What is on your GAME DAY menu?

Me…

Man Meal #32 - Sausage and sauerkraut

200gm Kolbassa or Polish sausage
500gm Crispy/Deli Sauerkraut
1/2 Sweet Onion
1Tbs Brown Sugar
Almost 1Tbs dijon mustard
1 Chicken bouillon cube
About 2 cups water but start with 1

Feeds 2-3 comfortably.

I like to cube up the sausage and brown it. Gives it that salty outside and helps heat up the crockpot. Sometimes I just cut it up and bypass the browning.

Pour it all in a crockpot.




I like to make it a meal, so I cube up some potatoes. I use these petites as there is no peeling, just cube them up. About 1 potato piece per piece of sausage, more or less to your taste.



Stir it all up. You’ll need to add water as you go depending on how much liquid you get with the sauerkraut. Add enough to just barely submerge all potatoes when pressing down on them. You can always add more later.

Cook this at least 2hrs once it all is hot and bubbly. That usually means 4hrs total cook time - minimum.

Once bubbling and hot… taste the sweetness… you may need to add up to one more 1Tbs Brown Sugar to taste, it depends on the sweetness of your kraut. Cook another 2hrs minimum.

This tastes better the longer you cook it. I got mine all in the crock by 10am. I will probably eat some around halftime of the early games; 3:30ish my time. So, about 5.5hrs.

Damn good! The house smells great too once it gets hot and cooking real good.

Sunday December 4, 2022

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

.

Indianapolis vs. Dallas: Cowboys Look to Keep Things Rolling on SNF Against the Colts​

The Dallas Cowboys enter their "Sunday Night Football" matchup (Dec. 4) against the Indianapolis Colts as one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Since quarterback Dak Prescott's return from injury, America's Team is 4-1 while scoring an NFL-best 169 points.

Compare that to the Colts, a struggling organization that's put up 190 points for the entire season. Interim head coach Jeff Saturday has lost two in a row as the team continues to struggle to move the ball despite the presence of All-Pro running back Johnathan Taylor. Unsettled play at quarterback combined with a minus-10 turnover margin (31st in the NFL) has left them failing to reach expectations at 4-7-1.

With an 8-3 record, the Cowboys are in a much better spot, sitting with a real shot to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They'd need a little help, sitting two games behind the Philadelphia Eagles, but face them on Christmas Eve with a chance to win both the game and division tiebreaker. Add in a head-to-head victory over the Minnesota Vikings, sitting at 9-2, and it's not inconceivable to see Dallas rising all the way to the top.

To do so, the Cowboys need to take care of business on nights like these. Can they live up to a lofty 10.5-point spread against the Colts? Or will an Indianapolis team that's been in nine one-score games this season (producing a 4-4-1 record in them) find themselves fighting through another one, and in a position to pull off the upset?

Sunday Night Football: Indianapolis (4-7) at Dallas (8-3)

Kickoff: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Cowboys -10.5
Tickets: As low as $26 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. Can Matt Ryan get the Colts' offense going?

Since being installed as head coach, Saturday's biggest move has been to reinstall the veteran Ryan as the starting quarterback. The decision has come with mixed results, a 1-2 record with the offense producing just 19.3 points per game. That's upped their average only slightly, to 15.8 overall, second worst in the NFL ahead of only the Denver Broncos.

Ryan also was charged with two turnovers in a 24-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, bringing his total to a league-leading 23 fumbles and interceptions on the year. Despite those glaring red flags, Saturday made clear this week that he still feels the former Pro Bowler gives the Colts the best chance to win over unproven Sam Ehlinger.

"Matt is going to continue to be the guy," Saturday said. "We're going to keep moving forward, pressing forward with what we've got."

To Ryan's credit, the quarterback has tried to keep the troops motivated despite a tough hill to climb. Four of the Colts' final five games are against teams with winning records; three of those are on the road, including Sunday night.

"It still matters," Ryan explained this week when discussing the Colts' remaining schedule. "We've got a young team. We've got a lot of guys who this might be their first time kind of going through that experience [of playing in the NFL] … every time you [step out on the field] it's your résumé. There's a lot to play for."

That leadership off the field can only go so far on it, as Ryan's presence should leave the Cowboys' defense licking their chops. In the past five games alone, they've forced a dozen fumbles, recovering seven, turnovers that have led to 24 points. Add in the Cowboys' league-leading 45 sacks and you'd expect Ryan to have a tough day at the office Sunday night.

2. Will Dak Prescott take better care of the football?

It's hard to criticize the Cowboys' signal-caller after a successful return to the field. The Dallas offense has been clicking on all cylinders, spreading the ball around as Prescott's 10 touchdown passes in the last five games have gone to five different receivers. Everyone from rising superstar CeeDee Lamb (31 catches) to a recovering Michael Gallup (63 yards last week against the Giants) has gotten their fair share of targets.

Where Prescott could be better is by reducing the number of careless turnovers. His six interceptions in just six games leave him on pace for a career high. In the only loss since his return, the Packers picked him off twice in the first half on route to 14 crucial points.

Can the Colts' defense give Prescott a run for his money? They're fifth in the NFL against the pass and held potential MVP candidate Jalen Hurts to 190 yards just two weeks ago. The problem has come in forcing turnovers; Indianapolis has only four interceptions all year and none have come in the last four games. In order for the Colts to hang around, they need that type of momentum-changing play early in the game.

3. Johnathan Taylor vs. Ezekiel Elliott/Tony Pollard

This one's just going to be fun. Taylor still ranks 10th in the NFL with 779 rushing yards despite missing three games due to injury. Pollard sits just behind him, posting 761 yards this season on an impressive 5.6 yards per carry.

Everyone knows about Taylor, perhaps the best running back in the league right now. But Pollard has come into his own this season, outstanding during this stretch when Elliott had to miss two games due to injury (two 100-yard rushing performances). With both defenses middling at best against the run, expect some quality fantasy performances during this game, especially from the Dallas duo if they're padding a comfortable lead late in the fourth quarter.

Final Analysis

Some around the Colts are still scratching their heads over Saturday, who had minimal coaching experience before being picked by owner Jim Irsay to lead the team on an interim basis. So far, the team has played hard around him and took the Eagles down to the final minutes before a letdown against the Steelers last week.

But the more Saturday settles in, the less surprising his game plan becomes to potential opponents and Sunday night might be a dose of reality. The Colts are hitting the Cowboys at the wrong time and without the talent level needed to stay competitive on the road.

Prediction: Cowboys 34, Colts 14

Sunday, December 04, 2022

THE LATE GAMES
Seattle at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m.
Miami at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.
Kansas City at Cincinnati, 4:25 p.m.
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas, 4:25 p.m.

THE EARLY GAMES
Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Denver at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Green Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Jacksonville at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Cleveland at Houston, 1 p.m.
New York Jets at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Washington at New York Giants, 1 p.m.
Tennessee at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

SNF
Indianapolis at Dallas, 8:20 p.m. (SNF)

Monday, December 05, 2022

MNF
New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 8:15 p.m.

---

ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, December 01, 2022

TNF
Buffalo at New England, 8:15 p.m.

Byes: Arizona, Carolina

Sunday, December 04, 2022

THE EARLY GAMES
Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Denver at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Green Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Jacksonville at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Cleveland at Houston, 1 p.m.
New York Jets at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Washington at New York Giants, 1 p.m.
Tennessee at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

THE LATE GAMES
Seattle at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m.
Miami at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.
Kansas City at Cincinnati, 4:25 p.m.
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas, 4:25 p.m.

SNF
Indianapolis at Dallas, 8:20 p.m. (SNF)

Monday, December 05, 2022

MNF
New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 8:15 p.m.

---

ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, December 01, 2022

TNF
Buffalo at New England, 8:15 p.m.

Byes: Arizona, Carolina

I grew up with the classics. I love them all.

Two great ones:

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John is starting on Sunday and I think I understand the reasoning. Wolford is a RFA in March. The Rams at this point are probably going to either not tender him making him a UFA or tender him right of first refusal. So they need to know if he is going to be in their plans beyond this year. IMO probably not and frankly I think they won't tender him. Perkins played well enough to earn himself the #2 QB next year. With another year of physical training, i.e. strengthening and reading defenses I think they won't expose him again this season. Perkins is an ERA next year so they control his rights through 2023. If they pick up a QB I think it will be in the 6th round as a developmental backup much the same way they did with Perkins.

I still believe that they will wait until 2024 to draft their QB of the future because I believe that Stafford is year to year injury wise with his career. If he gets another serious concussion I think he will pull the plug in 2024. The Rams would be okay if he retired in 2024. The dead cap is manageable. Regardless I don't see him playing beyond 2025. If he retires or is released in 2025 they would save about $26M on the cap.

Two things to remember about 2024, are that both Burrow and Herbert are both in line for their 5th year option extension. Before you say no way to each of those guys, if the Bengals and Chargers struggle what's to say both, or maybe one won't want out? We've seen Snead pull rabbits out of his hat with Ramsey and Stafford. If Snead hangs on to all his 1st rounders as I think he will, he would give 3 first round picks for either of those guys. The Chargers especially might be interested.

All this makes picking up an edge of the future to replace AD's impact when he retires after 2023 all the more important next year. We could get our first look at Hardy this weekend.

in a little over an hour

you can watch it here live , I think B)

it's expect to look alot like the B-2 , only a little smaller , but that will be the only similarities , as everything inside and outside are new

this will be the first 5th generation military aircraft, it's believed they will be able to pilot , with pilots , or as a drone

named The B-21 Raider , after 1942 Doolittle Raid over Tokyo

Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota , which will be the home of not only the training squadrons, but of the first operational squadron as well.

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Whenever we start talking about Aviation Ordnance , I get pretty excited ,

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Here we go again Rams fans, ... division rival in town. Guess the correct score & win $10,000 ROD dollars or be the closest to the exact score & win $5,000 Rod Dollars. All entries must be posted before the game begins. Good Luck !

Rams - 17

Chiefs - 14

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Big boy...

6 questions the Rams must answer in their last 6 games​

THOUSAND OAKS — The Rams have a quarterback battle in December, an obvious indicator the season hasn’t gone their way.

The injury-depleted and disappointing Rams (3-8) will face the Seattle Seahawks (6-5) on Sunday at SoFi Stadium without starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, receivers Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson and defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Rams hadn’t decided between Bryce Perkins and John Wolford as their starting quarterback against the Seahawks. Each backup has had a start this season and neither had much success.

But this looming quarterback decision only affects the short term. The Rams aren’t headed to the postseason and have plenty of decisions to make during the final six games of the season that could affect next year’s roster.

Questions abound at many positions and, with several veteran starters sidelined, the Rams can evaluate their younger players in upcoming games against the Seahawks (twice), Raiders, Packers, Broncos and Chargers.

Here are six questions the Rams need to answer during the final six games of the season:

Wide receiver: Can Tutu take advantage of the opportunities?​

Tutu Atwell’s two catches for 23 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs last week might have helped him more than his 62-yard touchdown reception versus the New Orleans Saints the prior week.

The Rams already knew Atwell had the speed to complete downfield plays on go-routes, which is what occurred on his first career touchdown catch during Week 11 against the Saints.

But the 5-foot-9 Atwell displayed much more with his two critical catches versus the Chiefs during the Rams’ lone touchdown drive. Atwell, a 2021 second-round pick, moved the chains on fourth-and-2 with an eight-yard reception and followed that with another first down on a 15-yard catch to put the Rams in the red zone.

“The ability to be able to make plays, the ability to be able to move around the formation,” Rams coach Sean McVay said about what Atwell has shown him the past two games. “For him the other day, I thought it was a great job on the fourth down by Bryce to be able to avoid the free hitter. He ends up hitting Tutu on the shallow on the fourth down, ends up hitting him on a crossing route. You want to just continue to see him grow and you’ve seen steps in that maturation process.”

The Rams will need to decide how their wide receiver depth chart will look in 2023 behind Kupp, but Atwell is already proving that he belongs in the rotation and not solely as a one-trick wideout.

Offensive line: Should there be a drastic rebuild?​

Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein is the only offensive lineman to start in all 11 games this season. He’s one of 13 linemen to receive at least one start amid a tumultuous and unprecedented season for the injury-riddled unit.

Havenstein, who signed a three-year contract extension before the season, might be the only offensive lineman who’s guaranteed a starting spot next season.

Left tackle Joe Noteboom, left guard David Edwards, center Brian Allen and right guard Coleman Shelton were the other Week 1 starters. The Rams might be considering a drastic makeover for the offensive line after what has transpired this season.

Noteboom struggled in his first season as the full-time starter and had his season cut short after an Achilles injury in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers. Allen has been productive in his starts, but availability has been an issue with many injuries throughout his five-year career.

The Rams are in a tough position. Most of the starting offensive linemen haven’t been on the field to be evaluated. Perhaps it was one unlucky season filled with injuries. Or might it be time for serious upgrades?

Running back: Can Kyren Williams be a playmaker?​

The Rams opened the season with high hopes for a three-man running back rotation of Darrell Henderson, Cam Akers and rookie Kyren Williams. The Rams wound up with one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL this season.

The injuries to the offensive line didn’t help, but Henderson and Akers struggled to break tackles and create plays on their own. Henderson was recently waived, Akers was sent home for nearly a month because of differences with McVay. Williams missed most of the first half of the season because of an ankle injury.

Akers managed to return to the team, but he might be headed for an official breakup once the season is complete. That likely leaves Williams as the lone running back who will be back in 2023.

“For a young guy with limited experience, his preparation, his attention to detail, his play energy, the way that he goes about his business, those are the types of things that led us to believe that this would be a good movie for us to watch with Kyren in there,” Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen said.

Williams hasn’t made an impact with his limited carries, but the team admires how he prepares and they’re fans of his pass blocking, which is often a struggle for young running backs. Williams will be around, but he can prove to the Rams that he deserves more carries next season.

Outside linebacker: Will the Rams move on from Floyd?​

The Rams have a looming decision to make with Leonard Floyd. They have an out next season with no guaranteed money left on his contract.

Floyd is clearly the Rams’ best edge rusher, but they might be enticed to cut him to free cap space and start fresh at outside linebacker. The Rams haven’t been pleased with the production from the group this season and they were connected to Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns before the trade deadline.

The Rams have struggled without Von Miller, who left in free agency to join the Buffalo Bills. Floyd has recorded five sacks in the past five games after a slow start to the season, but he might need an impressive final six games to stick around with the Rams.

Terrell Lewis is also being evaluated, but the team might not be counting on him to start next season because of his history with injuries. Lewis is currently dealing with a back injury. Inexperienced players Michael Hoecht and Keir Thomas will likely get opportunities to rush the passer in the final upcoming games.

Cornerback: Can Kendrick and Durant develop into starters?​

The Rams might be considering reducing the snaps of cornerbacks Troy Hill and David Long to see more of rookies Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant.

Rams star cornerback Jalen Ramsey is a fan of the tenacity Kendrick and Durant provide on the field. The rookies’ aggressiveness hurts them at times, but that might lead to more takeaways.

The Rams’ defense has only nine takeaways this season. It might be time to let Kendrick and Durant learn on the job to see if they can develop into quality starters for next season.

Safety: Revamped group in 2023?​

Taylor Rapp, a pending free agent, has struggled on the field. Jordan Fuller might not be back this season after missing the past seven games with a hamstring injury. Nick Scott, however, has had a productive 2022 season.

If the Rams are all about the inexperienced players for the rest of the season, they might start giving rookie safeties Russ Yeast and Quentin Lake more defensive snaps than special teams work.

What a season pivoting game that was. I mean…

What IF we hold on and win that game?

The following week was home against the Cards, without Murray. The Rams might have been a little more hungry with that blood in the water.

That would make us 5-4 going into New Orleans. I think we go in with a different moxie and win that. The Saints suck.

We would be 6-5 right now after taking that KC loss.

I get we have oline problems and maybe it would still be a crappier year… But that was not too crazy a scenario was it?

Who knows how Rams’ brain trust see’s this issue?

Several ways to deal with this OL for next year and it will be interesting to see how Rams approach it.

The following is how I see it and how I think Rams see it.

Firstly, don’t expect wholesale personnel moves on OL this coming offseason. That’s not how Rams roll. Not gonna happen.

Here’s what I see as off-season needs:

Upgrades at LOT, OC, LG, and RG. Yeah, that sounds like a lot and it is, but the necessary upgrades may already be on the roster. Bear with me for just a moment.

Let’s talk about LOT first. One strategy might be to draft an LOT with our 2nd rounder, but I would prefer signing a quality FA instead. Worked very well with Whit, right? Yeah, it would be expensive but it would instantly solve our LOT problem with a long term solution. How valuable is that in the O scheme of things? Ask Stafford while I’ll wait. Lol.

This strategy also solves our LG problem both long term and inexpensively by just sliding Jackson over. He’s proven very capable as a quality OG already, right?

Allen is a try-hard guy but his ceiling is maybe as ‘pretty good’, plus he’s always injured, dammit! Rams may want to draft an OC, but I think they like Shelton there a lot. I’m thinking that Shelton is in their master plan at OC. Might not be long term but would definitely be very affordable.

Now we come to RG. Rams seem to have some good options for RG in Shelton (if he’s not the OC), Anchrum, and Bruss. I don’t think they plan on drafting a RG with a premium pick, IOW. No need to use a premium pick to draft one, either, imo.

Obviously, Hav would be the ROT for the foreseeable future.

So here’s my projected starting OL for ‘23.

Stud FA at LOT
Jackson
Shelton
Anchrum
Havenstein

I think that that would be a helluva OL for run blocking AND pass pro, VERY affordable overall, long term (other than Shelton) and didn’t cost a single premium draft pick. Those draft picks will be invaluable if used elsewhere.

Rams would need to bring in only a single outsider to ‘fix’ our OL to at least our ‘21 SB level in this strategy.

It goes without saying that Rams still could and should draft an OL for depth and development every year, but with this strategy they needn’t spend a Day 2 pick on one. Use those for Edge and BPA in a deep RB and TE class.

So, what do y’all think?

There's a twit on Twitter (how appropriate!) goes by 'Ted H Truth Signaller' that's been going on for a week ripping on the Rams struggles and discussing the overall superiority of his favorite franchise.

To which I reply...

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Rams’ constant O-line shuffling is unmatched in Super Bowl era​

Buffalo vs. New England: AFC East Rivals Kick Week 13 Off on TNF​

For years, the New England Patriots would steamroll over the Buffalo Bills on the way to an AFC East title. From the turn of the century through the end of 2019, the Patriots won 35 of their 40 meetings, including a record 15 straight from 2003 through 2010 as the start of the Tom Brady era coincided with multiple Vince Lombardi trophies.

Lately, those tables have turned as the Bills have become Super Bowl contenders of their own under the top-tier quarterback play of Josh Allen. They’ve won four of the last five matchups between these teams, including a 47-17 thumping in an AFC Wild Card playoff game last January, the worst postseason loss ever for the Patriots during the Bill Belichick era.

It’s unlikely we’ll get the same thumping this time around. The Bills have gone just 2-2 in their past four games, eking out one-score wins against the lowly Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns. Allen, nursing a UCL injury to his throwing elbow, has registered a quarterback rating above 100 just once in his last five games, throwing more interceptions (seven) than TDs (six) during that stretch.

Could that provide an opening for the Patriots to strike? Quarterback Mac Jones had his best game of the year in a 33-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving night. It snapped a three-game win streak for this New England team, bringing them back to the precipice of playoff contention at 6-5.

A victory here would bring the Patriots within a game of the Bills and even keep faint division hopes alive. But a Buffalo victory allows them another game of adjusting with Allen less than 100 percent, still keeping their eye on divisional rival Miami and even the Kansas City Chiefs as they’re just a game behind the No. 1 overall seed.

Who will prevail in arguably the best "Thursday Night Football" matchup of the year?

Thursday Night Football: Buffalo (8-3) at New England (6-5)

Kickoff: Thursday, Dec. 1 at 8:15 p.m. ET
Broadcast Outlet: Prime Video
Live Stream: fuboTV (only available in Boston and Buffalo
markets)
Spread: Bills -4
Tickets: As low as $111 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. What is the status of Josh Allen's injury?

At times on Thanksgiving, Allen was at his best against the Lions, moving 48 yards in just 21 seconds to put Tyler Bass in position to kick the game-winning, 45-yard field goal with just two seconds on the clock. But he also threw his fifth red-zone interception in the last four games, giving the Lions life in the second half when the Bills were poised to take a 10-point lead.

It doesn’t help that the Bills are suffering through a patchwork offensive line. Tackle Dion Dawkins (ankle) was not able to practice and has been ruled out for Thursday night. Center Mitch Morse was a full participant this week, nursing elbow and ankle injuries that have him at less than 100 percent and officially listed as questionable.

The same can be said for Allen, whose elbow simply isn't going to heal with time (and Allen likely won't get much rest unless Buffalo clinches a playoff spot early but then seeding will still be a factor). If you haven’t read it, this CBS Sports column makes a good comparison to Carson Palmer’s UCL tear when he was starting for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008. While avoiding surgery, Palmer was eventually shut down for the rest of the year and was never able to regain full zip on his throws.

Since the injury, Allen has won against two weaker teams while losing to the Jets and the Minnesota Vikings, the current No. 2 seed in the NFC at 9-2. Running into the Patriots’ fourth-ranked defense is unlikely to make him feel better, a team that’s neck-and-neck with the Bills in allowing just 18.4 points per game. In the last three games alone, New England's defense has caused 14 sacks while limiting two of their opponents to under 50 passing yards. That’s right; less than 50 yards for the entire game.

That means even a single turnover for Allen in this environment will be costly.

2. Can Mac Jones keep rallying the Patriots' offense?

It felt like Jones got in rhythm for the first time all season against the Vikings. A career-high 382 passing yards kept his team moving down the field, putting up points in six of their first seven possessions before fading late in the second half.

Problem is, too many of those offensive drives ended up with the field goal kicker trotting out. The Patriots are just 2-for-10 in the red zone in their last four games, despite going 3-1 during that stretch. Their 38.7 percent success rate ranks just 31st in the NFL as they look for an All-Pro-caliber playmaker than can elevate the offense in crunch time.

Can Rhamondre Stevenson fill that role? He had 112 yards of total offense against the Vikes (36 rushing, 76 receiving) and ranks eighth in the AFC with 680 total yards on the ground. He’ll need to shoulder more of the load in the backfield with Damien Harris (thigh) ruled out for Thursday and possibly longer. Offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn also will miss this game because of a foot injury.

New England will catch a break in that Buffalo's Von Miller will miss this one because of a knee injury he suffered last week. The Bills could get defensive end Greg Rousseau back. He's missed some time with an ankle injury but was a full practice participant, albeit during a short week, and is listed as questionable on the injury report.

3. Special teams

With two offenses enduring their share of struggles, special teams will make even more of an impact. Both kickers have been exceptional, including the Bass going 6-for-6 on field goal attempts in a 31-23 victory against the Browns two weeks ago.

On the Patriots' side, Nick Folk has been just as good, going 5-for-5 in a victory at the Jets a month ago while knocking through all 23 of his extra points (no small feat these days). And remember, the Pats won a different game against the Jets with their miraculous 84-yard punt return by rookie Marcus Jones with just seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

But the Pats have also made a couple of key mistakes, including running into the punter during the Vikings game, a penalty that led to a touchdown later in the drive for Minnesota. The coverage unit also gave up a game-tying, 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to Kene Nwangwu in the third quarter just after New England had reclaimed the lead. Which team will find an edge on a cold, blustery night (a temp in the low 30s with 10-15 MPH winds is expected at game time)?

Final Analysis

Belichick has thrived through the years on being perpetually underestimated as a head coach. He’s brought this team back from what appeared to be a lost season and patched together a playoff-contending team through some injuries on offense.

The Lions last week exposed the Bills’ weaknesses on both sides of the ball. This Buffalo team hasn’t played a complete game in a month and the Patriots are talented enough to make them pay the price, especially at home.

Prediction: Patriots 20, Bills 17

I still think retirement is unlikely, but it does create an interesting situation. This draft seems somewhat unique in that I can see a few decent QBs lasting until the Rams' pick in the 2nd. The elephant in the room is Will Levis making it to the Rams' pick. If there is anyone who knows his value in the NFL, it's his former OC. It seems like a QB-less Rams team passing on him would be a pretty damning situation.

I also feel like this team with a stop-gap QB will never get a star QB prospect, even with a first round pick.

Jacobs just put up over 300 combined yards against the hags.

With the state of this team McVay should have them running the ball 40 times a game. Supposedly it is easier for the OL so why wouldn’t you try that approach?

John Hadl

Led the Rams to a 12-2 record in '73.
It was a short stint... Rams got plowed by the 'boys and in '74 he was benched.

Not here for a long time - just a good time! Thank you Mr Hadl.


N

Another legend from the music industry is gone ...

some discussion of Stromberg around here





paywall

Stromberg, a fourth-year senior from Tulsa who made preseason All-SEC teams, bypassed early entry for the draft last season but elected to forgo a potential bonus year at Arkansas. A source close to the situation said Stromberg, who has 44 career starts, will not play in the Razorbacks’ bowl game.

Stromberg thanked Pittman, Cody Kennedy and Brad Davis, his current and former offensive line coaches with the Razorbacks, in his announcement on social media. He also thanked the fans.

“You guys made the last 4 years unforgettable and I will cherish every moment I’ve had here,” Stromberg wrote.

We all (most of us?) have five fingers on each hand. And, as a fan, each has its purpose:

The Thumb
Its best use is to point upwards, as we show approval for our team's efforts.

The Pointer
Sometimes, the compulsion to place blame is great. Hense, the need to point fingers (or this finger, in particular). Should be used sparingly.

The Middle Finger
The most expressive of all the fingers, it has a use for opposing players and coaches, the refs on occasion, and members of the sports media. Should never be used, as tempting as it might be, on current players and coaches of the Rams.

The Ring Finger
That's where the championship hardware goes! I recommend pointing at it with exuberance as that goal moves within reach!

The Pinky
A reminder of the fragility of success. After all, it was a broken pinky finger that interrupted Kurt Warner's magical journey (six weeks into the 2000 encore performance) and, ultimately, was foretold the end of his Rams tenure. No matter how well things are going, bones can break, tendons and ligaments can tear, and fortunes can change quickly. But the pinky can also be used to make solemn promises... like the promise to ride out the storm until things get better.

Use these tools wisely, my friends!