) accounted for 13.5 percent of the team's salary cap. Looking ahead to next year, even if the franchise tag number remains the same (which it won't), it will take up a larger percent of the cap due to the decreased cap number, making it more difficult for teams to justify tagging players. One of the possible outcomes of this could be that several top NFL players hit the open free agent market because teams don't have the cap space to tag them or offer a long-term deal.

2) Teams with less draft capital may be in for longer periods of hardship. One way teams can control spending is by having strong drafts with good, young players under their very manageable, four-year draft contracts. Consider the Seattle Seahawks, who struck gold in the 2012 NFL Draft with a haul that included DE Bruce Irvin, LB Bobby Wagner, QB Russell Wilson, RB Robert Turbin, CB Jeremy Lane and OG J.R. Sweezy. This ultimately helped the 'Hawks win a bunch of playoff games in the ensuing three seasons (lost in the Divisional Round in 2012, won the Super Bowl in 2013, lost the Super Bowl in 2014).

On the contrary, some teams have given away a lot of draft capital of late in exchange for veteran talents who are often given top-of-the-market contracts. An example of this is the Laremy Tunsil trade between the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins in August of 2019: Houston traded two first-round picks, a second-rounder, CB Johnson Bademosi and OT Julie'n Davenport in exchange for the left tackle, wide receiver Kenny Stills, a fourth-round pick and a sixth-rounder. The Texans then gave Tunsil a three-year, $66 million extension last offseason. The trade left Houston without a 2020 first-round pick and a first- and second-rounder in 2021, all slots where they could've landed talented players for relatively cheap. Meanwhile, Tunsil's massive contract will end up accounting for 10.8 percent of Houston's cap next year, per Over The Cap.

It's a risk to invest in veteran talent because the player may not fit well into your scheme or could get injured, among other things. That's not to say decisions like this don't pay off, but it's certainly worth weighing the options before pulling the trigger on such moves, especially in this cap climate.

3) A major threat to veteran roster spots. Veteran contracts could be the biggest challenge for decision-makers. Although the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the NFL and NFLPA agreed upon veteran salary benefit (VSB) contracts, which provide some cap relief for veteran players, it is still somewhat restrictive. The VSB in 2021 will count as $750,000 (amount of a two-year minimum salary credit), plus any additional compensation up to a max of $137,500. Though it may not seem like much, VSB contracts have saved jobs for veteran players by allowing teams to keep them for cheaper base salaries on one-year deals.

All other minimum salaries agreed to in the new CBA, including tenders for exclusive rights and restricted free agents, are going to increase and will eat up a larger percentage of cap space. Almost every player under contract in the NFL has a base salary that is scheduled to increase in 2021 from his 2020 salary, which will be reflected in each player's ratio of salary cap hit for his team. If the cap number is lower, it will only exacerbate the problem and reduce the margin. As a result, a larger number of veteran players could be forced to take minimum contracts.

Always good. This one, he goes right down the line and breaks each guy down. Short and sweet.

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I went back and forth about sharing this story. A next door neighbor/friend in Sacramento was convicted of murder and the circumstances in the court case led him to appeal to the US Supreme Court (Carey vs Musladin).

I believe he was single on the day when I moved to Oregon (same day of the earthquake that shook the Giants vs A's world series). Guy was my friend. He was/is a fiercely loyal friend and we used to hang around and play baseball. His Dad was a minor league baseball player when young and could still hit the crap out of the ball when I pitched to him. In fact, his Dad gave me an Orel Hersheiser rookie card from his collection when the Dodgers beat the A's in 1988 (Guy and his Dad were big A's fans). Guy was into soccer and raced dirt bikes. He had a temper on him, but I was shocked to hear he had been convicted of the murder of his ex-wife's boyfriend, Thomas Strudder.

When I wrote to him in prison, he wrote back that it was all a big mistake. It wasn't murder, he said, it was self defense. It all stemmed from the living situation of his/their son, who he had come to see that day. He said that Strudder was a drug dealer and deals went down in the house with his son in the house. Guy says Strudder came out of the house with a gun, while he argued with his ex-wife. He went back to his car and got his gun out of the glove box and returned with it. He says that Strudder fired first and he fell to the ground and shot his gun. Apparently, it ricohet(ed) and killed Strudder. I don't believe they ever found Strudder's gun, which Guy says the cops were crooked in the case and removed evidence....

Do I believe my friend Guy? Maybe? But I know that if I was a juror in the case and there was no weapon presented as evidence of self defense, I couldn't call it self defense. One of Guy's appeals won in the 9th Circuit in a habeus corpus defense, because the court allowed the family of the victim to wear large buttons with the face of the deceased on it throughout the trial and that it influenced the jury.The original judge said there was nothing wrong with it, the 9th Circuit said differently...and finally the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against him , 9-0 with Justice Kennedy writing the concurrent opinion. It blew my mind to hear Bill OReilly talking about my friend and the case during prime time.

Guy's parents were devastated. His Dad died of a heart attack at a fairly young age. His mother desperately tried to maintain a relationship to Guy's son, when the mother wasn't too keen about the connection. Guy was in Pelican Bay for a while, but I don't know which super-max that he's in now. What an absolute tragedy for all involved.

I've never told that story before to anyone. Do you have a story about a notorious freind? This could be an interesting thread if people contribute, eh counselor? (@jrry32 )

First Look: Rams travel to Arizona to take on Cardinals

The Los Angeles Rams (7-4, 1-2) head back on the road to take on the Arizona Cardinals (6-5, 2-1), seeking to stay near the top of the NFC West standings. Kickoff from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. pacific time on FOX.

In advance of the contest, here is your first look at Rams-Cardinals on Dec. 6, including notable Cardinals additions, some of Arizona's top statistical performers in Week 12 and key storylines:

Notable Cardinals additions

• Signed DT Domata Peko Sr. on Nov. 23. In wake of veteran nose tackle Corey Peters sustaining a season-ending knee injury, Arizona turned to the 36-year-old Peko for help in the middle. The 15-year pro spent last season with the Ravens, where he made 13 tackles in seven games. He has one tackle in one game with the Cardinals so far.
• Traded a 2021 sixth-round pick to the New York Giants for LB Markus Golden on Oct. 23. The Cardinals brought Golden back for a second stint with the team to help their pass rush, and so far he has tallied five QB hits and one sack while starting in three of four games.

Top performers in Week 12

QB Kyler Murray completed 23 of 34 pass attempts for 170 yards with one interception in a 20-17 loss to the New England Patriots.

RB Kenyan Drake powered the Cardinals backfield with 22 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns, all game-highs.

WRs DeAndre Hopkins (5 catches for 55 yards) and Andy Isabella (4 for 33) paced Arizona's receivers, two of eight different ones Murray completed a pass to.

Defensively, LB Jordan Hicks collected a team-high seven total tackles, while DE Trevon Coley and LBs Isaiah Simmons and Devondre Campbell each added one sack and one QB hit.

On special teams, K Zane Gonzalez made 1 of 2 field goal attempts and both of his extra point attempts. The missed field goal – a 45-yard attempt – would've given the Cardinals a 20-17 lead with two minutes remaining.

Early storylines to watch, and what they mean for the Rams

While Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey's receiver matchup always gets plenty of attention each week, facing the Cardinals' DeAndre Hopkins is especially noteworthy.

Battling it out in the AFC South with the Jaguars and Texans respectively early in their careers, both are in the same division again after the Cardinals acquired Hopkins from the Texans this offseason.

When I asked Ramsey about facing Hopkins twice a year again earlier this spring, Ramsey said Hopkins is "probably my toughest receiver matchup since I've been in the league" and that he was "excited for that challenge." If you've been around Ramsey or watched any of his press conferences since he arrived in Los Angeles, you know he is selective about which receivers he gives such high praise to, so those words about Hopkins carry weight.

If the Cardinals' first 11 games are any indication, Ramsey will get plenty of opportunities to shadow Hopkins on Sunday.

Out of 387 pass attempts this season, Murray has targeted Hopkins a team-high 103 times. That's 26.6 percent of his passes, or roughly one in every four attempts. Hopkins has hauled in 77 of those targets for 967 yards and four touchdowns so far.

While that matchup isn't the only one on the minds of the Rams defense – keeping Murray, among others, in check will be just as important – Ramsey and other defensive backs limiting Hopkins will certainly increase Los Angeles' chances of winning, as New England showed last week.

Andrew Whitworth discusses his recovery & success with the Rams. Plus, hear what Andrew has to say about Jared Goff overcoming adversity & Sean McVay's approach to coaching.

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Is anyone else beside themselves at how many holding calls AREN’T being called when AD99 is held so damn much? I might be wrong, but I heard on a podcast that Donald has only drawn 1 holding penalty in 600 defensive snaps??? Multiple times a game I keep watching for laundry on the field when I see Donald being held. The officials must be trying to make up for that bad non call on DPI against the Saints in the 2018 NFC championship game or something. Anyone else have thoughts on this. It’s ridiculous!