Sunday Night Football: Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints

After passing their first test without Drew Brees, the New Orleans Saints are back home to host the undefeated Dallas Cowboys for "Sunday Night Football."

Without their future Hall of Fame quarterback, the Saints (2-1) appeared to be headed for a downward spiral into mediocrity. In response, they assembled a true, team-wide effort in beating Seattle 33-27 last week. Both the defense and special teams scored a touchdown in the first half when the offense was struggling. Alvin Kamara served as Teddy Bridgewater’s security blanket, catching nine passes for 92 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 69 yards and a score.

Dallas is 3-0 after beating Miami 31-6 at home but it took the Cowboys a half to get going. Dallas jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter but the offense stalled after that and two Dolphins field goals made it just a four-point game at halftime. Miami even had a chance to potentially grab the lead but fumbled the ball away at the Cowboys' seven-yard line. After the intermission, the home team scored on its first two possessions to essentially put the game away.

Dallas leads the all-time series between these two teams, 17-12. New Orleans is 8-6 at home against the Cowboys. Dallas won the last meeting, beating the Saints 13-10 in Week 13 last season.

Dallas at New Orleans

Kickoff: Sunday, Sept. 28 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Spread: Saints +2.5

Three Things to Watch

1. Will Ezekiel Elliott be able to run on the Saints?

After giving up 180 rushing yards in Week 1 to Houston, New Orleans has stiffened some in that respect. The Los Angeles Rams posted 115 yards on 30 carries in Week 2 and last Sunday, Seattle managed 109 yards on the ground on 26 attempts. The Saints are still near the bottom (26th) of the NFL in rushing defense (134.3 ypg) but some progress has been made.

Meanwhile, Elliott appears to be slowly rounding into form himself, which is understandable considering he missed all of training camp due to his contract holdout. After putting up 53 rushing yards in the season opener, Elliott has posted 226 on 42 carries (5.4 ypc) over his last two games.

Elliott has faced New Orleans just once in his career. In last season's Week 13 meeting, he picked up 75 yards on 23 carries, but he also had six receptions for 60 yards and Dallas' lone touchdown. Whether he's a runner or a receiver, Elliott is sure to draw plenty of attention from the Saints defense.

2. Which Cowboys pass catcher rises to the occasion?

Injuries have dealt Dallas’ receiving corps a formidable blow. One starter, Michael Gallup, had knee surgery recently and is set to miss his second game. His running mate, Amari Cooper has already dealt with a strained left heel which kept him from playing in the preseason, and earlier this week he underwent an MRI on his right ankle. The good news is the MRI came back clean and Cooper has been a limited participant in practice this week. Tavon Austin also has missed the last two games because of a concussion and has yet to be fully cleared, although he has been able to practice in a limited capacity.

In light of these injuries, the Cowboys could use more production from Randall Cobb, Devin Smith, as well as tight end Jason Witten. Cobb has made his presence known in his first season in Dallas, as he currently ranks third on the team in receptions (11) and receiving yards (116). Witten may not be the prolific pass catcher he once was, but he's still a reliable target and has two touchdown catches in the early going. Devin Smith replaced Gallup in the lineup and he made a splash in the Week 2 win over Washington when he caught three passes for 74 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown.

With Gallup out and Cooper banged up, the Cowboys are not at full strength at receiver. So will someone else step up and help Dak Prescott maintain his red-hot start? Or will New Orleans be able to contain a Dallas passing game that's averaging more than 300 yards per game and has already produced nine touchdowns?

3. Can the Saints special teams come up big again?

With the catalyst of the offense, Drew Brees, set to miss the next several weeks, others will have to step up in his absence. At the top of that list is Teddy Bridgewater, who was solid (19-for-27, 177 yds., 2 TDs) but not spectacular against Seattle, but he will need help. Last week against the Seahawks, New Orleans got a fumble return for a touchdown from safety Vonn Bell and a 53-yard punt return for a score from Deonte Harris. Harris also had two nice kickoff returns (28 and 32 yards). Punter Thomas Morestead got into the act with a pair of punts in the first half that pinned the Seahawks inside their five-yard line. For the game, Morestead averaged 54 yards on his six punts.

It won't be easy for the Saints moving forward without their future Hall of Fame quarterback at the controls, but if they continue to get well-rounded efforts like what they put together against Seattle that will certainly help navigate this upcoming stretch of games.

Final Analysis

If the past few meetings between these teams serve as an indicator, this will be a nail-biter. The Cowboys halted a fourth-quarter rally by the Saints in Jerry World last season for a 13-10 victory. In 2015, the Cowboys scored a game-tying touchdown inside the final two minutes of regulation only to allow Drew Brees to throw an 80-yard, catch-and-run pass to C.J. Spiller less than 20 seconds into overtime. In 2012, Tony Romo threw two touchdown passes in the final four minutes to force overtime yet he sat helplessly on the sideline as the Saints made a chip-shot field goal on the first possession of overtime.

Viewers should expect this contest to go down the final minute. Someone will score crucially very late in the fourth quarter. The only question is whether that score will force overtime.

Prediction: Cowboys 26, Saints 23

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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.

A more loosely moderated atmosphere can be found in the chat room.

Go Rams!

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CHAT

I usually try and fix something with whom we're playing. Can't do that this week. Plus, been working 60 to 65 hours a week and keeping it simple. Not biatching about the work, making hay while the sun shines is all. Using OT $$$ to invest, so I'm also researching dividend stocks in the time I have. Guess what I'm saying is, if I don't start this thread, someone feel free to do so. Got to keep it going every week.

On my menu for tomorrow..

Chicken wings, baked then put in slow cooker. Smothered in a very good hot sauce. Crystal and Franks Buffalo Hot, with Jay's Red Ghost powder in them.

A buddy at work traded me some okra for tomatoes, so some fried okra in KK. I use olive oil to fry.

Lil smokies in my 3 individual slow cooker. I'll do a very hot bbq sauce in one with Reaper powder, then in 2nd use Jay's Red Ghost powder, and the 3rd just use the BBQ sauce and Franks Red Hot sauce.

Doing two heads of lettuce tonight so will probably have that too with hungarians, diced tomatoes, black olives, and shredded cheese for a salad. May even boil some eggs to put in it. Have Caesar, Creamy Italian, and Ken's Ranch to go with it.

On Sunday, I try and cook for the whole week, so also doing burgers on the Weber. I'll mix in many spices, mushrooms. green bell peppers, garlic, and top them off with provolone cheese.

For an appetizer while cooking, I have olives stuffed with garlic, and some damn good Kimchi. Cultured and probiotics rule.

Love to hear what everyone else is cooking. Gives me ideas. Loved CGI's bratwurst chili recipe. I'm doing his 1st this winter, then I might try a whole chili done that way without beef, just brats.. I also like the exotic recipes on here. Can't afford most, but when I retire I can.. lol You all have a great game day and GOOOOOOOO RAAAAMS! WHO ARE WE???!!!!???

The Rams NFC Championship opponents hoping to renew their 20 year tradition, but are still a work in progress.

By Skye Sverdlin@Skyeattolah Sep 28, 2019, 5:04pm CDT



Photo by © Wally McNamee/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

The Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers danced in the 1979 NFC Championship Game. Then 20 years later they tangoed in the 1999 NFC Championship Game. If the cosmos do their work, the Rams and Buccaneers will eventually battle for the right to go to the Super Bowl this year as well, and this week we get a little preview.
That’s right! Jameis Winston versus Jared Goff, with everything on the line!
In all seriousness, the Bucs are currently trying to get over a stunning comeback at the hands of the New York Giants and Danny Dimes, and currently stand as a 1-2 NFC South long-shot to make the playoffs. They have pockets of talent throughout their front seven and receiving corps, but will have to pray for a good day from Winston to compensate for what will likely be an overmatched offensive line and secondary.

OFFENSE
The Rams old buddy Bruce Arians, has relocated from one retirement location to another, going from Arizona to the swamps and manatees of Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers hope that Arians will be able to help Winston develop, the same way he helped pump life into Carson Palmer’s career in the desert. So far, in three games, Winston has turned in a subpar performance, an okay performance, and a solid performance. With a shaky pair of tackles in Donovan Smith and Demar Dotson, the Rams surging defense should give Winston plenty to think about as he guns for the upset. Outside, big Mike Evans will most likely be up against corner Aqib Talib, but blossoming receiver Chris Godwin may be a scratch with a hip injury. If he plays, Evans and Godwin will be another tough matchup, following a week where the Rams did an effective job of limiting Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry. OJ Howard could be factor, although the Rams have been far more successful against tight ends so far than they were last season.
Like Godwin, the Bucs will also be hoping that their prolific center Ryan Jensen can play despite a back issue. Both practiced on Friday.


DEFENSE

This season, Bruce Arians has tapped his old defensive master-mind Todd Bowles to fix Tampa Bay’s defense after a horrific 2018 campaign. The Bucs have a talented front seven to test the Rams still-gelling offensive line. Last year’s number twelve pick overall Vita Vea will be 350 pounds of fun to test the Rams young interior line. Flanking Vea will be former Rams playoff-standout Ndomukong Suh and William Gholston. On the EDGE the Rams will be contending with current NFL sack leader Shaquil Barrett, and Carl Nassib. Barrett went to Tampa on one-year $4m deal, whereas Dante Fowler re-upped with the Rams for one-year at $12m. It’s hard not to compare the two pass rushers, but both are currently thriving potential Pro Bowlers through three weeks. Inside, Lavonte David remains one of the best linebackers in the league, and should get more than a few blitz opportunities Sunday.
Corners Vernon Hargreaves and Carlton Davis may be in over their heads against the Rams receivers, however pressure up front could help them survive. Remember, last week the Brownssecondary was depleted, but they were able to scheme themselves into the game, giving up 268 yards through the air, but not getting totally burnt.
This one could be a get-well game for the Rams offense, but only if their line is able to hold their own up front.

I watched his game against the Clemson Tigers. He almost pulled off an upset win of Clemson, and he played just as good as Trevor Lawrence, in my opinion.

The only reason UNC lost was because their head coach , Mack Wilson of Texas fame, called a stupid play to try to go for two with less than a minute to go in the fourth instead of trusting his offense and defense, who played excellent ball.

Howell's got an advanced feel for the pocket, which is amazing, especially since he's a true freshman. I haven't seen him throw long yet (probably because he's a true freshman and because UNC has an excellent running back in Javonte Williams - and also because I caught the NC/Clemson game late), but he reminds me of Russell Wilson with his escapability, maneuvering in the pocket, and when he takes off and runs, he's surprisingly more athletic than you'd expect. Although he isn't tall, he's bigger than you'd expect at 6'1", 225 lbs. He can throw darts, even under duress. He's also extremely clutch; he turns it on another gear in the fourth quarter.

Mark my words: Sam Howell is already a fantastic college quarterback, and in my opinion, will be good enough to start in the NFL.

So I was wondering since I have had the chance to travel some in my years I was wondering where others have been and what they have seen. So here's a shortlist for me.

Russia- Finland- Estonia- 1980
Eygpt- 1987 Pyramids
Turkey- 1984
Las Vegas- Numerous times
Alaska- Numerous times
Curacao- Twice
Bahama's- Numerous times
Southern France for 6 months- 2003
Paris-Amsterdam-Rome-Venice and more of Italy 2018
Prague, Greece, Athens Acropolis and the Beach 2019
And about 38 of the 50 states.

Of course, if anyone has questions, I'd love to answer them. Sharing of knowledge.

Did Baker Mayfield audible to a draw on fourth and nine?

Good coaches protect their players. Browns coach Freddie Kitchens apparently provided a safety net for quarterback Baker Mayfield after Sunday night’s loss to the Rams.

As explained by Chris Simms earlier this week on his Unbuttoned podcast, the much-criticized decision to run a draw play on fourth and nine in the fourth quarter possibly was made not by Kitchens but by Mayfield.

Simms spotted the evidence while studying the game film.

“As soon as the ball’s snapped, Freddie Kitchens looks and just stares at Baker Mayfield. Looks downfield to see the guy got two yards, right? And then looks back at Baker Mayfield like, with the arms out, like, ‘What are you doing?'”

While Kitchens may have been lamenting the execution of the play, the more reasonable interpretation, given the pre-snap activities, seems to be that Mayfield changed whatever play Kitchens had called, dialing up the ill-fated draw play instead.

Simms also thinks it was a bad decision because a draw wasn’t going to work against the specific defensive alignment. Linebackers were present on the side of the defense that the run attacked. The goal in a situation like that is to find a gap in the defense created by efforts to rush the passer.

Since it was an obvious passing situation, the concept made sense. The decision to send a running back where defenders were, not where they weren’t, didn’t.

“Before we all jump on Freddie Kitchens,” Simms said, “I’m pretty sure that Baker Mayfield would be the one to blame on that play.”

If that’s the case, Kitchens surely scored points with his young quarterback for not throwing him under the bus. Some may say that Mayfield should have piped up and taken responsibility for the decision, given the criticism that was being dumped on Kitchens.

Here’s what Mayfield said about the play after the game: “I know what you guys are going to try to do is blame the play calling, but that is why I said execution is the most important thing. Whatever we have called, we have to do our job.”

Then, when Mayfield was asked whether he had anything to add about the play on Wednesday, he said, “No, it was just trusting our guys to make a play.”

Execution aside, responsibility for calling the draw play remains unclear. Whatever the explanation, the play didn’t work. But it makes sense to pay even closer attention to the sausage-making process in Cleveland when key moments arrive. From Kitchens admitting that he’s new at this to the possibility that Mayfield opted to change the play that Kitchens called, decisions like that make the difference between wins and losses and, ultimately, playoffs or no playoffs.

Janoris Jenkins denies he’s under any pressure after ugly game

Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans had an outstanding game against the Giants on Sunday, and cornerback Janoris Jenkinstook most of the blame. Jenkins spent most of the day covering Evans, and the result was Evans having one of the best games of his career, catching eight passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns.

Jenkins, however, says he’s not under any pressure to step his game up.

“Ain’t no pressure,” Jenkins said, via Matt Lombardo of NJ.com. “It’s important to come back out and play football. Everybody gets paid. Like I said, there ain’t no pressure.”

Jenkins was beaten by Evans on a huge play in the game’s final minute, setting up the Bucs’ attempt at a game-winning field goal. Fortunately for Jenkins, the kick missed. Jenkins, however, said that he doesn’t get down on himself.

“I like to play football. They’re going to make some plays, I’m going to make some plays. It’s a new week. Like I said, there ain’t no pressure,” Jenkins said.

That may be true right now. If Jenkins struggles again on Sunday, playing a Washington offense that hasn’t had much success this year, he’s going to be feeling the pressure whether he says so or not.

NFL, NFL Referees Association announces new seven-year labor deal

The NFL still has to achieve labor peace with its players. The NFL has indeed achieved labor peace with its game officials.

The NFL Referees Association has announced the finalization of a seven-year Collective Bargaining Agreement. The new deal runs through May 31, 2026. The current agreement was due to expires in May 2020, after the current season.

The NFLRA explained that the Board of Directors “unanimously approved” the CBA, and that the membership ratified it. The outcome of the ratification vote, which depends only on a simple majority of the union members, was not announced.

“This agreement solidifies the working partnership between the league and officials toward the common goal of developing and training the best officials in the world,” NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent said in a statement. “We will continue working together to provide fans, players and coaches with officiating performance that meets the highest standards demanded by the game.”

“It was a mutual and cooperative effort that took over a year and a half, and the outcome is seven years of certainty for the league and our officials,” NFLRA Executive Director Scott Green said. “We appreciate Troy Vincent and his staff for recognizing that working together to find solutions is the best course of action to reach a long-term agreement.”

“We see this new CBA as a partnership with the league that benefits our membership but also seeks to make our game better,” NFLRA president Tony Steratore (pictured) added. “We all must keep pace with the speed and skill of the players, not to mention the increased use of technology. It is good to get these negotiations behind us.”

The NFL and its game officials have plenty of challenges ahead of it. Too many mistakes continue to be made, and the replay-review function, as it relates to pass interference, currently seems to be broken.

Bills hope the flying sex toy tradition ends tomorrow

It really and truly is a tradition unlike any other.

Beginning in 2016, Bills fans started greeting Patriots quarterback Tom Bradyduring his annual visit to Buffalo by throwing a certain sex toy onto the field.

On the initial occasion, the reaction was disbelief, in the “is that what I think it is?” sort of way. And it was removed with a swift kick from one of the officials.

It has continued in 2017 and 2018, and there’s no reason to think that, of all the thousands of rabid Bills fans supporting their 3-0 team, none of them will smuggle the rubber device past security and into New Era Field, with the goal of extending the streak to four years in a row.

The Bills hope it doesn’t happen.

“It’s Patriots week, and that we have to contemplate if some fan is going throw a dildo on the field is ridiculous,” Bills chief administrative officer Dave Wheat told Tim Graham of TheAthletic.com.

The concern is less aesthetic than practical. The Bills don’t want anyone to get injured by stepping on a non-functioning Whizzinator.

“What if Josh Allen is running, steps on it and tears his ACL?” Wheat said. “What are the ramifications? What if Tom Brady got injured? . . . . This community would never live that down. People need to realize these are professional athletes, and you’re literally putting their health and safety at risk.”

There’s also very real risk for those who would throw the foreign object onto the field. Hub and Dillon Hayes, the brothers who started the tradition three years ago thanks to inspiration from a Halloween costume, received a letter not long after the incident from Commissioner Roger Goodell informing them that they have been banned from every NFL stadium, and that if they attend a game anywhere they will be arrested for trespassing. (I suddenly have a vision of security workers at every stadium looking at every face to see if it matches that of the Typhoid Mary of dildo throwers.)

They apparently have made it back inside New Era Stadium since then, and they wouldn’t comment to Graham on whether they’ll be back on Sunday.

Some Bills players hope that the flying phalluses won’t be back on Sunday.

“We try to keep it a family environment, for crying out loud,” tight end Lee Smithtold Graham. “I have four kids that’ll be in the stands, two daughters. I’m not a huge fan of some idiot throwing a dildo onto the field while they’re watching their dad play.”

Like it or not, some Bills fans surely will happily and/or drunkenly be adding his (or her) name to one of the most unlikely chains in NFL history when the Patriots show up on Sunday.

Why Cooper Kupp, not Todd Gurley, is Los Angeles Rams true threat

Not long ago, the Rams were truly lost. They went a full decade without a winning season. They cycled through coaches and quarterbacks. They even relocated from St. Louis to Los Angeles.Then, in 2017, a bright offensive mastermind offered a path out of the darkness.

Sean McVay, who had been an assistant coach for Washington for seven seasons, immediately transformed the Rams into an NFC juggernaut. They went from scoring the fewest points in the NFL to scoring the most.

How? Sure, he had Jared Goff and Todd Gurley and Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods and Sammy Watkins and, later, Brandin Cooks.But that was just a collection of football players. Good football players, yes, but just football players. Football players can be beaten.

McVay took that collection of football players and molded them into something else entirely. He built more than an offense and devoted himself to an ideal: “We not me.” Together, McVay’s Rams could not be stopped. They became contemporary legends.

That might seem like an overstatement, but is it really? How many times this past offseason did you hear the phrase “the next Sean McVay”? Any assistant coach who shook hands with someone who shook hands with someone who shook hands with McVay got an interview for a head coach position. A couple actually got jobs: Matt LaFleur is in Green Bay interpreting Aaron Rodgers’ passive-aggressive stares, and Zac Taylor is in Cincinnati lamenting his decision to move to a city that’s known for little else than being too close to Kentucky.

McVay is enthusiastic and intelligent, but so are a lot of people in the NFL. How’s he different? He has harnessed the power of theatricality and deception. He’s the Ra’s al Ghul of the NFL, and he has designs on wiping out the Buccaneers on Sunday.Much of the talk in the lead-up to the confrontation between the Rams and Bucs has been about Todd Gurley and the importance of stopping the run, but Gurley, whose knees are deteriorating, is no longer the explosive workhorse back that he used to be. Though he still can be effective in bursts, he is more of a distraction than a true threat.

The player to keep an eye on is Cooper Kupp, the team leader in targets, catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. His 53.5 percent catch rate per route is the 10th highest in the NFL, as is his 2.6 yards per route. As Kupp goes, so go the Rams. Without Kupp last season, the Los Angeles offense was much less productive and efficient.

Just throw a bunch of extra defensive backs on the field and stick two on Kupp, right? Well, that might not matter because McVay is good at scheming him open (Kupp’s 3.4 average yards of separation ranks 17th among receivers). Credit his heavy use of backfield motion and run fakes. The objective is to confuse defenders, to either coax them away from the point of attack or slow down their reaction time. A moment of hesitation or one step in the wrong direction can make all the difference.

Take, for instance, a third-and-1 play against the Browns in Week 3. Cleveland’s defensive front bit on a fake handoff to Gurley, and Kupp, who lined up on the outside right edge of the offensive line, ran a shallow crossing route behind the linebackers. Kupp was wide open and turned a 4-yard pass into a 22-yard gain.

Rams at Browns, 2019: Jared Goff to Cooper Kupp for 22 yards. [NFL Game Pass]

We saw the Rams execute the same concept against the Saints last season for a 41-yard touchdown.

Rams at Saints, 2018: Jared Goff to Cooper Kupp for a 41-yard touchdown. [NFL Game Pass]

The Rams use play-action on more than a third of their pass plays. Their 34 percent rate ranks fifth, down just a couple of ticks from their league-leading 36 percent rate last season. The difference between play-action passes and other passes: about 2 more yards per play.

The Bucs have struggled defending such passes this season. They’ve allowed nearly 10 yards per play-action pass (23rd), which is 4 yards more than on other passes.What makes the Rams’ play-action game so dangerous, especially with Kupp on the field, is their ability to make you think you know what’s coming.Kupp sometimes will mimic a run-blocking tight end and then sneak out on a pass pattern. He did just that against the Seahawks last season, but instead of running a shallow crossing route over the middle, he slammed on the brakes, pivoted and cut toward the sideline. Goff hit him for an easy 17-yard gain.

Rams at Seahawks, 2018: Jared Goff to Cooper Kupp for 17 yards. [NFL Game Pass]
Kupp doesn’t just kill defenses by catching short passes and racking up yards afterward. He’s a weapon down the field on deep crossing routes, too. Here’s another example, a 27-yard gain, from that Seahawks game:

Rams at Seahawks, 2018: Jared Goff to Cooper Kupp for 27 yards. [NFL Game Pass]
And what happens when safeties try to take away Kupp’s deep crossing routes? They risk leaving speed merchant Brandin Cooks one-on-one, which the Saints did in Week 2:

Saints at Rams, 2019: Jared Goff to Brandin Cooks for 57 yards. [NFL Game Pass]
This game couldn’t come at a worse time for the Bucs. Their young secondary is reeling. Tampa Bay has allowed eight gains of 30 or more yards this season, second most.

The Bucs are going to make mistakes. They’re going to allow catches. They’re going to surrender chunks of yards. The priority is limiting the explosive plays. The refrain in the locker room this week: Mind your surroundings and do your job.
“It’s a 60-minute battle,” defensive back M.J. Stewart said. “Keep your eyes where they need to be. Know who your man is. If all 11 people do their job, every play, 60 minutes, we’ll get it done.”And if all 11 don’t do their job?Said linebacker Kevin Minter: “You’re going to catch them 20, 30 yards down the field, if that.”

Opened up my email to find I had an eBay transaction a couple days ago.

Vaguely remember being on EBay. Clearly my late night tired and drinking self has excellent taste!

Matt LaFleur says he doesn't 'know what pass interference is anymore' following Packers' loss to Eagles

Matt LeFleur and the Packers have three pressing issues following their first loss of the season, a 34-27 defeat to the visiting Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.

While his team has a host of injuries to address (most notably to receiver Davante Adams's and running back Jamaal Williams), LeFleur also has to answer for an offense that failed to capitalize on two drives that stalled in the red zone. After failing to score on fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard-line, the Packers' final offensive play was an interception in the end zone that put the game on ice.

Offensive and defensive pass interference, which can be challenged for the first time this season, also played a role in Thursday night's outcome. While the Eagles were awarded a touchdown after officials initially ruled that tight end Zach Ertz had committed OPI, LeFleur lost his DPI challenge after it appeared that Eagles defensive back Avonte Maddox had made early contact on receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on what would have been a big gain.

"I really don't know what pass interference is anymore," LaFleur said after the game, via the team's official website. "I'll just leave it at that."

The NFL's officiating Twitter handle reposted the play while reinforcing their determination that there was "no clear and obvious evidence" that Maddox had committed DPI.

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/NFLOfficiating/status/1177415795665756160


"It was clear and obvious to me," LeFleur said, "but I'm not the one making the decision."

The league's decision to make review OPI and DPI is an attempt to rectify situations like the one that occurred near the end of last year's NFC Championship Game. And while the ability to challenge both OPI and DPI should help determine the clear winner of a game, Eagles-Packers was an example of how there are still questions with regard to what is and isn't pass interference.

Based on Thursday night's officiating, OPI and DPI will only be overturned if interference is clear and obvious, like what took place during January's NFC title game. Interference that is up for interpretation will likely not be overturned.

While LeFleur (and the rest of the NFL officials) are still trying to clearly decipher the true definition of pass interference, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is more focused on what Green Bay's offense can do to find a way to be more efficient in the red zone, regardless of what calls his team is or isn't getting from the officials.

"We can't have the two turnovers and we have to score in the red zone," said Rodgers, who threw for a season-best 422 yards on Thursday night. "It's one of those games we have to pick [the defense] up. They've been picking us up the first three weeks."

Rodgers is clearly not expecting to get a lift from officials, who are still having an impact on the outcome of games this season by virtue of instant replay.

Game Preview: Rams look to move to 4-0 in first meeting with Bucs since 2016

The Los Angeles Rams (3-0) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2) in the first meeting between the two teams since 2016. Kickoff from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is set for 1:05 p.m. pacific time. A win would improve L.A. to 4-0 under Sean McVay for the second time in three seasons.

To get you ready for the contest, theRams.com compiled a quick preview featuring who to watch, what to watch for on offense and defense for both Los Angeles and Tampa Bay and three keys to victory for L.A.

Five players to watch

• Rams C Brian Allen: The Buccaneers place Suh at multiple positions along the defensive line, so Allen will be important only if he gets matched up with Suh one-on-one but due to his communication responsibilities as well.
• Rams TE Tyler Higbee: Simply put, how does he look in his first live game action in two weeks? Additionally, how his presence impacts the passing game and the run game given his blocking skills.
• Buccaneers TE O.J. Howard: He may see more looks if WR Chris Godwin is unable to play in Sunday's game.
• Buccaneers WR Mike Evans: Tampa Bay's top receiver is coming off an 8-catch, 193-yard, 3-touchdown performance against the Giants.
• Rams S John Johnson III: Evans' big-play ability will test the Rams' secondary, which may put Johnson in a position where he has to make a potential game-saving tackle in the open field.

What to watch for…

On offense for the Rams

Establishing the run game against one of the league's most-improved run defenses.

New defensive coordinator Todd Bowles has the Bucs allowing the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game (69.7) after giving up the ninth-most (123.9) last year.

If the Rams struggle to achieve a balanced offensive attack, it will be up to crisp execution from the passing game to come away with a win. However, the return of starting RG Austin Blythe should help the Rams' rushing attack find a groove.

On offense for the Buccaneers

Different angle with the same position group, but it will be interesting to see how the backfield carries shake out between Ronald Jones II and Peyton Barber and who is most effective against the Rams.

Barber, listed as Tampa Bay's starter, has amassed 44 carries for 163 yards, while Jones has tallied 31 carries for 163 yards.

So while Barber leads the backfield in carries, Jones has been more efficient with his attempts, averaging 5.3 yards per carry to Barbers' 3.7.

On defense for the Rams

While Johnson was spotlighted, both he and Weddle will be important to limiting explosive plays in the passing game.

On defense for the Buccaneers

Starting ILB Devin White will miss his second straight game with a knee injury, but Tampa Bay adjusted well in his absence, holding the Giants to 3.8 yards per carry. Will the Bucs adapt seamlessly again on Sunday?
Additionally, OLB Shaquil Barrett will look to keep pace with his league-high eight sacks and pose a challenge for the Rams' offensive line.

Three keys to victory

1. Air it out: While the Bucs secondary is healthier than the Browns secondary the Rams' offense faced last week, they've shown to a be a vulnderable secondary, allowing the 12th-most passing yards per game this season.
2. Limit big plays in the passing game: McVay called receivers of Evans' caliber "big plays waiting to happen," and Winston has an ability to improvise and execute off schedule plays while boasting one of the NFL's strongest arms.
3. Keep the pressure off QB Jared Goff: It's not just Barrett that contributes to the Bucs' ability to pressure quarterbacks, as Tampa Bay also has 6-foot-4, 313-pound Ndamukong Suh and 6-4, 337-pound Vita Vea on its defensive line.

During the Cleveland game, it was said that the browns were copying the cheatriots 6 man front that stopped the rams in the super bowl. But that defense has obvious flaw that McVay can exploit. Running right at them worked well and the area right behind the line of scrimmage is wide open for a back or receiver that sneaks out there. McVay could use those end around runs but aim them off tackle or run a wham play like the 49ers used to use with a full back going ahead of a RB like the whiners did under Harbaugh. I could see that wrecking the "patriots" defense. I'm sure McVay will figure it out.

Just got my tickets and hotel for the Atlanta game! We couldnt make it to Cleveland , but here we come Atlanta!

Anyone else going ? Any stories on previous experience in Atlanta?

I'm pumped ! Havent been to a game in a few years !

Total touches and impact are obviously down after 3 games in 2019. 73 minus 48 = 25 less touches

This was McVay's plan and it will be interesting to see how much coach feeds Todd over the next 3 games.


Todd GURLEY 2019 Total 3 games (TOTAL TOUCHES 48)
ATT 44, YDS 203, AVG 4.6, TD 1
REC 4,-- YDS__ 8,. AVG 2.0, TD 0

2019 WK1] ATT 14, YDS 97, AVG 6.9, TD 0, REC 1, YDS 4, AVG 4.0, TD 0
2019 WK2] ATT 16, YDS 63, AVG 3.9, TD 1, REC 3, YDS 4, AVG 1.3, TD 0
2019 WK3] ATT 14, YDS 43, AVG 3.0, TD 0, REC 0, YDS 0, AVG 0.0, TD 0

___________________________________________________

Todd GURLEY 2018 Total 3 games (TOTAL TOUCHES 73)
ATT. 62, YDS 255, AVG. 4.1,. TD 4
REC 11,. YDS 121, AVG 11.0, TD 1

2018 WK1] ATT 20, YDS 108, AVG 5.4, TD 0, REC 3, YDS 39, AVG 13.0, TD 1
2018 WK2] ATT 19, YDS_ 42, AVG 2.2, TD 3, REC 3, YDS 31, AVG 10.3, TD 0
2018 WK3] ATT 23, YDS 105, AVG 4.5, TD 1, REC 5, YDS 51, AVG 10.2, TD 0

It happens every year only how early is the question. Who do you think is feeling the heat?

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I’m thinking this is pretty obvious. What would also be interesting is who replaces him next year. One John Harbaugh maybe?

Ok, although I have been a Teaching Assistant going on two years, I have been doing independent work for most of that time. This semester is my last as a TA, and it's eye opening.

I'm not a teacher and never wanted to be, especially after this semester. I'm dealing with college freshmen and sophomores, mostly, and they are driving me batshyte. How do you do it? I'm grading the papers of people who care little about the subject (Early American History to 1877). For the majority, they don't read the course material and they gain such a surface level understanding it drives me insane trying to find cogent arguments in the crap they submit for grading.

I'm handing out so many "F's" right now, I feel guilty in a way.....until I start thinking how little they care. I think I'd rather dig ditches than be a teacher for 30+ years in High School or lower.

Teachers, much respect.

New England opponents 0-9

Buffalo opponents 1-8

Kansas City opponents 4-5

Dallas opponents 1-8

San Francisco opponents 1-8

Rams opponents 4-5

(Counting Detroit's tie as half a loss)

Rams and Bill's have played 2 road games, the rest 1 road game.

It's very early in the season and yes we're not leading the league in scoring. But overall I'm pretty happy with this start to the season.

Ok, I haven't been looking at our schedule beyond the next game with the Buccs on the Sunday. Next games
9/29 Sun. Buccaneers @ Rams
10/3 Thurs Rams @ Seahawks
10/13 Sun 49ers @ Rams

SONOFA!

The Rams need to focus one game at a time as a team. As a fan? Do you know
what an avalanche of shyte I/we are going to get if the Rams lose to either
the Niners or the ShyteHawks? The whole McVay, never being in 2nd place in
the NFC West thing, is on the line, as is the NFC West title in 2019. Yes, I think
the Rams are better than all three of them, but they want to beat us so badly
after usurping the NFC West Throne in 2017 and they know us by playing
them twice a year. It's not Super Bowl level important, but it's not far behind
for me because I hate them so much and I have "friends," who are waiting to
give it to me if the Rams lose.

Rams, eat your Wheaties...

The Los Angeles Rams are the only NFL team heading into Week 4 that has yet to allow a 20+ (air) yard completion
Lock Angeles
By Brandon Bate



When you think about the Los Angeles Rams defense, two words come to mind: Aaron Donald. Rightfully so. He’s the best in the game, and one of the most dominant forces in the NFL. But not enough is said about the Rams’ secondary this season, which has indeed been locking down receivers and eliminating big plays.

Through three weeks of play, the Rams are the only team in the NFL that has yet to give up an air yards completion of 20+ yards. Opposing QB’s have attempted to take the Rams deep five times and all five tries proved fruitless.

Now, they have given up pass plays of 20+, the longest of which goes to Cleveland Browns’ RB Nick Chubb (30 yards). Jarvis Landry, also on a catch-and-run, went for 27 last week. And New Orleans’ Saints WR Tre’Quan Smith had a 28 yard reception in Week 2. That’s it. The Carolina Panthers didn’t have a pass-catcher eclipse 20 yards in the season opener.

In total, for both run and pass plays, the Rams have allowed only five 20+ yard plays all year. That, again, is currently the best mark in the league.

On Thursday, Rams’ DC Wade Phillips was asked the longest pass play to a receiver (that being Tre’Quan Smith) being 28 yards. His response:

That’s too much

Click to expand...

You have to love that guy. And love what the Rams’ defense is doing as a whole to start the year.

Held out due to injury last week, Higbee and Blythe are set to return this Sunday

By Brandon Bate@NoPlanB_ Sep 26, 2019, 9:05pm CDT



Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Rams (3-0) are set to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2) in Week 4. The Rams received some positive news today regarding the injury status of two key starters - TE Tyler Higbee and RG Austin Blythe - both of whom missed last week. They returned as full participants and are set to return to action this weekend.

Here is the full report for Thursday, Sept. 26:
2019 Los Angeles Rams Week 4 injury report
It looks as though veteran CB Aqib Talib got a bit of a breather on Wednesday, but was back as a full participant today. DT Michael Brockers obviously wasn’t feeling so hot today (Illness), so he took a day of rest. We’ll hope to see him back to 100% in the coming days. Lastly, veteran OT Andrew Whitworth, who requires no practice, did not. Nothing to see here, folks.
Here’s what Rams’ head coach Sean McVay had to say following today’s practice session:

Injury wise, we’re in good shape. Higbee’s on pace to be able to play, as is Austin. Those guys will be participants today. Michael Brockers is sick, so he won’t participate today, but hopefully it’s just a 24-hour bug and he’s feeling better. Other than that, we’re feeling pretty good.

Click to expand...

As it usually is, the Rams opponent has a longer list of those ailing. Here’s a look at the Bucs’ injury report for Thursday:
2019 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 4 injury report