Its Game Day!

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The regular season is finally upon us, as the Rams will host the Colts at the Coliseum on Sunday afternoon. When the two teams last met in 2013, the Rams executed well in all three phases to down Indianapolis, 38-8.

This week head coach Sean McVay is looking for his team to do this same, beginning his tenure in Los Angeles with a successful home opener.

“It certainly has a different feeling this week. I know I’m excited about it [and] I certainly feel it from our players and our coaching staff,” McVay said. “Our guys have done a great job of utilizing the offseason program and training camp to put ourselves in a position to be ready to go. But, we know that we’re still focused on taking it one day at a time and hopefully that will lead to us peaking at one o’clock on Sunday.”

The Rams’ “one day at a time” approach has allowed them to come into Sunday’s game injury free. The Colts, however, have not been as fortunate. Indianapolis will be without three of its primary players for the season opener: quarterback Andrew Luck, center Ryan Kelly, and cornerback Vontae Davis.

Without Luck, veteran backup Scott Tolzien will be the Colts’ signal-caller. Undrafted rookie Deyshawn Bond is expected to get the start at center. During the preseason, Tolzien started in all four games, completing 23 of 34 passes, for 241 yards and one interception. And although McVay acknowledged the benefit in taking on an offense without its starting quarterback, he recognizes the challenges Tolzien can present.

“Well, I’ve got a lot of respect for Andrew Luck. To say that I’m disappointed not to see him, I probably wouldn’t say that,” McVay said with a laugh. “But, what I would say is that, [I have] a lot of respect for them as a team, for Scott Tolzien. And we know that it’s going to be a great challenge. I think they’ve got great players on that offense.”

The Rams’ defense will face off against two very talented Colts’ stars on Sunday — wide receiver T.Y Hilton, who led the NFL in receiving yards last season, and running back Frank Gore, who has accumulated over 13,000 yards in his career, including 1,025 yards last year.

“The Colts have a really good offense, they’ve got a premiere receiver in the league and [offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski] ‘Chud’ does a great job,” Rams’ defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said on Thursday.

Philips plans to utilize his secondary to contain Hilton and shut down the Colts’ primary receiving target. Expect cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson and Kayvon Webster to match up with Hilton throughout the game.

“‘Chud’ is a really good coordinator and he’s got a great player there and he utilizes him,” Phillips said. “That’s what you do, you put him in situations where you can get him one-on-one and you can get him running option routes where he can go any way he sees, which he’s great at. So, you have to double him every play, so we will.”

Although many defensive starters will see their first game action of the year this weekend — including Webster, outside linebacker Robert Quinn, and linebacker Mark Barron — the defense as a whole did not express any major concerns about playing together for the first time.

“Not at all because we’ve been working together throughout this whole camp and OTA’s so as far as that, no, not at all,” Johnson said.

“I don’t know that I’m concerned, I’m just waiting to kind of see how we do,” Phillips said. “I think there’s going to be good things. I’ve been impressed with our practices and we have all our guys healthy and all of them are practicing now, so you’ve got to carry that to the game, but I thought we’ve practiced really well.”

Though defensive takcle Aaron Doanld reported to the Rams on Saturday morning, he will not play in Sunday's game.

On offense, quarterback Jared Goff will take the field on Sunday for his first season opener. Last season, Goff was inactive for Week 1 against the 49ers. This year, however, the former No. 1 pick is ready to show off the team’s development on offense and make a strong statement in front of the Rams’ home crowd.

“I think as a whole we’ve really improved everywhere — not only offensively, but defensively, special teams, everywhere we’ve improved,” Goff said. “I think I speak for a lot of people when I say we feel really good where we’re at.”

“I think we’ve done a good job so far up to this point game planning and getting a good sense of what they do defensively,” he added. “They do a lot of things well and they do have a lot of good players there, so we’re excited to get a chance to see them this Sunday and get a chance to show off what we’ve worked on the last six to nine months.”

The Rams receiving corps has been strengthened this season through the addition of playmakers like Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins, and Cooper Kupp. Wide receiver Tavon Austin is also expected to contribute in Sunday’s game, after missing the entire preseason with a hamstring injury. And because the Colts will be without their primary cornerback, expect the Rams to look to exploit downfield matchups.

“Absolutely, every time one of their star players is not playing, you have to take advantage of that,” wide receiver Pharoh Cooper said. “I know the coaches have alerted us and told us that because they have seen it on film. So we’re just going to try and attack, try our best to get open. And without their best corner playing, it should open up a lot of passes.”

Running back Todd Gurley also saw increased playing time throughout the preseason and is expected to be a major contributor for the offense this season. And after being named a captain for the second-straight year, the running back also said he feels added responsibility coming into Sunday’s game.

“For that to be my second year in a row to be a captain it means a lot. So, I appreciate that – just trying to work hard and try to be the best leader, the best teammate I can be,” he said. “When you have that ‘C’ that gives you just a little bit more edge to do a little bit more, say a little bit more, because they voted for you for a reason,” he said.

Gurley also expressed confidence at his team’s ability to produce on offense.

“You know it’s just a new offense. It felt like things have been clicking,” Gurley said. “We feel a lot more comfortable with the offensive schemes that we’ve been running the last four, five months...Just going out there and practicing, executing – not looking sloppy, catching the ball, running the ball, not turning the ball over. The more things you do…the more comfortable you get. So that’s just kind of how we feel right now.”

For McVay, Sunday will represent his first true test as an NFL head coach. And while he is prepared for the jitters that come along with a season opener, he is also ready to take on the many challenges that lie ahead, beginning with the Colts this weekend.

“Once the game kicks off you’re getting right into your normal flow and hopefully that’s how it feels, but there’s certainly a level of excitement and I’m very fortunate to be in this role and to have the opportunity to be a part of this team,” he said.

“It’s an exciting thing, it’s not a nervous thing,” McVay continued. “It’s confidence to watch our guys go compete, confident that hopefully our preparation will allow our coaches to make good decisions and put our players in good spots and confident that it’s going to be a great opportunity to go compete against a great opponent.”

Kickoff for the Rams season opener is set for 1:05 P.M. To find out where you can watch the season opener, click here.

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ppr.

my choices are tavon, kupp and kevin white. i so want to start tavon but that may be my kool aid for mcvay using tavon like he's supposed to be used with all the other weapons on the field.

what do you guys think?

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Hey, guys, I came out with another video. Check it out here:

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It's still around 45 minutes away from game day where I live. I'm drinking Bud Light right now, and have a bottle of Rye Whiskey for the game! I love history and Rye Whiskey is the drink of the late 19th century, I love the smell of it and drink it it with a splash of water, FANTASTIC.

As for eating, I love me some pulled pork sammiches!:rockon:

Watching Stanford at USC and cant help but notice the turf getting chewed up. I thought that part of the agreement with USC was that there would not be Trojan and Rams home games the same weekend. I know its still early so the field should be close to optimal condition but how many double duty weekends can that natural turf take?

The Colts are starting two UDFA's on the offensive line tomorrow. A second year, benchwarmer UDFA and an UDFA who's a rookie in the league. That coupled with Tolzien in at QB, there should be no way the Rams should not end this game with multiple sacks and an overall dominant defensive performance. The Colts have a shaky defensive themselves. Great game for Goff and Gurley to have big games, both build some confidence, great opportunity for the Rams to come out and get an opening weekend win.

I never liked the player and I definitely don't like the radio commentator. But reading this and listening to him I can respect the man.

http://thespun.com/big-ten/nebraska/keyshawn-johnson-explains-pulling-son-nebraska

Former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson went on SportsCenter to explain why he pulled his son, Keyshawn Johnson Jr., from Nebraska.
A member of the 2017 recruiting class, Keyshawn Johnson Jr., son of former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson, was cited with marijuana possession while at Nebraska earlier this month. Subsequently, his father decided to pull him out of the Nebraska football program and he’s now back at home training. Johnson Jr. plans to rejoin the team for the 2018 season, and today his father went on SportsCenterto explain his reasoning.

Johnson Sr. said his son, “found himself getting into things that he shouldn’t have been getting into—smoking weed.”

“Everybody said ‘Oh weed’s not that big of a deal. It’s just like wine and beer and cigarettes and cigars,’ ” said the elder Johnson, who spent 11 seasons in the NFL. “Yes that’s true. But the problem is they say don’t do it. Don’t do it. We don’t want you doing it in the NFL. We don’t want you doing it in college sports. Don’t do it.”


He continued:

“They want to be your friend so they can say ‘Oh I’m friends with Keyshawn Johnson Jr.’ And understand the position that you put yourself in,” Johnson Sr. said. “If you want to be successful in life, then that’s not the road to take today. If you want to smoke weed when you’re 30 years old and are made, do it all you want. In fact, I’ll buy you a forest if that’s the case. But you have to graduate from college, you have to set yourself up for the rest of your life.”

Johnson Sr. also made clear that his son has to prove to Nebraska and his coaches that he wants to be a part of the team:

“If he doesn’t want to play football, don’t play,” Johnson Sr. said. “Because I’m not living vicariously through you. I already played. I don’t need your money. So if you want to play sports, if that’s what you really, truly, honestly want to do, then you need to show me, show Nebraska, show Mike Riley and Keith Williams, the receivers coach, that these are the things that you want to do so you can graduate from school.”

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AD might not be in playing shape now and there isn't time to get him familiar with Wade's defense. W e don't want him injured from something stupid like a pulled hammy...

Besides, I want see how Smart does!

ESPN reporting that Donald has reported!

The Colts might want to evacuate.

Rams will have multi-threat Tavon Austin at their disposal against the Colts
Gary KleinContact Reporter


Some optimism was well-founded, some apparently not.

For more than a month, Rams coach Sean McVay had expressed confidence that receiver Tavon Austin and defensive lineman Aaron Donald would be available to play in Sunday’s opener against the Indianapolis Colts at the Coliseum.

Austin recovered from a hamstring injury and will play, McVay said Friday.

Donald, however, remains absent because of a contract dispute.

Throughout the week, McVay declined to rule out the three time Pro Bowl player for the opener. He finally ended the gamesmanship on Friday.

“We’re still trying to find a way to come to a solution,” McVay said, “but it’s safe to say that he won’t be a part of this game.”

Austin could play several roles for a team that conducted an offseason overhaul of the receiving corps.

It began during free agency with the departures of Kenny Britt and Brian Quick, and the signing of Robert Woods. It continued through the draft with the selection of Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds. A training camp trade for deep threat Sammy Watkins provided an exclamation point.

Austin, who signed a 4 year, $42mil. extension before the 2016 season, was sidelined throughout off-season workouts while recovering from wrist surgery. He sat out nearly all of training camp because of a hamstring injury. He returned to practice in a limited role before the final preseason game at Green Bay, and then participated in a full-speed pregame workout with other skill-position players at Lambeau Field.

He was a full participant in practice this week.

“We’re excited to have him back,” McVay said.

McVay would not specify how the 5-foot-8, 179-pound Austin will be deployed, but he could line up wide or in the slot as a receiver, or in the backfield as a running back or receiver. He also is expected to return punts.

“When the coaches call my number, I’ll just be ready,” said Austin, who has scored 12 touchdowns on passes, eight on runs and three on punt returns.

When McVay and his new staff arrived in January, the receiver group was “a little bit of a question mark,” offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur said.

But that group is now regarded as multidimensional, and Austin’s return adds to the mix.

“When you get the guy that, again, is explosive as Tavon, that has that home-run capability, it definitely gives you a lot of just some favorable matchups out there,” LaFleur said.

Now it gets real
Seven of the eight players the Rams selected in this year’s draft could play against the Colts.

Kupp, tight end Gerald Everett and defensive lineman Tanzel Smart are expected to either start or play a significant number of snaps.

Reynolds, safety John Johnson and linebackers Samson Ebukam and Ejuan Price also might contribute on offense, defense or special teams.

Fullback Sam Rogers is on the practice squad and will not play.

Everett, a second-round pick, is looking forward to his first regular-season NFL game.

“First and foremost, just playing on Sunday — I’m pretty sure it’s going to be pretty surreal,” he said.

Johnson, a fourth-round draft pick, will play on special teams. He said he would be prepared for more if his name or number is called.

“I’m right next to the coach — I’m in his pocket like, ‘Whenever you need me, I’m ready,’ ” Johnson said, laughing. “He’ll probably speak like just the first letter and I’m already running out there.

“So I’m ready.”

Etc.
The Rams listed no players on the injury report. McVay credited the athletic training staff, the strength and conditioning staff and players for managing injuries in the run-up to the opener. “The ultimate goal in mind was being able to have guys ready to go for Sept. 10, and that’s where we’re at right now,” McVay said. ... Sunday’s game at the Coliseum follows the USC-Stanford game on Saturday. This will be one of three times the Rams play the day after a Trojans home game.

Being unable to do this was a major reason we lost a lot of games under the Fisher regime, imho. To my untrained eyes it seemed that there was some pre-scripted plays in the first half, many of which didn't work anyway, but then the other team made adjustments at half time and we didn't..or couldn't do the same...Then the few things that may have been working got stopped, and Boras/Fisher did nothing to overcome...

On another thread the OP asked about who we would be watching during the game. Well, I'm going to be watching if our coaching staff can make adjustments when needed (especially at half-time)

Jack in the Box has a deal going where if the Rams score 2 TD's or more, they'll offer a free Jumbo Jack with the purchase of a large beverage.....Free Jumbo Jack Prediction?

Ram's fans will earn 17 free Jumbo Jacks this season!

Hello guys, as you know I know my Rams, but here is my first crack at the entire NFL and my first crack at a video podcast. Please let me know what you think. Thanks for watching and if you could, please give the video a thumbs up. It really helps me out. Thanks guys!

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Are you ready for the 2017 Los Angeles Rams season? I don't think you are! Check out our two-hour show as we break down the 2017 Rams season with Rams beat writer, Joe Curley, from the Ventura County Star. Jake Ellenbogen and Blaine Grisak are joined by Kevin Bowen of 107.5 & 1070 The Fan for their latest segment "Crossing Enemy Lines" when the guys are joined by a someone from the other team to help break down that week's game. Kevin helps break down the Indianapolis Colts and helps explain why the Rams will start 1-0. #RamsUp #Ramily #MobSquad

iTunes: http://apple.co/2snhjSy

Spreaker: http://bit.ly/2f8vhPR

http://theramswire.usatoday.com/2017/09/07/nfl-los-angeles-rams-justin-davis-jersey-number-change/

I too don't like RBs who wear 40s.

Loved listening to these guys speak in a language that I dimly remember. Very smart of the Rams to reach out to LA's Latino community. My three years of High School Spanish from 28 years ago, is still a little rusty..

I think they gave some secret Aaron Donald shyte...Rams you sneaky bastardos!

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Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams: Keys to the game, matchups to watch and prediction

By The Sports Xchange | Sept. 7, 2017 at 11:34 PM












Indianapolis Colts quarterback Scott Tolzien scrambles during a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last month. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI
| License Photo


INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT LOS ANGELES RAMS

KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. TV: CBS, Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Evan Washburn.

SERIES HISTORY: 44th regular-season meeting. Colts lead series, 23-18-2. The Colts have posted a 14-6-2 home record against the Rams and are 9-12 in away games. The Indianapolis Colts have won three of the last five regular-season meetings. The Rams, though, won the last matchup, 38-8 at Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 10, 2013. Indianapolis' last win in the series occurred on Oct. 25, 2009, when the Rams were located in St. Louis, with the Colts posting a 42-6 victory. The Colts have not won a regular-season game against the Rams in Los Angeles since Dec. 21, 1969 (13-7). The Colts have lost their last three regular-season games against the Rams in Los Angeles, the last coming on Sept. 17, 1989 (31-17). The Colts have an 8-10 record against the Rams at Los Angeles Coliseum. The franchises have a shared history in former team owner Carroll Rosenbloom. Rosenbloom owned the Colts from 1953 to 1971 and the Rams from 1972 to 1979. He traded the Colts franchise to Robert Irsay, who had assumed control of the Rams. Irsay's son Jim is now the Colts' owner.

GAMEDATE: 9/10/17

KEYS TO THE GAME: With Scott Tolzien starting for injured Andrew Luck, the Colts' offense must find some rhythm through the running game. That won't be easy; Los Angeles' strength on defense has been its defensive line and linebackers. But, it plays into the largely inexperienced Tolzien's favor that star Rams tackle Aaron Donald is still holding out.

This is no longer the careful, deliberate Rams offense that sloughed around under former coach Jeff Fisher, so expect second-year QB Jared Goff and his new weapons -- Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins, Cooper Kupp and Gerald Everett -- to attack the Colts all over the field. They will hope to create a ground attack to balance things out with a new offensive line opening holes for RB Todd Gurley.

If the Rams can protect Goff, they should find the end zone against a Colts defense that has a young secondary and will be trying out a remodeled defensive line. Finding a way to put pressure on Goff and force mistakes will be key for the Colts.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--Colts WR T.Y. Hilton vs. Rams CB Trumaine Johnson. Hilton had 98 catches for 1,449 yards last year and will be a handful for Johnson, whose ability to slow Hilton down could be a difference maker in the Rams beating the Colts.

--Rams LT Andrew Whitworth vs. Colts DE Henry Anderson. Whitworth was signed to finally elevate the left side of the Rams line from below average to above average, and right off the bat he'll get a chance to prove it in his battle with Anderson, a promising third-year player from Stanford who combines a great motor with athletic ability and talent.

COLTS NOTABLE ROOKIE: Running back Marlon Mack. The South Florida back could very well be Indianapolis' long-term answer to replace Frank Gore. Mack shows speed and good vision, is elusive and better than expected as both a pass blocker and receiver. He will be used this season primarily as a change-of-pace back and will rotate with Gore and Robert Turbin. Mack might also be used as a kickoff returner.

RAMS NOTABLE ROOKIE: Wide receiver Cooper Kupp. He was drafted in the third round, but by the end of this season people may wonder why he wasn't a first-round pick. The smooth, dependable receiver from Eastern Washington lit up Rams camp with his route running, dependability, footwork and hands. There is every reason to believe his college production will translate to the NFL. He holds Football Championship Subdivision records for receptions (428), receiving yards (6,464) and receiving touchdowns (73).

FAST FACTS: Colts RB Frank Gore ranks eighth in NFL history with 13,065 rushing yards. He's the fifth player in NFL history with 12,500 rushing yards (13,065) and 400 catches (414). He has 11 consecutive seasons with 1,200 scrimmage yards, most in NFL history. ... Colts WR T.Y. Hilton has four seasons with 1,000 yards, third most in franchise history. He is one of four players in NFL history with at least 850 yards and five TD catches in each of first five seasons. ... Colts K Adam Vinatieri leads all active players and ranks third in NFL history with 2,378 points. ... The Rams' Sean McVay makes his head coaching debut after spending the past three seasons as Washington's offensive coordinator. ... WR Sammy Watkins makes his debut for the Rams. He had more than 900 receiving yards in two of his three years in Buffalo and has 153 career receptions. ... Rams holdout DT Aaron Donald had 62 tackles and led team with eight sacks in 2016. He has been named to three consecutive Pro Bowls. ... Rams P Johnny Hekker was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl in 2016. He led the NFL in net punt average (46.0).

PREDICTION: In an underwhelming QB matchup featuring rebuilding teams, the edge will go to the better coach -- and McVay knows how to create offense.

OUR PICK: Rams, 26-17.

--Chris Cluff


http://www.upi.com/https:/www.upi.c...tchups-to-watch-and-prediction/3531504841567/

Tough call for me.

But here's my top 10, and in order:

Goff (duh)
Gurley
Watkins
Quinn
Kupp (no real doubts about him but can't help myself)
Tavon (fingers crossed)
Higbee/Everett
Joyner (gulp)
Sullivan
Webster

I'm gonna be kinda busy, huh? Hope to see lots of reassuring and a few exciting things vs the Colts.

Hope that team rustiness from excess "rest" during PS games is at a minimum. Sigh...

Anybody have a different top 10 list or list order?

Don't look now, but your job might depend on your on field production this year.

There are a lot of Ram players that need to really produce for McVay this year. Emphasis THIS year.

Goff
Gurley
Tavon
Higbee
Jamon Brown
Havenstein
Watkins (yes, Watkins)
Woods
Quinn
Barwin
Barron
Webster
Joyner
Alexander

On paper, there's quite a bit of talent listed above. But those players need to produce on the field this year if they expect to keep McVay happy.

Think some (or all) of those listed players are safe, at least as starters? Better think again. No more long leashes for players that are not impressing.

McVay has already demonstrated what he will do when he determines that a given player doesn't fit into his schemes. It's Sayonara, baby! And McVay doesn't exactly dither around before making his decisions, either. Just ask Britt, Quick, Kendricks, or Barnes.

Bottom line? I think that we will see players busting their butts to impress McVay this year. Some will, of course. But I predict that some won't.

Don't know about you, but I love that in a HC. Makes the tough personnel decisions, and quickly, that improve his chances of winning ballgames.

Without even looking it up, I know without a shadow of a doubt that if Luck and Donald were both playing, the Colts would either be favored or this game would be a push. All the pundits would be picking the Colts instead of the Rams.

Hell, even some of us would be picking the Colts.

Instead the world doesn't think the Colts stand a chance, really. Were Luck and Donald both be playing, this game would be a push for me. I would probably pick the Colts.

But.....Aaron Donald is a MUCH better football player than Luck. Like, not even in the same stratosphere of NFL player. ESPN, which frequently underrates Rams players recently ranked Donald as the 3rd best player in the NFL. PFF and all those advanced metric sites have Donald as a top 3 NFL player as well.

This interesting dynamic makes you wonder: SHOULD the Rams pay Donald? It's clear that whatever the number ends up being, it's going to be "Quarterback money", or close to it.

But if both of them being out leads us (and everyone else) to dramatically shift our perception of this game, what does that mean? I suppose another way of looking at it is this: would you trade Donald for Luck? I would...but I imagine some wouldn't. And if you wouldn't, what does it mean that both players being out dramatically shifts in the Rams favor, instead of the Colts?