Did Goodell moving the extra point back increase the 2 point attempts like he thought it would?

That is a scrappy group right there, and I was pulling for them today BIG TIME.

I'm a bit pissy that they are out and so are the Rams.

So my two faves to win it all are out..........I don't give a fuck about the rest of the field.

I wanted one of those two winning it all this year.

I will hate on JAX and ATL forever.

Rams bracing for departure of Greg Olson as QB coach

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Jared Goff may soon be working with his third quarterbacks coach in three seasons, with Sporting News first reporting that new Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden is expected to hire Greg Olson away from the Los Angeles Rams to be his offensive coordinator.


In his first season as the Rams' quarterbacks coach, Greg Olson help Jared Goff take a big leap. Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

The Rams have the ability to reject the move because Olson isn't leaving for a head-coaching job. But McVay, who has long identified Gruden as one of his mentors, previously informed his coaches that he would be open to them pursuing other opportunities that they consider promotions.

Gruden will be introduced as the Raiders' coach on Tuesday.

"I have so much respect for Coach Olson," McVay said Sunday, the day after his team was eliminated with a 26-13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. "He's been a great coach to us. He's done a great job with us. He's a guy that I've always had a lot of respect for."

Olson was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quarterbacks coach in 2008, which marked Gruden's last year coaching and McVay's first. Olson, 54, has served 11 seasons as an offensive coordinator, with the Chicago Bears(2003), Detroit Lions (2005), then-St. Louis Rams (2006-07), Buccaneers (2009-11), Raiders (2013-14) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2015-16).

In Olson's first year as the Rams' quarterbacks coach, Goff made a tremendous second-year leap and is now a first alternate for the Pro Bowl.

"If that were to happen, we're very happy for him and everything he's done for us," Goff said of Olson's expected departure. "We can't thank him enough. I think we talked about it last night with the quarterbacks -- everything he's done has been awesome. It far exceeded my expectations, as far as what he's done for myself and our whole quarterback room. And we're very thankful for him."

Prior to Olson, Goff worked with former Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke as a rookie in 2016. Now, it seems, he'll have another voice in his ear. But Goff said, "It'll be fine." The offense will be the same, and McVay noted that offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur -- who, like the rest of the coaches, will stay -- also has a major say with the Rams' franchise quarterback.

McVay wouldn't confirm that Olson is indeed leaving, but he called it "a blessing" to have him on his staff.

"If that opportunity does present itself -- the respect we have for Coach Olson, that's something that we'll allow him to pursue," McVay said. "We'll see what happens from there."

[www.espn.com]

Many years ago the Magic led Lakers lost to the Celtics the first time they met in the finals because they were not prepared for the physical nature of the Celtics game, the willingness to do what ever it takes to win bar nothing, their ability to raise their level of competition and the fact that the refs let it go. I believe this is what happened to our team. Especially most of our receivers. The Lakers learned from that series and never again did they loose for those reasons. Our Rams just got their first lesson in play off football, NFL style. I hope they learn from it. We should be very happy that in just one season our team was able to get to this point and experience this.
Now I know some of us thought they saw similarities to the 99 Rams and thought this might have the same outcome. The fact is the 99 Rams had home field advantage because they were the best in the regular season and a passing system no NFL defense had really seen run like that before and this team, well if we are honest, this team had some holes, plus our timing on some teams we played was advantages. I am not down on anything that happened last night. I am of course disappointed, but I am happy for the experience our team got this year. I had a great time all season, all the way up to the end of the game last night. And this off season will be different than so many before it. So do not disparage my Rams in your disappointment. Look back on this year with fondness and look forward to more seasons where the Rams will give you excitement and hope for the Super Bowl because this is just the first step of many. Enjoy the journey.

Not a knock on any poster here

Just trying to lighten things up a bit.

The Rams are out if the playoffs because the 1st year head coach rested some starters which left the inexperienced team flat coming out of the gate, which led to the pro bowl return man fumbling and bumbling all over the field. In turn our 2nd year quarterback was a tad rusty, and that might or might not have led to a few critical drops by key members of the offense.

Because the offense was inefficient, the defense got tired from being on the field for 3/4of the game, which led to missed tackles on a bad field.


Did I miss anything?

Started lookin around a bit at the projected FAs, and yeah it's way too early, but IMO the Rams are now a "premiere" destination for the upper crust due to a winning roster and environment, top coaching staff on both sides of the ball, location, and the insane stadium on the way.

Here we go, and once again only guys who fit our needs.

OFFENSE

1. TE Jimmy Graham. I see the guy as the top fit for the Rams and here's why... He's an old dog, who needs to get himself back under an OC who knows how to feature the TE position, and that's not as easy as it sounds. Fortunately for him the Rams have a TE savant in McVay, a young offense that he would fit in, and a QB who is accurate and desperately needs a security blanket he can trust.

Why he might not be a target: Everett. Only the staff knows what they really think of Gerald. But IMO of all the different FA possibilities adding a 6'7" pass catching target would make Jared Goff cry tears of joy. Higbee, IMO, is not going to factor in too much with this decision, as given that we know what his hands are now through two seasons.

2. WR (X) Davante Adams. If the Rams elect to not retain Watkins, there are only a couple guys out there who can step in at X and get 'er done from game one on. Now I'm not sure they would want to put more money into a wideout, what with all the FA decisions pending on the roster, but Adams is a very nice fit with a WCO background and brings the stuff we need outside the hashes.

2A. WR (X) Allen Robinson. The fact he's played with Bortles and put up good stats is a good sign. He's a big receiver who beats the jam outside and who might have more upside in this kind of offense than most realize.

Why WR might not be a target: Money/CAP, and/or Watkins. IMO the question of where they're allocating their dollars may well factor in. It's also possible the retain Watkins at a rate both sides can deal with, which will end consideration of adding either of the above.

3. TE Tyler Eifert. His back injury is very concerning, but when this guy is healthy he's the type of weapon McVay could make good use of. He's no Graham, but he represents an immediate upgrade over Higbee and his inconsistent hands.

Why he might not be a target: Everett. As noted above.

4. RB Jerick McKinnon. We are likely to have a need for a backup who can contribute in the passing game, and depending on how much action this guy gets he's a good fit there. He's young, with upside, and caught 51 passes for the Vikes.

Why he might not be a target: cost. His youth and/or play through the playoffs might lead to a team pricing him out of our backup range.

DEFENSE

1. DT Justin Ellis. This dude has the body style (stubby/heavy) and strength at the point to give us a boost at NT. Like with all the guys on this list he could well be locked up by his team, but he's definitely on the Rams' list. Very strong run stopper who would help our DL out.

Why he might not be a target: cost. Rams gotta pay Donald, already have money sunk into 5T with Brock as well, and might have plans to address NT in the draft where it's cheap and guys can be had into midrounds.

2. ILB Demario Davis. He will be very highly sought after in FA if he hits it. Jets love him, leader in the locker room and all that. Instant upgrade for the Rams at interior LB if they were to be able to lock him up. Dude got robbed in Pro Bowl voting IMO.

Why he might not be a target: cost. Rams have money locked up in Tree, and lots of decisions all around. This guy is legit, but can they fit him in?

3. ILB Avery Williamson. This is a solid ILB who is a fit for the scheme, and who will probably hit the FA market. Plus I like that he took a fine to wear the 9/11 cleats back in 2016, my kinda dude.

Why he might not be a target: cost, as noted above under Davis.

4. ILB Navorro Bowman. Had a good season with the Raiders in the middle. Would upgrade us but he is a big name who might be wanting to cash in with what might be his last FA look.

Why he might not be available: cost, as noted above under Davis.

5. ILB Korey Toomer. This would be a budget interior type backer who is basically a depth guy with some starts but who has had some strong games.

Why he might not be a target: comes down to what the Rams feel about some of their kid LBs.

6. OLB Alex Okafor. He was injured after a great start with the Saints. Real good edge type but I suspect New Orleans will lock him up. Putting him here just because he's a fit, albeit a low chance of happening type due to availability not to mention the possibility the Rams have Quinn take a pay cut with an extension.

Why he might not be a target: availability/Quinn extension possible.

Some quick notes...

1. I am not a fan of this free agent CB class. There are some fits of course out there, and some young CBs who might hit the FA period like Fuller, but I think they're inferior to the Rams re-signing NRC and Joyner which will preclude spending on them. Also a noteworthy name is Butler, who really isn't all that tbh, and who IMO is in for a reality check on the market. IF the Rams feel the need to dip into this group, which I hope to F they don't, it will be if they lose NRC.

2. QBs might well dominate the headlines this year. There's a chance that more than one legitimate starter ends up on this market, depending on how teams do things. Unlikely, but possible. Either way it's gonna at the least be the Kirk Cousins world tour.

Underway, now.

From another board

This game, and year, reminded me of the 2003 team in some ways. This Rams team will go to the next step unlike that falling apart 2003 team...Goff for sure will take another big step, and the rest should follow. The 2003 defense was not so solid like Wade's can be. I trust Goff much more than Bulger, though I might like Bulger's tight window throws more.

I don't think the 2017 Rams were so battle tested like the Falcons (were with their first place schedule)---the 2003 team was very similar. The 2017 teams built a lot of its confidence on offense against bad teams (Colts, Texans, Giants, 1st Cards game). And yes, we beat good teams, too....but we never had very good YPA against the man to man defenses with confident corners (Vikings, Seattle, Atlanta,

Goff and BUlger both had great years in those respective years, but that is mostly because everyone around them made it great for them. Bulger didn't win games by himself, and neither did Goff. The 2003 team beat very few good teams, and they had pretty easy schedule (No Eagles, Giants et al). By the way, this doesn't take away from the fact that if we replay that Atlanta game, we may win it with Brockers and no fumbles.

On the goal line pass to Gurley right before the half....I knew that play was coming--100%. We relied on teams to be so distracted by other things that McVay thinks Gurley will get flairs and screens and get a TD----but that wasn't going to happen gainst Atltana in a playoff game---nor the Vikings nor the Eagles etc....so, we needed someone to step up and dominate, and no one could; until the last 5 minutes of the game only 3 guys even caught balls. We need a one physically dominant WR who beats coverage and gets the dang ball---like the old Dez Bryant. Woods did ball though, didn't he!. But, Woods ain't that type of WR.

If you get rid of the Texans, Colts, Cards In London and Giants games the stats are totally different. 2003 was very similar. We beat a lot of teams that were down, and put up big stats.

We can go to the super bowl next year, but still, when your WRs can't beat man coverage you aint' gooing far. It seems wierd that they would resign Sammy for more than $8-9 mill....I mean 39 catches....why not sign a Torrey Smith type who can just fly down the field, but who isn't very good at routes (and thus, you can get for cheap--- $4-5 million).

Our TEs will produce next year. I really don't see Higs being the starter, and getting so many snaps.

Someone on the board said Trufant was ok, well he was in the probowl in 2015....we need a cover guy like that, and then. We will be a different team.

I won't be surprised if we go 10-6 or 11-5 at best next year because of our schedule, but I know Goff, Woods, Gurley and Kupp will come through, but will they do with the fading Whit? I think the defense will get better when we get a 'real' nose tackle, one fast cover corner (remember Jeremetrius Butler---he wasn't a complete corner, but he could play man on man at a high level!).

I think that that might be the plan.

The O got the most attention in last year’s draft, although Wade got a few FA’s.

Now it’s his turn, I think.

Would just love to know his thinking and strategies in so many areas.

Quinn. Can he be a star in Wade’s 3-4? If not, Quinn’s salary is a killer liability. Gotta be one or the other, don’t you think?

Who is gonna be Wade’s 3rd DL starter? Is he on the roster? Maybe a FA that is tbd? Or a draft pick?

Ogletree, does he stay inside? Or does Wade prefer him outside?

If Tree moves outside, who takes his place inside? Again, on roster, FA, or draft?

Barron. Does Wade love him inside? He said nice things about Barron this season, but what about now? Health issues and cap cost are definitely factors, I would think. Might be iffy when push comes to shove.

How badly does Wade really want TruJo? I wonder. Especially if he requires a ton of precious cap dollars. Might have another less expensive FA in mind. Or maybe a premium draft pick? A Snead CB gem special?

Webster might not be able to start outside by opening day. Maybe ever. Does Wade like Troy Hill as his starter? I bet we will see 2 new starting outside CB’s for next opening day.

I’m sure that Wade loves Joyner, and that Joyner loves playing for Wade. Joyner will get extended, I’m certain.

JJ is Wade’s “boy” and will be a starter next year, for sure.

Sooooo...

Lot’s of questions personnel wise on our D for next year.

I foresee heavy draft on D plus maybe a FA or two for Wade and his D this offseason.

When all the dust settles, we could see a lot of new faces as starters. Maybe as many as 7, depending on how the LB corps settles out.

But I think we come out with an upgraded D that will finish Top 5 in scoring. Probably won’t be any talk about a weak run D for the Rams, either. Lol.

Thoughts?

I'll probably only do one (maybe two) of these, but here goes:

GO AHEAD & MAKE AARON DONALD THE HIGHEST PAID DLINEMAN IN THE NFL

PAYCUT, TRADEBAIT, OR OUTRIGHT RELEASE
Tavon Austin - Horrible trade up to horrible contract
Mark Barron - An expensive Ogletree needs to be at his position
(Note: I'd move on from Quinn, but can't replace him yet)

OUTGOING FREE AGENTS
Trumaine Johnson - Solid #2 wants #1 CB Money
LaMarcus Joyner - Just like Rodney McCleod, market may overpay.
Dominique Easley - Questionable fit even prior to injury, IMO.
Lance Dunbar - Questionable signing in first place given knee injury history.

WELCOME BACK
Sammy Watkins - Be it a one year prove it or $10 millon per deal
John Sullivan - Will be 33, but back at a fair price until his replacement found.
Nickell Robey-Coleman - Solid nickel CB the team won't have to break the bank to keep.
Conner Barwin - Brought back at same 1 year $3.5 Million deal

Vet Minimum Returnees
Cody Davis, Derek Carrier, Jake McQuaide, Tyrunn Walker, Cornelius Lucas.

RFA Free Agent Tenders
Matt Longacre - 2nd round tender
Troy Hill - Minimum
Darrell Williams - Minimum
Malcolm Brown - Minimum

WELCOME ABOARD

Vontae Davis, CB, Colts - A better press man cornerback than T Johnson who should also be a cheaper alternative given he will be 30 and coming off a down season attempting to play through a groin injury prior to shutting it down.

Eric Reid, S, 49ers - Given his backing Kaepernick, someone is going to get a young quality safety cheap. Might as well be the Rams. John Johnson moves to FS where he probably belongs. Note: Reid can play some LB in certain packages.

Navorro Bowman, ILB, Raiders - He too will be 30 years old and thus cheaper than Barron and should allow Ogletree to move into Barron's playmaking LB spot where he belongs.

Was electric! Shout out to my LA fans for coming out and being loud. From what I could see it was 90-10 rams to falcons fans in the stands. Loud every time the D was on the field. Lost my voice as did many others. If we keep winning we should have some home field advantage soon.

Go... Bills?

I feel win or lose we were looking at a lot of roster turnover and with our schedule next year we may be hard pressed to host a playoff game, not that it is a big advantage for us. This was a great year and we blew an opportunity to make some noise in the playoffs.

A lot of decisions to make in the secondary and what to do with Watkins. I don't think he deserves true #1 WR money. We don't use him enough to pay him like that and then when we do he doesn't make #1 WR plays. Yes he looks great wide open on a deep post but he has to make the tough plays. Tell me Deandre Hopkins doesn't catch that bomb late in the game when we still had a shot. Or the last play when he had coverage on him but he needed to get tough and grab that ball though the game was all but over. The fact that we don't get him the ball enough may be reason enough to move on.

We need a LB as Ogletree's miss may have been the biggest play of the game and not sure Barron is worth the money.

We have a lot of new guys to bring in and hopefully the free agents can make up the difference because with all the rookies and the pending schedule it will be tough to get back to where we were last night.
After a year of draft, free agents and more coaching we will be ready for a 3-5 year run just not sure that next year will be the start.

I have no stomach to rewatch the game yet, so can’t confirm if it was TA or other WR coming across, but early in the game they ran this twice without handing it to crosser.

I just got the sense watching this season, there were so many creative plays off of this motion, I kept waiting to see it kick in last night.

They just seemed to stop doing it.

During the season, they faked the run one way and pitched the ball the other and that was always good for a big chunk off this motion.

Out of sorts indeed.

Some general topics as food for thought...

Goff is a franchise QB. A work in progress but he seems ahead of schedule and with the perfect HC. We’re set for 12-15 years.

Gurley is my favorite RB in the entire league. An complete and elite back. Period.

Whit’s eventual replacement better come sooner rather than later. Like this offseason, if possible. The late season Whit has slipped from the early season version. No point in sugarcoating it.

Saffold should be extended, if possible. Our best OL player.

I’m ambivalent about extending Sully. I’m inclined to say yes, though. I like Blythe, but a drafted C might be in our near future if one they like falls to them later in the draft.

Jamon Brown has a future as our starting RG, I believe. He has blossomed under Kromer.

Hav? I’m kinda on the fence. Seems to be in “pretty good” territory. Might be an eventual upgrade coming there, although probably not this year. Unless an eventual replacement for Whit is drafted and he beats out Hav?

I suspect that McVay rolls with Everett, Higbee, and Hemingway at TE again next year. On the one hand, McVay wants his pass receiving stud TE (two, if possible), on the other hand, there are other pressing needs that require picks and FA cap dollars. Higbee is showing flashes, already.

Watkins? Who knows? Personally, I’ve soured on him a bit. I have questions about his heart, his passion to be our #1, and maybe even his football smarts. I’ve reached the point that I don’t really want him as a Ram for an amount beyond $8-9 million per.

Woods, I love everything about him. What a signing he was. Maybe we can find another undervalued FA gem like Woods to replace Watkins? That would be a dream scenario.

Kupp was a grand theft steal in the 3rd last year. Period.


On to the D. Would love to know what Wade is thinking about our needs.

Hope we can extend AD next offseason, but I’m not counting on it. I think the problem is other than money. Anyway, he’ll be a Ram through ‘20, at least.

Brockers. We found out how valuable he is to this D when he was injured vs the Falcons.

Gonna be interesting to see what the Rams do on their DL beyond AD and Brockers, huh? Wonder what Wade wants. Could go with a high draft pick, or another FA. Or maybe both? Might depend on who falls in the draft?

I’m in the move Ogletree outside camp. Just think he fits better there.

Barron might be a goner due to health concerns and his cap hit. I know that will bother some, but I think that it might be necessary for the overall greater good of the D.

Littleton may just be starter material inside. Wonder what Wade thinks.

TruJo is likely a goner. I doubt that we could keep him for $12 million, or less. And that’s probably our cap limit, given our other needs. Will his replacement be another but less expensive FA? Or a draft pick? Probably a premium one. Snead has proven adept at finding excellent CB’s, so there is that.

Webster’s Achilles is a scary injury. He may never fully recover his quickness and speed. I hate to say it because I admire Webster’s toughness, but S&M might be forced to plan on a replacement for Webster as outside CB. At least for the first half of next season. Depends on doctors, I guess. This is a very real concern, y’all.

Joyner will be extended. Period. Unless he asks for stupid money, of course. Don’t think it’s his style, though. He just wants to play football.

JJ is our other starter at S, I think. Just keeps getting better. I remember that Wade was beaming when JJ was drafted.

McQuaide will be extended, too. We’re set with Hekker and GZ, of course. Both are the best in the business.

About our assistant coaches. Far as I can tell, they are all doing a very good job. Heck, maybe even better than very good. If Gruden takes Olsen, I wish Olsen all the best. I have no doubt that McVay will select a compatible QB coach to work with Goff seamlessly. McVay should have his pick of the litter, actually. What asst coach candidate wouldn’t leap at the chance to join McVay’s staff?

I know that some of my thoughts are controversial. But we’re just spitballin’ here and for fun as we transition to offseason strategies.

What are your thoughts, pro or con? Or maybe something I missed?

Bring it! Lol.

The Rams have a ton a free agents this year.
In my opinion these are the rankings of the unrestricted free agents in terms of need to resign....
Defense.
1) JOYNER He is a top flight safety and can roll to corner as well. Too good and too versatile to let go. I think will cost $10M/year to keep him.

2) ROBEY-COLEMAN. Solid CB. Not as good as Tru but provides a bit of a hedge if Tru can't be resigned. Should be sort of easy to retain.

3) TRU Doesn't get a ton of love on the board but easily the best CB on the Rams and one of the better in the league. Someone will probably offer to pay him more than he is worth. Team would be much better with him.

4) DAVIS Played pretty well when he got in at S. Provides important S depth and a ST standout.

5) BARWIN Not great at any one thing he is solid at most. A veteran leader on the team. May be willing to stay without a raise.

6). EASLEY Oft injured. Talented interior pass rushers are hard to find. Guy is still young and talented. Cheap deal.

7) WALKER A solid 3/4 interior guy. He knocked down some passes and was a solid rotational guy overall. Should be able to keep without giving a big raise.

Offense
1) SULLIVAN One of the better FA agent signings in recent years he stayed on the field and exceeded expectations. Was a key cog in a massively improved line. Made $1M in 2017

2) WATKINS Super talent who underachieves. He did nothing in 2017 to shake that rep. Rams need to have a price ceiling they won't go above to keep Watkins. He doesn't deserve top WR money because he is not a top WR. At some point a guy needs to produce.

3) CARRIER Good trade for Carrier. Gave the Rams a solid blocking TE in a young group of TEs.

4) McQUADE I will put him here. He is good. Long snappers usually age out because their vet minimum keeps going up making them expendable.

5) Lucas Played solid RT in limited action.

Of the RFA I Would rank the most important guys as
LONGACRE....played well for the most part and TE Rams need LB depth, could start.
HILL....see above comment about Robey-Coleman
BROWN....solid backup RB.

Don't have the link but he will retire this season.

He really blew some calls in the Chiefs/Titans game and gave some really confusing explanations for the calls. You all have probably already read about them.

I'll never forget a Rams game he refed during the Fisher era, can't recall the opponent but the other team kicked an onside kick, Bradley Marquez was on the "hands" team on the line and raised his hand for a fair catch. He made the catch but was flagged by Triplett for an improper fair catch signal. Triplett said the ball was kicked into the ground and bounced into the air so a fair catch could not be signaled. The other officials came and told Triplett that the ball never hit the ground during the kick so he picked up the flag. Fisher then questions where was the penalty for unnecessary roughness on the fair catch signal (Marquez was clobbered as he caught the ball). Triplett said there was no penalty and the ball was in play at that spot.

How can you call an improper fair catch, reverse the call then not acknowledge a fair catch was made the receiver was interfied with? I never could understand that one call/none call.

Triplett should have retired a long time ago.

First off, I am extremely happy with this season. Far beyond my wildest expectations, and it looks like we are finally building the right way. No way at the beginning of the year, with a new, young, untested Head Coach, a new offensive scheme, a switch from 4-3 to 3-4, and the 2nd youngest team in the league, could anyone realistically expect more than about 8-8 or maybe 9-7.

To me the 3 biggest reasons for the loss are:
1 - The 2 early turnovers, leading to 10 points.
2 - Brockers going down. They couldn't run on us until he went down. Imagine the Falcons mindset after last years superbowl, if we stop them on the 1st drive of the 2nd half, then score a TD to take the lead. Instead, without Brockers, we couldn't stop the run, and they had a long scoring drive. Giving them the feeling that the game wasn't slipping away from them. The entire 2nd half we had a tough time stopping the run, which gave them the confidence that they were a different playoff team this year.
3 - Post Season jitters, which manifest in a slow start, pressing, and missed opportunities. I always feel like the natural Playoff progression is you get there the first time and get some experience, then the next year you come back and win a game or two, then the following year you come back with a legit shot to win the SB. Obviously, this is a very generic statement, and 'Your experience may vary'.

With all that, we were in the game, a play or a call here or there and it could have been a different outcome.


I am really excited with this team going forward. Looks like we have potential Ownership, Front Office, and Head Coaching continuity moving forward. First time I have felt like this in a LONG time. I think we all knew that we didn't really have all the pieces this year for a 'Wade' 3-4. I am really looking forward to the next couple of years, when we have multiple drafts, picking players that fit the new schemes. To me that is the true benefit of the Steelers/Patriots type of Stability/Continuity. How many re-builds have we been through as fans? How many 2-5 year Head Coaching stints?

I truly believe that McVay is the real deal and can be our long term, stable, creative head coach.

Goff looks to be the real deal. I have been very impressed with his growth from year 1 to 2. Looks to be able to become an elite QB if he stays healthy and continues to progress. I love that McVay is turning him into a 'Coach on the field.'

We get a new Stadium 2 years from now, where we can have much more of a home field advantage. Maybe just in time for us to really be primed for a SB Repeat. LOL

We are trending in the right direction for sure. All of these things are really exciting. I have to squint because the light at the end of the tunnel is so bright and so close.

I made a thread about what the Rams were up against but there are still some people who seem to think that it really doesn't matter - At first I was kind of this way. But after reflecting and looking at the history of the game. I kind of have to slap myself. If you look back at the history of the super bowl and playoffs its pretty obvious. In theory (like the bogus mindframe that a playoff game is just like any other game) it doesn't matter.

Winners in the playoffs and Super Bowl are DOMINATED by teams that have been their before (steelers, patriots, ect ect) Matt Ryan has been in the playoff several times before he won. If you go back and research it (which I did a little) you can see that experience matters.

We have this 1999 rams thing that exists in our brain - so we think that somehow its reasonable for that to happen. But the truth is - it almost never happens.

man he seems to come up small in big spots. Earlier in the year against Dallas he whiffs against Eliot on a huge 3rd and goal and than that whiff last night. Ouch! Biggest momentum change in the game. Score before the half than hold them to 3 and out on their opening possession than get the ball back with a chance to take the lead. Instead 8 minutes later, they score, gain momentum and tire out our defense. Just a backbreaker-Ogletree has to realize the moment and sell out to make that play-disappointing.

And I’m not letting Cooper off the hook but to me we had gotten over that and had all the momentum. That missed tackle was a killer.

That's why they invented it because it's better.....Sorry Gentlemen, the field last night was abysmimal reminded me of Fedex Field in Washington, it was a mess....Now I understand they will keep the natural grass at the coliseum, but they should seriously consider going to field turf, it's better and safer for the athletes and the Astro Turf of days gone by are long gone....Field Turf is finding it's way to most High Schools as well as it's easy to maintain and saves on injuries as well...Glad ESK will be installing Field Turf in Inglewood.

I haven’t re-watched it. Probably won’t, either.

In the regular season, we were a top 6 team, no question.

But last night? I hardly recognized our O and ST units.

Couldn’t run early on.

Goff was a bit off on his passing.

Gurley with at least 2 drops. Really?

That freakish punt that touched Countess.

Pharoh’s fumble.

The lopsided TOP.

An exhausted and shorthanded D in that second half.

McVay getting away from the run too much and too soon.

Our players? Were they rusty? Too tight? Playoff stage fright? I dunno. I do know that it wasn’t pretty.

Like I said, I hardly recognized many of these guys.

Bottom line? I think it’s fair to say that both our players and our coaches got playoff schooled. Both will learn from this experience and be better for it next year.

We’ll be back next year, I think. Some players will be upgraded. Some units will be strengthened this offseason.

This was just year one of what I think will be a long run of playoff appearances. We’re just getting warmed up.

And I think he will learn from it. He seems to be the type that sees when he does something wrong and works to correct it.

Maybe next year when the last game is meaningless let the starters play a little to make sure they aren't rusty.

Maybe next year stick with the type of playcalling that got you the division crown and a home field playoff game.

The team looked out of sorts and panicky the entire second half. After battling back into the game by halftime they just froze up. We can pick some individual moments and plays that made a difference but the O just didn't get it done.

13 points will win you about 1 out of 30 games, maybe not even that. And a 3 point second half is a bad job all around.

Next year will be different.