If ya'll recall when Jared Goff was first drafted by the Rams in 2016 many including myself figured he was a bit skinny and sleight of build to survive the pounding of an NFL quarterback. ROD super-sleuths came to the conclusion that he weighed mebbe 210 - 212 lbs or so. (heh.....after several trips thru the local Golden Corral.....- feel free to insert your favorite diner....)
Then we found out he had an enzyme deficiency and with proper supplementation he was now able to put on weight. Many including myself again thought he looked a bit heftier last year but at 6'4" still had a long way to go.

So, with all of that background has anybody looked into the continuing Jared Goff weight saga for this year? I haven't read a peep about it from OTAs or TC so I was wondering what some of the eye witnesses from ROD may have seen when they attended the Rams practices in Irvine.

Any thoughts??

Smashed Kurt Warner's records
"Jared Goff will throw for 42 TD's and have 5,000 pass yards to break Kurt Warner's Rams single-season records" -Steve Mariucci

Suppose you are a Defensive Coordinator. This week, you face the Rams.

Whats the plan?

Sell out to stop Gurley? Stack the box and make Goff beat you?

At this point, I think this has to be the answer for most teams. You can't let Gurley get going running the football. I know, every defensive plan starts with stop the run - but I mean more than just maintaining your assignments. I would make sure that TG is hit on every play. If they hand it to him, tackle him. If they fake it to him, tackle him. Don't get beat by 30. That is step 1.

So how do we get to Goff?

Clearly we need to get pressure on this kid. In order to do that, we should attack the right side of the OL as often as we can. It can't be predictable - and it certainly can't be telegraphed - McV will sniff that out. We want to try to create match ups with our best pass rushers against Brown/Blythe or / Havenstein whenever we can. When we send extra rushers, they always need to account for 30 - he needs to be taken out or otherwise accounted for. Anytime the Rams are relying on Tight ends to help pass block is a win for us - the Rams TEs are weapons in the pass game but aren't NFL blockers at this point.

Our secondary needs to knock the Rams receivers off of their routes early and often. This is a timing offense, and we need to be up in their grills disrupting that timing. Be mindful of their stacked formations - fight through them to blow up the play before it starts.

Protect the short and middle field and dare Goff to beat us deep. Be willing to get beaten for a big play here and there in order to control the LOS and get off the field.

Basically, break but don't bend.

http://www.footballzebras.com/2018/09/week-1-referee-assignments-5/

Rams at Raiders — Ron Torbert

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

Ronald Torbert is an American football official in the (NFL) since the 2010 NFL season. He wears uniform number 62.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Torbert began his NFL officiating career in 2010 as a side judge, then became a referee for the 2014 NFL season after Scott Green and Ron Winter announced their retirements. Torbert is only the fifth African-American referee in NFL history, after Johnny Grier, Mike Carey, Jerome Boger and Don Carey.

Torbert's 2018 NFL officiating crew consists of umpire Dan Ferrell, down judge Sarah Thomas, line judge Mark Steinkerchner, field judge Jimmy Buchanan, side judge Scott Edwards, and back judge Tony Josselyn.

Outside of his NFL officiating duties, Torbert is an attorney, like fellow referee Clete Blakeman.

Drafted by Arizona OL Evan Boehm, drafted in 4th round in 2016. Had started a total of nine games.

All-L.A. Super Bowl: Why Chargers, Rams will play for 2018 title

By Adam Schein
NFL.com Columnist
Published: Sept. 4, 2018

It was the great philosopher Coolio who once famously said, "Ain't no party like a West Coast party 'cause a West Coast party don't stop."

For the ultra-competitive and sure to be amazing 2018 NFL season, truer words have never been spoken.

I was waiting for the best defensive player in the NFL to sign a new contract. It's now a done deal for Aaron Donald with the Rams. So, I'm ready to call it -- the first-ever all Los Angeles Super Bowl.

It will be the Rams versus the Chargers in Super Bowl LIII.

We are officially California dreamin'.

I didn't sweat the Rams pick. Once Donald got his deserved megabuck contract, it was go time. I've been saying all offseason that once L.A. inked the best non-quarterback in the NFL, the Rams had the best roster in the NFL. I love everything about this club.

I don't want to hear that they built a "dream team" doomed to fail. The Rams had a robust yet savvy offseason. Brandin Cooks was the missing piece on offense to fly down field. Yes, Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib, and Ndamukong Suh were available in part because they can be knuckleheads. But they are great players. And here's the beauty of the Rams:

They can bring these cats in because of the culture and coaching. Sean McVay is a stud. Nobody is going to mess with the iconic Wade Phillips. And how is any offensive line going to block the Donald-Suh combination? Donald has been unstoppable for years.

He's the most elite defender in the sport, bar none. And now Suh signs a one-year deal this offseason to join him? Wow.

And it's more than all right to be obsessed with the Rams' offense. McVay's play calling is next level. Last year was so exciting. This year will be better. Jared Goff is thriving under McVay. Cooks is dreamy.

Todd Gurley is simply superb, returning to that level after the team finally jettisoned the atrocious Jeff Fisher, who ran what Gurley famously called a "middle school offense." Gurley will have the best season of his career this year.

The Rams ooze talent. They will have a top-nine offense and defense. In fact, it wouldn't shock me if they end up in the top five in both categories. The coaching and leadership will keep them focused with great expectations. And that has to be the case in the NFC, with six legit Super Bowl teams and 10-12 potential playoff teams.

The NFC is loaded. The Falcons, Eagles, Vikings, and Packers all need to be accounted for. The Rams are the most talented team in football, though.

Now, I know the Chargers are the pick that will get more squints and head shakes. The critics will laugh that the Chargers find ways to lose, can't get over the hump, and missed three kicks as you were reading about the Rams.

And I get it.

But I love this Chargers team.

And I have questions throughout the AFC.

I know the Patriots' upside with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick is to win the Super Bowl. Obviously. It's the best dynasty in sports history. But that receiver core is so weak. And the issues that have bubbled up are legit.

The Steelers have contractual/social-media/looking-ahead/not-buttoned-up drama issues.

I love the Jaguars, but, you know, Blake Bortles. And L.A. vs. Jacksonville is my AFC title game.

I'm in on the Houston bounceback and I'm driving the Patrick Mahomes train.


But the Chargers have talent, upside, balance, and really, they are due. In talking to Chargers general manager Tom Telesco on our SiriusXM radio show "Schein on Sports," there is a belief this team knows how to win and will get over the hump.

I asked Telesco how you change the culture of a team, and I found his answer to be so smart and comprehensive. "I think a lot of it is just preparation," Telesco said. "A lot of it comes from the practice field. A lot of it comes from running different situations that you practice on Wednesday and Thursday and Friday and even on a Saturday walk-through about how you're going to handle different situations late in games.

There are so many quality teams in the NFL, so many games in the fourth quarter come down to a possession here, a possession there. A made kick, a missed kick. I thought last year we saw great improvement.

I think having two pass rushers can help you close out games and having some weapons on offense can help you try to score late. So, yeah, I mean each year to me is unique to itself. I thought last year we improved there and we gotta keep it going this year."

It's practice and coaching and attention to detail and leadership. And the Chargers, in my opinion, have those things. They finally have "it" with the great talent.

Philip Rivers is still playing like a Hall of Famer. And make no mistake, he will be enshrined in Canton one day. Melvin Gordon is a great back. Keenan Allen is a machine at receiver. Mike Williams' rookie season was a lost cause, but he will break out this season. Joey Bosa is a star.

The Bosa and Melvin Ingram pairing is the best pass-rushing combination in the sport. Telesco could get arrested for stealing safety Derwin James with the 17th selection in the first round of this year's draft -- he's my pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The defensive backfield is talented, even after the season-ending injuries suffered by Jason Verrett and Jaylen Watkins.

And let's be honest, the Chargers are due. Forever, the Chargers have felt cursed. Whatever could go wrong obviously would. Their mind-numbing losses are plentiful and soul crushing.

Heck, last year it seemed like they were the only team on the road for 16 weeks with the crowd at "home" in the franchise's first year in L.A. rooting for the opposing team! Anthony Lynn and his staff are the right guys to shift the culture and raise the bar on the accountability and expectations.

Over the course of five days in early May, I interviewed both Rams GM Les Snead and Telesco on our radio show. There was a pretty remarkable, legit, and similar confidence from both about their rosters and how to get to the promised land.

The Rams have the expectations. The Chargers will have to follow the Hollywood script. Assuming L.A. is paying attention. And the fans should start. I love this team.

I'm all in on both.

For the Super Bowl in Atlanta, we are officially California dreamin'.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...wl-why-chargers-rams-will-play-for-2018-title

https://www.therams.com/_mobileview/news/rams-power-rankings-week-1

Mixed bag...except Pete Pricksco from CBS. Dude doesn't even have a decent defense for why he's placing them @ #9.

Petey: "Well, they made significant improvements to an already strong roster. That will put immense pressure on them, so I have them at 9th".

What a buffoon.

Saw that Jets picked him up and added to practice squad. Would adding another Cal guy to the team behind Goff be better than Mannion?

The 1999 season was so unexpected that by the time you exhaled, we effing won the Super Bowl. After 2005, mediocrity and misery returned to our fan base for over a decade.

In 2017, my expectations was tempered. It couldn't be any worse than Jeff Fisher Era with McVay right? It wasn't 1999, but a winning record, NFC West title, and a playoff birth was more than what I hoped for.

The trades, drafts, signings, etc, seems so smooth (except the AD hold-out) that for once I feel the "football gods" favors us.

Witnessing or being part of mediocrity and misery over the years as a fan makes me cautiously optimistic. The losing culture is hard to overcome. On the flip side, a winning culture breeds arrogance. I don't fault a Pats fan for being that way, it's part of their DNA since 2001 when they won it all in our expense no less.

Its been so long but for once i'm excited and all in for 2018. Any one else feel this way?

None of them picked the Rams to win the Super Bowl. The Rams do get mentioned a few times, so there's that.
****************************************************************************************
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/09/04/nfl-predictions-2018-playoff-picks-super-bowl-champion-awards

NFL Predictions 2018: Playoff Picks, Super Bowl LIII Champion, Award Winners and More
By THE MMQB STAFF

Last season the Eagles laughed at everyone’s preseason predictions en route to defeating the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. Will we see a return to the mean with one of the perennial favorites taking the crown or can another unexpected team rise above the rest?

The 2018 NFL season kicks off with the Falcons heading up to Philadelphia to take on the reigning Super Bowl champs on Thursday. But before that can happen, the writers and editors of The MMQB peer into the crystal ball to make playoff and Super Bowl LIII predictions, pick award winners and explain what they think will be the standout storyline this season.

ALBERT BREER


NFL MVP: Drew Brees, QB, Saints
Offensive Player of the Year: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys
Defensive Player of the Year: Cam Jordan, DE, Saints
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Roquan Smith, LB, Bears
Comeback Player of the Year: Andrew Luck, QB, Colts
Coach of the Year: Bill O’Brien, Texans

If the Vikings can stay healthy, there isn’t a major hole on the roster. Sure, there are depth issues along the offensive and defensive lines, but if they keep their guys upright in those areas—I am a tad concerned about that—this should be a 12- or 13-win team.

And because they play in the NFC North, they’ll be as battle tested as it gets coming out of the regular season. The AFC, which is much weaker this year than the NFC, really is a crapshoot, which is why I’m forecasting some playoff upsets before we get to Atlanta on Feb. 3.

Storyline to watch in 2018: Outside of the lowering-the-helmet rule, which I think will be heavily discussed for six or so weeks, I think the continued dominance of older quarterbacks in the standings will be up there. Seven of my 12 playoff teams are piloted by 30-somethings. Six of those quarterbacks, accounting for half the field, are 33 years old or older. And four of them are 36 or older.

GREG BISHOP


NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Bradley Chubb, LB, Broncos
Comeback player of the year: Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans
Coach of the year: Mike Zimmer, Vikings

A Super Bowl rematch? Hey, stranger things have happened. I like the Patriots in an AFC that feels truly up for grabs, if only because of their postseason experience and two guys you might have heard of: Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The usual Super Bowl hangover may apply here, but I believe New England will overcome that by the end, and they should win their division at half speed. The NFC to me has a deeper field—I think the four top teams each could represent the conference in the Super Bowl.

I picked the Eagles because I think Carson Wentz will play at an MVP level again this season, and I like the pieces they added on defense like Michael Bennett and Sidney Jones (a 2017 second-round corner who was rehabbing a torn ligament last year). I don’t see any reason why the Eagles can’t win again, other than no team has repeated in over a decade.

As for the awards, don’t think I’m out on a limb on any of them. Rodgers Brown, Boa, etc.—great, transcendent players. And I believe that Zimmer will position the Vikings for a run at the Super Bowl, and since Pederson and McVay won various coaching awards last season, I like him to win this year.

Storyline to watch in 2018: Last season it felt like injuries were the dominant story. This season I think we’ll see an equal and opposite reaction to that, with everyone focusing on the comebacks: Rodgers, Watson and J.J. Watt coming back from injury, the Vikings coming back to truly contending and Los Angeles football coming back to true relevance with the Rams and Chargers. Comeback season is upon us.

JENNY VRENTAS


NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Offensive Player of the Year: Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Derwin James, S, Chargers
Comeback Player of the Year: Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans
Coach of the Year: Asshole Face, Saints

The Patriots no doubt have their share of question marks, from last year’s uncharacteristic in-house drama to a defense that gave up more than 500 yards in the playoffs. And that’s not mentioning the prognosis is historically not good for teams that lost the Super Bowl the year before. But, picking the Patriots also doesn’t require a lot of explanation, so I’m going to stop here.

The NFC is a deeper field. The Rams have the most hype; Atlanta might have the best roster in the league; and the Packers have the most talented QB. But I like the Saints to make a run—and they obviously feel that way, too, otherwise they wouldn’t have ponied up a third-round pick for a back-up QB (plus a sixth-rounder) who is not under contract past this year.

Teddy Bridgewater is their insurance for what they clearly believe can be a Super Bowl season. Patriots 31, Saints 28, and Gisele asks, is this one the last one?

Storyline to watch in 2018: The new wave of quarterbacks. The perceived panic a few years back about teams not being able to find franchise passers from the crop of college QBs has predictably ceded to great enthusiasm for this next era of young signal callers. Who will be this year’s Carson Wentz, taking a giant leap into the MVP conversation?

How big of an impact will the five rookie QBs drafted in the first round this year make, if they get onto the field at all? Will an up-and-coming team be able to take advantage of that magical window when they are flush with cap space on account of employing a player on his rookie contract under center? Tune in this season to find out!

ROBERT KLEMKO


NFL MVP: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Sam Darnold, QB, Jets
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Bradley Chubb, LB, Broncos
Comeback Player of the Year: Richard Sherman, CB, 49ers
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Chiefs

I picked the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl, so naturally in such a scenario they’ll have a few people exceeding expectations. For my money, it’s Reid, arguably the finest coach in the NFL to never win a Super Bowl as head coach, and Hunt, the second-year running back who accounted to more than 1,700 offensive yards as a rookie in 2017.

With Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill stretching the field, the Chiefs promise to have an explosive offense in 2018 (if Mahomes is any good) and that means plenty of opportunities for Hunt to salt games away on the ground. Darnold’s had a successful preseason, and he has a greater chance to start 16 games than any other rookie quarterback.

Chubb’s in position for a breakout rookie year because has what no other rookie edge rusher has: Von Miller on the other side, absorbing double teams and chip blockers. Bosa is next to arrive in the upper echelon of pass rushers, and it doesn't hurt that he’s got Ingram on the other side. Sherman is going to be tested coming off the Achilles injury, and I’ve never seen that man fail a test.

Storyline to watch in 2018: I’m fascinated to see how Sean McVay and Wade Phillips manage a talent-packed locker room full of new faces. If Les Snead’s strategy of dealing high draft picks for veteran contributors ends in a championship, I think you’ll see more teams in contention trade away their future for the present, especially teams with quarterbacks on rookie contracts.

JONATHAN JONES


NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Offensive Player of the Year: Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints
Defensive Player of the Year: Luke Kuechly, LB, Panthers
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Sam Darnold, QB, Jets
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Marcus Davenport, DE, Saints
Comeback Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, DE, Texans
Coach of the Year: Dan Quinn, Falcons

The Packers haven’t had a top-10 defense since 2010, and despite stellar quarterback play in the seven years since (injuries notwithstanding), it has helped keep them out of the Super Bowl. Now Green Bay has loaded up on defense, Aaron Rodgers has a full complement of weapons on offense and Green Bay gets the top overall seed in the NFC. Did I pick this Super Bowl matchup last year, too? You bet I did.

As for players of the year, look for Kamara to fully usurp Mark Ingram thanks to the latter’s four-game suspension to start the season. And a healthy Kuechly will lead the NFL in tackles again for a Panthers team that is good enough for postseason football if the NFC weren’t so stacked. Speaking of, I think whoever wins the NFC South—the toughest division in football—deserves the coach of the year trophy, and that’s why fourth-year head coach Dan Quinn gets it in his third straight trip to the postseason.

Storyline to watch in 2018: I don’t know what twists and turns the Patriots saga will take, but I’m confident it will continue throughout this season. We’ve seen cracks in the past two years, and now everyone is aware that not all is hunky dory with Kraft, Belichick and Brady.

What happens when the offensive line falters, or when Brady realizes he doesn’t have enough offensive weapons to keep this offense performing at the historic level he’s accustomed to? When on-field adversity hits these Patriots, who will leak what to the media, and how will that be handled internally? If you believe this dynasty is crumbling at some rate, then 2018 will offer more clues.

CONOR ORR


NFL MVP: Cam Newton, QB, Panthers
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Defensive Player of the Year: Khalil Mack, DE, Bears
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Bradley Chubb, LB, Broncos
Comeback Player of the Year: Eli Manning, QB, Giants
Coach of the Year: Ron Rivera, Panthers

This is going to be a weird season, but something about my time in Carolina sold me on the Panthers this year. Christian McCaffrey is going to have a Faulk-ian 2018 and Newton will be let out of the pocket with reckless abandon. The vibe around defensive coordinator Eric Washington is strong. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes lights up the NFL and the Bengals emerge as the “what the hell?” team of 2018 behind a resurgent John Ross and dominant defense.

Storyline to watch in 2018: After Barkley, Fournette and McCaffrey take over 2018, everyone will be on the search for the next franchise-changing running back atop the ’19 draft class.

ANDY BENOIT


NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Offensive Player of the Year: Julio Jones, WR, Falcons
Defensive Player of the Year: Von Miller, LB, Broncos
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Roquan Smith, LB, Bears
Comeback Player of the Year: Andrew Luck, QB, Colts
Coach of the Year: Todd Bowles, Jets

When in doubt, bet on talent. Rodgers remains the NFL’s most physically gifted quarterback, Jones is the most imposing wide receiver and Miller is the most explosive defensive player. Barkley will be credited for the Giants’ bounce-back year on offense, and football people will tout Smith for his fit in Chicago’s scheme.

Storyline to watch in 2018: The rookie quarterbacks. I think that all five first-round rookie QBs—Baker Mayfield (Browns), Sam Darnold (Jets), Josh Allen (Bills), Josh Rosen (Cardinals) and Lamar Jackson (Ravens)—will take over before the season ends. Especially with the CBA limiting practice time, there just aren’t enough reps for young passers to develop from the bench. Through 2017, 24 of the last 27 first-round QBs became their team’s starter as a rookie. The trend will continue.

KALYN KAHLER


NFL MVP: Drew Brees, QB, Saints
Offensive Player of the Year: Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints
Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Sam Darnold, QB, Jets
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Bradley Chubb, LB, Broncos
Comeback player of the year: Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles
Coach of the Year: Mike Zimmer, Vikings

Minnesota return the majority of its 2017 starting lineup, and there’s a lot to say about the importance and rarity of consistency in the league. The team added a more proven quarterback in Kirk Cousins, return RB Dalvin Cook from injury and boosted a defense which ranked first in the league last season by adding safety George Iloka and defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson and drafting cornerback Mike Hughes in the first round.

The NFC was deep last year, and it’s only gotten more competitive this season. I could see the Rams, Saints, Eagles or Falcons all winning the Super Bowl this season. Even though Brady always makes do with less and turns water into wine, I think the lack of offensive weapons, coupled by off-field drama that impacts on-field play, is too much for New England to overcome this year. The Vikings are the most complete team in the league, and this season they’ll finally take home the title.

Storyline to watch in 2018: I’m still riding the Browns Hard Knocks high, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how Cleveland’s 2018 season unfolds. As we’ve seen on HBO, this is a group of coaches and players who desperately want to win. New general manager John Dorsey has not been shy in drafting the guys he wants and getting rid of the inherited players that don’t fit his specific image for the Browns.

This has to be the season the Browns break through—and by break through, I mean cross the one-win threshold… The question is, in what circumstance and at what point in the season will the Browns revert on their commitment to Baker Mayfield’s redshirt season?

BEN BASKIN


NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Offensive Player of the Year: Rodgers
Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Bills
Comeback Player of the Year: Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans
Coach of the Year: Mike Zimmer, Vikings

I’ll stop picking the Patriots when Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are no longer there—it’s as simple as that. The team has limited time left in its reign, and I think they’ll win one more before it’s over. Rodgers is motivated to prove he’s worth his big contract, so a monster year is coming, even by his standards. Bosa is on the precipice of true greatness.

Barkley will be the most talked about rookie all season, and if he even comes close to matching the hype, the award is his. While Josh Allen is the most talked about rookie in Buffalo, Edwards is the one that will shine this year; an athletic marvel who can do anything physically possible from the middle linebacker position.

Watson is not only incredibly gifted, but incredibly fun to watch play football; if he is back to his rookie form, the award is his. And Zimmer has been slept on enough. His players love him, and his team is shaping up to be the class of the NFC.

Storyline to watch in 2018: Coming off a 12-month stretch filled with turmoil and rumors and reports of their demise, the Patriots were within a couple of plays of winning yet another Super Bowl. Then all of their problems ostensibly spilled into this offseason, with uncharacteristic Instagram posts and headline fodder quotes and even players skipping minicamp.

New England has been an unprecedented dynasty in NFL history, with their reign spanning not one, but two decades. But now Brady is 41 years old and Belichick is 66—the end is near. Will they go out with one more win? Or will this whole thing combust in spectacular fashion? We will be watching every single week and parsing every single game or play or quote for evidence one way or the other. It will be the prevailing topic all season.

ANDREW BRANDT


NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Offensive Player of the Year: Todd Gurley, RB, Rams
Defensive Player of the Year: Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jaguars
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Bradley Chubb, LB, Broncos
Comeback Player of the Year: Andrew Luck, QB, Colts
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Chiefs

The Packers have Rodgers, the best player in football, returning to the team after a prolonged absence, now signed for the next six years, happy and healthy. I also love the hire of Mike Pettine and a more aggressive defense. The usual suspects will circle in the NFC—Vikings, Saints, Falcons, Rams—but the Packers and Eagles are top of the class, with Rodgers’s singular abilities winning the day at the end.

In the AFC, Jacksonville will get there the opposite way that the Packers will: without a premium quarterback. They have built and refined offensive and defensive lines that will wear teams out, especially late in the year. And yes, Blake Bortles will do enough to get them to the Super Bowl.

Storyline to watch in 2018: The league’s biggest challenge is attracting and maintaining younger viewers. With so many options and fractured viewership, the NFL has to recognize their new fans will not sit blindly for three hours to watch a product with 11 minutes of action.

The league started having fewer commercials, more split-screen advertising, etc. but will need to do more. And the advent of legalized gambling is an integral part of engaging younger fans as well as a much-needed and lucrative revenue source. This issue will continue to dominate as the NFL tries to embrace cord-cutters, new media and a changing landscape of content delivery.

MICHAEL BELLER


NFL MVP: Drew Brees, QB, Saints
Offensive Player of the Year: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Giants
Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Roquan Smith, LB, Bears
Comeback Player of the Year: Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans
Coach of the Year: Pat Shurmur, Giants

I firmly believe the Saints were the best team in the NFL last year, and that if not for the fluky Minnesota Miracle, we’d be talking about Brees and company going for a Super Bowl repeat this season. That entire team is back this season, and there’s reason to believe it can be even better. So many of its key players—Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, Marshon Lattimore, Sheldon Rankins, Ryan Ramczyk—are 25 or younger, and the team strengthened the defense over the offseason, bringing in linebacker Demario Davis and safety Kurt Coleman.

The 39-year-old Brees didn’t miss a beat last year, setting an NFL record in completion percentage while leading the league in yards per attempt. There won’t be anything, flukes or otherwise, derailing the Saints this year. As for the Eagles missing the playoffs, I don’t think they’re as insured against Carson Wentz missing time as many think. Remember, they have a brutal schedule that includes matchups with the Saints, Falcons, Panthers, Vikings, Rams, Texans, Jaguars and Titans.

Storyline to watch in 2018: The NFC is loaded. The Saints, Falcons, Vikings, Packers, Rams and Eagles all look like Super Bowl contenders on paper. The Panthers won 11 games last year. The Bears and 49ers are ascending. The Seahawks still have Russell Wilson. The Cardinals won eight games last year despite losing David Johnson in Week 1 and Carson Palmer after seven games.

How many NFC teams do you feel comfortable writing off as playoff contenders? (For me, just the Buccaneers.) I think there’s an argument for any of the 15 other teams to make the playoffs, and that’s going to make the NFC a ton of fun to watch this season, especially from Thanksgiving through the end of the season.

MARK MRAVIC


NFL MVP: Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Defensive Player of the Year: Jalen Ramsey
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Minkah Fitzpatrick
Comeback Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, DE, Texans
Coach of the Year: Anthony Lynn, Chargers

Explainer: California dreamin’? In June, The MMQB dedicated a week of content to the idea that this could be the best year ever for the NFL in the Golden State. I’m sold! I think the promise of Jimmy Garoppolo (and Kyle Shanahan) in San Francisco is real.

Sean McVay’s offense paired with a defense that stocked up on major talent will make the Rams a juggernaut. And very quietly, the Chargers have built one of the strongest and best-balanced rosters in the NFL. This is the season Philip Rivers finally gets his due. And who can resist the prospect of the AFC Championship Game being played in the 27,000-seat StubHub Center?

Storyline: It has to end sometime for the Patriots, right? This season will signal the beginning of the decline of the Brady-Belichick dynasty. No matter how brilliant, Belichick can’t continue to patch together championship-caliber teams out of thin air.

The behind-the-scenes cracks began to show last season, and those will play out on the field this year. New England should still win a weak division (though look for the Jets to push them), but will exit the playoffs early, to serious questions about what the future holds for the game’s greatest quarterback and greatest coach.

GARY GRAMLING


NFL MVP: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
Offensive Player of the Year: Julio Jones, WR, Falcons
Defensive Player of the Year: Fletcher Cox, DE, Eagles
Offensive Rookie of the Tear: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Dolphins
Comeback Player of the Year: Andrew Luck, QB, Colts
Coach of the Year: Adam Gase, Dolphins

I want to point out how heartbroken I am to have excluded the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs from this playoff projection (which, if you didn’t realize, will prove to be 100% accurate). As for the teams I actually put in the postseason, they will show that you can turn around a defense quickly with good, young cornerbacks (think Marshon Lattimore, the Jaguars guys, etc.).

In Green Bay, they have three promising ones (Kevin King and rookies Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson), and if two of them are good the Packers immediately go from a C-minus defense to a B-plus defense. Throw in Aaron Rodgers (who always performs better with a good flex tight end, enter Jimmy Graham) and you have a world champion.

I also thought about picking the Lions to win it all, with the tragically underappreciated Matthew Stafford making the kind of gutsy, late-in-the-down plays that Nick Foles pulled off last winter and stud-in-the-making Jarrad Davis leading an opportunistic defense, but I came to realize I am a coward. I also think Adam Gase earns back his wiz-kid branding with his culture reset in Miami.

Storyline to watch in 2018: No one realizes it because they’ve been too busy wasting their lives spending quality time with loved ones, making them blind to the fact that passer rating is a flawed, outdated stat that puts too great an emphasis on simply not throwing interceptions, but offenses across the league will finally realize that the game is skewed so heavily in their favor—both the rules and the player pool—that the ultra-conservative strategy of avoiding the turnover above all will go out the window and most teams will start actually trying to score points rather than being paralyzed by fear.

Young quarterbacks (Mahomes! Watson! Darnold!) will test tight windows downfield and make plays late in the down. The result will be a few more interceptions, but also a record-setting year for scoring, inspiring the kind of run-on sentences you just trudged through (that first one is 99 words!).

BETTE MARSTON


NFL MVP: Drew Brees, QB, Saints
Offensive Player of the Year: Dalvin Cook, RB, Vikings
Defensive Player of the Year: Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jaguars
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Marcus Davenport, DE, Saints
Comeback Player of the Year: Andrew Luck, QB, Colts
Coach of the Year: Anthony Lynn, Chargers

This Super Bowl prediction says less about the winner and more about the loser—losing the Super Bowl two years in a row is enough to bring about changes in an increasingly unstable New England. Carson Wentz will return nearly as strong as before, and the Eagles will become the first repeat NFC East champions since Philadelphia won the division from 2001-04. And because some things never change, the Bengals are going to nab an AFC wild-card spot, igniting the conversation over whether or not Marvin Lewis can win a playoff game (hint: he will not).

Storyline to watch in 2018: Week in and week out, we’re going to be hanging on the news of the most important position in football—the quarterbacks. Until Jimmy Garoppolo loses as a 49ers starter, San Francisco games will be must-watch.

If Joe Flacco gets off to a slow start to the season, how long until the Ravens will start rookie Lamar Jackson? Will Kirk Cousins live up to his massive contract in Minneapolis? How long will it take the quarterbacks returning from injury—Deshaun Watson, Carson Wentz, Aaron Rodgers—to get back up to speed? It’s the most important position in football for the reason.

MITCH GOLDICH


NFL MVP: Drew Brees, QB, Saints
Offensive Player of the Year: Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
Defensive Player of the Year: Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jaguars
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Derwin James, S, Chargers
Comeback Player of the Year: David Johnson, RB, Cardinals
Coach of the Year: Sean McVay, Rams

One of the best blueprints to reach the Super Bowl is to have a kickass QB on a rookie contract, and the Chiefs very well might have one in Patrick Mahomes. He steps into a great situation with regard to both the quality of his weapons and the way they’ll be utilized under coach Andy Reid. Kansas City is not a trendy pick, but the Chiefs seem to always be mix—they’ve won 53 games in Reid’s five seasons, always staying above .500.

If and when the Patriots’ decline eventually begins, Kansas City should be one of the teams positioned to capitalize. Coming out of the NFC, in which there are eight or nine legit Super Bowl contenders, I like the Saints on both sides of the ball, and it just feels like this Brees/Payton run deserves another Super Bowl appearance. They were as close to the big game as anybody last season and should be right back.

So I was thinking. I know Stu.... don't do that. Anyway...… Anyone think there's a chance that if we get the lead, McVay decides not to embarrass Gruden out of respect for his elder and the man that gave him his first coaching job?

I'm not saying he will go so far as to coach to lose but maybe just enough to win without blowing out? I am predicting a blow out in this game. I know I shouldn't because my brain always tells me not to assume. But I can't help it here. So if we get up big, anyone else think we won't go total shecock game on their asses?

A lot has been said about our LBers being our most obvious weakness or at least biggest uncertainty.
Imo the elephant in the room is our age on the O-line. Odds are not in our favor to match last years performance or health from Whit, Sully or Saffold.
But on defense, I dont think even we are prepared for just how good this unit will be. We might not have the leagues highest scoring O this year, and if we are outside the top 5 it wouldnt totally shock me. That kind of productivity is very rarely repeated.
When the season is over, which unit finishes as our greatest strength?

I mean ffs, even our STs has the talent and coaching to be the leagues best once again. Amazing!

No, I'm not offering my own predictions for the entire NFL. Aside from by rock solid, unbiased, prediction of 14-2, and Super bowl win whistle..

I'm astounded by the low balling of the team by "experts" More than one had us barely winning the division at 10-6 or 11-5, and losing in the Wild Card round, once again. I look at our loaded roster and think that we are unstoppable. We have an improved version of the highest scoring offense in 2017. Our defense is insanely good on paper, and those 7 plays in 3rd preseason game without Aaron Donald, vs the Texans, looked unstoppable...Why is our team underrated, when it seems to me we should be the favorites to win everything?

Finally the Predict the Score thread has come back to ROD




The rules are as follows

Predict the final score of this weeks game vs the Raiders. Closest pick to the actual score, including the correct winning team will win $10,000.00 RODollars to be spent any way you want.

Pick the exact score, including the correct winning team and win a whopping $25,000.00 RODollars.

Only scores in this thread will count.

The winner will be the first poster with the closest score, as determined by the time posted. There are no ties. The winner will be required to post a bet in the sportsbook (https://ramsondemand.com/sportsbook/category/national-football-league.1/) in order to claim the prize. If not claimed in 2 weeks the prize will be forfeited.



So lets see those score predictions

Colin Kaepernick has a new deal with Nike, even without having a job in the NFL.

Kaepernick’s attorney, Mark Geragos, made the announcement on Twitter, calling the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback an “All American Icon” and crediting attorney Ben Meiselas for getting the deal done.

Kaepernick also posted a Nike ad featuring his face and wrote: “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt”

Kaepernick already had a deal with Nike that was set to expire, but it was renegotiated into a multi-year deal to make him one of the faces of Nike’s 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign, according to a person familiar with the contract.


The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Nike hasn’t officially announced the contract.

The source says Nike will feature Kaepernick on several platforms, including billboards, television commercials and online ads.

Nike also will create an apparel line for Kaepernick and contribute to his Know Your Rights charity.

Last week, Kaepernick scored a legal victory in his grievance against the NFL and its 32 teams when an arbitrator denied the league’s request to throw out the quarterback’s claims that owners conspired to keep him out of the league because of his protests of social injustice.

Kaepernick began his kneeling during the national anthem in the 2016 season and was not with an NFL team last year.

.

i have this problem in a few leagues.

normally i would start goff without question but i worry the offense might be a little off in their first outing of the season.

am i worrying about nothing? should i start goff with confidence?

.

* For any Raiders fans reading this, we invite you to come in and join the discussion. It's easy and free. *
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Yes, fellow Rams fanatics, it's that time of year again as we delve deep into the minds of opposing fans before and after every game their team plays against the Rams. Unlike previous seasons, the mockery and derision of opposing fan bases will most likely be replaced by envy and fear, as it should be.

I attended quite a few Raiders games while living in San Jose, CA for over 30 years. It's not an easy opponent no matter what the team looks like on paper. The Black Hole filled with their rabid fans doesn't help.


www.sportsonearth.com

The Rams are 1-3 vs. the Raiders in Oakland. The Raiders lead the series 8-5. That said, as others here have mentioned, the Rams will start off slowly, build momentum and eventually dispose of the Raiders in expected fashion. Don't freak out if the score is close at the end of the first half. All will be well.
********************************************************************************
Raiders fans are still in collective shock over their abysmal offseason culminating in the trade of Khalil Mack. So the focus, for the most part, has not yet shifted to their upcoming game against the Rams. There are some comments here and there but that will change during the week as cold, hard reality sets in.

These are selected comments. To read all the comments and in their full context click the links provided. Enjoy!
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com...happy-not-to-face-khalil-mack-oakland-raiders

LA Rams Todd Gurley and company happy not to face Khalil Mack

Hopefully our young DL steps up, and punishes them for taking us lightly.
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Tank is first string on that side.
That makes sense he has several years of experience. Being a 49er he has faced the Rams many times.
Gurly is his #1 target.
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Smiling ear to ear waiting for Monday Night
Bruce Irvin,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Jellie Ellis,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,P.J. Hall,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Tank Carradine
.
Arden Key,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Maurice Hurst,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Treyvon Hester,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Fadol Brown
.
Shilique Calhoun ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Frostee Rucker
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I gotta be honest
That linebacker corps looks lackluster at best.
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Raiders laughingstock of the league, all raiders opponents know the raiders are in rebuild mode, and all the other teams know we got weaker.

Yup, just as terrible as yesterday. Now we have more independent confirmation lol.
Damn, already drinking before 9:00 a.m.
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Until proven otherwise, we have no defense.
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https://raiderforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=13675&view=unread#unread

Rams vs Raiders What we're looking for

Not to get beat 52-0 by them again
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I suspect it will be a close game. Depending upon how much or how little the last 24 hours impacts the team will go a long way in determining if they are able to win it.

P.S.: No more fence sitting. Raiders win and the main story-line is: Rams' Big names on D Outplayed by the Upstart Raider D.
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Gunther loves using Double-A Gap pressure. It will be fun to see Goff piss himself when his daddy McVay on the sidelines calls the wrong protection package.

The Rams weakness is their LBs ... After they get trucked a couple of times by Lynch, I want to see them in pass coverage against Jalen Richard and Jared Cook. This will be Jared Cook's super bowl, he will want to make the Rams regret cutting him before the 2016 season.
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A bad loss to start the season. This is based on what I've seen from our tackles. Carr is going to get killed.
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My main concern is their corners. Marcus Peters eats Derek for breakfast. In this case dinner. If Derek starts floatin the deep ball it’ll be pick city. Talib and Peters is a scary combo. I bet Gruden is going to put a heavy emphasis on the run game. Can our secondary hold up? If Conley is good to go we already are way better than last year on the corner.

The weakness of this defense is at safety. The Rams lost their deep threat in Sammy Watkins but replaced him with Cooks who gave us trouble in the past. They don’t have a prolific tight end so that’s a bonus. We need to get to Goff and stop Gurley. Can this defense generate a pass rush? I am not a Bruce Irvin fan. I see him take too many plays off. He is not relentless.
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As for Talib i think Nelson has the experience & juice to man handled him all night, Talib is always great when he get people riled ip & annoyed Nelson wont do that he’ll be cool calm & collected & brush him off.

The run game is key as well Suh cant play the run he was getting blown off consistently by our interior last year & Donald not being there all preseason he could be rusty, shame we could have Warren on the roster a combination of him & Lynch could work the Rams over physically big punishing o-line & runner would have been perfect.
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I don't think we'll get blown out but I don't think we'll win. Rams 28 Raiders 17
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Really tough team to open the season against, I hate saying it but I have a bad feeling about this game
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34-24 Raiders. A late 24. Gruden will BEG this team to make him look good lol.
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I expect the Rams to win by at least ten....
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Looking to not be embarrassed
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We’re gonna get smoked...

52-14 smoked!
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I expect this game to be comical
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Aaron Donald don’t got shit on Rodney Hudson. Our defensive line is gonna EAT to prove a point.

31-14 Raiders.
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I predict we will not only beat the rams, we will blow them out by at least 10 points.
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The Rams are full of high-priced, high-profile cancers. This reminds me of the Eagles “dream team” that Nnamdi went to. Just watch what happens to a team like this when they encounter a little adversity. Talib, Peters, and Suh? This young coaching staff better know how to deal with that.
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A blow out by the Rams.
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We can win this game. Not sure why some are saying we will get blown out. We have talent also and we’re 12-4 two seasons ago with vastly better coaching on both sides of the ball. It will be a close game. Raiders 27-24.
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I think we're going to get killed. Rams are familiar with their system while Gruden is trying to get a feel for his team...Probably do better as the year goes on.
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We ran all over Suh last year in Miami, Peters doesnt have Eric Berry to cover his ass any more, Talib again doesn't have the no fly zone covering him, Goff is far from the finished product he has his flaws, We have speed now to cover Cooks add to thst he an average receiver & Donald hasnt been in camp so wont be fully ready to turn it on but even then i think Hudson, KO & Gabe could shut him & Suh down

We went 12-4 then it imploded this has happened to plenty of teams over the years you give to much respect to the Rams they are good they may well best us but there not unbeatable they have to see Raiders fans give up just because one player leaves is actually a sad state of affair
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The key will be if we can stop Gurley and their run game. Not sure how our young guys are against the run, but losing Mack definitely hurts. They are a good team, but not unbeatable. Goff isn’t great and I can seem him regressing a tad like Carr did. I think we be in it until the end.

tomorrow morning will have surgery to remove a cancer in bladder, great Doc and everything should be fine, but if not back in a week send out the troops!

train

LA RAMS 2018 "Defensive Personnel"


The new NFL season is about to "kick-off" and even though it's a little bit later than usual, I decided it was time to release my annual roster presentations. With all of the Rams big name "Pro Bowl" acquisitions, moving roster parts, and their front office finally agreeing to a contract extension that locked up future "Hall of Fame" DT Aaron Donald, it was an obvious choice to release the "Defensive Personnel" first.

There will be some more subtle tweaks and changes but for now, this is what we have to go on and I've listed all the current defensive players that survived the first 53 man roster release.

We all remember how the 2017 Rams defense showed chinks in their armor throughout the regular season. The starting defensive personnel and backup depth simply was not talented enough to make a deep playoff run.

After ending their long grueling 13 year playoff drought, I think it's fair to assume that most of us fans believed the Rams roster as a whole was still talented enough to get a wild-card victory at home vs Atlanta.

No cigar, as the offense sputtered combined with special teams miscues, a tired worn down Rams defense eventually crumbled in the second half.

Of course there were other reasons to blame for the loss. Maybe coach McVay abandoned the run to soon? Early in the game Jared Goff was off the mark with his slow start. Those special teams blunders by all-pro returner Pharoh Cooper were paramount.

Aside from our personal opinions, the Rams defense got exposed in their quick exit from the wild-card round. The overall starting personnel on the 2017 defense and lack of quality depth, was not good enough to carry the team on a day when the offense and special teams struggled.

The current group of players on the Rams 2018 roster won't be as easily forgiven should they stay relatively healthy for the duration of the upcoming season. This unit as a whole has too much talent on paper to be a one and done playoff contender. There are still some question marks but they won't be answered until this squad gets a couple of games under their belts.

The off-season defensive roster pieces assembled by Les Snead and company, gives the Rams a real opportunity to field a unique special defensive group. If they trust in each other and gel like some of us believe they will, there is no reason they should'nt live up to their hype.

Like many of you wise Rams fans, I have faith they will stay the course and follow the guidance of their legendary oldschool, modern day DC. Wade Phillips has been given the players he needed to mold a championship caliber defense.


“He still dominates the people he plays. Let’s just say he Ndominates people.” “We’re going to do him the same as we do Donald,” Phillips said, referring to Suh. “When you get a great player, that’s what you do. He’s a good match up in most situations and he’s smart, too. Like J.J. Watt, it was the same thing with him. We could move J.J. around a lot, but he was also smart enough to know how to play it when he was moved around. Ndamukong, we’re going to move him around, sure.”

“Marcus Peters, a couple plays last year, he’s playing man-to-man, and they throw it to another player and he intercepts it. That’s what I’m talking about. ‘No, you cover your man.’ Well, if you intercept it when they throw it to somebody else, that’s great. So those are the kinds of guys they are.”

"We're going to have personality now. You bring in Aqib Talib, you're going to have personality," "It's not manage though. I don't manage players, I don't handle players, I just work with players. "I want them to have personalities. A lot of them are really good because of their personalities, they're confident in themselves."

This off-season bonanza by the Rams has garnered them the "all in" Super Bowl or bust label. Many pundits inside NFL media circles have speculated this team might implode when adversity comes knocking at their door. With all of the star studded hype that they've gotten, this team will constantly be under the media microscope and is one of the top 5 most anticipated NFL teams to follow in 2018.

Regardless of what the NFL media or any of us fans believe, this has been one crazy facinating off-season. There is a buzz around the Rams that has been an absolute joy for several of us fans that hold the team close to our hearts.

The reality of professional football reminds us there are no guarantees that this team will perform the way Les Snead, Sean McVay and Wade Phillips have visioned it. We all have our own visions and this should be one incredible and memorable ride for us Rams fans.


2017 LA Rams Defensive Stats


DEFENSE
AVG Points Per Game 20.6 Rank #12
Total Yards Per Game 339.5 Rank #19
AVG Yards Per Play 5.3 Rank #18
3rd Down Conversion 37.8% Rank #14
Takeaways Fumbles/Int's (28) Rank #5
Total Team Sacks (48) Rank #4

Rush Yards Per Game 122.3 Rank #28
AVG Yards Per Rush 4.7 Rank #30
Pass Yards Per Game 217.2 Rank #13
AVG Yards Per Pass 6.3 Rank #10
Total Interceptions (18) Rank #6
Total Fumble recoveries (10) Rank #11
Red Zone Scoring (TD's only) 58.7% Rank #24





Rams 2018 Roster Preview "Defensive Personnel"



NFL Offenses Are Going To Get A



2018 Rams "OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS" (edge)

OLB #96 Matt LONGACRE 6'3 265 (AGE 26)

2017 Total Snaps 469) Tackles+Assists 23) Sacks 5.5) FF 1) INT 0

Summary: 2017 Fourth-year pro has played in 25 games & set career highs in sacks in 2017 with 5.5 and tackles 23. vs Indianapolis recorded his first career sack with one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit and one pass defensed. at San Francisco registered three tackles (two solo), including one for loss & notched one sack and one quarterback hit. vs Seattle collected three tackles (two solo), including one for a loss along with three quarterback hits and 1.0 sack.

vs Arizona recorded two solo tackles, tallied first career forced fumble and registered his fourth sack of the season. vs Houston notched two tackles (one solo), two quarterback hits and one fumble recovery. at Arizona registered two solo tackles, including one tackle for loss, one sack and two quarterback hits. at Seattle recorded one tackle and combined with Michael Brockers for a sack & added one quarterback hit.

OLB #50 Samson EBUKAM 6'3 245 (AGE 23)

2017 Total Snaps 611) Tackles+Assists 31) Sacks 2) FF 1) INT 0

Summary: 2017 Played in all 16 games and made two starts & collected nine tackles on special teams. vs Houston earned his first career sack on Texans QB Tom Savage and caused him to fumble. Also had one solo tackle and one hit on the quarterback. vs New Orleans recorded two tackles (one solo), including one for loss with one sack. at Arizona Made his first career start at outside linebacker & notched a season-high seven tackles (three solo). vs Philadelphia saw action on defense and on special acquiring seven tackles (three solo).

OLB #91 Dominque EASLEY 6'2 273 (AGE 26)

2017 (ACL placed on IR 8/3/17)
2016 Total Snaps 494) Tackles+Assists 35) Sacks 3.5) FF 2) INT 0

Summary: Easley, a career defensive lineman, is getting a look at outside linebacker for a unit in need of players who can set the edge and rush the passer. Saturday, in his first game since the 2016 season, Easley showed he might be a viable option for a team with designs on a Super Bowl run. He played in rotation with Matt Longacre against Houston and disrupted several plays.

“It was great just to be out on the field again, just getting back with the guys,” Easley said Monday. “So it was just an all-around great experience.” The 6-foot-2, 263-pound Easley came off the physically-unable-to-perform list early last week. He is acclimating to a role that defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said could reduce the wear and tear Easley absorbed as a lineman.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-20180827-story.html

OLB #62 Justin LAWLER 6'4 265 (AGE 23)

College: Tackles+Assists 226) Sacks 20.5) Tackles For Loss 40.5) FF 4) INT 0

Summary: The nation’s top-graded edge defender last season with a 91.0 overall grade, Lawler’s projection represents a classic battle between production and athleticism. He notched nine sacks, 12 QB hits and 36 hurries on 336 pass-rush grades while doing an excellent job against the run. He plays with power on his way to the quarterback, attacking offensive linemen with a variety of pass-rush moves.

The lack of athleticism does show up on tape as he was unable to turn quick pressures into sacks, but when it comes down to it, winning blocks and at least creating pressure is more valuable than not winning at all. Lawler’s low pad level and strong technique give him a chance to succeed at the next level
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-hidden-gems-underrated-prospects-in-the-draft

OLB #49 Trevon YOUNG 6'4 259 (AGE 23)

College: Tackles+Assists 101) Sacks 14.0) Tackles For Loss 24.0) FF 2) INT 1

Summary: College: Appeared in 13 games, making 12 starts & had eight games with five or more tackles. Finished the season with a career-high 62 tackles and notched 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Named the recipient of the ACC’s Brian Piccolo Award, bestowed to the ‘most courageous’ football player in the conference. Medical red-shirt for the 2016 campaign. In 2015 he notched a career best 8.5 sacks.

OLB #45 Ogbonnia OKORONKWO 6'1 253 (AGE 23)

College: Tackles+Assists 162) Sacks 21) Tackles For Loss 33) FF 5) INT 0 (PUP List)

Summary: (Foot Injury) It appears Okoronkwo will start his 2018 NFL rookie season on the PUP list. He will miss the first six games of the regular season but can return to the teams active roster if he's medically cleared. He recorded 21 career sacks to rank second in Oklahoma University history by a linebacker and tied for seventh overall. In 2017, Obo was named the co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Big 12 by the league’s coaches.


2018 Rams "INSIDE LINEBACKERS" (middle)

ILB #26 Mark BARRON 6'2 230 (AGE 28)

2017 Total Snaps 827) Tackles+Assists 86) Sacks 1) FF 0) INT 3

Summary: Seventh-year pro joined the Rams in 2014 and has played in 92 games with 81 starts. Has 568 career tackles (440 solo), including 8.0 sacks and eight interceptions. For his career he's complied 37 pass breakups and forced four fumbles. Shortly after the 2017 NFL season ended, Rams linebacker Mark Barron underwent shoulder surgery. A month later, doctors removed bone spurs from his left heel.

Despite playing much of the season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder and bone spurs in both heels, he became one of the defense’s top playmakers. He intercepted three passes. “I was playing through injuries the whole year and still performed well, but it’s always in the back of your mind: How would I be able to perform if I felt 100%.” “We’re in a great position to make a Super Bowl run,” he said. “When Mark gets back, I know he’s a leader,” Phillips said. http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-mark-barron-20180628-story.html

ILB #58 Corry LITTLETON 6'3 228 (AGE 24)

2017 Total Snaps 645) Tackles+Assists 36) Sacks 1) FF 1) INT 1

Summary: Third-year pro, has played in all 32 regular season games since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2016. In 2017 he played in all 16 games with four starts and played in one postseason contest. On a star-studded Rams defense, Cory Littleton quietly finds a role. Now as the Rams prepare for the 2018 season, Littleton, 24, has gone from an undrafted player to a starter at inside linebacker.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Littleton arrived at the training facility for the off season program having gained about 10 pounds, and it was then that coaches notified him that he would be switched from the "Mo" linebacker, the weak side linebacker in a 3-4, to "Mike," or the strong side. "There isn't a whole lot of difference," Phillips said of the transition between positions.

"He's done a good job of relaying the signals," Phillips said. "You know, it's harder for inside linebackers in the running game to show themselves with no pads on. He's obviously got coverage skills, and he actually can rush the passer really well from inside, so those are the kind of two things he's doing well, and I think he holds up in the run game too." http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angele...s-defense-cory-littleton-quietly-finds-a-role

ILB #54 Bryce HAGER 6'1 237 (AGE 26)

2017 Total Snaps 467) Tackles+Assists 12) Sacks 0) FF 1) INT 0

Summary: 2017 played in all 16 games of the regular season and one postseason contest. Got limited action at linebacker but was a key contributor on special teams. at Arizona saw action at linebacker & recorded four tackles (one solo), one pass defensed. vs San Francisco started at linebacker notching (four solo) tackles. vs Atlanta saw action at linebacker and recorded one tackle.

ILB #54 Ramik WILSON 6'2 238 (AGE 26)

2017 Total Snaps 201) Tackles+Assists 16) Sacks 0) FF 0) INT 0

Summary: 2017 played in eight games with four starts. Had 16 tackles (14 solo) with three tackles for loss. vs Philadelphia collected four tackles (four solo) with two tackles for loss. At Chargers recorded three tackles (three solo) one tackle for loss. at Denver posted a season-high eight tackles (seven solo) and returned one fumble 11 yards. Ramik Wilson faired better in 2016 when he started 11 games collecting 76 tackles (61 solo) a forced fumble and snatching one interception.

ILB #54 Micah KISER 6'2 244 (AGE 23)

College: Tackles+Assists 405) Sacks 19) Tackles For Loss 33.5) FF 8) INT 1

Summary: Finished career ranked fifth all-time at Virginia with 405 career tackles. Kiser is the second player in ACC history to lead the league in tackles for three consecutive seasons. As a senior in 2017, was named Sporting News All-American first-team. NFL preseason at New Orleans, finished with a game-high 12 tackles, four (solo).


"OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS" Summary

1) OLB #96 LONGACRE 6'3 265 (26) If his back stays healthy, he could have a career year
2) OLB #50 S.EBUKAM 6'3 245 (23) Still has a lot to prove & looked avg in 2018 preseason
3) OLB #91 D.EASLEY 6'2 273 (26) Can he stay off the IR? if so he could wreck havoc at OLB
4) OLB #53 J.LAWLER 6'4 265 (23) Rookie flashed in preseason & will be given his chances
5) OLB #49 T.YOUNG 6'4 259 (23) Underdog made the roster, will he stay on the 53 all year?
6) OLB #45 OKORONKWO 6'1 253 (23) Could be a (mid-season) addition & "Surge" to the pass rush

"INSIDE LINEBACKERS" Summary

1) ILB #26 M.BARRON 6'2 230 (28) Vet LB should be healed from surgeries, He's a pro's pro
2) ILB #58 LITTLETON 6'3 228 (24) 2016 UDFA has been given the keys to quarterback the defense
3) ILB #54 B.HAGER 6'1 237 (26) Blue collar player & SP teams value made him a roster keeper
4) ILB #52 R.WILSON 6'2 238 (26) F/A castoff is depth & should get a chance to contribute
5) ILB #59 M.KISER 6'2 244 (23) Rookie tackling machine earned himself a roster spot


2018 Rams "DEFENSIVE LINEMAN"

DL #99 Aaron DONALD 6'1 280 (AGE 27)

2017 Total Snaps 861) Tackles+Assists 41) Sacks 11) FF 5) INT 0)

Summary: Earned All-Pro and PFWA All-NFL Team honors in 2015, 16 and 17. Has started 58-of-62 career games on the defensive line for the Rams. Donald is the first Rams defender to be named Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year following the 2017 season.

He's collected 205 career tackles (148 solo), including 39 sacks and 9 forced fumbles. The Rams signed Donald to a six-year contract extension worth $135 million with $87 million guaranteed. He received a $40 million signing bonus and is under contract for seven years at $141 million

Eagles (Center) Jason Kelce: “What Aaron Donald’s doing in L.A. right now is second to none. I mean, that dude is so impressive. The best guys have it all. Aaron Donald is one of those guys that has every aspect. He’s smart, he’s explosive, he’s competitive, he’s giving effort every single play and he’s powerful. So I mean, the guy has no weaknesses and that’s a frustrating thing for an offensive lineman to go up against.”

DL #93 Ndamukong SUH 6'4 313 (AGE 31)

2017 Total Snaps 894) Tackles+Assists 48) Sacks 4.5) FF 2) INT 0

Summary: 3 time First-Team All-Pro. Five time Pro Bowler. 2010 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Leads all active interior defensive linemen with 55 tackles for loss. Suh's 51.5 sacks rank second among all defensive tackles. Ndamukong has started 99 consecutive games from 2010-17, the longest active streak among NFL defensive tackles.

Suh joins an already-talented defensive line featuring 2017 Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers. And the 6-foot-4, 313-pound veteran is ready to put in work. “We’re in pretty good shape on paper, but we have a lot of things to improve on, really myself I always play with a chip on a shoulder and that’s kinda my focus is to come in here and put in a lot of work and make sure I prove my worth,” said Suh...

DL #90 Michael BROCKERS 6'5 305 (AGE 27)

2017 Total Snaps 810) Tackles+Assists 55) Sacks 4.5) FF 0) INT 0

Summary: 7th-year pro has played in 91 career games with 89 starts. Has 227 career tackles (162 solo), with 19.0 sacks. 2017 played in 15 regular season games, finished fifth on the team in tackles with 55. “It was just like all of a sudden it’s seven years in and I’m one of the older guys. So, now by nature, I have to set a good example for some of the younger guys that are in the group.”

Brockers isn’t the only “older guy” of the defensive line group. Los Angeles also signed star veteran DT Ndamukong Suh during late in free agency. Brockers said working with Suh during the off-season program was “awesome.” “He’s a smart guy. You hear all the tabloids about him, being mean, tough,” Brockers said. “If you get to know him, sit down and really just get to know him as a person, everybody enjoys him. He’s a great guy to be around, a great guy to come into this building with.”

DL #98 Ethan WESTBROOKS 6'4 287 (AGE 27)

2017 Total Snaps 344) Tackles+Assists 23) Sacks 4) FF 0) INT 0

Summary: Fifth-year pro has played in 51 games, starting eight at defensive end and notching his share of snaps in the the defensive line rotation as a DT tackle (interior) position. For his career he's collected 71 tackles (48 solo) with 8 sacks and one defensive touchdown. 2017 finished the regular season with 23 tackles (14 solo) and 4 sacks. Notched seven tackles for loss and one pass defensed. Westbrooks has been a solid reserve player on the Rams defensive line rotation.

DL #93 John Franklin MEYERS 6'4 288 (AGE 21)

College: Tackles+Assists 130) Sacks 17.5) Tackles For Loss 37.5) FF 5) INT 0

Summary:Completed his collegiate career fifth on Stephen F. Austin’s all-time career tackles for loss list with 37.5 over four seasons. Ninth in program history with (17.5) sacks. Collected 130 total tackles in four seasons, including 70 solo stops. Forced five fumbles and had 22 quarterback hurries throughout his career. Named to the 2018 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society for maintaining a 3.2 GPA or better throughout his collegiate career.

DL #92 Tanzel SMART 6'1 295 (AGE 23)

2017 Total Snaps 338) Tackles+Assists 14) Sacks 0) FF 0) INT 0

Summary: Second-year pro, has played in all 16 regular season games and one post season contest since being drafted. 2017 finished the regular season with 14 tackles (9 solo), one pass defensed and one quarterback hit. vs Indianapolis recorded two tackles and contributed one pass defensed in his first NFL action. vs San Francisco notched 2 tackles (two solo).

DL #69 Sebastian JOSEPH-DAY 6'4 310 (AGE 23)

College: Tackles+Assists 90) Sacks 3.5) Tackles For Loss 14.5) FF 2) INT 0

Summary: Fifth-year senior played in 50 career games overall, including 49 consecutive to end career. 2017 started all 12 games at nose tackle. Split the Homer Hazel Award for the team’s MVP. Named to the Academic All-Big Ten list for the third-straight year. Honored as the team’s recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Collected 41 tackles with 4.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one pass batted down, one forced fumble one blocked field goal. As a junior, played in 12 games with 11 starts. Notched 30 tackles on the season with 3.5 for loss and 1 sack.

"DEFENSIVE LINEMAN" Summary

1)DL #99 A.DONALD 6'1 280 (27) Future Hall of Fame DT is now getting paid like one
2)DL #93 Ndam.SUH 6'4 313 (31) Vet DT is still a formidable Beast & wants a SB ring
3)DL #90 BROCKERS 6'5 305 (27) A leader, key component & sturdy brick wall of the DL
4)DL #98 WESTBROOKS 6'4 287 (27) A solid important piece of the DL rotation
5)DL #57 J.F.MEYERS 6'4 288 (21) Rookie could make a splash sooner than later
6)DL #69 Sebast.J-DAY 6'4 310 (23) Earned himself a spot on the bottom of the roster
7)DL #92 Tanzel.SMART 6'1 295 (23) Not a good preseason but found his way on the 53


2018 Rams "CORNERBACKS"

CB #22 Marcus PETERS 6'0 195 (AGE 25)

2017 Total Snaps 968) Tackles+Assists 46) Sacks 0) FF 4) Pass Def 9) INT 5

Summary: 4th year cornerback has started all 45 games played. Drafted 18th overall by the Chiefs in 2015. Peters has 19 interceptions in his first 3 NFL seasons, the most in the NFL since he was drafted. He's recorded 480 interception return yards. He's tallied a league high 55 passes defensed, forced six fumbles and recovered 5.

Last season, Peters never shadowed, and rarely ever strayed from his side of the field, spending 94 percent of his snaps lined up at left cornerback. PFF formula: CB Rating system = [Yards Allowed including DPI penalty yards] + [Touchdowns Allowed] – [Interceptions Caught] + [First Downs Allowed] / [Routes in Coverage] Cornerbacks (to play on at least 850 routes in coverage) over the past three seasons, Peters, impressively, ranks third-best by this metric.

Peters totals 19 interceptions throughout his three-year career, which is the most of any player over this stretch (by five interceptions), but also the fourth-most by any defender since the NFL merger. Peters also isn’t just a ball-hawk, ranking top-25 yards allowed per target.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/fantasy-football-metrics-that-matter-marcus-peters

CB #21 Aqib TALIB 6'1 209 (AGE 32)

2017 Total Snaps 780) Tackles+Assists 31) Sacks 0) FF 1) Pass Def 7) INT 1

Summary: 11th year cornerback has appeared in 135 regular season games (121 starts). He's totaled 425 tackles (360 solo), one sack & has notched 34 interceptions. In his 10 seasons in the NFL, Talib has the most interceptions (34) in the NFL among active cornerbacks since (2008). He's one of two players at his position to be selected to the Pro Bowl from 2013-17. He ranks 1st in the NFL with 10 interceptions returned for touchdowns since 2009.

Aqib Talib has always flashed talent, but it wasn’t until 2016 that he put it all together and had a dominant season without lapses. He was able to back it up in 2017 despite a change in scheme and a pivot to more zone coverage. Talib gave up just 250 receiving yards all season. In the last two seasons combined, he hasn’t allowed a catch longer than 32 yards and now he returns to the scheme that allowed him a career year in 2016, reuniting with Wade Phillips in Los Angeles on a dominant looking Rams defense. https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-best-cornerbacks-in-the-nfl

CB #23 Nickell R-COLEMAN 5'8 180 (AGE 26)

2017 Total Snaps 755) Tackles+Assists 49) Sacks 0) FF 1) Pass Def 9) INT 2

Summary: 6th year cornerback enters his second season with the Rams. He's played in 79 career games with 19 starts. Has four career interceptions and two returned for touchdowns. 2017 finished the regular season with 49 total tackles (39 solo), including two for loss. Forced one fumble and had one fumble recovery. On 03/13/18 Nickell agreed to terms on a 3-year deal worth more than $15.75M with $8M guaranteed.

A criminally-undervalued player in the free agent market last off-season, Robey-Coleman allowed only 0.80 yards per coverage snap inside for the upstart Rams in 2017. He was impressively consistent, allowing more than five completions or 65 yards into his coverage just once, and in that game he broke up three passes. Like King and Robinson above him, Robey-Coleman has the potential to be one of the best role players on a defense that could, by season’s end, be in the conversation for the league’s best unit.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-the-top-eight-slot-cornerbacks-for-2018

CB #37 Sam SHIELDS 5'11 178 (AGE 30)

2015 Total Snaps 754) Tackles+Assists 39) Sacks 0) FF 0) Pass Def 13) INT 3
2016 Played 1 game & retired due to concussions
2017 Was sitting on a beach in the Bahamas

Summary: 7th year pro has played in 80 games with 62 starts and 11 postseason contests. On 02/13/17 Shields was released by the Packers. He suffered the 4th known concussion of his NFL career on 09/11/16 against the Jaguars and never returned. Shields had one season left on the four-year, $39 million contract signed in 2014. For his career, he has 245 tackles (214 solo) 66 passes defensed with 1 sack & 18 interceptions.

“Man it’s a blessing,” Shields said of his return to football. “I mean two, almost two-and-a-half years out and you know it’s hard mentally for anyone to come back and put these pads on.” “He’s doing a great job,” McVay said of Shields. “He’s one of those guys you talk about a lot of the big-time guys that we’ve signed, but I think people forget what a productive player Sam’s been in this league.”

To serve as a reminder: Shields won Super Bowl XLV as a rookie with Green Bay in 2010. In the NFC Championship en route to earning a ring, Shields was a nightmare for Chicago, recording four solo tackles, two deflected passes, two interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble in a 21-14 victory. https://www.therams.com

CB #32 Troy HILL 5'11 183 (AGE 27)

2017 Total Snaps 422) Tackles+Assists 18) Sacks 0) FF 0) Pass Def 4) INT 0

Summary: Fourth-year pro has played in 27 games as a pro getting seven at the cornerback position. For his career he's collected 64 tackles (56 solo) with 6 passes defensed. 2017 played in 12 games of the regular season getting three starts and one postseason start. NFC Wild Card vs Atlanta got the start at cornerback and notched six tackles (five solo) with three passes defensed. Hill had somewhat of a shaky preseason performance in 2018 but the Rams brass still believe in him as he quietly landed back on their 53 man roster.

2018 Rams "SAFETIES"

S #20 Lamarcus JOYNER 5'8 191 (AGE 27)

2017 Total Snaps 692) Tackles+Assists 49) Sacks 0) FF 1) Pass Def 9) INT 3

Summary: Played in 52 games with 27 starts and one playoff start. The 5th year pro has logged 227 career tackles (178 solo) 4 sacks & 3 interceptions. He enjoyed a stellar season when new DC Wade Phillips moved him to free safety. In 2017 he started in 12 games with one postseason start. Finished the 2017 regular season with 49 tackles (39 solo) and 9 passes defensed, and collected 3 interceptions. On 03/06/18, the Rams placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Joyner that comes with a one year salary tender of $11.2 million.

S #43 John JOHNSON 6'0 209 (AGE 22)

2017 Total Snaps 895) Tackles+Assists 75) Sacks 0) FF 0) Pass Def 11) INT 1

Summary: Second-year pro played in all 16 regular season games and one postseason contest for the Rams since being drafted in 2017. Started 11 contests as a rookie. Johnson provided a ton of value for a 3rd round selection. PFF gave him a grade of 85.9 which equates to a quality starter. According to PFF, the only rookie safety that performed better was Saints 2nd round draft pick Marcus Williams.

New Rams cornerback Marcus Peters, sees Johnson becoming an All-Pro in the near future. “He’s going to be an All-Pro soon. Him and Lamarcus Joyner, they’re ball hawks. They’re big hitters, they’re smart and they communicate,” he said during his press conference Thursday. Despite Johnson’s lack of starts, Peters views him as a smart player with great instincts.

“He ain’t no young dude, though. He’s got some knowledge to him. He knows how to play football,” Peters said. “He plays fast and that’s what you want out of a safety. You want him to play fast and you don’t want him to overthink things and he reacts real good.” https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/08/04/nfl-rams-john-johnson-marcus-peters-training-camp/

S/CB #24 Blake COUNTESS 5'10 191 (AGE 25)

2017 Total Snaps 487) Tackles+Assists 25) Sacks 0) FF 0) Pass Def 1) INT 1

Summary: Third-year pro has appeared in 21 games for the Rams. In 2017 he notched 25 tackles (19 solo) with one INT. He has 45 career tackles (31 solo). Countess was elevated to the Rams active roster from the practice squad on (11/18/16). He was was originally selected by the Eagles in the sixth round, 196th overall, in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Eagles released Countess on (9/3/16).

S #41 Marqui CHRISTIAN 5'11 207 (AGE 23)

2017 Total Snaps 305) Tackles+Assists 9) Sacks 0) FF 0) Pass Def 0) INT 0

Summary: Third-year pro, acquired by the Rams via waivers from Arizona. Has a reputation for being a big hitter and putting his body on the line. Marqui has played in 23 games for the Rams in spot duty mostly on special teams. He has 11 career tackles (5 solo). In 2017 played in 12 games before being placed on injured reserve (12/27/17). Finished the regular season with 9 total tackles.

5) CB #27 ISAIAH JOHNSON 6'1 210 (AGE 26)

2017 Total Snaps 47) Tackles+Assists 6) Sacks 0) FF 0) Pass Def 0) INT 0

Summary: Third-year pro has played in 10 career games and one postseason contest. Four games with Rams and six as a member of the Lions. 2017 made his season debut in Week 17 and played in one postseason game. vs San Francisco saw action at corner and special teams. Tallied five tackles (four solo) and made one special teams tackle. vs Atlanta played on special teams.

"CORNERBACKS" Summary

1) CB #22 M.PETERS 6'0 190 (25) Can the shutdown corner turnover machine keep his cool?
2) CB #21 A.TALIB 6'1 209 (32) Will the moody all-pro vet become a leader of men?
3) CB #23 N.R-COLEMAN 5'7 170 (26) Little man plays big & is a superb slot corner
4) CB #37 S.SHIELDS 5'11 178 (30) If his concussion issues are gone, could be a star
5) CB #32 T.HILL 5'11 183 (27) Looked flat in preseason but he's proven he can play

"SAFETIES" Summary

1) S #20 L.JOYNER 5'8 184 (27) Franchise tagged because he has an all-pro skill set
2) S #43 J.JOHNSON 6'0 209 (22) Was a steal in the 3rd round & could end up a great one
3) S #24 B.COUNTESS 5'10 191 (25) ALL purpose defensive back seems to be a coaches favorite
4) S #41 M.CHRISTIAN 5'11 194 (23) Hits like a truck and should get some quality snaps
5) S #27 I.JOHNSON 6'1 210 (26) For the time being, he scrapped his way on the final 53






At Oakland (Week 1) Monday Night 09/10/2018



Hope all of you "Awesome" Rams fans enjoyed this years 2018 "Defensive Personnel" presentation.

GO 2018 RAMS!

NFL teams were forced to cut a collective 1184 players by Saturday afternoon.

Yet, as of this posting, not a single one of them has been added to the Ram 53.

Not even for our lackluster backup QB room.

Is our roster THAT strong?

Doesn’t make a helluva lot of sense to me, given how smart and bold S&M have been, you know? Sigh...

These are excerpts. To read the whole article click the link below.
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https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/09/03/khalil-mack-trade-aaron-donald-contract-monday-morning-quarterback

On Khalil Mack, Aaron Donald and the Value of a Franchise Defensive Player
One gets traded, the other re-signs, and in the end both get paid big. For the Raiders and Rams, the behind-the-scenes machinations revealed contrasting strategies for dealing with their premier defensive players, and only time will tell which approach was the wiser.
By Albert Breer


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The words that stuck out most, from Khalil Mack’s introductory press conference in Chicago, were perhaps the most simple and concise. What, he was asked, was so attractive about the Bears?

“To be wanted,” Mack answered. “That’s all it takes.”

This week the market for defensive players was reset by the two truly generational talents to emerge from a loaded top half of the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. And the differing paths the two players, Mack and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, wound up navigating is explained almost completely by that single line from the newest Monster of the Midway in his first meeting with the Chicago media.

Donald was wanted by the Rams, and L.A. wasn’t going to let him go. Mack was wanted in Oakland, but only to a certain point, and that became clear quickly.

In February, around the time of the combine, the Raiders made an offer to Mack’s agent, Joel Segal. Segal counter-offered. So at that point, the Raiders definitely were ready to enter into a deal to keep Mack well past the planned 2020 move to Las Vegas, and Mack was ready to sign his future away to the only NFL home he’d known. Problem was, that shared willingness came at very different price points.

As a result, that was the end of it. And contact going forward was minimal.

It’s not as if the Rams and Donald didn’t have disagreements on value. They did. Their standoff lasted almost two years. But after not negotiating at all through last year’s holdout, as a matter of policy, the Rams kept the lines of communication, and negotiation, open this time around, and kept chipping away at a new deal.


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Coach Sean McVay kept in contact with Donald. Team negotiators Kevin Demoff (the COO) and Tony Pastoors (VP of football and business administration) stayed in touch with CAA agents Brian Ayrault, Todd France and Rich Hurtado. The deal was never going to be easy—the market for defensive players hadn’t moved in three years—but the mutual intention to reach a solution was never in question.

“Aaron has earned the right to be on the Rams Mt Rushmore,” GM Les Snead told me on Sunday. “And the goal, what’s best for the organization is to make sure that occurs. That principle allowed to keep things very positive through the daily grind of trying to come to a long-term solution; We all took that approach, because the endgame was always make sure Aaron Donald is a Ram for a long, long time.”

You want to know why Donald is signed to his megadeal in L.A., without so much as a game missed, and Mack was being toured through Halas Hall on Sunday morning? It’s right there for you.

It’s why Donald arrived at the Rams facility on Friday afternoon to sign a new six-year, $135 million extension. It’s also why just hours after that, in the wee hours of Friday night/Saturday morning, the Bears called Segal, whom Mack happened to be visiting in New York, and said, “We have permission.” Segal’s response: “Let’s go.”

Consider the numbers, side by side, all of which were far beyond what any defensive player, or non-quarterback for that matter, has ever made.

Total new money APY: Mack $23.5 million; Donald $22.5 million.
Signing bonus: Mack $34 million; Donald $40 million.
Year 1 cash: Mack $41 million, Donald $40.892 million.
Year 2 cash: Mack $56.3 million; Donald $50 million.
Year 3 cash: Mack $73.3 million; Donald $67 million.
Total new money: Mack, six years, $141 million; Donald, six years, $135 million.
Practical guarantee: Mack $90 million; Donald $86.892 million.

Mack had an advantage here. He was working off a fifth-year option number of $13.846 million, and plays a position with higher tag numbers. Donald’s fifth-year option was only worth $6.892 million. So that can explain the discrepancy in numbers favoring Mack.

And that wasn’t the only thing differentiating the two. As the above illustrates, the two players were in very different spots. So with that as the backdrop, here are nuggets I was able to glean Sunday from the two situations.

There wasn’t a seminal moment in the Donald talks for the Rams, but four days (Aug. 5-9) sequestered in a Baltimore-area hotel for joint practices with the Ravens gave Demoff and Pastoors every reason to spend significant time on the deal. And while it really was just more chipping away if you were to somehow chart how this all went, Snead got a nice, positive vibe from his colleagues after the calls with CAA.

“That’s probably when I changed the script a little bit,” Snead remembers, “And said we were in the same zip code.”

As for keys, here are a few …

• The Rams were unwilling to talk, as a matter of course, during Donald’s 2017 holdout. They backed off that this time around, almost viewing Donald staying away more as injury risk management than any sort of wildcat strike. Simply, it was an acknowledgement by the team that this was a special circumstance for a special player, and that it didn’t make much sense to try and make a point by not talking.

• Another concession came in the structure of the deal: The Rams had been against funding guarantees in the past, but did so in this case, using a rolling structure that marries the club to the player for four years (very rare) at the aforementioned price of $86.892 million. Why were they more willing?

Well, one reason is because Jared Goff’s deal is the next foundational piece to take care of, and they’re going to have to be reasonable on guarantees in that one (based on the QB market), so holding the line on Donald, the best player on the team, just wasn’t worth it.

• Maybe the most interesting win for Donald—generally these deals are measured against the money left, plus what two franchise tags would cost, which represents the team’s leverage point. In this case, the number was around $40 million over those three years. Donald got $67 million over the first three years of his deal, which is a massive 68 percent hike over the aforementioned baseline.

• There was no deadline for a deal last week but the Rams and Donald certainly were cognizant of the lessons of last year. In 2017, he reported two days before the opener, missed that game, and really wasn’t quite himself for the two games after that. Both sides wanted to avoid having to endure a similar re-acclimation this year, so getting in ahead of game week was a goal.

And when it was over?

“It was, ‘Hey, we’re finally whole again, Aaron’s gonna be a part of this,’” Snead said. “That’s the first thing that crosses your mind—OK, all is right for the Rams for this moment. Obviously, there’s tomorrow and another adversity that’s inevitable, that we’ll have to deal with. But that’s the first thing, and then you do start daydreaming about some of the moves you made during the offseason to improve the defense.

“Those moves were made with Aaron penciled into the starting lineup on paper. When there’s an agreement, and he drives up your driveway, it’s no longer on paper, it’s on grass.”

It’d be wrong to assume that Donald’s deal frameworked what Mack and his people did a day later in Chicago. But there’s no doubt it had its effect on the proceedings.

Because the financial area that Donald and Mack sought to reach was uncharted by anyone other than the guys throwing the ball, the Raiders certainly had their right to believe that Mack’s asking price was crazy. And so for weeks, as teams inquired about his availability, they were met with a very firm no.

The tone changed as Donald and the Rams closed in on their deal. By then, Oakland knew what Mack was asking for was about to seem a great deal more reasonable than it had a few weeks before. And so as coach Jon Gruden would hand teams off to GM Reggie McKenzie (Gruden wasn’t kidding Sunday about not having dealt the second-rounder) late last week, those calling started to see Oakland not only as more open to dealing Mack. At that point, it seemed like they actually wanted to deal him.

So it was that the ball started rolling …

• As far as I can tell, among the teams involved, the Jets were the only ones close to what the Bears were willing to part with to get Mack. The Browns, Bills and Packers, among others, called, but this one was too rich for their blood.

• Mack’s resolve carried the day here. This was different from the Donald situation, in that Mack was on island and not communicating with his coaches on any kind of a regular basis. That could certainly get to you, especially when reporting would mean making $13.846 million for the season ahead. Mack didn’t crack, and that’s a credit to him.

• Gruden panned his roster to me last month and did it again at his Sunday press conference, and it colors why the Raiders were unwilling to go to the place they needed to in order to extend the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year. If you think you’re two years away, allocating resources into someone who may be 30 before you’re ready to seriously contend might not be the best idea.

• For their part, the Bears were monitoring Mack’s status all summer, and Matt Nagy was spending a ton of time late into the night in GM Ryan Pace’s office this week to discuss the concept of dealing for a potentially franchise-shifting talent. That was all facilitated, in part, by the rookie-contract-quarterback flexibility enjoyed with Mitch Trubisky, the same kind of flexibility that Seattle rode to a title in 2013 and the Rams and Eagles have worked to their advantage the last couple years.

• The key number for Mack: $90 million. That’s the guarantee he secured, and Segal and Pace and Bears negotiator Joey Laine were able to get there within 24 hours, which says all you need to know about what resulted from Pace and Nagy kicking tires on Mack. It’s also important here to know that the Raiders were never going there. Oakland’s brass and Mack’s camp did talk at the beginning of training camp, but unlike February, offers weren’t exchanged, a sign of how entrenched each side was.

The depth of the Bears’ investment, in fact, is probably even better illustrated by the Rams’ reasoning for going the extra mile on Donald. They saw what it cost the Giants to sign a player, Olivier Vernon ($17 million per), who wasn’t in Donald’s class, and what it cost the Jags to get a really good, albeit older, interior defensive lineman in Calais Campbell ($15 million per). And then there were the Saints, giving up an extra 1 to move up for Marcus Davenport on draft day.

In the Rams’ minds, it was worth going the extra few million per year, while saving the draft picks, to keep a player who was better than any of those guys and had been a model teammate and citizen to boot. The Bears? They went the extra few million and gave up the draft picks.

So it was a bumpy ride for Mack to get to this finish line. And there was last one kick in the junk he didn’t see coming. After spending the weekend with his agent, Mack flew Saturday from LaGuardia to O’Hare. His plane landed at 7:30 local time, and into a storm. Sure enough, the weather kept others from taking off, which meant his plane’s assigned gate was occupied by another plane in a delay.

Mack spent 90 minutes on the tarmac, not reaching his hotel near the team’s facility until around 10:30 p.m., where Nagy, his four kids, Pace and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio had come to meet him. Nothing in this saga came easy for Mack.

As for Donald? He flew private from Pittsburgh to L.A. last week.
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WHO’LL BE THE TOP QB COME JANUARY?
As I was making calls this week to try to unearth who would (and wouldn’t) be on the trade block ahead of this week’s final cutdown to 53, a Packers skill player came across my desk. So I texted with an executive who had intimate knowledge of the guy, and asked if he was functional as an offensive weapon. The response I got: “Should be functional for Green Bay, due to Rodgers being so good.”

We all may debate who the best quarterback in the league is now. What I’ve found is that debate is less heated inside NFL buildings. Most think it’s Aaron Rodgers.

I set out a few days ago to try and reprise, on the fly, a larger project I ran three summers ago at NFL Network. The idea was to ask football people a simple question: Who will be the Top 5 QBs in football at the end of the season? I set the question up that way because it would reflect what these insiders thought would happen over the course of the season, rather than how things looked at the start of the season.

Also, by keeping the ballot to five names, I’d take the pressure off of the responders feeling they needed to name their own quarterbacks, limiting it to players these coaches and scouts felt were truly top shelf. We wound up getting some interesting results (Andrew Luck at No. 2!) out of the process.

So this week I sent the texts out, and what follows is based solely on the opinions of NFL general managers, head coaches, scouting directors, offensive coordinators and quarterbacks coaches, with two defensive coaches mixed in for good measure. I received 32 ballots back, and scored five points for each first-place vote, four points for second-place, and so on. Without further ado, here are the results …

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers: 148 points (23 first-place votes)
2. Tom Brady, Patriots: 125 points (7 first-place votes)
3. Drew Brees, Saints: 81 points (1 first-place vote)
4. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers: 29 points
5. Carson Wentz, Eagles: 26 points
6. Matt Ryan, Falcons: 20 points
7. Philip Rivers, Chargers: 14 points
8. Russell Wilson, Seahawks: 12 points
9. Deshaun Watson, Texans: 7 points (1 first-place vote)
10. Cam Newton, Panthers: 6 points
11. Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers: 5 points
12. Jared Goff, Rams: 4 points
13. Kirk Cousins, Vikings: 2 points
14. Andrew Luck, Colts; Case Keenum, Broncos; Derek Carr, Raiders: 1 point each.

A couple points to make in comparing this year’s exercise to the 2015 version:

• Respondents factored in age much less this time around than last.In 2015 Brady finished third, behind Rodgers and Luck. Brees was seventh, just behind a 40-year-old Peyton Manning. That, in fact, was sort of what I was looking for—who are teams expecting to ascend/descend? Age was clearly taken into account less this year, with Brady and Brees very comfortably in the top three—maybe because the expectations on aging at the position have changed.

• Rodgers was a stronger No. 1 this time around than last. In 2015 he pulled in 18 of 27 first-place votes. This time he got 23 of 32. The Packers’ QB was first or second on 30 ballots, and no lower than fourth on anyone’s list. Brady was the only other QB on everyone’s ballot, and also was no lower than fourth on any one of them. Brees was on 28 of 32 ballots. Ryan was the next most consistent to appear, landing on 14 ballots.

• Yes, Deshaun Watson got a first-place vote. When I asked the voter why, the answer came back: “Weapons.” It’s a reminder that every quarterback is to some degree a product of his environment.

• It was hard for anyone to break the stranglehold that Rodgers, Brady and Brees had on the top three, but Wentz was the one who did it most often. The returning Eagle was only on 11 of 32 ballots, but six of those 11 had him listed in the top three.

• I heard from more than a couple coaches that it was hard to rank the young quarterbacks against the older guys because they were products of such different environments, which I found interesting. The older QBs, of course, are largely equipped to play traditional NFL offense, whereas most of the younger guys have been raised in the spread.

• That Garoppolo appeared on four ballots, given the league’s limited exposure to him (seven starts), was notable, I thought.
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TEN TAKEAWAYS
1. You shouldn’t lump together the Broncos cutting Paxton Lynch after two years and the Giants whacking Davis Webb after one year.The Broncos traded up in the first round to land Lynch as Peyton Manning’s replacement, while the Giants took a flier on Webb in the third round. Plus, Lynch was cut by the man who drafted him, and Webb wasn’t.

But the one thing the Broncos and Giants have in common is that they passed on quarterbacks in the upper reaches of the 2018 draft. The Giants liked Sam Darnold and Josh Allen, and took Saquon Barkley instead. The only quarterback Broncos really considered at five was Darnold, but they did believe all four of the QBs who went in the Top 10 would be upgrades over Lynch. So in both cases, the teams passed on players who could have been the future. Of course, it’ll be a few years before we can fairly determine whether those calls were mistakes.

2. Lynch’s problems, by the way, were largely between the ears. And it would be easier to excuse Denver on the pick if there hadn’t been questions about him in that regard coming out of Memphis. “Confidence is shot,” said one rival exec. “He’s not seeing the field and doesn’t look comfortable in the offense. The issues were all above the neck with that guy.

No doubt he had starting QB tools coming out—big, mobile, cannon for an arm, but the mental [aspect] was very average coming out, and that was an obvious concern for that position. [The Broncos] didn’t do him any favors with three OCs in three years. Volume most likely paralyzed him.”

Lots of teams have made mistakes with first-round quarterbacks, of course, and the Chiefs and Cowboys, both of whom had interest in Lynch, certainly dodged a bullet here. But the scoreboard only shows that Dallas came away with Dak Prescott a few rounds later, and Kansas City landed Pat Mahomes the next year, which puts them on the winning side of the ledger.

3. Along the lines of knowing what you’re getting, the Raiders had to know the risk in taking on Martavis Bryant, and so losing the third-round pick they sent to Pittsburgh for him should sting a bunch. If you’re scoring at home, Oakland sent the 79th overall pick to Pittsburgh for Bryant, whom the Raiders cut this weekend. The Steelers packaged that pick with a seventh-rounder to go up three spots, to 76 overall, and take quarterback Oklahoma State QB Mason Rudolph.

4. I remembering hearing from a couple people the story of how 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan saw Jerick McKinnon as such a fit for his offense that he basically told GM John Lynch to do what it took to get him—an approach that set the table for McKinnon’s four-year, $30 million free-agent deal this offseason. So Shanahan has to be heartbroken this morning learning that his new jack-of-all-trades weapon will be on the shelf for the season with a torn ACL.

The second-year coach has very specific roles he looks to fill in a scheme built to attack every level of the defense, and pass-catching backs, like the ones he had when he was offensive coordinator in Atlanta, are vital to it—and a big reason why the team was comfortable with the de facto McKinnon/Carlos Hyde swap this offseason.

5. AJ McCarron didn’t wow the Bills, but I wouldn’t downplay the role that second-year pro Nate Peterman had in pushing the ex-Alabama star off the roster. Buffalo coach Sean McDermott has liked Peterman’s ability to see the field and process it from the start, which is why he gave the 2017 fifth-rounder a shot at starting last fall.

The disaster of that start (five picks against the Chargers) made Peterman a punchline, but all the while he’s kept progressing, and had a pretty good August. It doesn’t mean he’s a star in the making. It does mean the Bills would be OK with starting him.

And while we’re in Buffalo, if you watched Josh Allen’s start against the Bengals in the Bills’ third preseason game you’d understand why it might makes sense to go with Peterman now. A rebuilt offensive line (gone are Eric Wood, Richie Incognito and Cordy Glenn) left Allen running for his life, which isn’t a great environment for a kid who was seen as raw coming out of Wyoming.

So I asked Sean McDermott the other day—do you factor in not just what’s good for the team, but what’s good for the player, given what you’ve invested in him? “There is [a balance],” McDermott told me. “Going back to the vision for how we’re trying to build this, it’s the long-term success of the organization. And Josh is a big part of that.” So if the Bills think playing Allen now will mess with his development, I think (and I think McDermott thinks) it’d make sense to go with Peterman short-term.

7. In the rush of news over the week, the Panthers putting left tackle Matt Kalil on injured reserve flew a bit under the radar, but it shouldn’t. Carolina’s had issues at the position for a while, which forced the signing of Kalil (an OK player who never lived up to his draft position) at $11 million per in the first place.

And there’s certainly a chance that Kalil doesn’t get his job back if he returns this season. Taylor Moton, a 2017 second-round pick, has impressed, and the staff seems very comfortable with the idea that he’ll be starting and protecting Cam Newton’s blind side in five days.

8. Sometimes teams reveal problems to you during cutdowns. Two contenders did just over the week—with the Saints implicitly conceding that they haven’t yet got a solid plan for replacing Mark Ingram’s production over the first four weeks of the season, and Patriots showing they’re still uncomfortable with their receivers, particularly with Julian Edelman, like Ingram, set to miss a quarter of the season on a PED suspension.

The Saints only carried two true tailbacks through the cutdown (Alvin Kamara, Boston Scott), then signed Patriots castoff Mike Gillislee on Sunday. New England, meanwhile, only carried three receivers through the cutdown (Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson), then claimed ex-Seahawk Amara Darboh and ex-Jet Chad Hansen off waivers.

9. When the Texans punter Shane Lechler got whacked on Saturday, I couldn’t help but think of Al Davis, and perhaps his most infamous draft class—the 2000 group. The late Raiders owner took a lot of heat for drafting Sebastian Janikowski in the first round and Lechler in the fifth round that year, but last season those two and a sixth-round quarterback named Brady were the only players left from that entire draft. Oakland got 31 years of service from Janikowski and Lechler, and each wound up being among the best at his position.

And while I wouldn’t advocate ever taking a kicker in the first round, Janikowski certainly outdid a lot of players drafted around him. Fun fact: All three of those 2000 survivors played in the Tuck Rule Game.

10. Good news that the Cowboys decided to carry all-everything center Travis Frederick, battling Guillan-Barre Syndrome, on the 53. Dallas needs him on the field, of course, but this—more importantly—is a sign that there’s optimism in his recovery.

These are excerpts. To read the whole article click the link below.
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https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/09/03/khalil-mack-trade-super-bowl-prediction-peter-king/

FMIA: On The Mack Mistake And Why Super Bowl 53 Will Be Rams-Patriots
By Peter King

Getty Images

My Super Bowl Pick

Here we are, three days before the start of the NFL’s 99th season, and there is no team in recent history that has done a 180 like the Rams of the past year. I’m about to do something that is either insane, or an illustration of how quickly life changes in a league that churns so fast and so furious, or maybe it’s a sign that building a good football team really takes only four or five cutting-edge decisions. But after seeing 22 teams in five weeks on my camp trip, it was hard to come away from Rams camp thinking they shouldn’t be a Super Bowl favorite.

Labor Day 2017: The Rams were trying not to be a laughingstock anymore, with the youngest coach in modern NFL history, a quarterback desperate for a detour from bust-dom, a GM hanging on for dear life, and no one to put on a billboard in a sprawling market that demanded stars. Best two players on this team: a defensive tackle and a punter.

Labor Day 2018: The Rams, defending NFC West champs, are darlings. That chortled-at peach-fuzzy coach, Sean McVay, is the reigning coach of the year. Todd Gurley and Aaron Donald are returning offensive and defensive players of the year. That disastrous quarterback, Jared Goff, had a 100.5 rating, fifth in the league and higher than a few great QBs—Rodgers, Roethlisberger, Ryan, Rivers and Wilson.

And now I’m going all-in on a franchise that last won a playoff game in January 2005, when “Meet the Fockers” was the top movie at the box office.

I’m picking the Rams because they’ve done a good job playing down their worst-to-first offense last year, realizing if they were really the Warriors of the NFL they wouldn’t have stunk it up in the playoffs against Atlanta. They added the kind of versatile and durable deep threat that Sammy Watkins wasn’t in Brandin Cooks, who can play all over the offensive formation.

McVay told me in camp he realizes he has to stay progressive to remain ahead of the defenses that have spent an offseason studying his play-calling, his tempo, even his cadences. Early one morning, in his tape den on the campus of UC-Irvine, McVay told me what he’d spent the last few months working on.

“The basic thing for us is: What are we doing offensively in order to try and conflict defenses? Whether it’s their matchup responsibilities, or being able to learn our cadence, learn our formations and motion and tempo. We have to use those as weapons to apply pressure to the defense. Our offense is totally different now from this time a year ago. I think it’s all about adjusting and adapting to our players.”

Why would McVay want to make his offense “totally different” from the best offense in the game last fall? “I would say that in terms of some of the core ways of we run the football—some of the personnel groupings that we operate out of might be different. But the way we’ll do it, whether it be formationally, whether it be tempo-driven, at the line, in the huddle … In the span of a year, our players’ ability to process has enabled us to have a little bit more versatility.”

The Rams got better on defense too, if a pair of incendiary corners can stay on the field. They added cover corners Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, who need the kind of gentle but smart hand of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to make them each 16-game factors. The Aaron Donald signing was vital, not just for Donald’s peace of mind, but to know this great player is the center of a strong defense for the next seven years.

Of course, the continuing development of Jared Goff is vital. I trust McVay here. How can you not?

The NFC Playoff Picture
Division winners: Philadelphia, New Orleans, Minnesota, Los Angeles.
Wild-card teams: Atlanta, Green Bay.
Seeds: 1. Philadelphia, 2. Rams, 3. Minnesota, 4. New Orleans, 5. Green Bay, 6. Atlanta
NFC title game: Los Angeles 26, Philadelphia 24.

As for New England: Man, the receiver position is an abject disaster. How they’ll beat defensively stout Houston and Jacksonville in the first two weeks with Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett as the lone vet receivers on the roster is beyond me. (More about that in a moment.) But this comes down to my faith that the Patriots—who got embarrassed to open the season a year ago this week—will, as usual, figure out their weaknesses and act on them. Bill Belichick always does. Tom Brady always does.

You might think of this as a lazy pick because I don’t see the future. You might say if Doug Marrone hadn’t lost his nerve inside of two minutes in the AFC Championship Game last January against a beatable Patriots team I wouldn’t be picking them now. Maybe. But this pick comes down to the fact I’ve got more questions about every other contender in the AFC than I do about the Patriots.

• Jacksonville’s formidable, but I still question Blake Bortles to take a team to the Super Bowl. And after last January, I question Marrone’s decision-making in the big game.

• Houston’s got Deshaun Watson back, but he’ll be running for his life behind a bad offensive line. Plus, what sort of J.J. Watt returns?

• Pittsburgh … The eternal search for a secondary continues, as does the search for an interior boss like Ryan Shazier to lead the defense; when Shazier was lost with his spinal injury, the Steelers responded in their five games by allowing 28 points per game and fizzling out of the playoffs. It’s not impossible to fathom Cincinnati or Baltimore winning this division; both are better on defense than the Steelers.

• As for the West, I like the Chargers more than any other team, but don’t we all like the Chargers a ton every Labor Day weekend?

That leaves someone traveling to Foxboro on the third Sunday in January, again, praying they can find a way to dethrone the slightly dysfunctional but ridiculously legendary Patriots.

New England’s defense should be better, with Dont’a Hightower’s return, and Trey Flowers and Adrian Clayborn giving the Patriots a legitimate 1-2 pass-rush threat they haven’t had. The running game is good, the tackles iffy with the loss of Nate Solder and the injury to Isaiah Wynn knocking him out for the year. Amazing that 49er roster marginalia Trent Brown will play such a vital role, as least early, as the heir to Solder on Brady’s blind side.

If I were Brady, I’d be thinking more about the receiver situation than left tackle. The two most reliable recent wideouts, Danny Amendola (free agency, Miami) and Julian Edelman (suspended for four games) won’t be there in September, and Hogan and Dorsett are complementary pieces more than standard-bearers.

The Patriots claimed a couple of waiver-wire no-names, Amara Darboh (Seattle) and Chad Hanson (Jets) on Saturday to give them a five-receiver depth chart, but think of it: The Patriots were 31st in the waiver-wire claiming order, so 30 other teams passed on Darboh and Hanson.

In Bill They All Trust—I get that. But Bill left the offense in a bad place entering two tough defensive opponents to open the season. Belichick counted on Malcolm Mitchell or Kenny Britt or Jordan Matthews or Eric Decker becoming a trusted Brady partner from the opening day of camp, and none did. What now? There’s no way Belichick and personnel czar Nick Caserio didn’t try to deal for a receiver over the weekend; they’re too smart to ignore a position of great need.

Now they have to hope that looming free agents/cap casualties are available at the trade dealine. Maybe Denver is lousy the first half of the season and makes Demaryius Thomas available. Or maybe Detroit does the same with Golden Tate, or Green Bay (very unlikely) with Randall Cobb. Or maybe one of the waiver pickups find a chemistry with Brady. I just think the solving of the receiver problem is more likely than the other contenders finding solutions to their big issues.

The AFC playoff Picture
Division winners: New England, Jacksonville, Cincinnati, Los Angeles Chargers.
Wild-card teams: Pittsburgh, Houston.
Seeds: 1. New England, 2. Jacksonville, 3. Chargers, 4. Cincinnati, 5. Pittsburgh, 6. Houston
AFC title game: New England 30, Los Angeles 23.

How cool would that be? Each of the Los Angeles franchises making the conference championship games, and being four quarters from an L.A. versus L.A. Super Bowl?

Super Bowl 53, Atlanta, Feb. 3, 2019: Los Angeles Rams 29, New England 20.
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Khalil Mack

I was talking to Saints coach Asshole Face over the weekend, and the Khalil Mack trade to Chicago came up. “The last time we played Oakland [Week 1 2016], we put in a special protection for him,” Payton said. If Mack lined up outside the right tackle to rush, the Saints’ tight end would line up on the right side and chip him as he rushed. If Mack lined up opposite the left tackle, the tight end would shift left. The Saints called it “Mack Protection” in the gameplan that week.

You do that kind of thing for Khalil Mack, or Aaron Donald, or maybe Von Miller. They’re that good, and they can wreck games if foes try to block them consistently with one man.

But between late February and late August, I’m told, the Raiders didn’t aggressively try to resolve the Mack contract issue—not as aggressively as the Rams with Aaron Donald or the Packers with Aaron Rodgers. Mack was on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal but didn’t report to camp, and the Raiders seemed willing to hope Mack would report this week so he could begin collecting increments of his $13.846-million one-year salary.

But Mack was steadfast about staying away, feeling Oakland didn’t value his game sufficiently. He wasn’t coming. So last Friday the Raiders zoned in on trying to get two first-round draft picks in trade for him (the Jets, Niners and Browns pushed, but not hard enough) and Chicago put the two ones on the table. So the deal got done, with an asterisk: Oakland had to send a future second-round pick to Chicago, cheapening the return for Mack. By the end of the day Saturday, Mack had eclipsed Aaron Donald as football’s richest defender.

The most important part of this story is being mostly ignored. It’s best framed by asking this question:

If I told you that you could draft and develop one of the three best defensive players in football (and maybe the best), and then sign him to a contract that would take him all the way through his prime for an average of 10.7 percent of your salary cap annually, would you do it?

I bet the vast majority of the teams in the league would be happy to do so. If they knew anything about football they would.

But that’s the crux of this situation. Let me explain. Mack, over the next seven years, is scheduled to make $154.85 million on his new Bears contract. The salary cap this year is $177.2 million. Over the last five years, the cap has risen about $10 million a year. So let’s project that it continues to rise $10 million a year through the last year of the Mack deal, in 2024. The cap, then, would be $237.2 million in the last year of Mack’s deal.

Average salary cap per team over the next seven years, by my estimate: $207.2 million.

Mack’s average compensation over the next seven years: $22.12 million.

Average cap spending devoted to Mack annually: 10.67 percent.

When Jon Gruden spoke Sunday night in Oakland, he implied that the odds are against a team winning when it has two huge-salaried players. Those two players in Oakland were Derek Carr and Mack. Last year, Carr signed an extension that, adding in his scheduled 2017 salary, would pay him $126.7 million over six years, according to Over The Cap. Long-term, then, the combined Carr/Mack cap number, on average, would be $43 million, or 20.87 percent of the annual cap. That means two star players would make 21 percent of the Raiders’ cap.

I don’t think spending 21 percent of the cap on two big stars is excessive. Especially when the alternative is irrelevance.

That’s the most important thing here. Let’s dig into four tributaries:

1. There are times to make first-round picks untouchable. This was not one of them. There’s this impression out there that first-round picks are the Holy Grail of team development, absolutely irreplaceable pieces of a team’s future. Remember the Patriots’ furious comeback to beat Atlanta in the Super Bowl two years ago? On their game-tying drive that night, of the five offensive linemen and six skill-players who touched the ball, one (left tackle Nate Solder) was drafted in the top 75 of a draft.

Excepting Mack and the last two first-round Raider picks (who cannot be judged yet), look at the last 10 Raider first-round picks: Robert Gallery, Fabian Washington, Michael Huff, Jamarcus Russell, Darren McFadden, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Rolando McClain, D.J. Hayden, Amari Cooper, Karl Joseph.

Seven of those players were top 10 picks in the first round. But would you trade Mack for any two of them? I wouldn’t. Not even close. So what makes the Raiders think they’ll strike gold with another franchise player with either of the two picks after nearly a generation of not finding one (other than Mack) in the first round?

2. Oakland players can no-comment this or try to make it not so big a deal, but there’s no way they’re not ticked off. The early tweets from Derek Carr and Bruce Irvin (No f—ing way) are the real ones. This has Jon Gruden’s fingerprints all over it, and the team’s leaders—Carr included—should not sit idly by and say, Whatever you want to do, coach. Gruden had to make this call. And the locker room is thinking, “If Khalil Mack, probably our best player, isn’t worth 10 percent of the cap through his prime, then who are they going to pay around here other than the quarterback?”

3. The football world has to stop thinking of $22 million a year as absolutely outlandish and dumb to pay a non-quarterback. Folks, it’s all Monopoly money. The cap has more than doubled in 13 years. The way to think of players’ salaries is as a percentage of the cap—not in raw dollars. Five years ago, this Mack deal, on average, would have been 18 percent of the cap. Now, over the next seven years, it’s 10.67 percent. When the cap grows, you’re much better off thinking of the percentage of the cap, not that a defensive player shouldn’t make $20 million a year. It’s all relative.

4. As for the Bears … Bears fans—ask Michael Wilbon—have a love-hate relationship with GM Ryan Pace. This, though, was a brilliant trade by Pace, who smartly figured (I think he did; I could not reach him Sunday) that two first-round picks was extremely reasonable for a player of Mack’s caliber in an age when disrupting the quarterback’s rhythm is the most important thing a defense can do.

Per Pro Football Focus, Mack has 175 sacks/quarterback hits/quarterback hurries in the last two seasons, and that is 13 more than the next-most disruptive rusher, Von Miller. I love what defensive coordinator Vic Fangio must be thinking, particularly if Akiem Hicks continues to play in his disruptive way and if Leonard Floyd can become the consistent force on the edge that he’s shown flashes of being in his first two seasons (22 games, 11.5 sacks).

The Bears now have no picks in the first two rounds in 2019, and none in first and third rounds of 2020. But they were able to squeeze a 2020 second-rounder back from Oakland. So their earliest picks in the next two drafts are a third next year and two second-rounders in 2020. Imagine if the Raiders struggle in ’19, and the Bears have a pick near the top of the second round in ’20. That wouldn’t cancel out the Bears’ first-rounder in 2020, but it would ease the pain.

Think, too, of what Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson must be thinking this morning—Rodgers mostly. The Bears play the Packers and Seahawks in Weeks 1 and 2, and a rush with Mack, Hicks and Floyd is downright scary. If Mitch Trubisky is somewhere between competent and very good, the Bears will be a major factor in the NFC North much quicker than we thought.
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The Award Section

Picking the best players for the top awards this early is not advisable, but I’m always up for some preseason idiocy. Here goes:

MVP: Tom Brady, QB, New England.

If he gets the Patriots to the division crown at 41, with a makeshift left tackle situation and the worst receiver group, arguably, he’s ever had, this isn’t remotely surprising.

The contenders: 2. Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers. 3. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay. 4. Todd Gurley, RB, Rams. 5. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans.

Coach: Doug Pederson, Philadelphia. The defending Super Bowl champ wouldn’t normally win this, but I’ve got the Eagles surviving the early questions at quarterback to go an NFL-best 13-3.

The contenders: 2. Bill Belichick, New England. 3. Anthony Lynn, Chargers. 4. Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati. 5. Doug Marrone, Jacksonville.

Offensive player: Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans. The unlikely rushing champion wins a very close race with some quarterbacks … because Kamara is going to have a ridiculously productive all-purpose yards season.

The contenders: 2. Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers. 3. Tom Brady, QB, New England. 4. David Johnson, RB, Arizona. 5. Todd Gurley, RB, Rams.

Defensive player: Geno Atkins, defensive tackle, Cincinnati. Surprising win over the two mega-money guys, Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack. But Atkins will get a huge hand from Carlos Dunlap and Andrew Billings on the defensive front. The Bengals will win the division with this front, and Atkins will lead the way.

The contenders: 2. Aaron Donald, DT, Rams. 3. Trey Flowers, DE, New England. 4. Chandler Jones, DE, Arizona. 5. Marcus Peters, CB, Rams.

Comeback player: Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis. After a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery marred his 2016 season and kept him out for 2017, Luck’s return to relevance wins him the award.

The contenders: 2. Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore. 3. Travis Frederick, C, Dallas. 4. Richard Sherman, CB, San Francisco. 5. Dont’a Hightower, LB, New England.

Offensive rookie: Michael Dickson, P, Seattle. I don’t even know if a punter is an offensive or defensive player. But I’m giving Dickson this nod because he’ll lead the NFL in gross and net punting, and because punters are people too.

The contenders: 2. Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants. 3. Sam Darnold, QB, Jets. 4. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis. 5. Michael Gallup, WR, Dallas.

Defensive rookie: Josh Jackson, CB, Green Bay. I don’t think he’ll start on fire, but as the season wears on, he’s going to be the most reliable cornerback on a strong playoff contender. He never was the fastest cornerback at Iowa, but he was smart and instinctive, and he’ll be among the league leaders in interceptions.

The contenders: 2. Bradley Chubb, DE, Denver. 3. Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Miami. 4. Derwin James, S, Chargers. 5. Arden Key, DE, Oakland.
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Things I Think I Think

1. I think I believe the Saints did the right thing in dealing a third-round pick to the Jets for Teddy Bridgewater and a sixth-round pick, even though Bridgewater is working on a one-year contract. This is why:

• Drew Brees turns 40 in January and though he has missed only two games in his 12-year Saints career, no one’s selling insurance for quarterbacks that old. Legitimate quarterback insurance costs something. The Saints like backup Taysom Hill, but would they have been willing to play Taysom Hall with a Super Bowl roster and still felt they could play deep into January without Brees?

• The Saints have always felt they can find a draft pick in trade if they need one. Jimmy Johnson used to be that way. And so GM Mickey Loomis was concerned but didn’t panic over not having a three next year. He had the full support of coach Asshole Face. Everyone Payton knew—particularly Bill Parcells (a mentor of Bridgewater’s when he was in high school)—told Payton to get him.

• Payton gets to have Bridgewater in the building and around him and Brees for a year. If the match is good, and if Bridgewater doesn’t have a better starting option somewhere else, Payton might be able to tempt him to stay even if he has to sit behind Brees one more year in 2019.

2. I think the reason you don’t ever look at the 53-man roster teams keep at the moment of the final cuts is this: Green Bay kept eight receivers on the initial 53-man roster; New England kept three. Now way either team would go into the season with a number that high or low.

3. I think the Name of the Weekend on the cut wire was Washington axing safety Fish Smithson. Fish suffered the same cruel fate as his brother, who was in Green Bay camp in 2011 but didn’t make the team. The brother: Shaky Smithson.

4. I think you’ll see quite a few of the NFL cuts sign in the next few weeks with the new eight-team Alliance of American Football, because more than 600 of those cut won’t be asked back by any of the 32 NFL teams, either on the active roster or practice squad. The AAF begins play Feb. 9, six days after the Super Bowl, in an attempt to fill the off-season void of football for fans—and likely of gambling too.

Hines Ward, the former Steeler and current Head of Football Development for the new league, said the other day the league will offer players three-year deals and hope to get a bedrock of developmental players who’ve never had the sustained chance to play pro football. The players will be able to leave the AAF to return to the NFL if offered NFL deals, Ward said. “We don’t want to stand in the way of their dreams,” he told me. There will be a league-wide training camp beginning the first week of 2019 in San Antonio, and 52-man regular-season rosters.

5. I think this got lost in the mayhem of Saturday, but Jon Gruden also cut loose his second and third quarterbacks, EJ Manuel and Connor Cook. Manuel was the 16th overall pick in 2013; Cook was picked before Dak Prescott in 2016. And so in comes A.J. McCarron, who played so well in camp this year he was third on the Bills’ mental depth chart after the preseason, after being imported in free agency to start at least one season while Josh Allen got seasoned for the long-term Buffalo job. Man, Gruden made so much news this weekend that his notable quarterback shuffling is in the 39th paragraph of a 40-graf story.

6. I think it’s stunning that Tom Coughlin, essentially, is Jalen Ramsey’s boss, and Jalen Ramsey keeps yapping. (Good for us, so I hope Ramsey keeps it up, but I cannot believe the Jaguars aren’t vomitous over his Hollywood Hendersonisms.)

7. I think sometimes I read things players say and just chortle. Such as Dante Fowler of the Jaguars, who said the other day: “Honestly my goal this year is really just to show people that I’m a franchise player. I’m an elite player. I’m one of the top defensive ends, linebackers, whatever you want to call me, in this league.” Hmmm.

Fowler has been a big talker in his three years in the NFL since being the third overall pick in 2015. He missed his first year with a knee injury. In the last two seasons, covering 32 games, he has 12 sacks, including 2.5 in the last nine games of the 2017 regular season. Fowler’s got a lot of showing to do.

Jake Ellenbogen is joined by NFL insider Benjamin Allbright and Joe Curley. Allbright comes on at the (41:20) mark to discuss Aaron Donald's contract details, Robert Griffin III, Paxton Lynch, who's next in line for an extension and more. While Joe comes on to talk about the roster cutdowns, practice squad and other football related things.

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