With the Giants taking out the Packers, things got a bit more interesting!

The 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys and Lions are still comfortably locked into playoff spots. A fifth spot is held by the NFC South leading Bucs.

That leaves the following teams fighting for the remaining two playoff births:

Vikings 7-6
Packers 6-7
Rams 6-7
Seahawks 6-7
Falcons 6-7
Saints 6-7

Week 15 looks promising for the Rams. We'll bounce back against the Commodes. The Vikings will fall @ the Bengals. The Falcons will jump back into the NFC South lead with a win at Carolina, while the Bucs fall at Green Bay. The Seahawks will lose to the Eagles, while the Saints will beat the Giants.

This will leave the Rams outside looking in for another week, but only due to the Vikings superior conference record:

Vikings 7-7
Packers 7-7
Rams 7-7
Saints 7-7
Bucs 6-8
Seahawks 6-8

This will set up a key TNF showdown against the Saints... but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Keep this thing going!

Read down a bit for the Rams love!

Do NFL teams have analytics on various ref crews and their tendencies? I’m not a conspiracist but they are human and data over time may show some sort of correlation, regardless of how hard one tries to be objective.

I wouldn’t be surprised if any team does this, but I would let DBs and WRs know that this crew doesn’t call defensive holding or OPI as much, so you can be more physical…let the lineman know how a crew calls holding penalties, etc

We barely knew ya Hunter

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Suh is trying to get back into the league. Should the Rams pick him up if he’s cheap?

The run defense has been pretty good lately. But he’d be decent in rotation, especially in case of injury.

So the Jets agreed to trade Zach Wilson this offseason. I have no idea what it may take to acquire him.

Let’s assume the Rams are out of position to get a top QB in the draft. Would anyone here think the Rams should kick the tires on Zach Wilson. To play the backup roll and try to groom him into being their future starter, under McVay’s tutelage. He had a decent game against the Texans in week 13.
What level pick would be worth it?

If not the Rams, then who do you think will? My guess is the Seahawks. Pete always thinks he can motivate anybody into being a good player.

Wycheck‘s death seemed to fly under the radar this weekend.

Great player.

Back from Baltimore with a re-newed sense of purpose, ha.

Lets start the drum up. BEAT THE DEADSKINS or whatever they are calling themselves now.

At least they arent coming off a bye like our last opponent.

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Rams coverage starts at 34:10

Offense


Defense



STs

Don’t look now, but Rams have elevated scrappy and entertaining to a whole new level, haven’t they?

This team is growing by leaps and bounds and is now far ahead of where I thought they’d be by mid-December. They can now play with anybody.

If we want to know why Rams lost this game we needn’t look too far. THREE blown coverages gifted the Ravens 21 points in a game eventually won by 6 points. Even one less blown coverage and Rams win.

Also, Rams seemed to go ‘bend, not break’ in that crucial late 4th quarter drive where Ravens stole their soul with a back breaking score. Why get away from what was working for 55 minutes?

Havenstein was missed.

Headset problems weren’t helpful (kinda suspicious), but the refs completely ignoring blatant holding by Ravens right in front of them? Not just on AD, either. Like the ‘fix’ was in? Shakes my faith in the integrity of today’s NFL. I’m serious. I don’t recall ever seeing anything like it.

But there was plenty of good news for Ram fans yesterday, too.

Stafford is playing well.

KW is a beast.

Rams OL handled a potent Ravens D quite well for the most part.

Kupp looked healthy once again.

Davis Allen might be our future starter at TE. He’s certainly earned more quality snaps at the very least. He should have been getting more snaps weeks sooner.

Honestly, I prefer Allen Robinson playing ahead of Atwell. There. I said it.

Our secondary had 3 catastrophic blown coverages. And against a team like the Ravens? Just too much to overcome. Rams have some work to do in that secondary. Might be some new faces back there next season.

McVay was right about playing Havrisik over Crosby and I was wrong. The kid had a fine game and certainly did his job.

What’s with the yips from Trammel? Where did that come from?

It is my hope that Morris impresses an owner enough to be hired as HC elsewhere. I’d love the 2 comp 3rds plus the opportunity to see McVay hire a more aggressive DC for this emerging D.

Those were the highlights (and lowlights) for me. All the rest was window dressing.

Thoughts?

Monday Night Football - December 11, 2023

Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN, WatchESPN
Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants: 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook:

I said it last week after the Rams beat the Browns. This team would be very much alive in the playoff hunt even with a loss to the Ravens. This game is a barometer of their potential going into the last 4 games. They went toe to toe with a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

IMO they have a legit opportunity to sweep the remaining 4 games and go 10-7 which gets them into the playoffs as probably the 6th seed. It's going to be a coin toss at this time to get in at 9-8 but its a realistic possibility. That would probably pit them against Dallas which is just fine with me. IMO Dallas is not as good as the Niners and gives the Rams a legit shot at an upset in the playoffs.

I've always felt that the Rams would make it at least to the divisional round.

The way the OL played in the run game against a good defensive front shows how good they can be. Robinson is an underappreciated talent. His route running and blocking is pretty damn good. I can see him making a case to be Jefferson's replacement at XWR going forward and would be surprised if he wasn't extended.

Yeah, the Rams are still very much alive in the playoff hunt here in December. What more can you ask. Win out and they are in. Win three of the last four which is realistic and they probably get in as well.

Before the season started, I felt we’d be lucky to win 5 games, and was fine w that given our “remodel” and preparation for ‘24 and ‘25.

But considering all the weird bounces, bad calls and just plain bad luck this season, I think this team could actually have been 11-2.

Here is the season based on who “deserved” to win (by taking away the bad luck and bad calls):

Hawks: W
49ers: W
Bengals: W
Colts: W
Eagles: L (W was a reach)
Cards: W
Steelers: W
Cowboys: L (we were no match)
Green Bay: W
Hawks: W
Cards: W
Browns: W
Ravens: W

I feel better now. 11-2. Same team.

I'm one of 3 teams left in week 14 out of 164 teams with $3200 at stake and I was the only one who still had Baltimore left. I of course took them and sweated out the advancement while knowing if I lost Rams would be in great playoff position. Was a tough watch to say the least. The other 2 guys have Green Bay tomorrow night so hoping for a Giant upset.

Next week I am taking the Rams of course against Washington lol.

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Starts at the 8 minute mark. I know he's pissed because the call cost his team the game but I can't disagree with what he's saying. Let the players play, no one watches football to see what the refs call and don't. For the face of the NFL to go in on officiating like this you know there's a problem.

1. ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

2. So many chances to put this one away....

3. In a game this close, it always comes down to a few mistakes.

4. In the first half, the Rams gave up two TDs on blown coverages. Those two plays really obscured a strong start to the game by the defense (including a first drive stop!).

5. The two errors getting a play off in time cost us a key time out on the final drive in regulation, and a chance to extend a drive in overtime. Those are really inexcusable. We've seen our offense play on the margin when it comes to getting plays off. Today, it finally bit us.

6. Finally, the coverage on the game winning punt return was atrocious. Again, its an area we've been teetering on the edge of for a while, and today it killed us.

7. Glass Half Full: we went toe-to-toe with one of the top 5 teams in football on their own field.

8. Glass Half Empty: yet another close game in which we fell short. This could be the story of the season in the end.

9. There was definitely some good today. My Offensive MVP this week, once again, is Matthew Stafford. He did a great job spreading the ball around and pushing the game into overtime against another top defense.

10. Kyren Williams also had another excellent performance. With 114 yards rushing, he now has surpassed 800 yards on the ground in 9 games. He is a true catalyst for this offense.

11. Nice 1-2 punch from Cooper Kupp (115 yards, TD) and Puka Nacua (84 yards).

12. You have to love the contribution from Davis Allen and Demarcus Robinson.

13. Hope Rob Havenstein is okay. I thought Joe Noteboom did a fairly good job (though he did miss a block on a screen that may have cost us a chance at a long FG attempt) in his place.

14. My defensive MVP is Ernest Jones (10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 PD, 1 QB hit, several pressures).

15. Damn, Lamar Jackson is hard to corral!

16. Still a lot of key games to be played, but we'll still be in the thick of the playoff race at the end of this week. Next three games (Washington, New Orleans, @ NYG) are very winnable, particularly the way our team has been playing in the last few weeks.

17. Though there were a few questionable calls, overall I'd say McVay did a very good job again today. Second week against a Top 5 defense with some great success.

18. "Moral victory" is an empty cliche, but I have to believe that today's performance (1) only served to enhance our young team's confidence, and (2) shows the potential of this team's core.

19. I'm exhausted from watching this one!

20. Keep moving forward!

Sunday December 10, 2023

Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens — 1:00 p.m., Fox​

Game Day Thread

The GDT is a live thread tradition here at ROD.

While we all get fired up watching the game, please remember our core principles;we always show respect for our team and each other.

Despite the emotional highs and lows watching a game, we will moderate this thread with that in mind, however please refrain from name calling. This applies to players, the Rams organization, and others.

This is the core rule of the GDT. Moderators are tasked to issue thread bans, at a minimum, to maintain this standard.

This is our team. Win or lose. Good days and bad. We are here for FUN, not to be dragged down.

A more loosely moderated atmosphere can be found in the chat room.

Go Rams!

———

ROD Chat Room;

Game Day Room

.

Sunday Night Football; Week 14 - December 10, 2023

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook:

Week 14 - Sunday, December 10, 2023

THE LATE GAMES
Minnesota Vikings vs. Las Vegas Raiders — 4:05 p.m., Fox
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers — 4:05 p.m., Fox
Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs — 4:25 p.m., CBS
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers— 4:25 p.m., CBS

THE EARLY GAMES
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears — 1:00 p.m., Fox
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints — 1:00 p.m., Fox
Houston Texans vs. New York Jets — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens — 1:00 p.m., Fox

SNF
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock

Monday, December 11, 2023

Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN, WatchESPN

Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants: 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+

———

ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, December 7
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers — 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video

Week 14 - Sunday, December 10, 2023

THE EARLY GAMES
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears — 1:00 p.m., Fox
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints — 1:00 p.m., Fox
Houston Texans vs. New York Jets — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens — 1:00 p.m., Fox

THE LATE GAMES
Minnesota Vikings vs. Las Vegas Raiders — 4:05 p.m., Fox
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers — 4:05 p.m., Fox
Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs — 4:25 p.m., CBS
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers— 4:25 p.m., CBS

SNF
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock

Monday, December 11, 2023

Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN, WatchESPN

Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants: 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+

———

ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, December 7
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers — 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video

Made some chili this week.

I plan to do some hot dogs with chili.

Hoecht has been the subject of a lot of conversation this year, quite a bit negative, including from myself. So, I'm not calling anyone out with this, just thought we might benefit from a reset.

Hoecht has 4.5 sacks and has caused a fumble. His play, overall, continues to improve. All this from a guy who had been an interior defensive lineman and switched to edge out of necessity in the middle of last season.

He took it seriously in the offseason and, obviously, lost quite a bit of weight. He's worked for it.

His PFF grade is a less-than-stellar 55... but that's not terrible, by any means.

I think having a guy who has a "I'll do whatever it takes to get on the field" is a tremendous value for an organization.

I also wanted to contrast a little Hoecht with Byron Young.

Young has received a ton of praise and the Rams have gotten big props for getting great value out of that pick, deservedly so on both counts.
But Young's numbers really aren't that different from Hoecht.

You may want to point out the fact that Young is a rookie.. but here's the thing.. he's been playing edge a lot longer than Hoecht.

Also.. Young was a 3rd round pick and Hoecht was a UDFA.

And.. on top of all that.. guess what? Hoecht is only 6 months older than Young.

I think the Rams will have an interesting decision to make with Hoecht this offseason when it comes to his contract. He's a RFA.. they could just tender him and have right of first refusal.. that would be a contract worth more than 2.7 million, based on last year's tender levels. But they risk having someone steal him or having to match a much higher price. The Second round tender will be closer to 5 million dollars.. but it guarantees he's around.

I've already said many times on here that the Rams MUST go out and try to get someone like Danielle Hunter this offseason. Even with that.. two quality edges isn't enough in this day and age. I'd think long and hard about doing what's necessary to keep Hoecht around.

Here is the lineup for Sunday.

Not a bad week to be in the early slot. KC vs Buffalo should be a fun game among the late games. As much as it sucks for the 49’ers to keep winning, it’s best they beat Seattle for us.

SNF will be a good one, too.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

THE EARLY GAMES
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears — 1:00 p.m., Fox
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints — 1:00 p.m., Fox
Houston Texans vs. New York Jets — 1:00 p.m., CBS
Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens — 1:00 p.m., Fox

THE LATE GAMES
Minnesota Vikings vs. Las Vegas Raiders — 4:05 p.m., Fox
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers — 4:05 p.m., Fox
Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs — 4:25 p.m., CBS
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers— 4:25 p.m., CBS

SNF
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock

Monday, December 11, 2023

Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN, WatchESPN
Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants: 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+

———

Thursday, December 7
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers — 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video