:rimshot:

AD takes over games and I pray this year he has shown that he is irreplaceable. You can't let someone slip away when they are considered the best at what they do and quite possibly the overall best defensive player. The Rams can't let him wear any other jersey for his entire career. Players like him are worth breaking the bank. Don't make the biggest mistake in franchise history and let him slip away. PAY THAT MAN!

I have to say was very impressed with his play yesterday. He has flashed in years past so it's great to see a young kid stepping up when it's their turn.

Kavon has been just okay IMO this year, so I'm kinda interested if Hill can keep developing with more playing time. He offers a bit better athleticism and size I think.

Honestly I was worried about our secondary coming into the game but now I'm not at all.

A rant before the article:

At 12 midnight until 1 am I watched ESPN's Sports Center hoping to see something on the Rams/Seahawks game. They opened up with the Patriots/Steelers game which lasted 14 minutes. Then came the Rams story which lasted less than 2 minutes.

I continued watching from 1 am to 1:30 am. The opening story was the Patriots/Steelers game again which lasted ten minutes. Nothing on the Rams game followed but they did promise to have more on the Patriots/Steelers game.

So I click on the MMQB and what do I see? Around a quarter of the entire article is on the Patriots/Steelers game with next to nothing on the Rams.

ESPN, Peter King, Mike Florio, along with their East Coast bias, are pathetic and they suck!!! :banghead:

I'll post only the Rams remarks today. If you want to read the rest of this stupid article click the link below.
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https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/12/18/s...erry-richardson-panthers-sale-mmqb-peter-king

THE AWARD SECTION

Todd Gurley, running back, Los Angeles Rams. Four touchdowns and 180 total yards in the penultimate fantasy Sunday for most of America means a fair amount. Doing it against the rival Seahawks, on the road, in a blowout victory, to all but clinch the division and a playoff spot means a lot more. Gurley’s great, and so is his team and coach. Overlook these Rams next month at your peril.

Aaron Donald, defensive tackle, Los Angeles Rams. For the millionth time in this great Seahawks era of football, the offensive line failed to protect Russell Wilson even a little bit. But credit one of the best games of Donald’s starry four-year NFL career. He had three sacks of Wilson, and led the seven-sack dominance of the Seattle offensive front.

What a day for Todd Gurley: four touchdowns, and a continuation of the kind of impact that previous Rams running backs have not made since Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk.

I cannot envision a scenario where I don’t vote for Sean McVay for coach of the year—and that’s even with the crazy-good job done by Doug Marrone.

Posted this last night in another thread but decided this article deserved a thread of its own.
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https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2017/12/18/16789364/aaron-donald-seahawks

Aaron Donald Destroyed the Seahawks, and He’s Coming for Your Quarterback in January
The Rams interior lineman was the defensive lynchpin in L.A.’s 42-7 win
By Danny Kelly


AP Images/Ringer illustration

The term “destroyer of worlds” gets thrown around hyperbolically in reference to quite a few of the league’s most dominant players, but if there’s any defender worthy of the title, it’s Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

In fact, there are times, like during L.A.’s 42-7 blowout win over the Seahawks on Sunday, when that moniker feels like an understatement. Just ask ESPN’s Rams beat reporter, Alden Gonzalez, who tweeted this out during the game.

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Donald has long haunted Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson’s dreams—Wilson called him “the greatest defensive player [he’s] ever played against” before the game, in fact. On Sunday, Donald not only consistently blew up Seattle’s foundational wide zone run game, he constantly broke through Seattle’s pass protection to kill pass plays before they could even develop.

In the first half alone, Donald registered pressure in the form of a hit, hurry, or sack on over one-quarter of his pass-rush snaps, an absurd rate for an interior defender. Officially, he finished the game with three sacks, four quarterback hits, two tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble.

Unofficially, he completely ruined Seattle’s offense. It was about as dominant of a performance as the 26-year-old star has ever put together, and that’s saying a lot considering he’s been one of the NFL’s best defenders since he entered the league four seasons ago.

Think about it this way: Donald finished with eight sacks in 2016 and Cincy’s Geno Atkins led all interior defenders with nine—an average of just over one-half sack a game. Donald got three of L.A.’s seven sacks on Sunday alone, and probably should’ve been credited with a couple more as he flushed Wilson out of the pocket and into the waiting arms of his Rams teammates.

Donald had a major effect just about every one of the Seahawks’ first eight drives, and effectively killed a few of them himself. To capture just how dominant he was, let’s just go drive-by-drive:

Seahawks first possession: Receiver Tanner McEvoy fumbled on Seattle’s third play from scrimmage. Donald didn’t have much of an impact here, but with only three plays, he didn’t get too much of a chance.

Seahawks second possession: Mike Davis lost 2 yards on first down, and Wilson missed Doug Baldwin deep, setting up a third-and-12 from Seattle’s 23-yard line. Donald ran right through a double-team for the sack.



Right guard Ethan Pocic was so concerned about Donald, and rightly so, that he didn’t bother to look for the Rams’ stunt, leaving Connor Barwin free to run up the middle—and that missed assignment didn’t even matter. Donald split the two defenders to reach through and bring Wilson down, pushing Seattle back to its own 15-yard line to punt.

Seahawks third possession: Seattle was now down 6-0. On second-and-20, Donald flushed Wilson from the pocket, and Seattle’s quarterback ran straight into a sack, setting up a third-and-24. That’s a drive-killing play. Two plays later, the Seahawks punted out of their own end zone.



Seahawks fourth possession: Now down 13-0, Seattle mounted a feeble attempt at a drive before stalling at midfield. On third-and-8 from the 50-yard line, Wilson threw in front of Paul Richardson for what should’ve been a first-down catch over the middle. Donald won’t get much credit for this misthrow, but it looked like Wilson rushed his motion just a smidge when he saw an unblocked Donald bearing down on him full-steam.

Seahawks fifth possession: After picking Jared Goff off, Seattle had its first bit of momentum all day. It didn’t last long. Seattle went three-and-out, which included another third-down overthrow from Wilson, aided by the fact that Donald hit the Seahawks signal-caller right after he threw.

Seahawks’ sixth possession: Wilson felt pressure on first down and dropped the football as he was trying to escape. If only Wilson hadn’t voluntarily dropped the ball, Donald might have been able to spoil this series, too.

Seahawks’ seventh possession: The Seahawks were now down 27-0. On the third play of the drive, a first-and-10 from Seattle’s 46-yard line, Donald looped around after forcing Wilson to abandon the pocket, grabbed ahold of him, and threw him down; Wilson managed to “throw” the ball backward (it’s officially a fumble) for a loss of 23 yards.



It doesn’t matter what happens after that; that drive is dead.

Seahawks’ eighth possession (not counting a one-play drive to end the first half): Now in the third quarter, the Seahawks were down 34-0. After scrambling 10 yards on the series’ first play, Wilson sat in the pocket to throw on first-and-10: Donald ran straight through Seattle left guard Luke Joeckel for the sack.



That play alone, which set up a second-and-16, probably would’ve been enough to kill Seattle’s drive. But for good measure, Donald got past Joeckel again on the next play, which flushed Wilson from his spot. Robert Quinn, who’d initially been pushed way out of the play by left tackle Duane Brown, caught up to Wilson and brought him down to set up a third-and-26. That drive is already dead at that point.



When Seattle’s offense got the ball back, it’d be 40-0, and there’s no point in talking about what happened after that.

With the 42-7 win, the Rams dealt Seattle its most embarrassing loss in the Pete Carroll era and their worst home loss since 1997—a 41-3 drubbing to the Jets in the now-demolished Kingdome (Bill Parcells was the coach of the Jets for that game, by the way, and quarterback Neil O'Donnell passed for five touchdowns).

It was a complete win for a Rams squad that looks like a near-lock for the NFC West title, and L.A. got excellent performances out of running back Todd Gurley and its special teams unit, especially Pharoh Cooper.

But the game was defined by a superlative performance by the defense and its linchpin, Donald. Wilson and the Seahawks’ offense got a few garbage time yards and scored a touchdown late, but there was a point midway through the third quarter in which Seattle had gained just 56 total yards of offense on 34 plays—an average of 1.6 yards per play.

Donald was the key to that total defensive superiority and proved he can take over a game in a way that few defenders can. As an unblockable force from the inside, Donald gives the Rams a pretty damn good trump card come January: Even if Goff has an off-day, Gurley can’t find traction, and special teams group is quiet, they can turn to their All-Pro interior disruptor to single-handedly wreck their opponents’ offensive game plan.

Thank the guy on reddit who posts this. Also two continual suggestions are down load it or if you want to watch it from the browser use an incognito browser.

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So Littleton plays mostly on special teams where he has been amazing, blocking several kicks, making great tackles, etc. Yesterday, he got to play a bit more on defense and I thought he looked really good. What do you think ?

No, this is not meant to be in blue font. I know, I know, there aren't many of us who look on Jeff Fisher very fondly, but after that beat down against Seattle, and it's almost Christmas, I feel like Scrooge waking up after a difficult evening, and wanting to spread some cheer. Mr. Jeff Fisher, you didn't get where you wanted with this team, but we, the fans, do owe you some thanks.
Let me start with these off the top of my head:
1. Taking a chance on Todd Gurley
2. Grabbing an undersized Defensive Tackle named Aaron Donald
3. Drafting Tru Johnson from little ole Montana somewhere
4. Going all out( and paying and paying a personal price) to draft Jared Goff
5. Drafting Johnny Hekker from my neck of the woods.
6. Drafting Greg the leg.
7. Drafting Michael Brockers
8. Drafting Alec Ogletree
Of course there were some picks that didn't work out, but for these picks Mr. Fisher, we fans owe you a big thank you! Merry Christmas!

By: Cameron DaSilva | 6 hours ago

Sean McVay has been the biggest reason for the Rams’ remarkable turnaround from last season. Despite having exactly zero experience as an NFL head coach prior to this year, he’s looked every bit like a veteran at the helm of L.A.’s resurgence.

He led the Rams to their 10th win of the season on Sunday by knocking off the Seahawks 42-7, giving them their first 10-win campaign since 2003. In doing so, he became the youngest head coach to win 10 games in his first season since 1937.

The Rams have a legitimate chance to win 12 games this year with the Titans and 49ers being their only remaining opponents. Coincidentally, the 49ers actually beat the Titans on Sunday to earn their fourth win of the year, while dropping Tennessee to 8-6.

I think we need to make sure those two don't hit FA. They fit our new scheme so well and are playing great football. NRC was such a gift. I love the aggressiveness and physicality he demonstrates on the field.

I also think I'd extend Tru at this point. Yea, he's not a top 5 CB, but he's offering #1 caliber play. If we do that, I think we can add a CB or two this off-season for depth (adding one in the 3rd or 4th round would be a good option), and we'll be in a good spot (since Webster will also be under contract).

I remember dimly when Leonard Little was our top situational pass rusher, our DC at the time would say that when he told Little: "We need a sack right now," and he would often get it. Of those listed, who do you think could most easily get a sack on demand?

Starting with week 12 this year he's had a sack in every game and 2 in two. I'd love to see what his pressures were in that time too. He seems to be much closer to the QB lately. Is it him getting a better knack for the OLB position? Is it that he's perhaps healthier than he's been in a long time?

What the what, boys?

I dont pay attention to O-line play at all but this guy has been jumping off the screen in my eyes (along with withworth). In seasons past he was undoubtly our best lineman but he was ALWAYS laying on the groumd... Do you guys remember this guy seemingly hurt EVERY game and or season?

But THIS YEAR, he has been healthy and playing lights out!! The past few weeks he has been serving up some PAAAAAANNNNNCAAAAKEESSS. I love it! Everytime we run to the left i look forward to seeing Saffold fold a deffender over BACKWARDS!!!

As long as Atlanta allows Tampa 11 or more points.

We're now averaging 19.4 ppg allowed on D.

Otherwise, we're 6th.

The better Ds are clamping.

Rams O again tied with Philly with 438 total points or 31.3 ppg which puts us in a tie for first.

Ok - I’m ready to talk about it.

The Eagles currently have the 1 seed - with games against the Raiders and Cowboys remaining.

The Vikings have the 2 - Packers and Bears reminding

Let’s assume they both win out.

Do we want the 3 seed or the 4 seed?

Which is the better track? To play the 6 seed? (Lions, Seahawks, Falcons) and then if we win go to Minnesota? Or would we rather play the 5 seed (probably Panthers - maybe the Saints) and then go to Philly?

We may get the the point where week 17 gives us this choice - where we can rest our 1s against the 9ers knowing we will play 1 home game on wild card weekend and then hit the road to either Minnesota or Philly.

Myself, I’d just go for the 3 and let the chips fall - you may end up at home for the NFC championship game that way even though I think Minnesota is tougher than Philly right now.

Hes been able to adapt his game almost on a weekly basis based on what we need and who we are playing. Look at his running style vs Dallas. It was almost LeVeon Bell like with his patience behind the line. Putting a hand on a lead blockers back and just waiting for the hole to open so he can pierce through. Then he’s had games like tonight where he is just 100% downhill and just an absolute pain in the ass to tackle. And then he’s had games where he’s been out best receiver.

There have been times where I wish McVay got him the ball more, but the good news is he will have his fingerprints all over the game-regardless of our offensive philosophy.

I for one was concerned with Kayvon Webster went down, however, I just watched Troy Hill play his best game as a Los Angeles Ram and kudos to DC Wade Phillips and DB Coach Aubrey Pleasant for having Hill ready and not a bad job by the Rams defensive line led by the Donald fellow....Memo to Seattle, you don't poke a bear!

Hill was right in Richardson's back pocket besides others, was a joy to watch and my hope is he can stay healthy and continue to provide blanket coverage.

Ummmmm...

Is it just possible that we might now have another?

No longer looks like the Impossible Dream, does it?

The fundamentals are there.
The players are on board.
Coaching is top notch.
We’ve had reasonably good health to our starters.
We’re certainly not big underdogs to any likely playoff team.

So, as Vermiel once said, “Why not us”?

Can’t wait to see how this story unfolds.

Love it!

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The Rams had four games vs playoff level teams, and needed to respond with at least two wins to not only show they belonged but to survive in the playoff chase in a downright nasty NFC field. And here's how it went down:

@ Vikings LOSS 24-7
Saints WIN 26-20
Eagles LOSS 43-35
@ Shithawks WIN 42-7

What's interesting is that the loss to the Vikings the Rams were in it well into the fourth quarter until the secondary fell apart with injury. But I do give the Vikes cred for the win of course, mind you. And vs the Eagles they were in the driver's seat deep in the 4th quarter only to choke it away.

Now with the wins I didn't expect the dominance they showed in Seattle. In fact I admittedly did not like the matchup, and had outright concerns about our defense. But man I gotta tell you dudes: bein wrong never felt so damn good. We's goin to the playoffs MFers, and oh btw this team has shown they have as good a shot as anyone!!!

I have loved the things I've seen form McVay. Brilliant game planning, looks like he is still learning, steps up and take responsibility, gives credit to the other teams, respects the game. All GREAT leadership qualities.

But the TO he called after the scuffle involving Donald and Quinn was nothing short of brilliant.

Giving the team a chance to collect themselves and sending the message that it was not acceptable for them to lose composure, was the best coaching move I've seen in quite a while. I wish I could have heard what he said.

The win was great, loved pounding the hags into submission, our coach ROCKS!!!

GO RAMS!

Alden Gonzalez ESPN Staff Writer

SEATTLE -- The Los Angeles Rams were a broken team on Dec. 15, 2016, the last time they played in Seattle. They were without a head coach and without direction, their season fading to black with uncertainty surrounding both their quarterback and their future.

Sunday, 367 days after an uninspiring defeat from CenturyLink Field on national television, marked the unofficial completion of the Rams' breathtaking turnaround. Amid gray skies and waning interest, they slayed the mighty Seattle Seahawks with a 42-7 dismantling and all but wrapped up a division title along the way.

Todd Gurley II scored four touchdowns and Aaron Donald recorded three of seven sacks on elusive Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who was brought down more often in a single game than he had been all season. The Rams are 10-4 now, an eternity removed from the 10 straight losing seasons they carried into 2017. They lead the Seahawks by two games in the NFC West with only two games remaining, their chances of at least hosting one playoff game now probable.


Through 14 weeks, the Rams were undoubtedly the best team in their division.

On the 15th week, they needed only the first two quarters to prove that definitively.

Before halftime, Gurley rushed for 144 yards -- the most by any player in the first half this season -- and Donald recorded six pressures. Thanks to their defense, which held the Seahawks to 59 yards on their first 27 plays, and Pharoh Cooper, who picked up 109 yards on his first four punt returns, the Rams began five first-half drives within enemy territory and went into the locker room with a 34-0 lead.

The Rams started the game by forcing an opening-drive turnover for the seventh time this season, using a Tanner McEvoy fumble to set up a field goal. A Seahawks three-and-out led to a second field goal by Greg Zuerlein, who is on pace for a scoring record.

Cooper returned Seattle's second punt 53 yards to the 1-yard line, paving the way for an easy touchdown run by Gurley. Cooper returned another one 26 yards, sparking a five-play, 36-yard drive that ended in another one-yard run by Gurley.

The Seahawks finally reached Rams territory at the seven-minute mark of the second quarter. But Wilson lost 13 yards on the ensuing play and fumbled the football, setting up another touchdown drive, this one ending in a 1-yard pass from Jared Goff to Robert Woods, who had missed the previous three games with a sprained left shoulder.

After the Seahawks punted for the fifth time of the first half, Gurley sealed it. He took a handoff to the left and zipped past the entire Seahawks defense, sprinting 57 yards untouched for the 16th of his NFL-leading 17 touchdowns this season.

Gurley recorded the first four-touchdown game in the NFL since 2015 with a 14-yard reception in the flat with more than 19 minutes remaining.

By the final seconds of the third quarter, CenturyLink Field -- a house of horrors for many an NFL team this decade -- was half full and stunningly quiet. By the fourth, the Rams had pulled most of their starters from a game that had quickly become more contentious than competitive.

The Seahawks have made five consecutive trips to the playoffs and have won the NFC West three out of the last four seasons. But the Rams can now clinch a division title with their next win or Seahawks loss. The Rams were 4-12 in 2016 and last in every important offensive category in what became Jeff Fisher's final year as their head coach. But now they lead the NFL in point differential and sit as the No. 3 seed in their conference.

It took one year for the NFC West to flip on its head.


http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/36912/rams-annihilate-seahawks-take-control-of-nfc-west

After the recent allegations against him were settled Mr Richardson has made a decision to sell the team. He was originally going to hand it over to his sons but they both exited the organization years ago.

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Likely locked into the #3 seed. If we win the Wild Card round game we likely have a trip to Minnesota.