Rams defense is struggling early on but don't give up on Wade Phillips just yet

https://www.downtownrams.com/single...on-but-dont-give-up-on-Wade-Phillips-just-yet
September 30, 2017
By:
Jason Ellenbogen & Jake Ellenbogen

So the Rams are 2-1 heading into Dallas tomorrow, but it's not due to a predictable narrative. Actually, it's quite the opposite. The Rams defense has given up 417 rushing yards in three games and six rushing touchdowns. Opposing teams are averaging 139 yards on the ground per game versus the Rams defense. So what is the problem?

They have Wade Phillips, this simply shouldn't be happening right? Actually, Phillips' teams he's coached have a history of success, but mainly after starting off slow. What skeptics may not understand is the fact despite the brutally terrible Rams defense as of late, the Rams are 2-1 and are on fire offensively. The defense is only going to get better. Just look back at the time that Phillips was employed by the Buffalo Bills. His team went 0-3 and ended up making the playoffs, Phillips succeeds no matter where he goes, but there is always a price.

To build something sky high you need to somehow take the time to well, build it. That's exactly what the Rams are doing. In a simple analogy, you cannot make the argument the Rams knocked down a skyscraper and put a different one up in its place because the Rams pretty much only added to the personnel, they didn't get rid of it all. Instead, this is more so like taking a skyscraper and bringing in a repair/inspector guy to analyze the skyscraper and make sure it's built strong enough to last. So, that guy who comes in just so happens to be Wade Phillips and he has a particular set of skills and experience that tells him the skyscraper which is the Rams defense needs to go under construction so it can get stronger with the help of renovations.

However, the season doesn't just stop for the Rams because they need to teach a 4-3 bunch of scheme based players a new 3-4 system. Nope, the Rams still have to play the season and when it clicks, it clicks. That's why Phillips' defenses take some time early on in the season. Once that renovation is completed, you are looking at a well-oiled machine.

The struggles are real, but what else is real is the fact the Rams have only played three games. Phillips has been Head coach or a defensive coordinator for 34 previous years and his defenses have been in the top five - 10 times, top 10 - 20 times and top 13 - 23 times. He went to a new team nine times and the team improved in eight of them with an average improvement over the previous year of 9.67 spots in the rankings. In 18 previous years as a Head coach or DC former Rams defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams defenses have been in the top five - 4 times, top 10 - 7 times and top 15 - 8 times. He went to a new team six times and only managed to improve one of them with an average of -3.8 deprovement. Here are some stats in comparison between the Rams new defensive coordinator versus the Rams previous defensive coordinator.

Percentage wise:
Wade Phillips
Top 5: 29%
Top 10: 59%
Top Half: 68%

1st year with team/rank year before
2015 DEN - 1/3
2011 HOU - 2/30
2007 DAL - 9/13
2004 SD - 18/27
2002 ATL - 19/30
1995 BUF - 13/17
1989 DEN - 3/22
1986 PHI - 17/10
1981 NOR - 11/28

Gregg Williams
Top 5: 22%
Top 10: 39%
Top Half: 44%

1st year with team/rank year before
1997 TEN - 22/6
2001 BUF - 21/3
2004 WAS - 3/25
2008 JAX - 17/12
2009 NOR - 25/23
2014 RAM - 17/15

It might be rough to watch the Rams defense right now and hard to sit here as everyone keeps saying how good this defense "should" or "could" or even "will" be. But the fact is this, Wade Phillips might be the best defensive coordinator in the league, his track record backs up that statement and transformation of defenses is the proof in the pudding. There is always turnover time for anything anyone does and unlike some of his projects, Phillips has been put in charge to change schemes and fit his different 3-4 scheme around a bunch of players that don't exactly fit that said scheme. It's not like Gregg Williams taking over the defensive play-calling from Jeff Fisher. Why do you say that? The reason is Fisher and Williams not only had serious chemistry and familiarity, but they ran the same 4-3 base defense and similar concepts. Williams was just a more aggressive decision maker and that is what the team had to learn, his over-aggressive blitzing concepts. Now, Phillips is asking these players to practically all play completely different roles than they have ever really played in their careers.

With all of that being said this Rams defense and lack of production thus far is not even a quarter of the season. This defense will improve and will be an eventual force when everything starts clicking. All you have to do is have patience and belief in a man that has a track record of building successful defenses and ultimately successful teams wherever he goes.

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angele...stin-helped-todd-gurley-get-100-rushing-yards

8.1 ypc with jet sweeps, 3.3 ypc without.

And it just keeps getting worse for Dean Spanos and the Chargers, the Red-Headed stepchild of the NFL.

Fans have hired an airplane to fly banners around the StubHub during Charger games.

Check the link to see them.

Hard to feel sorry, Spanos brought it all on himself.

I live in Carson just blocks from the StubHub, these banners started flying over my house last weekend . Pretty funny stuff. Spanos getting what he deserves IMHO.



LINK:
http://fox5sandiego.com/2017/09/28/...op-banners-from-flying-before-chargers-games/

So what the hell happened to our defense. It's the same guys with a
Few exceptions:

Webster instead of EJ Gaines
Joyner instead of TJ McDonald
Barwin instead of Hayes

I've went back and watched all three games focusing on the defense. Here is what really sticks out:

The Colts game we played well.

The skins game we obviously gave up huge amounts of yards in the run. Donald's first game back and the Dline got pushed around. Barron and Ogletree were getting manhandled by shooting guards and instead of filling gaps were spending too much time reading where the RB was going or just guessing. Rams pass defense was pretty good until the last TD where Trumaine cramped up and Skins went after Our backup CB with Kayvin also going out earlier. Against the pass Olgeltree and Barron showed their inability to stay with underneath Wr's.

Against the Niners. Run defense improved for sure. Dline winning battles and Barron really stepped up in run support. Olgeltree still struggling. Pass defense fell apart on many levels. Barwin drops back too much. He needs to rush the passer or be replaced. He is no use in no mans land. Underneath routes were wide open. Olgeltree. Barron and our safety's are just too late covering these in Zone coverage.

Supposedly Son of Bum is the defensive Genius to get us right.. I have my doubts.

Tweaks we need:

1 Everyone healthy. Webster back should help if he is as good as Bum says. With Joyner out and Cody questionable we may see another harsh day for our defense.

2. Barwin is in many regards a drop off from Will Hayes. He can't push the pocket or set vs the run like Hayes. I would force him to stop Roving around and get to the dam QB. If he can't be a force va the run I replace him.

3 Olgeltree - He has to get better vs the run. He has to get way better in coverage underneath. If I see the same crap vs Dallas I consider moving him to OLB to replace Barwin and next man up at ILB. I know this doesn't happen in the real world but something has to change.

Yeah, I said it! :lifting:

We may not go far in the playoffs, depending how fast Wade Phillips gets that 3/4 defense rolling. But we have some offensive weapons that he can get the ball to....They will do good, and he will look good as a consequence. He will also be in the Top 100....

*drops mic

The Downtown Rams podcast is back with another big episode. The Los Angeles Rams have a big game ahead against the Dallas Cowboys and Jake and Blaine break it all down. Pro Football Focus' Mike Cahill joins the show.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/downtown-rams/id1233567831?mt=2

So... I think he's a great guy. He's definitely not a complainer and has made some great plays in the past for this defense. He's well above average, well, he used to be. I respect him and I'm not calling him out or anything. I sincerely wonder if he's a good fit for us, vrs the money being paid. After all there is a salary cap and the NFL is a business.

1. I feel like at the end of the season, McVay is going to compare Quinn's production against his pay, and they just might let him go in the off season.

2. He's just not getting to the QB so far this season. Outside speed rush is about all we're seeing and most left tackles seem to be riding/pushing him past the pocket, past the play, fairly easily.

3. I personally will pay close attention to him this Sunday against Dallas. If he keeps looking average this week, I'm going to be even more concerned. When I've watched him lately I get the feeling he's not giving 100% anymore, that he's content with his money and doesn't want to get hurt. The smiling on the sidelines when we're losing tells me a lot. Players who live for the game and HATE to lose, don't smile and have a good time when it appears we're going to lose the game. They just don't.

I spoke up and voiced similar (not producing) comments about Chris Long way before it was "allowed" on here to do so. By "allowed" I mean I took some shots about how "sacks are not the most important thing" and "making tackles are not the most important thing" but that Long was a leader and had the job of containment on the edge. Problem is we were paying him way too much to contain the edge and not make big plays.

Have at me.

Playoff chances of 2-1 teams: Titans look good, Rams in trouble

• 
• By Gil Brandt
• NFL Media senior analyst
• Published: Sept. 27, 2017 at 02:30 p.m.
• Updated: Sept. 27, 2017 at 04:39 p.m.
• 0 Likes | 0 Comments

Teams that are 2-1 through Week 3 of the 2017 season might be feeling pretty good. After all, they have a winning record, and only two teams -- the 3-0 Chiefs and the 3-0 Falcons -- can claim to be in better shape. However, history shows that only about half of them can expect to make the playoffs.

Going back to 1990, 54.1 percent of teams that start 2-1 have gone to the postseason. So I thought I'd examine the 16 teams that have started 2-1 thus far and identify the eight teams with the best chance to reach the playoffs. Below are my top eight, ranked according to my confidence that they'll be in the postseason, along with the eight who are in danger of missing the cut.

1) New England Patriots


New England's schedule from Week 10 to Week 15 -- at Broncos, at Raiders, vs. Dolphins, at Bills, at Dolphins, at Steelers -- is daunting, with five of those six contests coming on the road (and one of those road contests being in Mexico City). And we can't ignore the fact that the defense is ranked 32ndthrough three weeks. But, quite simply, the Patriots have the best quarterback (Tom Brady) and the best coach (Bill Belichick), and there's no reason to think they won't win the AFC East for the 16th time in 18 years.

2) Green Bay Packers

Running back is a concern -- converted receiver Ty Montgomery (3.0 yards per carry) just does not look like the long-term answer there. I'm also worried about the health of the offensive tackles.But perhaps one of the Packers' rookie backs, like fourth-round pick Jamaal Williams, will emerge, while time, in theory, could allow the line to round into shape. Otherwise, the tight ends and receivers are very good, and Aaron Rodgers is, of course, outstanding. Ultimately, I think Rodgers and Co. will rule the NFC North.

3) Pittsburgh Steelers


The Steelers haven't exactly sprinted out of the gate, ranking 22nd in overall offense and 15th in passing. But I think that's largely due to the struggles of their 29th-ranked ground game. It's worth noting that guys who miss time in the preseason -- like running back Le'Veon Bell, who stayed away from the team until September after failing to land a contract extension this offseason -- often take awhile to get going. I expect Bell, whose yards-per-carry mark (3.5) is down almost a full yard from his career average (4.4), to pick it up as we move closer to mid-season, and that's when this offense should really start to click. Between that and an improved defense, Pittsburgh should claim the AFC North.

4) Dallas Cowboys


This all hinges on a full season of availability from Ezekiel Elliott, whose six-game suspension is still being examined by the court system, but I give the Cowboys a narrow edge over the Eagles and Redskins in what's shaping up to be a three-team race for the NFC East. Dallas hasn't exactly been firing on all cylinders thus far, but I see this team getting better. The defense will get a boost from the return of David Irving from his four-game suspension and Anthony Hitchens from a tibial plateau fracture. The Cowboys do close with three of their final four games on the road, but the schedule is not wholly unkind: They get to face the Packers, Chiefs and Seahawks in Dallas.

5) Oakland Raiders

The Raiders didn't look very good in Sunday night's loss in Washington. But I didn't see anything to worry about in the long term. Don't forget how hard it can be for West Coast teams to travel east. With the 3-0 Chiefs currently looking like favorites to take the AFC West, I like the Raiders as a wild-card squad. The offense and defense should both improve from last season, especially with Marshawn Lynch helping Oakland control the clock.

6) Tennessee Titans


One year after losing out on the playoffs because of a tiebreaker based on their AFC South record, the Titans have already notched a big divisional road win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is playing well, heading up the NFL's fifth-ranked offense, and the team was sensational in last week's win over the Seahawks. The defense -- which notched 40 sacks and 12 picks in 2016 -- should be better. Ending the season with two games at home should help. Thus, I like Tennessee to win the division for the first time since 2008.

7) Denver Broncos


Losing to the Bills isn't good, but I think Sunday's upset -- which I picked as my upset of the week -- can be written off as a letdown coming off Denver's big home win over Dallas. Quarterback Trevor Siemianwill be better in his second year as the Broncos' starter. He might not win too many games by himself, but he's a sneaky good passer with smarts and accuracy, while the offensive line around him is so much better than it was last year. The offense has shown improvement, ranking 11th through Week 3 after finishing in 27th in 2016, while the fourth-ranked defense is as strong as ever, especially against the pass. The AFC West is imposing, but I could see three teams making the playoffs out of there this season.

8) Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterback Carson Wentz should take a step forward, thanks to the additions of Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith and the progression of Nelson Agholor. He'll also be helped by the continued presence of offensive tackle Lane Johnson -- it's worth noting that eight of Philadelphia's nine losses in 2016 came during Johnson's 10-game suspension. The offense will improve, and I have faith in the defense led by excellent coordinator Jim Schwartz. Playing three straight on the road in December -- including a Week 13 matchup with Seattle -- will be a challenge, but the Eagles do finish with two in a row at home. I think they could win the NFC East, but if they fall short, I like them for a wild-card spot.

THE BOTTOM EIGHT


9) Minnesota Vikings: If I knew for certain that quarterback Sam Bradford was going to get back on the field soon and stay there for the duration of the season, I'd think about giving the Vikings the edge over the Eagles for the No. 8 spot. Even so, backup Case Keenum showed something in the Week 3 win over the Buccaneers. Minnesota is a viable threat to win the NFC North, but if I have to cut this field down to eight, doubt about Bradford's health puts the Vikings on the wrong side of the ledger, if only just barely.

10) Washington Redskins: Losing in Washington to the Eagles in Week 1 could potentially hurt if the Redskins end up in a close battle for the division, although there's a chance for redemption in Philadelphia in Week 7. It's hard to separate the three-team pack atop the NFC East. But at this point, I'd put Washington -- which is adjusting to the loss of 1,000-yard receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, as well as offensive coordinator Sean McVay -- behind Dallas and Philadelphia.

11) Detroit Lions: The Lions could win the NFC North or finish in fourth place. Quarterback Matthew Stafford must have a monster year for Detroit to reach the postseason.


12) Los Angeles Rams: Quarterback Jared Goff and the offense have looked much better under new coach Sean McVay, and the Rams could win the NFC West -- a big test is coming up this week against Dallas. But I still have faith in Seattle's ability to shake off its seemingly annual slow start and claim the division, leaving the Rams on the outside looking in.

13) Carolina Panthers: The top-rankeddefense has been stellar. But roughly six months removed from offseason shoulder surgery, quarterback Cam Newton looks like he's about 50 to 60 percent of what he's been in the past. The offense -- which ranks 28th despite the additions of highly anticipated rookies Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel -- is going to really miss veteran tight end Greg Olsen while he's out with a foot injury.

14) Buffalo Bills: The Bills are playing very good defense under new coach Sean McDermott, but quarterback Tyrod Taylor and the receivers are average, and that will hold Buffalo back.

15) Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags have a good, plus defense, but I'm not confident quarterback Blake Bortles will play well enough to give them a shot at the playoffs.

16) Baltimore Ravens: The offense is currently ranked 32nd, the injuries are piling up and quarterback Joe Flacco looks like he might have lost his fastball.

Follow Gil Brandt on Twitter @Gil_Brandt.

Wade Phillips doesn't want to get back at the Cowboys, but he wants to beat them

Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips takes the field at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Sept. 21. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Gary Klein

Coaching in the NFL for 40 seasons taught Wade Phillips a few lessons.

One of them: Don’t hold grudges against teams that fired you.

Phillips was a head coach or assistant for nine NFL teams before he joined the Rams’ staff.

“Half the teams in the league, it didn’t end well for me,” the Rams’ defensive coordinator deadpanned Thursday. “If I had a vendetta against … any team that fired me, I’d have a quarter of the league. ... Those things happen.

When my children were younger, I remember looking forward to the time that they’d be old enough to sit up, order, and eat all on their own. Now that they can…I’m not so sure.

“Part of coaching is getting fired.”

On Sunday, Phillips will coach in Dallas for the first time since Cowboys owner Jerry Jones fired him in November 2010.

Phillips posted a 34-22 record in three-plus seasons with the Cowboys, but he was fired in midseason when the Cowboys were 1-7.

Phillips was replaced by Jason Garrett, who is still the Cowboys coach.

Phillips, 70, said he had “fond memories” of his time with the Cowboys and that Jones was “great to me and my family,” especially after Phillips’ father, Bum Phillips, passed away. Jones made a private jet available to Phillips’ family.

“I’ll always be indebted to him for that,” Phillips said.

Phillips returns to Dallas with a defense that has struggled in the last two games.

The Rams are 22nd in the NFL in total defense, giving up 343.7 yards per game. They are 29th against the run (139 yards per game), and 11th against the pass (204.7 yards).

That is not what Rams fans expected when new coach Sean McVay brought in Phillips and his trademark 3-4 scheme.

“We’re going to be all right,” Phillips said, “We’re getting better.”

The Rams must improve quickly against a Cowboys offense that features quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, receiver Dez Bryant, tight end Jason Witten and what is arguably the NFL’s best offensive line.

Phillips said the return of cornerback Kayvon Webster should help a unit that struggled to stave off the winless San Francisco 49ers in a 41-39 victory last week.

“We need to play smarter when we get ahead,” Phillips said.

Lineman Aaron Donald sealed the victory over the 49ers with a sack.

Asked if he must account for Donald, Prescott said that he had confidence in his offensive line.

“I wouldn’t dare knock Aaron Donald and his talent and what he’s done in this league,” Prescott said during a teleconference. “He’s a tremendous player.”

Receivers Sammy Watkins and Tavon Austin, who are in concussion protocol, practiced and are expected to play against the Cowboys, McVay said.

The players are expected be cleared Friday morning.

Watkins caught six passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns against the 49ers. That included a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch for a long gain.

Austin fumbled a punt, but he helped set up a touchdown with a run on a jet sweep.

“We’re got a lot of playmakers on our offense that we feel good about, but those two especially,” McVay said. “If you look at it, what Sammy did last week, and the influence that Tavon has on the game in a variety of different ways, that’s a big boost to us.”

Etc.
Running back Todd Gurley was named NFC offensive player of the month. Gurley has scored six touchdowns, rushed for 241 yards and has 140 yards receiving. Against the 49ers, Gurley eclipsed 100 yards rushing in a game for the first time since 2015. Was he relieved to finally accomplish the feat again? “I had three touchdowns at that point, so 100 yards didn’t matter to me,” he said. “I’ll take the touchdowns all day over the yards.” … Safety Lamarcus Joyner (hamstring) did not practice. Center John Sullivan(groin) was listed as limited on the Rams’ injury report.

[www.latimes.com]

Rams still figuring out things on defense, but with Dallas coming up, they better hurry

The Rams defense has not played up to expectations so far under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, and it will face a significant challenge Sunday against the Cowboys. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

By RICH HAMMOND

THOUSAND OAKS — It’s not time to worry about the Rams’ defense. Give that another couple days.

Thus far, the scheme of new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has underwhelmed. The Rams rank 26th in the NFL in points allowed per game (25.0) and 22nd in yards allowed (343.7), and last week the Rams ended up in a shootout against a San Francisco team that previously hadn’t scored a touchdown.

The challenge doesn’t get easier this Sunday, as the Rams travel to face a balanced Dallas offense that includes quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott and tight end Jason Witten.

“We look at it as a big challenge,” Phillips said after Thursday’s practice at Cal Lutheran. “I think we’ll see a lot about our team this week, as far as where we are, to match up against that premier offense.”

The Rams clearly are having some issues. After their dominating season-opening game against an Indianapolis team that lacked its quarterback and center, the Rams allowed 27 points and 385 yards in a loss to Washington, then 39 points and 421 yards in a way-too-close victory over the 49ers.

Run defense remains an issue, cornerbacks have been beat on big plays and, last week, the 49ers converted on nine of their 18 third-down attempts.

On the other hand, Phillips pointed out that special-teams miscues sent the Rams’ defense onto the field in unusual circumstances multiple times, and Phillips said the unit would get a boost from the expected return of starting cornerback Kayvon Webster, who missed two games with a shoulder injury.

Phillips also hinted that the Rams might move Michael Brockers, who has been one of the most productive players up front, away from nose tackle and to a defensive tackle role.

“A premier challenge,” Phillips said of Dallas. “When you’re playing a really good offensive team, that’s when you have to step up and be a good defensive team. I think we’ll get better in some of the areas we need to, but we’ll find out. That’s why we play the games, to see what happens. But I like our group.”

Phillips’ recent history shows that early-season struggles, when he takes over and transitions a team from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 front, are not uncommon.

In 2011, Phillips took over an awful Houston defense. In the third game of that season, the Texans allowed 40 points and 454 yards in a loss to New Orleans. Houston finished that season ranked fourth in points allowed (17.4 per game) and second in yards (285.7).

In 2004, Phillips’ San Diego defense allowed an average of 28 points in its first three games. The Chargers finished that season 11th in the league, with an average of 19.6 points allowed per game.

Even in Denver in 2015, when Phillips took over what had been a fairly stout defense, the Broncos twice allowed 40-plus points. So while these early bumps for the Rams shouldn’t automatically cause panic, another bad week or two might counter the narrative that Phillips is a turnaround artist.

“It goes both ways,” Phillips said. “One year we started 0-3 in Buffalo and made the playoffs. Then, I think in Denver in our first game we gave up 170 yards. It’s all about how you play and who you’re playing, too. I’m looking forward to this one.”

In his last four stops as defensive coordinator (Denver, Houston, San Diego and Atlanta), Phillips has improved his teams’ points-against and yards-against totals in the first year. Not since 2005 has a Phillips-coached defense finished out of the NFL’s top 10 in points and yards.

INJURY REPORT

Receivers Sammy Watkins and Tavon Austin, both of whom suffered concussions last week, fully participated in Thursday’s practice. Coach Sean McVay said both will play Sunday, but per NFL rules, both receivers will need to receive final clearance Friday to be removed from concussion protocol.

Safety Lamarcus Joyner (hamstring) did not practice and center John Sullivan (hip) was listed as limited.

HIGH HONOR

Rams running back Todd Gurley was named NFC player of the month for September. Gurley totaled 341 rushing and receiving yards, second among non-quarterbacks to Kansas City running back Kareem Hunt. Gurley and Hunt also are tied with an NFL-high six touchdowns.

HOMECOMING DAY

Phillips will return to Dallas, where he worked as head coach from 2007-10. Phillips said he retains “fond memories” of his time with Dallas, one of his 10 stops in the NFL.

“If I had a vendetta against every team that fired me… That’s a quarter of the league,” Phillips joked. “Things happen. Part of coaching is getting fired.”

[www.ocregister.com]

Prisco/Quinn Rams vs. Cowboys Preview –Video

Brady Quinn and Pete Prisco break down Rams vs. Cowboys. They both think the Cowboys have the edge and have concerns about the Rams defense.

Watch Rams vs Cowboys Preview

I didn't know this but the NFL enacted a new rule this offseason regarding catastrophic hits, ie cheap shots, that can get players suspended. And even ejected apparently.

Well, last night in the Packers v. Bears game there was a hit that is one of the cheapest shots I've seen in a long time. This was worse than hitting a defenseless receiver, this dude was head hunting and nothing else.

Here is a link to a good article and the hit from a few angles/speeds.

http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/...d-use-its-new-rule-to-suspend-danny-trevathan

The rule wasn't enforced by the ref on the field in the fashion its supposed to be (ejection) and the ref should be reprimanded and written up.

I can't believe this didn't start a fight.

Rams on alert for Cowboys' fearsome pass rusher Lawrence
http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/rams-alert-cowboys-fearsome-pass-rusher-lawrence
By DAN GREENSPAN — Sep. 28, 2017 9:27 PM EDT

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay knows it will take a comprehensive effort to limit Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.

Realistically, though, that challenge will come down to how right tackle Rob Havenstein performs against the pass rusher in critical moments.

"When it comes down to third-and-long I have all the trust in the world in Rob to be able to do what he can do against DeMarcus," left guard Rodger Saffold said.

Lawrence has been a force through the Cowboys' first three games, with 6½ sacks to earn recognition as the NFC defensive player of the month.

His 6½ sacks are 1½ shy of his career-best total for the 2015 season, and much of that has come against right tackles, which puts Havenstein in the spotlight this week.

The Rams spent much of the offseason experimenting with right guard Jamon Brown moving to tackle and Havenstein sliding inside before reversing course midway through training camp.

But McVay believes the change was beneficial for Havenstein by forcing him to play faster as the action between interior linemen develops more quickly. Back at tackle, Havenstein can now meld that with his grasp of the fundamentals.

"I think he has got a great understanding of angles, leverage, good posture in his pass sets," McVay said. "Been very pleased with Rob and I think he's only going to continue to improve as he gets more experience."

Havenstein has also been able to turn to left tackle Andrew Whitworth for advice on how to handle the rigors of the position. Whitworth, in his 12th season, signed a three-year contract with the Rams in March. He has proven to be a mentor and sounding board for Havenstein.

"They are constantly working," Saffold said. "With that type of veteran leadership at the tackle position it makes things easier for Rob and give him things he can work on in practice, give him some confidence as well."

With the addition of Whitworth and another free-agent signing, center John Sullivan, and improved play from Havenstein, Brown and Saffold, the Rams have the league's top-scoring offense entering Week 4.

Jared Goff has five touchdown passes and one interception, and running back Todd Gurley is coming off his first 100-yard rushing performance since late in the 2015 season.

Maintaining balance and staying on schedule might be the most effective way to limit Lawrence.

"When you are in those known passing situations — you see Arizona in the two-minute the other night — they can really tee off on the snap count," McVay said.

Having seen Lawrence up close during his time as Washington's offensive coordinator, McVay understands the exact nature of the challenge Havenstein will be facing.

"Just flip on the tape and he's a scary player," McVay said. "He can wreck a game if you're not careful."

NOTES: Wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Tavon Austin could leave the concussion protocol Friday and McVay expects both to play against the Cowboys. ... Safety LaMarcus Joyner (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, while Sullivan (hip) was limited.

___

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL .

How Cowboys view Rams star RB Todd Gurley, who told Michael Irvin he'd 'whoop up' on Dallas
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/da...b-todd-gurley-told-michael-irvin-whoop-dallas

Harry How/
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams leaps over Bashaud Breeland #26 of the Washington Redskins before scoring a touchdown during the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX***

By Jori Epstein, Staff writer Contact Jori Epstein on Twitter: @JoriEpstein

FRISCO - The Cowboys know a solid running game when they see it.

They've built their system around it Jason Garrett's entire tenure, from DeMarco Murray when he arrived to Darren McFadden in 2015 to Ezekiel Elliott the last two seasons. The Cowboys invested in their run game taking Elliott with the fourth overall pick in 2016.

So the Cowboys know that the Los Angeles Rams, their opponent at noon on Sunday, have done the same. The centerpiece of that game: Todd Gurley, the Rams' 10th overall pick out of Georgia in 2015.

What challenges does Gurley pose to the Cowboys defense?

"Oh, a lot," defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said Thursday after practice. "He's a unique man, he runs hard and he is fast. He can take the edge of your defense away in two seconds, and if he gets outside your edge, he's gone.
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"He's upfield, down... screens, good hands release. He's a terrific back, a big-time back in this league."

Marinelli isn't taking Gurley lightly. He considers Gurley, who ran for 1,991 yards and 16 touchdowns his first two seasons, a top-five back in the league. Gurley's production hasn't slowed this season. Through three games, he's rushed for 241 yards and caught 13 balls for another 140. He was named NFC offensive player of the month for September. The real kicker: He's reached the end zone six times in the three games, twice in the air and four times on the ground. He had six touchdowns total in 2016.

Oh, and he's waiting to beat the Cowboys.

"We're gonna whoop up on your boys," Gurley told Cowboys great Michael Irvin on Thursday Night Football last week.

Elliott praised Gurley's season.

"There's a lot of good backs in the league right now and Todd Gurley's one of the best guys," Elliott said. "It's going to be fun to be able to see him play in person."

The defense is looking forward to seeing Gurley in person, too, but knows the challenge is on. Defensive captain Orlando Scandrick said the unit will need to go after the ball constantly in hope of stripping it. Marinelli said it helps that his defense practices against a running game the caliber of Elliott and the Dallas offensive line.

Still, Gurley told NFL Network he plans to "whoop up" on Dallas.

Elliott will need to take responsibility for limiting Gurley too. The more time he spends carrying the ball, the less time Gurley can. Against the league's highest-scoring offense in the Rams, time of possession only becomes more important.

"We haven't done a good job at all this year keeping our defense on the field," Elliott said. "We've got to do a lot better at that. That comes from being better on first and second downs so we can convert those or have easier third downs to convert. That's something we've got to focus on moving forward."

If they don't, they may be watching from the sideline as the Rams and Gurley do.

Twitter: @JoriEpstein

I'm not sure about this, but this team does not commit too many penalties. The last three games, I didn't yell at the TV excessively because of dumb penalties, at least that's what I can remember.

Can someone confirm?

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000852669/article/what-to-watch-for-in-bearspackers-on-tnf

What to watch for in Bears-Packers on 'TNF'
By Nick Shook

The oldest rivalry in pro football is renewed Thursday in primetime, when the Chicago Bears travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers on Thursday Night Football.

(You can watch the game in a myriad of ways: on CBS, NFL Network and Amazon Prime Video. Click here to learn more.)

As division rivals, the two teams meet twice a year, but the Packers took their TNF meeting 26-10 last season over a punchless Bears team that lost Brian Hoyer to a broken left arm. Aaron Rodgers completed 39 of 56 passes in the win.

This season, the quarterback position looks totally different in Chicago. Learn about that and more of what we'll be watching for on Thursday evening when these two teams meet at Lambeau Field:

1. Hoyer is in San Francisco, then-starter Jay Cutler is in Miami and the new hope is on the bench in Chicago -- for now. Mike Glennon will again trot out for the Bears, and would actually be the toast of the town in Chicago right about now if one of his targets could have caught the ball on the goal line late in their Week 1 contest against defending NFC champion Atlanta.

Instead, the Bears fell in tremendously tragic fashion, lost again in a Week 2 blowout at Tampa Bay, and then stunned the football world in Week 3, toppling a Steelers team stuck in its lower gears. One catch makes Glennon 2-1 as a Bears starter, but almost doesn't count in football, so we'll turn to his numbers: 72-of-107 passing (67.3 completion percentage), 615 yards, 3-3 TD-to-INT ratio, passer rating of 79.8. None of that jumps off the page, but it also doesn't sink Chicago before it can leave the marina.

Credit is also due to Glennon for playing well enough to keep the Bears in contention in two of three weeks, considering the constant pressure he's under while playing with anointed savior Mitch Trubisky always looking over his shoulder. This will be Glennon's biggest test yet, though, against a rival in primetime on the road.

2. Luckily for Glennon, the Bears have blasted out of the gate on the ground, and it's a major reason why they're playing better than most folks expected heading into 2017. Jordan Howard (199 yards, 4.4 per carry) and Tarik Cohen (157 yards, 6.5 per carry) are both in the top 17 backs in the NFL and have taken turns leading the team's attack with each week, creating a classic two-headed monster at the position.

3. An old-school rivalry will feature a stark contrast in offensive strengths. While Chicago has found its most success on the ground, thanks in part to an offensive line that's at times opening truck-wide holes for Howard and Cohen, Green Bay rises and falls on the arm of Rodgers, who was excellent in the final quarter and overtime against Cincinnati when the Packers had their backs against the wall.

He's also armed with a bevy of targets in Ty Montgomery (who surprisingly leads the team in rushing and receiving (receptions, not yards), Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Geronimo Allison, Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks. Allison also played a huge part in Week 3's win, catching a long pass that set up Mason Crosby's game-winning field goal.

Green Bay brings an offense to the field that can become frustratingly clogged -- fans at Lambeau were booing the offense during the middle of the game last week -- but when adjusted, can turn into a machine. Last week, it was head coach Mike McCarthy shortening the passing game to get Rodgers into a rhythm before going vertical late.

It showed in their drive to tie the game at the end of the fourth, and again on the free play that put the Packers in position to kick the game-winner. How Green Bay adjusts to Chicago's secondary will be interesting to see, because the Bears did a bang-up job against another offense filled with talent last week. That brings us to our next point...

4. Defense. It's simple enough to say, "hey, watch out for how the defenses play," but in this game, it's tough to predict, making it that much more meaningful. Statistically, the two are just on the outside of the league's upper third in categories they'll need most this week.

Green Bay is 12th in the NFL against the run (113.7 yards allowed per game), while Chicago is 13th in the NFL against the pass (238 yards allowed per game). Randall Cobb(chest) will likely play this week, meaning the Bears aren't getting any breaks. Nick Perry returned to practice for Green Bay with a massive club on his surgically repaired hand (seriously, it's huge), adding an important piece to the Packers' front seven.

With a rushing attack as its best option, Chicago will have to limit turnovers, control time of possession and also do its best to limit Rodgers. The TOP battle is about even for Chicago (30:04 vs. 30:26), while Green Bay holds a 33:19 to 27:53 edge.

With a front seven that's only sacked opponents seven times in three games, the onus will fall on Chicago's secondary, and the linebacker who's tabbed to spend the most time covering Montgomery out of the backfield.

5. It's only Week 4, but this game can go a long way toward determining the paths of two teams. After an ugly, injury-filled loss to Atlanta, Green Bay bounced back to earn a heart-stopping win over Cincinnati last week. Another victory this week helps the Packers keep pace with the Vikings and Lions in what is setting up to be a surprisingly competitive division.

Chicago, on the other hand, would benefit massively from an upset win over the rival Packers at Lambeau. A triumph would provide a giant boost in momentum and move the Bears to 2-2, which looks (and feels) miles better than 1-3 after four weeks.

Admittedly, we don't know all that much about a majority of the league's 32 teams after just three weeks. Just ask how many folks missed on their picks last week (looking at you, masses who took the Raiders over Redskins).

A look at the upcoming schedules for each team make this an even more pivotal game, because things aren't getting easier for either squad. Chicago faces divisional opponent Minnesota next week before battling Baltimore (which went Mr. Hyde on us after playing Dr. Jekyll in Weeks 1-2) and Carolina.

Green Bay has Dallas, Minnesota and New Orleans in the following three weeks. None of those games set up as cakewalks. Plenty can change, but even this early, there's a sense of urgency from at least one sideline (hint: it's Chicago's).

Here is what will make this season the beginning of something special like 1999. Not the same...but similar. There may not be the instant gratification of "The Tackle", but it will reflect the extended excitement of the GSOT and beyond.

Initially and foremost, McVay is a combination of the passion of DV (without the tears and experience), the intellect and creativity of Martz, and his own unique exposure to several family and professional relationships that form his football identity combined with the youthful energy we get to have at 31 and I know wanes now that I'm 52. He lives, studies, and breathes football while paying attention to the other factors that affect a team socially, psychologically, media wise, financially, and in terms of how people learn things. That's a TON to process and filter. This is the kind of genius I've seen in leaders named Lombardi, Wooden, Krzyzewski, LaRussa, Walsh, Churchill, and Phil Jackson. For all the obvious differences, the similarities should be obvious though he's at a relatively early stage in his development.

The next step to greatness is the support of his teaching staff. Wade Phillips is the obvious choice asset at DC but Kromer may be even more important as he produced the top rushing offense with the Bills WITHOUT a credible passing game...Woods and Watkins notwithstanding. By adding Olsen and LeFluer, he exceeds Martz by trusting experienced, intelligent input. Hell, he even retained Bones though he was the interim and listens intently to him during live action. McVay's emotional intelligence to humble himself in the heat of battle is unprecedented in my athletic observations.

In '99, the Rams were coming off 4 wins and were written off by ALL media, including the local sportswriters. It wasn't until the Rams beat the 9'ers that the media jumped on the bandwagon. Unless the '17 Rams beat the Cowboys AND Seahawks the next two weeks, the media will fail to recognize what's happening. My point is that long term success is inevitable EVEN IF they lose both games...though I believe they won't. But now it's time to evaluate the players.

The primary target of media pundits concerning the Rams begins with Jared Goff. Today the feeling is that he's Alex Smith incarnate. Given great weapons, he can succeed. Given a sh*t show OL and WR's and he's less than ordinary. McVay turned the ordinary Cousins into someone you need to franchise tag in order to keep. That's what MOST people can hope he will do with Goff. Allow me to segue to say I preferred Wentz and always will, but McVay can make Jared into the next Bartkowski/Gabriel/Ryan/Testaverde. Others may consider that statement a slam but I hold each of those QB's in high regard. Allow me to take it a step further, if Goff stayed with Fisher...he would have a career similar to Manning...not Peyton nor Eli...I mean Archie. We beat the hell out of the AIN'TS for years, but it wasn't Archie's fault.

Now we move on to the rest of the offense. When you get crushed .0034 seconds after you get a handoff several times a game, even if your name is Todd Gurley, Walter Payton, or Sam Bam Cunningham, you're screwed. Get a scheme, blocking, and a legit passing game...and suddenly you will remember how to be a running back. Replace an athletically gifted but intellectually and emotionally fragile LT with a stalwart in the mold of Slater and Pace, and I suppose a QB can stop looking over his left shoulder to anticipate the next disaster. Get a center that doesn't get walked or run back to the QB/RB every other play and I guess things will improve. Take away a Britt and Quick and replace them with a Watkins and Woods, and I suppose there might be a difference. When you learn that Kupp and Everett will both develop into Pro Bowl caliber players...how could anyone doubt future explosive success?

Of course it's now time to address the defense that is in MAJOR TRANSITION. Everyone's favorite Ram: AARON DONALD, is playing for a contract elsewhere. If an agreement was possible, we'd have it by now. The question going forward is if he can deliver a SB win this last year in LA. We hope so. But as he dominates, his trade value will remake this unit. Tru is priced out like AD. Ogletree is a miscast WIL in a 4/3 and he hasn't played there in two years. Amazingly, in spite of past production and current perception, almost everyone else is subject to replacement other than, IMO, Brockers and Joyner. The 2000 Ram defense was blamed on the coordinator, and rightfully so. This year, Phillips will Band-Aid this unit much like Marinelli did last year in Dallas. My fingers are crossed. But mark my words...next year the D will see major overhaul and Wade Phillips is the perfect guy to identify who comes and goes. They resigned Westbrooks (I wouldn't) and I suspect Longacre will survive. While I root for the rest, I do so suspecting that Wade and Snead are scouting defensive players in college and the rest of the NFL.

I may be an outlier, but save this post like someone did in '15 on GROB and tell me I'm wrong...

https://www.google.com/amp/profootb...has-stretched-cowboys-thin-at-linebacker/amp/

Good news for us. Huge loss for Dallas if he doesn’t play.

Sean McVay has Jared Goff cooking and the Rams offense should roll vs. Cowboys

It turns out coaching does matter in the NFL.

When running back Todd Gurley called the Rams' offense -- coached by all-time loser Jeff Fisher at the time -- a "middle-school offense" last December, he was thought to have done so out of frustration. It wasn't considered to be an analytical response to answer the questions behind No. 1 pick Jared Goff'srookie-year struggles and Gurley's own mysterious sophomore slump. But Gurley wasn't that far off with his answer. The Rams' offensive catastrophe was almost entirely related to its scheme. The first three games of the 2017 season is enough proof.

So far, the Rams' offense is torching foes -- they're averaging the seventh-most yards per game (374.3) and the most points per game (35.7) in all of football. Goff looks like Legolas sniping Orcs -- he's first in yards per attempt (10.09) and third in passer rating (118.2). Gurley looks like he's actually wearing a touchdown magnet -- he's tied for the league lead in rushing/receiving touchdowns (six) after scoring six touchdowns over the course of the entire 2016 season.

For all of that, the Rams can thank their new 31-year-old coach, Sean McVay, who replaced Fisher and immediately implemented an offense that caters to its personnel's strengths -- plus, he spells his name the right way. And they can also thank newcomers in receivers Sammy Watkins, Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and left tackle Andrew Whitworth. The Rams' offense received upgrades this offseason in both coaching and personnel.

This is a rather long article with images. For the rest, read here;

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...-and-the-rams-offense-should-roll-vs-cowboys/

First off we always tend to think each game is the most important of the season. I don't think this one meets that criteria, as the biggest game thus far was that quality check vs the Colts that they passed. There's a big one coming up after this that will be the second biggest game IMO when they face Seattle, who is the team you gotta go through if you want to win this division.

But all that said, this game is huge for the Rams from a national and media awareness perspective. Check out this broadcast map:



Now some might say this is just like the whiner game, which was nationally televised. But it's not. This is the Cowboys, whose nuts the media squat on. Everyone knows or looks at the Boys as a playoff team even given that lackluster start, and rightly so. And man do we have some storylines...

"Dak the round 3 best QB of the draft that Goff headlined." I think it's stupid, as both are probably going to have long and successful careers. But fans and media love to compare and don't think this isn't lost on the two QBs. This is an ego game for them, and both are facing defenses that haven't looked too good thus far.

"Elliot the best RB in the league vs the RB the league forgot in Gurley." Another kinda stupid thing to do, but it's there man. It's a story. And just like with the QBs don't think the players aren't aware.

"Wade Phillips vs the team that fired him." You can't tell me the defense rebounding this week wouldn't be a huge deal for Wade. I just have to think the players know this, and also I have to think they're pi$$ed off about the offense carrying them to a 2-1 record. They might get beat down by a quality Cowboy offense, but the effort's gonna be profound IMO.

"Elite WR Dez Bryant vs overrated CB Trumaine Johnson." Lot of DBs have shut Dez down since he signed his extension. His play and technique have been questioned in the media and rightly so. But he's still considered to be an elite, top 5 guy by a lot of folks in the media while Trumaine is an afterthought on the defensive side. You know what this is? A huge opportunity for Tru to make himself a metric @$$ ton of respect. I want to say he's going to have a huge game, but I don't trust him with his up/down play.

"Martin and the Dallas OL vs Donald." AD has hurt the team with his holdout and not being his normal self out the gate. Dallas still has one of the finest OLs in the league, an elite unit. This is a big game for Aaron to reestablish himself as the elite player he thinks he is, who deserves the ridiculous high-end money he held out for.

"Watkins is always injured and non-elite as a WR." I have always been in the camp that Sammy didn't have an offense in Buffalo that could maximize his ability. Well this is the type of game, with the media focus and whatnot, that can change a WR's "standing" in the minds of the talking heads. I found it interesting that while GMFB discussed the game and even felt like the Rams might be able to prove themselves, they went on to discuss how elite Dez is and didn't mention Sammy. Big, big game for him in that perspective.

This game and matchup has me pretty nervous. I'm worried and don't want to see this team dip to 2-2. I want that third win dammit. So from that perspective I'm pretty geeked up to see this one, and even though it's not a "huge" game compared to what we have the following weekend vs Seattle it's big for a lot of the Rams players who have positioned themselves to get a little limelight. So here's hoping that happens.