Kinda shocking to see this dude get so many touches.

Who saw this coming?

KW probably went undrafted in nearly all fantasy drafts. Akers was touted as the starter by the experts. I doubt many thought KW would quickly emerge as the lead back in our offense.

He had a nice game vs Seattle but when I re-watched the game film I noticed a few things. He is excellent in pass pro and runs with great vision.

I went back and read several scouting reports about him, when he came out in the draft. They all mention the same thing.

He was touted as an excellent pass pro blocking RB. He was also recognized for his quickness, vision, agility and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield.

Only real negatives noted was him lacking next level explosiveness (though he has quickness), lack of long speed and lacking power (5'9 195).

Watching the film vs Seattle, you can really see how quick he is to pick up the blitzer and use excellent technique to stonewall the rusher.

You also see his vision on the runs.

One thing we haven't see yet is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Some draft scouts think he has Austin Ekeler ability as a WR out of the backfield.

With a healthy O-line, a top notch pass blocking RB who can also catch passes, and an emerging WR's in Puka and Tutu with Kupp coming back, we might see the best passing offense in Mcvays tenure, which is saying alot. Effective RB pass pro can heavily impact a pass game in ways people often don't notice.

I am excited to see how Williams impacts this offense. I really think offers more then Akers does as sort of an all-purpose RB.

I like Akers as a backup and to help spell KW, but I think Akers days as the lead back are in the rear view mirror.

Sean Peyton cut Bret Maher at Denver because he picked up Will Lutz from New Orleans. We got a decent kicker added to the roster and Will Lutz missed an extra point which resulted in Denver losing 17-16 to the Raiders.

I think that's cool and ironic for Sean Peyton, aka "a-hole face"

Best place to watch\stream a full replay of today's Rams?

THAT'S MY QB!!

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ABSOLUTELY FUCKIN LOVE THIS

This is going to be a great week.

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1. Wow... that was fun!

2. After months of departures, changes and uncertainty, Rams football is finally back, and it was a beautiful thing behold!

3. There's only one Cooper Kupp, but Puka Nacua did an impression worthy of Frank Caliendo. He is such a mature player, even if his face looks like it belongs in a High School yearbook!

4. Puka had a lot of help, though... Tutu Atwell just played his best game as a pro. He found success, not as gimmick/mini-WR, but as a true, well-rounded WR (albeit in a small package).

5. Matthew Stafford looked comfortable, confident, and in control. He made some great throws (the 30 yarder to Tyler Higbee was particularly impressive).

6. We finally learned who is starting on the OL. Who had Jackson/Avila/Shelton/Noteboom/Havenstein in the pool?

7. The OL did a great job in pass protection. The only stains on Stafford's jersey resulted from running plays!

8. Run blocking was not as strong, but...

9. I don't think you can fully evaluate the effort in the running game by looking at the box score. Yes, there were a lot of unsuccessful running plays. There were enough successful ones, though, to allow for a balanced, ball controlling, clock burning attack.

10. I was particularly pleased with our success running the ball in the Red Zone. The credible threat there will allow us to keep defenses guessing where it counts.

11. The defensive effort was truly a tale of two halves. In the first half, we didn't force a single punt, edge-setting was nonexistent, and Geno Smith was way too comfortable.

12. In the second half, we absolutely shut down Seattle, giving up 3 yards before the final, meaningless snaps.

13. Perhaps the turnaround was due to a unit that saw no live action in preseason needing a few reps to warm up, but I think you need to give some credit to Raheem Morris, who clearly made the right adjustments (did I actually see CBs pressuring receivers?).

14. Great contributions from the rookie class. Avila held up nicely in pass protection. Nacua, of course, was stellar. Young adjusted well in the second half and provided some timely pressures. Kobie Turner got into the act. Great start for the newbies!

15. Brett Maher was okay, and Ethan Evans only had to punt once! (Need to shore up that coverage.)

16. It was great seeing the Seahawks unravel in the end!

17. Offensive Player of the Game. I'm not usually a fan of co-players of the game but, in this case, I have to split it between Nacua and Atwell.

18. Defensive Player of the Game: Ernest Jones. 8 tackles and 3 TFL. He has taken the reigns of the defense.

19. Bring on the parade of Crow-Eating Talking Heads, Bloggers and Commentators!

20. Its just one game, I know. But I'm going to enjoy it and smile all week. Nothing wrong with that!

ALOHA seadderall !

RAMS WIN, RAMS WIIIIN!!!!!!!

Pretty please

I'm trying to be realistic about the coming season while maintaining a positive outlook about the team. I'm not going to be as focused on wins and losses as I am on the development of young players, because I think we're into year 2 of a major reset. If this team is going to get anywhere, it needs to start developing some real talent.

On that note... I'm laying out my expectation for players and units. The basic question is do I think player X will perform better than the player they are replacing from last year and/or just improving if it's the same player. Same for units. I'm not doing every rostered player.

There are some slightly different questions for a couple of players because they don't quite fit the comp model, or carry some extra expectations.

I do expect more out of the coaching staff this year, but I'm not sure how well I'll be able to quantify that.

Here goes nothing:

Matt Stafford HIGH

Cam Akers HIGH
Kyren Williams HIGH
RB Group HIGH
Van Jefferson HIGH
Ben Skowronek HIGH
Tutu Atwell HIGH
Puka Nacua (replacing Allen Robinson) MEDIUM
Demarcus Robinson (Brandon Powell) MEDIUM
WR Group MEDIUM
Tyler Higbee HIGH
Brycen Hopkins MEDIUM TO LOW
Davis Allen (replacing Kendall Blanton) MEDIUM TO HIGH
Hunter Long (can he replace Higbee eventually is the question here) MEDIUM TO LOW
TE Group HIGH
Alaric Jackson HIGH
Steve Avila (replacing David Edwards) HIGH
Coleman Shelton HIGH
RIGHT GUARD SITUATION HIGH

Rob Havenstein MEDIUM TO HIGH
OLINE DEPTH MEDIUM TO HIGH
OLINE AS A GROUP MEDIUM TO HIGH
The takeaway from the offense is that I expect a much better overall performance this year. Of course... it ALL starts with the line. While I like the individual pieces a lot.. it's basically a brand new unit, with a rookie starter. There could be some rough times.. but I think they have the talent and depth to be good.

Akhello Witherspoon (replacing Troy Hill) MEDIUM
Cobie Durant (replacing Jalen Ramsey) LOW This is a weird one.. because I expect Durant to be much better.. but he's being expected to be the best of the unit, so I have to compare him to the best of last year's unit who has departed.. and Durant isn't Ramsey)

Derion Kendrick MEDIUM TO HIGH
Tre Tomlinson (replacing David Long Jr) HIGH
Duke Shelley (replacing Robert Rochell) HIGH

Corner Group MEDIUM TO LOW
Jordan Fuller MEDIUM
Russ Yeast (replacing Nick Scott) MEDIUM TO LOW
Quentin Lake (replacing Taylor Rapp) MEDIUM
John Johnson Not sure how to place him.. I don't expect him to be as good as his last time with the Rams LOWER
Jason Taylor (replacing Terrell Burgess)

Safety Group MEDIUM TO LOW

Byron Young (replacing Justin Hollins) MEDIUM
Ochuan Mathis (replacing Terrell Lewis) MEDIUM
Michael Hoecht (replacing Leonard Floyd) LOW
Edge group LOW
Ernest Jones MEDIUM

Hummel and Rozeboom LOW

Kobie Turner (replacing Gaines) LOW
Bobby Brown (replacing A'Shawn Robinson) LOW
Aaron Donald MEDIUM TO HIGH
D Line Group LOW
Special Teams LOW
No earth-shattering insight.. but I like laying them out like this to see if it moves me on any of my big-picture notions about this year.
The offensive line is going to be so, SO important.. even more so now, with Kupp out, imo. And.. If the Oline can come out strong and be an actually GOOD unit from the start? This team will look respectable, overall, I think. They are going to run over some dudes with Akers, I think.

The defense has some young potential, but some glaring questions at every level. I hope they try to have fun by being aggressive.. but I expect major growing pains.

Feels like a season where 9-8 is irresponsibly optimistic, especially with their schedule... but, that's why they play the games, right?

Feels like a 7 win season, at best.. and I hope I'm dead wrong. But, if the young players make big strides? And they find real keepers? It will still be fun.

Sunday September 10, 2023

SNF
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants, 8:20 p.m. (NBC and Peacock)

WHAT COWBOY FANS ARE SAYING:

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Sunday September 10, 2023

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, September 10, 2023:

The Late Games
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)

The Early Games
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns , 1 p.m. (CBS)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Tennessee Titans at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. (CBS)
San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Commodes, 1 p.m. (FOX)

SNF
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants, 8:20 p.m. (NBC and Peacock)


Monday, September 11:

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)


ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, September 7:

Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m. (NBC and Peacock)

Sunday, September 10, 2023:

The Early Games
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns , 1 p.m. (CBS)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Tennessee Titans at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. (CBS)
San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Commodes, 1 p.m. (FOX)

The Late Games
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)

SNF
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants, 8:20 p.m. (NBC and Peacock)


Monday, September 11:

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)


ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, September 7:

Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m. (NBC and Peacock)

thought someone else took over duties on this, so apologies for the late post




You folks should know the rules by now...closest to actual score wins 5k sportsbook credits... 1st post with closest score wins... but that would be trumped by an exact score prediction to win 10k sportsbook credits

I try to find random recipes that relate to the team or city we are playing.

This summer I was digging through Seattle foods and found a hot dog that is known in Seattle.

A hot dog with toppings of cream cheese and grilled onions.

Read below a comment from a Game Day prediction thread OP and my response:

"
Ahhhh. Finally. That time of the year boys and girls. Seahawks football is back baby! We kick off the 2023 campaign this Sunday and hopes are sky high for Seahawks fans. The Rams come to town a mere shell of their Super Bowl team just a couple years back. I believe they are fielding 15 rookies on their squad.

Kupp is still hobbled with a lingering hammy and listed “day-to-day” and he flew out of state to seek out a specialist as he suffered a set back. Even if he suits up Sunday, he won’t be close to 100%.

Good.

Outside of an aging Donald who is still a force, and Stafford, there’s very little fan fare with these Rams. However it still is a division game so you have to throw out what you think will go down.

Having said that, the Seahawks are favored 5.5 coming into this game and I think that is being kind. Seahawks by 10 in this one.

Aros’ Fearless Prediction: Seahawks 27 Rams 17

Aros’ Fearless Record: 0-0



"Wilson's QB rating, yards, TD, low INT stats are all a facade! Not even a top 15 QB imo. I'd be happy to get Gardner Minshew for Russ." - massari
Like
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My Post in response. Post what you think!

"
I do believe you are underestimating the Rams this season.

*MAtthew Stafford is finally healthy and has been throwing dimes in camp. Last year the Hawks barely beat the Rams when we were playing John Wolford and Bakr Mayfield at QB.

* Our Oline is VASTLY improved. Jackson - Avila- Allen - Noteboom - Havenstein. Last year the initial starting Oline had three weak starters BEFORE the injuries started with little depth. I think we had 13 different combinations of an Oline without Stafford or Kupp. We had no running game because the Oline was garbage. Expect that to change.

*We are still without Kupp this game and that's a shame. But I expect Puka Nacua to step up big time as a rookie and may be a steal in the draft. He has similar characteristics to Cooper Kupp. He runs precise routes and is not scared to block. Also, Tutu Atwell has developed his route tree and has been working with Stafford in regard to timing, which didn't happen last year

Bottom Line, the Rams may still lose.
Both team's defenses are not great with the Hawks Dline being somewhat susceptible against the run game. Expect McVay to really use the run game early to test that Dline. The resulting play action passing game by Matthew Stafford should be accurate and effective. The Rams secondary is young and the Rams Dline is suspect against the run

Bet the over for this game. It may be a shoot out.
Rams 34
Hawks 31

Cooper Kupp's 2023 season will unfortunately begin in the same place his 2022 campaign concluded.
Kupp will miss at least the first four games of the season, as he's being placed on injured reserve due to a lingering hamstring injury, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday, per a source.

Kupp, who head coach Sean McVay announced was out for Week 1 on Wednesday, is now guaranteed to miss 12 straight games for the Rams, dating back to Week 10 of last season in which he suffered an ankle injury against the Arizona Cardinals that led to a season-ending trip to IR. In addition to Sunday's opener against the Seattle Seahawks, Kupp will now be inactive versus the San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts.

For a Rams squad that was beset by injuries in a forgettable 2022, this is hardly a cheery start to their 2023 campaign.

I've been a diehard Rams fan for over 40 years, and always will be. But this year, I've got a "backup" team-- the Detroit Lions and Jared Goff.

It was great rooting for Goff as a Ram, and admittedly it was frustrating when his play declined and then he got traded. But Goff was ALWAYS a good guy and a class act. (I was especially impressed with how Goff handled questions after the Rams won the SB with Stafford). Now that his career is on the upswing again and Detroit has a real team, I'm happy to root for Goff and the Lions.

Here's an interesting (long!) article about Goff that has plenty of info about his past, his family, and the ups and downs of his career.

I only pray for our kids that one day they can understand the beautiful concept of an album and how it worked to intertwine the songs and take you up and down and on a aural trip.

I'm going to start with;
Blind Melon's first album.
You'll be amazed at the genius of these guys after a couple listens.

This would be the perfect scenario to play 12 personnel. Jefferson, Nacua outside, Higbee and Allen at TEs. They can run or pass with 5 potential receivers. It would help protect the new OL until they have had time to gel as a unit. I'd be surprised if we didn't see 12 personnel as their base set in Seattle. With Higbee and Allen they have two good receiving TEs. The run benefit is obvious as they can pull Allen as a lead block between the tackles as well.

If the Rams get the run game moving it will be a long day for the Seattle D.