I thought this might be interesting to some of you. I retired last year, sold my house and bought a mobile home in a nice 55 and over community. I wanted to retire young enough to be able to do things I want and the best way to afford that was to buy a mobile home in a nice park. I also need to take care of my wife who has had multiple back and hip surgeries due to accident. The park is run by a management company who started a couple years ago.

Well, to get down to why I'm writing this, last month the president of the management company comes knocking on my door to discuss a past due balance over $3,000. I was surprised because I've never even been late on any payments. So I have to go to the bank, get copies of all my cancelled checks and show it to them. They come to me later saying it never went into their account.

I go back to the bank to ask them where the money went and they find out the former manager deposited them in her personal account via ATM. Why the bank would allow that is beyond me. Not only that, the woman embezzled from 18 other people. Most very elderly in their 80's and 90's on a fixed income. So far they've discovered at least $50,000 was taken by this woman.

So the company tells us not to worry, just file the police report and fraud reports with the banks. They tell us the past due will show for a few months and just pay the current amount. Well, on Monday the 10th we all get these pay in 3 days or face eviction notices. The company was trying to bully us into paying something we already paid.

Some of the elderly widows were scared of being evicted for something they were a victim of. Well, all that did was piss me off. I'm probably the youngest one here at 62 years old. I contacted our local newspaper and gave an interview to a reporter. Showed him all the documents that I paid, the police report and the eviction notice. He contacts the president of the company for a comment on this. Well, low and behold, the manager comes to me this morning with a letter rescinding the pay or vacate notice along with an apology.

Meanwhile the police were dragging their feet for an arrest warrant. The lead detective even told me there was no guarantee she would be arrested. The reporter contacted the police department for a comment on that and sure enough, the paper work is being submitted today to the District Attorney to serve an arrest warrant.

I hope this woman gets what she deserves putting so many innocent people through the ringer like this. And she can thank me for getting the ball rolling when I contacted the news. These news people just love stories of the big, bad corporations evicting little old ladies during Christmas time.

As soon as I find out she's been arrested I'll update with more info. Sorry for the long rant. But I feel better now.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/12/12/los-angeles-rams-aaron-donald-performer-of-the-year-pass-rusher

How Rams' Aaron Donald Is Redefining the Defensive Tackle Position in the NFL
By ROBERT KLEMKO


JOHN W. MCDONOUGH

Mere weeks after the Rams' season had ended in a first-round playoff loss to the Falcons, and just days after he had accepted the 2017 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, Aaron Donald went back to work last February and came clean to his longtime personal trainer. "Him getting MVP, he told me he didn't deserve it," says Dewayne Brown. "He felt like he wasn't playing his best football yet."

Two months earlier, not long before the Pro Bowl teams were announced, a Rams media relations staffer had approached Donald to go over the interview schedule that would coincide with his fourth nomination in as many seasons. Donald interrupted her and asked, "You think I'll make it?"

Julia Faron laughed until she saw Donald's expression. "Oh, you're serious?" she said. "Yeah, I think you'll make it."

None of it surprised Brown, who has been working with the 27-year-old tackle since he was at Penn Hills High in Pittsburgh. "That's how he is," Brown says. "He's on some Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan type stuff."

When they first started training, Donald was a pudgy junior who was just catching the workout bug. But soon he became obsessed. If the teenager who topped out at 6'1" couldn't become the prototypical hulking gap-stuffer, he figured he would be something ... different.

On his way to sweeping the Nagurski, Bednarik, Lombardi and Outland awards as a senior at Pitt, Donald morphed into a pass-rushing menace who showed up at Rams camp three years ago weighing 280 pounds, with less than 10% body fat.

Even more cut now, he has 55½ sacks in 75 games—the most by any player to start his career—and, with three games left in 2018, he's six sacks shy of matching Michael Strahan's single-season record of 22½.


Kohjiro Kinno

Yet this son of a bus driver (that would be his mom) wonders if he's good enough to be a Pro Bowler or worthy of one of the NFL's highest honors. "You never know," Donald says, with no hint of irony. "There are a lot of good football players in the league. You just try to keep yourself grounded."

That mind-set is what makes great players fun to be around, says Wade Phillips, the veteran defensive coordinator who came to Los Angeles last season. "Guys with that ability and that drive, they all have the same tendencies," Phillips says. "They're not full of themselves. They don't think of themselves as the best and they're not satisfied."

Phillips, 71, is the envy of nearly every DC in the league. Ask any offensive-minded coach to name the most disruptive defenders—those who eliminate the biggest chunks of opponents' playbooks simply by being on the field—and Donald is always in the top two.

"The obvious ones are [Broncos outside linebacker] Von Miller and Aaron Donald," says 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. "You want to attack weaknesses, but players like that hide a lot of problems. Defenses can be a lot more aggressive in coverage because people are scared to attempt certain plays, because the odds of getting sacked are way too high."

Yet unlike his peers in the pass rushers' pantheon, Donald does his damage from the interior of the line.


Greg Nelson

When Phillips coached the Eagles from 1986 to '88, he moved Hall of Fame lineman Reggie White to the outside to utilize his speed and prevent him from getting swallowed up by double-teams on critical passing downs. Phillips did the same with the Texans' J.J. Watt from 2011 to '13.

The edge is also where Miller and Khalil Mack, the Bears' linebacker, line up in order to create havoc. But Donald, Phillips says, "supersedes that theory that you need to move him outside. He cuts the corner so quick on a guard, like a defensive end would do, but with less space."

And he leaves a lasting impression. Talk to a guard who has played Donald, and he'll tell you he hasn't faced a similar challenge. "He can scratch his knees standing up, but he still has that natural pad level where he can lift you up and forklift you," says Denver's Connor McGovern. "You can't replicate it. There's nobody that's ever done it like him. He does this crazy move where he bull-rushes and then he literally jumps off the ground and sheds you."

Donald calls that move the "power pop," something he developed with former L.A. defensive line coach Mike Waufle. "Power to one side and pop off to the other side once you feel the weight switch," Donald says. "Me jumping up and pulling myself through is extra momentum I use to try to explode to the quarterback a little faster."

Aaron Donald Wins Sports Illustrated's Performer of the Year Award

There's one more thing Donald does, which no other defensive tackle even tries, much less replicates. When teams slide the protection his way, sending the center to help a guard block him, Donald will often sprint to the outside shoulder of the guard, disarm his hands with a slap, and bounce off the inside shoulder of the tackle on his way to the quarterback.

"He understands they're going to try to overset him and the center's coming with him," says Rams offensive lineman Rodger Saffold. "In order to beat that, he goes outside because a lot of guards have trouble blocking the outside when they double-team. To get upfield he uses the tackle as leverage to get back on his angle [to the quarterback]. And then, just when you think you need to set wide, he hits you with a bull-rush and now you're floating backward. Good luck."


John W. McDonough

Attempting unconventional moves requires freedom, which Donald has enjoyed since entering the league as the 13th pick in 2014. During OTAs as a rookie, Donald was watching film when his new position coach, Waufle, joined him for a one-on-one chat before a position-wide session. "He came in and said, 'I'm going to say a lot of things in this meeting but I don't want you to listen to anything I'm saying,'" Donald recalls. "'I just want to watch you play and learn from you. Go out there and fly around.'

"It was surprising. Most guys have to earn that," Donald says. "When you have your coach telling you that as a rookie, it gives you a lot of confidence, makes you feel comfortable. He wanted to see if what I did in college could translate."

It did.

With 18 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits and nine sacks, Donald was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. He kept working with Brown in the offseason, telling his trainer in moments of mid-workout anguish, "If this s--- didn't work, I wouldn't do it."

He also began to understand how offensive lines call out their protection slides, and what's coming when they don't. That's why you'll see Donald crouching just before the snap, scanning the line and the backfield, the last player to put his hand down in the ready position.

He also started studying linemen on an individual basis, watching even more film on his off days. "I used to stay late and watch film and every time I'd walk in he'd be in there, last guy in the building," says Eagles defensive end Chris Long, a former teammate. Then Donald started studying backups to prepare to face them. "I could tell that he knew what my weaknesses were," McGovern admits.

Along the way Donald started thinking about bigger goals, beyond Pro Bowls and year-end awards. He's always wanted to win a Super Bowl, but now he wants a gold jacket too. "Yeah, I think about the Hall of Fame," Donald says. "I don't do all this training to be good. I want to be great, I want to be mentioned with the best to ever play the game."

Miller, a sack virtuoso in his own right, says that what Donald's done in five short seasons has already made him near peerless. "It's hate if I can't tell you the truth," Miller says. "He has the flame right now, and he's had it for a long time."

https://athlonsports.com/nfl/thursd...s-vs-kansas-city-chiefs-prediction-picks-2018

Thursday Night Football: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Los Angeles Chargers for an all-important AFC West showdown to kick off Week 15 action in the NFL. And there will be far more than bragging rights at stake when these division rivals square off for the second time this season, this time on Thursday in primetime.

Kansas City has already clinched a playoff berth by way of surviving Sunday’s 27-24 overtime slugfest at home against the Ravens. The Chiefs also boast the best record in the AFC at 11-2 and hold a tiebreaker over the visiting Chargers with a superior record within the division. That means Kansas City can lock up the AFC West title with a win on Thursday night. A Chiefs’ victory also guarantees a first-round bye in the playoffs and draws them one step closer to solidifying the top seed in the AFC, which secures home-field advantage throughout the postseason. But it could be a tall order to fend off a hungry Los Angeles team that is still well within striking distance.

The Chargers escaped a closer-than-expected 26-21 affair against the Bengals on Sunday for their third win in a row, improving to 10-3 on the season. A victory that has them sitting in prime position for a wild-card spot with the second-best record in the AFC behind Kansas City. However, the Chargers want the division title for themselves, along with all the spoils that come with it. But in order to put themselves in a position to make that possible, they will have to do something they have not done since 2013 — beat the Chiefs. A task made more daunting on the road at Arrowhead Stadium, where Kansas City has not lost a regular season game since November 2017.

The Chiefs scored a 38-28 victory over the Chargers in Los Angeles back in Week 1, their ninth in a row in the rivalry. Kansas City leads the all-time series 61-55-1.

Los Angeles at Kansas City

Kickoff: Thursday, Dec 13 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Spread: Chiefs -3.5

Three Things to Watch

1. Patrick Mahomes

Whether you love Mahomes or love to hate him, you must agree that the dynamic second-year quarterback makes for must-see TV. You also would be hard-pressed to find a more qualified candidate for NFL MVP honors. Mahomes leads all NFL quarterbacks with 3,400 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes heading into Week 15. And he continues to terrorize opposing defenses on a weekly basis.

The top-ranked Ravens’ defense became Mahomes’ latest victim, surrendering a season-high 377 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns on Sunday. And now, the red-hot Mahomes will turn his attention to the Chargers’ seventh-ranked pass defense, which allows 224.8 yards per game. A defense that Mahomes has already faced once, throwing for 256 passing yards and four touchdowns back in Week 1. However, Thursday night’s rematch could prove to be slightly more challenging.

For starters, Mahomes did not have to face the wrath of Joey Bosa in the season opener. Since returning from a foot injury in Week 11, the elite pass rusher has already racked up four sacks and six QB hits in just four games. Mahomes will be more limited in terms of weapons this time around as well. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is out with a foot injury and star running back Kareem Hunt is no longer with the team.

While top wideout Tyreek Hill is expected to play on Thursday night, the heel injury he suffered against the Ravens on Sunday is somewhat concerning. It will be very important for Mahomes and the Kansas City passing attack to have Hill up to speed for this critical matchup. The dynamic playmaker was a one-man wrecking crew against the Chargers back in the first meeting, accumulating a ridiculous 268 all-purpose yards (169 of those receiving) and three touchdowns. Hill has scored at least one touchdown in each of his five career games against Los Angeles as well.

2. Philip Rivers vs. the Kansas City pass defense

Mahomes won’t be the only quarterback in Thursday night’s matchup enjoying a standout 2018 season. Rivers, the wily old veteran, is on pace for his best season in an already fruitful 15-year career. He’s thrown for 3,638 yards, and his 29:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio is among the best in the league. Rivers also ranks among the best in the NFL with a QB rating of 114.5 and a stellar 8.9 yards per pass attempt.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the best track record against the Chiefs. But despite losing to them for the ninth straight time in Week 1, Rivers did have one of his best performances, passing for a season-high 424 yards and three scores with just one interception. The good news is that the Kansas City pass defense has not improved that much. In fact, the unit is dead last in the NFL against the pass at 281.8 yards per game allowed.

That said, the Chiefs' defense does shine in one key area — the pass rush. They have racked up the second-most sacks (42) in the NFL through 13 games, led by defensive end Chris Jones (11.5 sacks) and outside linebacker Dee Ford (11). Justin Houston, who has missed much of 2018 with injury, also is a force to be reckoned with in that regard. Additionally, a struggling secondary could get a much-needed boost if All-Pro safety Eric Berry (heel) is able to make his long-awaited debut on Thursday night. So, while this matchup bodes well for Rivers, the crafty veteran will have some obstacles to overcome.

3. The run game

The early weather forecast is calling for a chance of rain, cold temps, and high winds in Kansas City on Thursday night. That doesn’t bode particularly well for either one of these high-powered passing attacks if that forecast holds true. It does mean that the run game could loom large in this matchup. Unfortunately, neither one of these rushing attacks is in the best shape heading into the Week 15 game on just four days’ rest.

Chargers' lead running back Melvin Gordon was expected to return for this matchup after missing the last two games with a sprained MCL. But that appears to be very much in question at this point, if not unlikely. And while backup running back Austin Ekeler has fared well in Gordon’s stead, he is even more doubtful with a neck injury and a possible concussion. That could leave most of the heavy lifting to rookie Justin Jackson on Thursday night. Jackson has rushed for 139 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries this season to go along with five catches for 61 yards.

Kansas City’s predicament may be even worse, and this is where the Chiefs will sorely miss Hunt. Newly appointed feature back Spencer Ware has been adequate, averaging 4.8 yards per carry on the season, but he’s no Hunt. And Ware is now dealing with hamstring and shoulder injuries that have his availability for Thursday night in question. In the likelihood that Ware is unable to go, Damien Williams and the recently re-signed Charcandrick West will have to carry the load in a scenario that is far from ideal.

Final Analysis

It seems ill-advised to bet against a Kansas City team that is undefeated at home and tied for the best record in the NFL. It’s even more far-fetched when you look at the ridiculous numbers Patrick Mahomes and this offense have put up this season. However, there’s a lot to like about the equally hot Chargers heading into Thursday night’s high-stakes divisional tilt. Los Angeles is 5-1 in away games this season, and the Chargers have come away victorious in nine of their last 10 matchups regardless of location. Philip Rivers has unquestionably played his best football on the road this season. And unlike the Chiefs, the Chargers are very well balanced and solid on both sides of the football. If the weather forecast comes to fruition, it will probably have a bigger impact on Kansas City as well. That should be enough for the Chargers to narrowly escape Arrowhead Stadium with the upset to end a nine-game losing streak to the Chiefs and draw even in the hotly-contested AFC West.

Prediction: Chargers 28, Chiefs 27

Rams’ consistent O- line vows to rebound from Chicago woes
By GREG BEACHAM
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/article223031050.html

For nearly two full seasons, the Los Angeles Rams' offensive line has been the epitome of consistent excellence and the bedrock of a wildly prolific offense.When the line failed to reach its own lofty standards last weekend, the Rams (11-2) were reminded just how much they rely on those five blockers to allow Jared Goff and Todd Gurley to do their thing.

The line's shortcomings can be measured most easily, if imperfectly, in the numbers of those skill-position stars in the Rams' 15-6 loss to Chicago. Gurley rushed for just 28 yards, while Goff was sacked three times and threw four interceptions while under constant pressure from Khalil Mack and the Bears.

More broadly, the Rams' past three opponents have generated significantly more effective pass rushing against Goff than in Los Angeles' first 10 games. While coach Sean McVay scrambled to accept the blame for his prolific offense's rare misfire in Chicago, players across the offense — particularly on the line — also admit they need to be better if the Rams hope to be a real Super Bowl contender.

"From the way that we felt after the game, I don't think it was as bad as we think," left guard Rodger Saffold said. "But of course, it came down to just fundamentals. When you're in the heat of the game, especially emotionally, sometimes you do extra in order to try to make things happen, and you put yourselves in bad situations."

The Rams watched every mistake Wednesday during a detailed film session, reminding the linemen that even a unit as finely tuned as the Rams' offensive line must keep improving.
"We learned a lot coming out of that game," said Aaron Kromer, the Rams' offensive line coach and run game coordinator. "I think what you learned is when adversity hits at times, to go back to your fundamentals and techniques and not try to do something that's out of the ordinary. Anytime you get in a big game, it always comes back to staying calm and understanding exactly what you want to get done."

With Michael Bennett, Fletcher Cox and the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) visiting the Coliseum on Sunday night, the Rams' linemen know they've got to fix their mistakes quickly.McVay was quick to point out that his play selection is a major factor in the line's success or failure."Anytime that you get some pressure, it's always a little bit more difficult to operate," McVay said. "I would say that it's a combination of some different things. I wouldn't say it's been a fall-off (by the offensive line) or anything like that. There's been specific instances and plays that might stand out that (are) typically uncharacteristic of what we've put on tape. But like anything else, we learn from it."

Not many offensive lines in recent history have been more effective or more consistent than the Rams' group.Los Angeles had the same five starters for 15 games last season before McVay played his second stringers in the regular-season finale. After Austin Blythe replaced Jamon Brown at right guard this season, the Rams again have had the same five starters in all 13 games.

That consistency has been a key to the Rams' success, and the linemen are determined to make sure it doesn't lead to complacency. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth is a team captain, while Saffold, center John Sullivan and right tackle Rob Havenstein also are veteran leaders of the entire roster."There's no sense of sitting here feeling bad for yourselves," Saffold said. "Just go out there and play."

A potential downside of the Rams' consistency and durability popped up in Chicago when both Sullivan and Saffold briefly left the game with injuries. Sullivan returned after being checked for a concussion, while Saffold missed five plays with an ankle injury.

Los Angeles has had only two backup offensive linemen on its roster for most of the season, fewer than most teams. Rookie tackle Joseph Noteboom and backup center Brian Allen got some rare playing time, but the developments also reminded the Rams how lucky they've been with injuries.

So the Rams on Wednesday re-signed lineman Jamil Demby, a sixth-round pick who was waived Sept. 8 when Aaron Donald ended his holdout. Demby had been on the Detroit Lions' practice squad for the past three months.That help won't be immediate, however: Although the Rams already know Demby well, Kromer said the rookie has still "got a ways to go as far as being game-ready."

Rams confident O-line can bounce back
Canada Sports News
December 12, 2018
https://ca.reuters.com/article/spor...=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&rpc=401

Los Angeles Rams: The Rams’ offensive line is coming off of its worst performance of the season, allowing three sacks and five tackles for loss against the Bears, but coach Sean McVay isn’t concerned about the group. “I would say it’s been a combination of some different things,” he said Wednesday. “I wouldn’t say that it’s been a fall off or anything like that.” After facing a tough Chicago front, the test remains difficult this week against the Philadelphia Eagles. “Fletcher Cox is tough because he’s a guy that you can know what he is going to do to you and no matter what you do, he’s going to do it anyway,” left guard Rodger Saffold said of Philly’s 3-technique defensive tackle. Cox had three QB hits in L.A. last year and has 27 this year, second in the NFL behind Aaron Donald (33).

Kromer begins at 14:30.

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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000999086/article/nfl-draft-headed-to-las-vegas-in-2020

NFL draft headed to Las Vegas in 2020
By Austin Knoblauch

The NFL draft is set to take the Las Vegas stage.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Wednesday that Las Vegas will host the 2020 draft -- the first time the city has ever hosted the event. The decision comes a year and a half after the league approved the Oakland Raiders relocation to Las Vegas.

Vegas as the draft's location was formally approved during the Winter League Meeting in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday.

"The NFL Draft is one of the most-anticipated events of the year and we are excited to take it to Las Vegas," Goodell said in a statement. "We look forward to working with the Raiders, Las Vegas officials and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to create an unforgettable week-long celebration of football for our fans, the incoming prospects and partners."

Las Vegas marks the fifth different location to play host to the draft in as many years. The 2019 draft is slated to take place in Nashville after the 2018 event was held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The 2017 draft took place in Philadelphia, and Chicago hosted it in 2015 and 2016.

"The Raiders are very excited for Las Vegas and are proud to help host the 2020 NFL Draft," Raidersowner Mark Davis said. "Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world and will provide a tremendous experience for the NFL and its fans."

Ok, it is somewhat Rams related....

In 2nd round of playoffs, have 2 decisions

1) Goff at home vs Eagles or Brees Monday night at Carolina-
2) Rode the James Connor horse all season and then lose him for playoffs. Ugh. Im stuck with RB 2 decision between (don't judge) Adrian Peterson @ Jacksonville (who just got bludgeoned by Derrick Henry) OR..... Derrick Henry going against the Giants who've been pretty lousy against the run.

And yes, Henry and his 45 points were on my bench last week.....

Im pretty much all in on Goff, but figured I'd make it multiple choice

https://www.therams.com/news/rams-re-sign-ol-jamil-demby

Demby will replace Dominique Hatfield on the 53 man roster. We add another backup Ol but it's another rookie. Good to have him back.

I'm not clear on who plays who when the playoffs start. Say the Rams and Saints both win out the regular season and get a first round bye. Do Saints get winner of wild card? Who do the Rams get? And if Saints lose to whoever they get and Rams win, do the Rams get HFA? I know wild cards are still not decided.
What other scenarios are possible?

Going to bet we’re in Mexico City after this years game being moved.

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Hey gang, Just heard on the radio that Wentz will not be playing our boys. They are suggesting he may be held out for the rest of the season because of his back.

Good news for us!

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-top-25-offensive-linemen-of-the-2018-nfl-season

Top 25 offensive linemen of the 2018 NFL season
BY MICHAEL RENNER

If you are anything like me, you probably don’t pay much attention to what’s happening along the offensive line on a down in and down out basis. Sure, if a tackle gets his butt whooped for a sack or if an announcer highlights a key block after the fact I’ll take note, but I could rarely tell you with any certainty who played well and who didn’t after watching a game on TV.

That’s why we do what we do here at PFF, though. After watching and evaluating every single snap of football from the All-22 this season, we believe these to be the best offensive linemen in the NFL this season.

1. TERRON ARMSTEAD, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
2018 Overall Grade: 89.4

Armstead has been in the conversation for best offensive lineman in the NFL ever since his breakout season in 2015 where he earned a 92.6 overall grade. He simply needed to stay on the field. While he’s been out since Week 10 with a pec injury, the left tackle was lights out enough in the first nine games to still earn this spot. In four of those games, he didn’t allow a single pressure.

2. DAVID BAKHTIARI, GREEN BAY PACKERS
2018 Overall Grade: 87.3

When you’re blocking for Aaron Rodgers’ blindside, you know you are going to have to sustain your block for a while, and few do that as well as Bakhtiari. His 92.3 pass-blocking grade is tops in the NFL. Bakhtiari has been over 90.0 in that regard for three straight seasons now.

3. JASON KELCE, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
2018 Overall Grade: 82.2

The debate for best center in the NFL has been overwhelmingly decided over the last season and a half. It’s Jason Kelce. The PFF All-Pro from a season ago, Kelce can simply make blocks at the center position with his athleticism that others can only dream of.

4. MITCHELL SCHWARTZ, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2018 Overall Grade: 84.4

The best pass protecting right tackle in the NFL is Mitchell Schwartz. While people love to glorify the blind side, Schwartz’ ability to go one-on-one on the side where the majority of the best pass-rushers line up and still hold his own is even more valuable. In his two outings against Von Miller this season, Schwartz allowed a grand total of two pressures.

5. ZACK MARTIN, DALLAS COWBOYS
2018 Overall Grade: 80.2

Hopefully, Martin won’t be down for long because the Cowboys right guard has been elite since the day he stepped on an NFL field. His lowest grade through his first four seasons is an 86.2 as a rookie.

6. RYAN RAMCZYK, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
2018 Overall Grade: 83.4

The fact that the Saints have the highest-graded left tackle and second highest-graded right tackle tells you all you need to know about their offensive line. Ramczyk has had only three games all season where’s allowed multiple pressures.

7. SHAQ MASON, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
2018 Overall Grade: 79.5

Mason is a bowling ball in the run game and will throw some of the most impressive blocks you’ll see all year on a near-weekly basis. He’s had only three games all season with a below average run-blocking grade.

8. JOE STALEY, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
2018 Overall Grade: 82.5

There was a point in Staley’s career where people were ready to write him off as a bust. Now he’s polishing off a resume worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. Staley has twice been PFF’s highest-graded left tackle and the 34-year-old hasn’t shown any signs of aging again.

9. RODNEY HUDSON, OAKLAND RAIDERS
2018 Overall Grade: 79.5

While Kelce is the best all-around center in the NFL, Hudson is quite comfortably the top pass protector. Hudson has allowed only four pressures all season long, and even that is somehow more than he allowed last season.

10. ROB HAVENSTEIN, LOS ANGELES RAMS
2018 Overall Grade: 81.1

Havenstein isn’t going to overpower a lot of people, but he’s as consistent and technically sound as any tackle in the league. The former second-rounder has only allowed three combined sacks and hits all season.

11. ANDREW WHITWORTH, LOS ANGELES RAMS
2018 Overall Grade: 81.0

Closing in on his 37th birthday, Whitworth is doing things that offensive tackles aren’t supposed to do. As fellow 36-year old left tackle Jason Peters has seen his body break down and play slip in recent years, Whitworth continues to churn out dominance. He hasn’t had a single game with a below average pass-blocking grade all season.

12. MATT PARADIS, DENVER BRONCOS
2018 Overall Grade: 79.0

Paradis was in the midst of a fantastic season that would have landed him serious cash as a free agent this offseason before breaking his leg and ending up on IR. Still, Paradis was the anchor of one of the best run games in the NFL before going down against Houston in Week 9.

13. MARSHAL YANDA, BALTIMORE RAVENS
2018 Overall Grade: 76.7

It’s not quite the Yanda we saw before missing the 2017 season, but it’s pretty darn close. Yanda has never finished a season with a grade below 80.0 in his entire career.

14. JAKE MATTHEWS, ATLANTA FALCONS
2018 Overall Grade: 80.6

Matthews is having the kind of season GM’s dream about when they lock up a key player long term. It’s been a career year by a good margin for the left tackle in pass protection, as he’s on pace to allow 15 fewer pressures than he did last year.

15. COREY LINSLEY, GREEN BAY PACKERS
2018 Overall Grade: 75.6

It’s great to see Linsley back to the center he was before a nagging back injury torpedoed his 2017 season to a career-low 66.7 overall grade. Linsley has six different games this season in which he hasn’t allowed a pressure.

16. LANE JOHNSON, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
2018 Overall Grade: 79.5

Johnson has had some uncharacteristically ugly games by his standards this year (like last week’s 46.0 overall grade against Dallas), but he’s alternated those with dominant outings. In two of his last four games, he hasn’t allowed a single pressure.

17. TAYLOR MOTON, CAROLINA PANTHERS
2018 Overall Grade: 78.4

Not a bad ranking for a guy that was a backup in training camp. Moton has been the biggest reason why the wheels didn’t completely fall off after both starting tackles went down before the year in Carolina.

18. ALEX MACK, ATLANTA FALCONS
2018 Overall Grade: 74.9

After a dominant first two seasons in Atlanta, the 33-year old Mack’s play has slipped a bit this season. He’s still a top-5 center in the league, though, even if it’s not that level of play we’ve come to expect.

19. BRANDON LINDER, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
2018 Overall Grade: 74.8

While the rest of the Jaguars’ offensive line hasn’t lived up to their lofty preseason expectations, Linder has continued to thanklessly do his job. He’s had a pass-blocking grade above 80.0 for three straight seasons now.

20. ALEJANDRO VILLANUEVA, PITTSBURGH STEELERS
2018 Overall Grade: 78.3

The lone representative of PFF’s highest-graded offensive line this season. Villanueva’s been as steady as they come at the position and hasn’t had a single below average grade in pass protection in any game this year.

21. TYRON SMITH, DALLAS COWBOYS
2018 Overall Grade: 77.6

It’s sad to see injuries continue to take their toll on a player with the Smith’s ability. He looked to be on a Hall of Fame trajectory after the 2015 season where he earned a 93.3 overall grade but has been limited to only 1,637 snaps since and clearly hasn’t been himself with back problems. Even though he came in the league in 2011, Smith hasn’t even turned 28 yet.

22. BRANDON BROOKS, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
2018 Overall Grade: 74.7

It’s been difficult for Brooks to get the respect he deserves playing on an offensive line with the likes of Jason Peters, Jason Kelce, and Lane Johnson. He’s been as reliable as all three, though, in his tenure in Philadelphia. Brooks has had a pass-blocking grade above 85.0 every season in an Eagles uniform.

23. AUSTIN BLYTHE, LOS ANGELES RAMS
2018 Overall Grade: 74.2

Anyone could have had one of the top-25 offensive linemen in the NFL after he was waived by the Colts a year and a half ago. The former seventh-round pick wasn’t even supposed to start for the Rams until Jamon Brown got suspended. Blythe never relinquished control of the job and has been reliable ever since.

24. TRENT WILLIAMS, WASHINGTON REDSKINS
2018 Overall Grade: 77.1

Much like fellow NFC East tackle Tyron Smith, Trent Williams has seen injuries limit what was a dominant career arc. Williams hasn’t played a full season since 2013 and hasn’t played over 800 snaps since 2015.

25. RYAN KELLY, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
2018 Overall Grade: 74.0

Kelly had a rocky start to his career after being selected in the first round back in 2016. He’s now one of the biggest reasons for the Colts offensive line turnaround. Kelly hasn’t allowed a single sack or hit since Week 3.

I really do think the Saints will lose at least one more game (The Steelers may not be as good as some of their teams in the past but I think they are still pretty good and I think there is a decent chance the Panthers might upset the Saints in one of their games!) possibly even two BUT even if they do can the Rams do their part and win their last 3 Games? The Eagles really worry me and even the DREADED 49’s concern me!

leoram said:

Bears are the surprise team this year. Maybe the second best defense in the league and Nagy is a legit coordinator. Our toughest regular season matchup.

9’ers are better than I thought, but lack real weapons. Jimmy G has talent but his line and receivers won’t hold up.

Packers the most overrated team in the league even if Rodgers can play.

Chiefs all offense, no defense.

FitzHarvard doing the Superman rip (ala Can) after his 2 yard TD was hilariously awesome.

Cam Newton will be in MVP consideration under Norv Turner.

New Orleans loss was a fluke. They will bounce back.

Will the Patriots please just go away?

All the Super Bowl predictions for the Steelers looked really bad today. I’m actually interested in the Browns if they could get a real D Coordinator. Williams is a gambling punk and I’m glad he’s gone.

Anything less than a total blowout with us resting our starters most of the second half tomorrow will tick me off.

Click to expand...

Looks like Cam was my only fail. Season has gone as I expected.

With that said, here I go again:

Rams will beat Saints to win NFC.

Texans will beat the Chiefs .Patsies will FINALLY implode.

Rams beat the Texans and our offseason will still see significant turnover.

• 
• By Austin Knoblauch

The salary cap is once again going up.

The NFL announced Tuesday that projections for the 2019 salary cap are in the range of $187 million to $191.1 million -- a decent increase over the 2018 cap of $177.2 million per club.


There has been a 40 percent increase in the salary cap since the 2014 season ($133 million) and it would be the sixth consecutive year the cap is projected to climb more than $10 million per club year over year.

According to the league, total projected player costs, including benefits, are projected at more than $7.3 billion in 2019.

The final salary-cap figure will be revealed in the months ahead before free agency officially begins on March 13.

Enjoy!!!!

https://ramsondemand.com/powerrankings/angry-ranks-week-15.37/

Does anyone know if the LA fans will give the Rams HFA? If I see a sea of green, I think I'll puke!

Vinovich was the ref for Rams@Saints
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http://www.footballzebras.com/2018/12/week-15-referee-assignments-2018/

Eagles at Rams NBC — Bill Vinovich

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Vinovich

Vinovich's 2018 NFL officiating crew consists of umpire Bruce Stritesky, down judge Phil McKinnely, line judge Mark Perlman, field judge Mearl Robinson, side judge Gary Cavaletto, and back judge Steve Patrick.

I just wanted to create a poll/thread on what people feel is the biggest area you see as a fan to improve on as the team goes forward? Obviously the McVay era has been amazing and extremely exciting and made it worth lugging the horrible years we all know about. Now this isn't a bashing post or something to stir the pot just wanting to get a feel for everyone out there.


For me, as with any coach or player there are areas that can be improved on and as amazing and brilliant as Sean McVay is he does have a few bad tendencies that opposing coaches with a decent to solid all around decent can get him in to do.

Crunching some numbers I was able to find something I kinda already was leaning towards.

Todd Gurleys stats in our 7 losses since Sean Mcvay has been head coach:

Rams 20 Redskins 27 - Ru. 16 Yds. 88 Avg. 5.5
Rams 10 Seagulls 16 - Ru. 14 Yds. 43 Avg. 3.1
Rams 7 Vikings 24 - Ru. 15 Yds. 37 Avg. 2.5
Rams 35 Eagles 43 - Ru. 13 Yds. 96 Avg. 7.4
Rams 13 Falcons 26 - Ru. 14 Yds. 101 Avg. 7.2
Rams 35 Saints 45 - Ru 13 Yds. 68 Avg. 5.2
Rams 6 Bears 15 - Ru. 11 Yds. 28 Avg 2.5

A common theme in our 6 losses so far in the Mcvay area plus the 1 playoff loss our offensive play calling for Todd Gurley didn't have him carrying the ball past 16 touches on the ground. In 4 of the losses he was averaging over 5+ yards a rush and still wasn't utilized past 16 touches.

These games weren't blowouts by any means and I listening to McVay closely after each loss he acknowledges the lack of using Todd on the ground however he still stays in the habits of not utilizing Todd.

McVay reminds me so damned much of Mike Martz with his aggressive down the field play calling and seemingly lack of control on TO's, most importantly not utilizing a Offensive MVP when the stats are telling you it's time to keep handing him off that ball.

I pray this doesn't go unnoticed in the months and weeks to come into the playoffs where we pay dearly for it for an early exit out the playoffs.

Injury Report 12/10: Sullivan and Saffold OK, Hatfield Headed to IR

Myles Simmons
RAMS INSIDER

Head coach Sean McVay had good news and bad news on the injury front following Sunday’s loss to the Bears.

Center John Sullivan and left guard Rodger Saffold should both be alright to play in Los Angeles’ Week 15 matchup against Philadelphia. Sullivan was checked for a concussion in the first half, but cleared the protocol. And Saffold exited with an ankle injury in the second half, but was fine to re-enter the game after missing just five plays.


“They should be good,” McVay said.

Defensive back Dominique Hatfield was not as fortunate. Hatfield has been a significant special teams contributor for L.A. this season, playing 52.5 percent of snaps — No. 5 on the team. But he suffered an ankle injury on Sunday and will need surgery to repair it, effectively ending his season.

“Unfortunately, he’s going to have to get a similar surgery to what Pharoh [Cooper] had — so that’s going to mean IR for him,” McVay said. “Fortunately there was nothing with the fibula or anything like that. But some of the ligaments, [you’ve] got to go in there and get that tight-rope procedure where you get those things tightened up.

“And it’s unfortunate for him, he’s done some great things for us — really, a great story when you just think about some of the things that he overcame to become a part of the active roster last year,” McVay continued. “And he’s continued to be a big contributor for us, specific to special teams. But that’s what happened with him.”

Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Utah in 2017, Hatfield has played 21 games for the Rams in his career.

The Rams’ players have the day off tomorrow before getting back to work to prepare for the Eagles on Wednesday.


https://www.therams.com/video/mcvay-gives-on-injury-updates-moving-on-to-the-eagles

Here's a few comments from their Rams@Bears thread. Apparently they were hoping the Rams would win.
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https://boards.philadelphiaeagles.com/topic/753420-week-14-rams-bears/

Week 14: Rams @ Bears

Go rams.
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then we gonna start hearing about how Goff is better than Wentz though....
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Goff

the only time I root for rams this happens
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Goff almost picked twice.
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Mcvay still audibles for Goff?

boys give rams a gift and they do this
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Seems Goff doesn't like the cold
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Soo....the eagles are going to get blown out on national television again
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Rams are disappointing me

this game is HFA
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That Rams oline is garbage. If we can put some pressure on Goff, I think we can keep it to 7-10 points.
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I know you're not talking about holding them to 7-10 pts. You mean lose by 7-10 right? I expect a Saints style beatdown.
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it won't be beatdown like many predict, Eagles fans will show up and I think we keep it close
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The Bears and Cowboys could give the Rams and Saints a run for their money under the right circumstances. Those defenses are playoff caliber defenses. I just can't see the Rams going to the Super Bowl without having a significant HFA.

Here in LA, the crowd is usually 50% for the visiting team. The Saints will be tough to beat at home. But, all it takes is a couple of big defensive plays and the game could be interesting.
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The Bears are showing the Rams what physicality is about.
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Rams only have two back up off. linemen? Yikes....
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Gurley is the Rams offense.

Without him I believe they are middle of the road at best.
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Road to Sb does througb NOLA
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https://www.bleedinggreennation.com...adelphia-carson-wentz-2018-line-gambling-bets

Eagles open as big underdogs to the Rams in Los Angeles
A lopsided rematch?
By Brandon Lee Gowton


Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles are entering their rematch game against the Los Angles Rams as big underdogs. SB Nation’s odds page shows the Rams are favored by as much as 10.5 points in some places.

This marks the third time the Eagles are entering a game as underdogs during the 2018 season. The first time was when the Saints blew out the Eagles by a score of 48 to 7 in New Orleans. The second time was when the Cowboys beat Philadelphia in overtime last week.

One would think the Rams will be extra hyped for this game. The revenge angle is at play for them given how they lost to the Eagles at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum last season. The Rams will also be looking to get back on track after just losing to the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.

Carson Wentz should have plenty of motivation in this one as well. He’s obviously returning to the scene where he suffered an ACL/LCL injury on December 10 last year. He’s also coming off a disappointing showing against Dallas, so he could really use a bounce back performance in this spot.

The feeling here is that Eagles might actually be able to cover. It shouldn’t be as hard to play in L.A. as it was in the Superdome. That being said, you still have to like the Rams’ chances against Philadelphia’s depleted defense. And it’s hard to trust this Eagles offense, which has only scored 28 first quarter points this year, to match the kind of points Sean McVay’s team can put up.
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I have never seen such a bad team be favored in so many games
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I’m heading to this game, and frankly just hoping for something competitive.

Winning out (as unrealistic as that probably is) and two other games going in our favor puts us in the playoffs. But it seems like after Sunday the team is resigned to the fact that playoffs are out of the question.
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I give the defense a pass in advance for getting blown out in this spot.
They just played their hearts out and two games worth of snaps with the season on the line and lost in heartbreaking fashion. I’d completely understand if they’re both physically and mentally shot.
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You have to take the points here. The Eagles have only lost one game by more than 7 points.
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I’d give those points if I did. Eagles have been so bad offensively and without most of the secondary and against a good running team that we need to account for I don’t think that by the middle of the second quarter the spread will just be a fond memory.
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going to the game Sunday
obviously wish the Birds won last week, but you never know with these games. Should be a ton of Eagles fans (again)
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Bring on (our) ass kickin'!
first the saints, now the rams!
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Away in L.A. 2 years in a row?
That, coupled with the away game at the Saints doesn’t exactly throw cold water on the idea that the NFL is trying to boost the Cowboy’s success at the expense of the Eagles.
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Any given Sunday I guess
Beating the Rams would be a really nice consolation prize for all the garbage this season has been. Maybe the offense can finally put up a competitive amount of points instead of wasting another relatively herculean effort by our practice squad defense
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LA could lay a 50 burger on this defense.
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Spread isn't enough
Rams 53 Eagles 6

Quick short passing game. It was highlighted the other night that the Bears were giving up a large cushion to Cooks on the outside. Use it. McVay readily uses the pass to make teams adjust allowing us to come back to the run once the Strong Safety comes out of the box. The other night Bears played the nickel as their base defense but had the SS in the box. We didn't adjust. (and wasn't on either....) Our screens were too slow or obvious... (Watch the safety play..... I'm pretty sure it was supposed to be a screen right to Gurley.....but he gets out late and the DL was released too quickly....).
But the one thing the Bears allowed was the quick 5-7 yd. comeback to Cooks. I would have taken it all night until they adjusted. Anybody watch the Eagles and Cowboys......I would bet that Brandon Cooks (and probably Robert Woods and maybe Josh Reynolds....) are faster than Amare Cooper. And they couldn't stay with him deep (or the Dallas rookie wide out.....). They will start the same way. But use it. Don't get anxious. Take what is given. Once they adjust. Move on to next option. Sometimes "imposing our will" gets in our way. The Eagles will open up w/ their backers and safeties tight to stop the run and their CBs on an island. Make that defense spread out and then utilize Gurley. (I still like that play on the goal line where we have trips right and all slant in and Gurley goes to flat "picking off" his coverage in a natural pick.....). Make them adjust.
It's just my thoughts...….

I will try to keep up on these. It may not be daily and I will also probably be posting some trivia from the NFL as a whole. Good luck and have fun.

Note: These questions will change almost daily. I will unsticky them as soon as I post the answer.

OK so here is the deal. Years ago I found an LA Rams Trivia Game in a Goodwill. I pretty much bought it as a piece of memorabilia. Now with the Rams moving back, I thought it might make for a fun game for some of us old timers. Odd thing is that about 70% of the questions have nothing to do with the Rams.

So here is what I will do. I will post the questions that are Rams related and let you guys answer. I will then post the answers the next day. These are not easy questions as far as I can tell but maybe the memory function of my brain has been compromised.
.
There is only basically one rule. No search engines or internet sites to look up answers that you will post later. I realize some will still look up the answers. I know I would if I didn't have the cards. But I want to see how many out there actually know the answers. So if you do feel like looking them up on the internet, feel free.

And if you know the answer, don't post it. Comment all you want.

Now - keep in mind. I said the internet is off limits. But if you have books, magazines, football cards, etc... feel free to use them. That may seem hypocritical but it's about time some of us got some use out of all that stuff we've bought over the years.

Cheers.