Anybody cap savvy? If we need to move on from him after this terrible season what are the cap problems? Can we release him? Of course maybe he can rebound after this season and a reworking of the O line, but he looks just bad at this point.

Baltimore vs. New Orleans Saints: Week 9 Wraps with the Ravens and Saints in the Big Easy on MNF​

Two playoff hopefuls on the upswing will meet on "Monday Night Football" when the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints meet in the Caesars Superdome.

The Ravens (5-3) overcame a 10-3 halftime deficit last Thursday night to win at Tampa Bay, 27-22. Lamar Jackson served as a potent dual threat. He completed 27 of 38 passing attempts for 238 yards and two touchdowns while rushing nine times for 43 yards. After allowing 10 points on the first two drives, Baltimore's defense forced five straight punts, with only two first downs along the way. Meanwhile, the Ravens scored on all four of its second-half drives — ignoring two kneel-downs to end the game.

The Saints' (3-5) defense finally lived up to its presumed potential by squashing the Raiders last Sunday. Las Vegas did not cross the 50-yard line until two minutes remained in the contest and only compiled only 183 yards. In contrast, Alvin Kamara alone gained 158 yards from scrimmage, 62 on the ground and 96 through the air.

The Ravens lead this series 5-2 and have won both previous meetings in New Orleans. The Saints won the most recent matchup, 24-23, in 2018, although Joe Flacco was still Baltimore's starting quarterback at the time.

Monday Night Football: Baltimore (5-3) at New Orleans (3-5)

Kickoff: Monday, Nov. 8 at 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Ravens -3
Tickets: As low as $54 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. Can the Saints' defense contain Lamar Jackson?

Jackson remains one of the NFL's greatest rushers among all players, not just quarterbacks. His average of 69.1 rushing yards per game is tops among quarterbacks and the 15th highest among all players. He has picked up 31 first downs, the most by a quarterback and the seventh-highest number in general. Notably, his number of carries (75) ranks as only 34th, allowing him to lead the league in yards per carry at 7.4. He has served as an important component, but not the sole contributor, to a rushing attack that ranks second in the league (165.6 ypg).

Opposing quarterbacks have had some success vs the Saints' defense. The eight quarterbacks who have faced New Orleans have combined for 136 yards on 31 attempts with two touchdowns. Three weeks ago, Joe Burrow only carried the ball four times but accounted for 25 yards and a touchdown. In the following game, Kyler Murray rushed seven times for 30 yards.

2. What difference can Roquan Smith and David Ojabo make to Baltimore's defense?

The Ravens have shown vulnerability to opponents' aerial attacks. They have allowed 266.8 passing yards per game, which ranks them 28th in the NFL. Opponents have scored 12 touchdowns through the air in eight games (also have eight interceptions), but reinforcements are expected to bolster the defense this week.

Baltimore traded a second- and fifth-round pick plus A.J. Klein to Chicago for star linebacker Roquan Smith and activated rookie second-rounder David Ojabo as well as Tyus Bowser from the PUP list. All three are expected to debut with their new teams in this game.

These two linebackers might be able to increase pressure on the Saints. After moving on from blitz-happy defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, Baltimore has blitzed just 21.8 percent of the time, 22nd in the NFL. Nevertheless, they are tied for fifth with 23 sacks.

Poor tackling seems to account for the vulnerability to passing attacks. Opponents have compiled 1,089 yards after catches, the third-highest total among the 32 teams. The Ravens also have been credited with 47 missed tackles, which ties them for fifth most in the league.

The three linebackers seem primed to help the pass rush. In eight games with the Bears, Smith recorded 2.5 sacks and three hits on the quarterback. He also defended against three passes and intercepted two. Ojabo and Bowser may be eased back into action after returning from torn Achilles injuries. Expectations are high for Ojabo, who was a first-round talent and fell because of the injury.

3. Can the Raven grab an early lead and hold onto it?

Baltimore has struggled in the fourth quarter all season. Opponents have outscored the Ravens 83-35 in the final fifteen minutes. The Dolphins used a 28-3 fourth quarter to overcome Baltimore's 21-point lead. The Bills scored the only points, a field goal, to break a tie in the final quarter for the victory. The Giants scored two touchdowns in the last six minutes to erase the Ravens' ten-point advantage.

New Orleans has stumbled out of the gate in most matchups yet rebounded in the second half, not losing by more than 10 points in any game. The Saints have outpaced their adversaries 37-27 in the third quarter. In the final quarter of games, the Saints have outscored opponents 77-70. Unfortunately for the Saints, they have trailed after the third quarter in four contests but only pulled out a victory once.

Final Analysis

The Ravens will return home for their bye week after leaving New Orleans. This is their second consecutive game on the road. A victory in the Crescent City would ensure their maintaining the lead in the AFC North through Week 10.

The Saints dug themselves into a hole with their 2-5 start. Fortunately for them, their shutout of the Raiders combined with the Buccaneers' loss to the Ravens made the hole seem less deep. Running quarterbacks like Jackson have given the Saints fits in recent years. That does not appear likely to change in this matchup.

Prediction: Ravens 27, Saints 16

Anyone else catch this was the first time in five years he didn’t say “thanks guys” at the end?

Maybe it’s silly to bring up as a thread but I think it speaks volumes to his frustration.

We can only hope some positive changes can actually happen to right this ship. God knows there’s a lot that can and should be done.

Login to view embedded media View: https://youtu.be/pRjn8XsvYdo

1. What the fuck did I just watch?

2. I'm not one to typically call for individuals to be fired after a bad performance, but I have two this week that I want to see gone.

3. Bobby Evans. When PFF releases its ratings this week, he may be the first player ever to receive a negative rating. By my count, he gave up at least 3 sacks today, and countless pressures and running plays blown up due to his ineptitude. I'd cut him. I mean it. I don't ever want to see him on the field again.

4. The other is Raheem Morris. I've defended him, and I give him a lot of credit for his contributions to last year's championship. But I just can't excuse his soft coverage strategy that allowed the Bucs to walk down the field twice in the last to drives. We were saved by a dropped TD pass on the first, and the last one killed us. There has to be some accountability for the system that allowed this to happen. Let the CBs do their freakin' job!!!!!

5. Did I bury the lead here? Should I have lead off by talking about letting Tom Brady (who, along with this weak Bucs team, is going nowhere this year) get one more moment of glory? Perhaps. But that wasn't the worst offense today.

6. The worst offense was... well, the worst offense we've seen under Sean McVay. I 100% blame it on the OL, which couldn't block an intramural flag football team from Dartmouth, much less Vita Vea and company.

7. If you want to add to the list, I'd go with the RBs. While Darrell Henderson had a couple of nice runs on one drive, we rarely see anyone making something out of nothing (or even something out of a small crease).

8. Finally, there's the lack of turnovers. The primary issue there is, once again, the soft coverage, which hampers the pass rushers and creates easy throws.

9. That said, the entire defense needs to spend a few sessions with the JUGS machine. Today, there were dropped interceptions by Terrell Lewis (a tough catch to make, no doubt, but a sure pick 6 if he does), Troy Hill and Jalen Ramsey. We just can't afford to miss opportunity for game changing plays.

10. Its sad, really, to see a game end like this. Aaron Donald played his guts out. So did Bobby Wagner. Hill and Ramsey, drops aside, made some plays.

11. Kendrick is in over his head.

12. The offensive line needs a complete rebuild. Apart from Rob Havenstein (who's not a world beater, but certainly is good enough to be part of a successful OL) every spot is up for serious review next year. While I can see getting a starter in the draft, we're going to have to bring in some veteran help in free agency.

13. So, yeah... I'm pretty much saying its unfixable within the season. Sure, if Coleman Shelton and David Edwards can get on the field, it could get better (not starting from a very high bar). But that's just a temporary fix. Joe Noteboom will be a huge question mark coming back from a torn Achilles, and Edwards is a FA. We're going to need an influx of talent

14. So where do we go from here? Just push on, I guess. We have some more favorable matchups (i.e. weaker defenses we might be able to move the ball against) in the coming weeks, so maybe, in a weak NFC field, we can still stay in the playoff race.

15. But we all know what we're seeing... a team that can't compete at the highest level.

16. So, karma has hit. The good fortune that allowed us to go through the 49ers and the Bucs on the way to a championship last year has now failed us. Our ability to avoid big injuries, gone. The ball bouncing our way,.. not happening.

17. That's sports, though, isn't it? Moments in the sun can turn into tough times in the blink of the eye. Heck, only 2 of the 7 NFC playoff teams from last year currently have a winning record.

18. Its a brutal league, and success is tough to achieve... even tougher to sustain.

19. But here's the good news... fix the OL, and get some fresh legs in the backfield, and this offense can turn around next year and be a force again. And, with an offense that can be relied upon to score points, let the defense apply pressure at all levels. I'll trade an occasional big play allowed for more sacks and more turnovers.

20. Sorry folks, that's all the "feel goods" I can muster right now. I'm feeling frustrated and drained.

This one is on coaching. Keep running the worst O lineman in the NFL out there, playing soft 10 yds off the line the entire game.

Fate, this death hurts so much. I grew up with the Backstreet Boys, with Aaron and Nick. Thirty-four is far too young to go, and it reminds me of my own brush with mortality. Add in the struggles with mental health that Aaron had, and this one just fucking hurts to the bone.

Rest in peace, Aaron. I hope you're no longer suffering.

One of my good friends sent this pic to me Friday night. She lives out in Vegas now and guess who lives on her street...

Duval Love! He played on our O-Line back when ED2105 was breaking records. Here he is probably get annoyed af by my friend.

In no particular order…

IF Akers gets snaps will he produce or has that Achilles robbed him of his gift? I fear the latter.

Will Carberry sit Evans in favor of either Skura or Brewer? I sure would. Can’t believe he hasn’t done so previously.

Can this Ram OL give Stafford 3 seconds consistently?

Will Atwell get a few deep targets or have Rams given up on him and/or OL?

I’m gonna try to watch Jackson carefully. Don’t look now but we may already have our 10 year LOT on board. Hot Damn! One of the few bright spots this season.

Can Higbee have a bounce back game? We really need him today.

Maybe it would be good to give Jefferson a target? Or maybe two? You know, just to give Bucs D something to worry about?

Will AR be able to continue his upward trajectory? If so, Rams might be in business.

I’m hoping to see SOME increase in effort from Hollins/Lewis in edge pressure. They’ve looked somewhat lackadaisical over there lately.

Do NOT make AD take every snap. Give him a needed breather from time to time.

Who will be boundary CB opposite Ramsey today? Long, Rochell, Durant, Hill, or Kendrick?

Will Rapp still be starter for Morris? If so, why?

My kingdom for no missed tackles today.

Can Rams rush for 100+ yards? If so, they’ve got a shot.

Please, no empty backfields, Sean.

We know that Morris is still gonna predominantly run his ‘soft zone’ D, but will he at least try some alternatives from time to time? Just to try to confuse Brady? I’m afraid that Brady will feast on those easy underneath gimme’s all game long and will thereby keep Stafford on the sideline.

This game looks like an acid test for several Ram coaches in terms of ability to correct tendencies and make adjustments.

McVay
Morris
Carberry
Samples
Cooley (secondary)

I don’t think it’s a big stretch to consider this game as a fork in the road for both players and coaches. The margin for errors is rapidly disappearing.

What dud I miss?

Would I like it if Christian McCaffrey or Brian Burns was lining up for the Rams today?

Of course.

But, in the long run, Carolina, by trading CMC to the 49ers and spurning our crazy offer for Burns, may have saved us from ourselves.

In CMC’s case, I just don’t trust the guy to stay healthy. Also, look at the Day 2 rookie RBs tearing up the league. Do you really need to give up 3-4 picks for a RB?

In Burns’ case, two firsts and a second!?!? That’s WAY to much for him, particularly in a year where he’s not likely to be the final piece that leads to a championship.

Call it sour grapes if you will, but I think when we look back two or three years from now, we’re going to be glad these deals didn’t happen.

Why is there so much bad football in the NFL?​

A month has passed since Tom Brady’s public rumination on the state of the NFL game, and it seems that plenty of other bright football minds tend to agree with him.

“I watch a lot of bad football,” Brady said in early October. “Poor quality of football. That’s what I see.”

The prime-time windows this season have often featured teams ill-prepared or ill-equipped to play entertaining football or to move the ball in the way we have come to expect in the pass-happy NFL. On-field coaching decisions and in-game management have seemed, to many inside and outside the league, more baffling than ever. The inevitable officiating controversies (this year mostly surrounding roughing-the-passer calls) haven’t helped. Penalties have been a scourge for some teams, quarterback play has been erratic, and one of the more salient scenes from the first half of the season featured Denver fans leaving in droves as the Broncos and Colts headed to overtime during what would end up a 12-9 blemish of a football contest.

“The product is low quality right now,” a prominent player agent said, unsolicited, during a conversation about a different topic. (He spoke on the condition of anonymity in part not to offend some of his clients.) “There’s too much low-IQ football being played. Too many games are tough to watch. If you want to know what people who have been in this league a long time are talking about right now, this is it.”

Scoring is down, from 2.48 offensive touchdowns a game in 2021 to 2.31 now. Passing touchdowns per game are down from 1.54 to 1.38. Entering Week 9 last year, the average NFL passer rating was 94.5 — 12 qualified passers had a rating of at least 100 — with 408 touchdowns thrown to 191 interceptions. Entering this week, only seven qualified quarterbacks had a rating above 100, and the average rating was 90.2, with 338 touchdown passes and 188 interceptions. Couple that with what many executives believe to be a coaching crisis, and you might have found the epicenter of the unsightly product.

“How many teams have the right coach and the right quarterback?” asked one successful general manager, speaking on the condition of anonymity so as not to alienate his peers or incur penalties from the league office. “There’s not that many. If you have one or the other, you’ll win enough games to hang around and be in most games, which the league wants. Parity.

“If you only have one, there’s going to be some inconsistencies in your play but you won’t be getting blown out every week. That’s probably 70, 75 percent of the league. If you’ve got both, you’re going to win consistently. And if you don’t have either, you’re f----d and you’re dragging down the quality of play for everybody.”

Determining which franchises truly have a winning coach and quarterback is obviously open to interpretation, and in a league of constant transition with tanking no longer prohibited, some general managers argue that not enough time and patience are granted to either position. In my own estimation — feel free to play along at home — only five of 32 teams receive double check marks, which feels telling.

Last season at this time, Russell Wilson led the NFL in passer rating (125.3!), Kyler Murray was an MVP favorite, Brady and Aaron Rodgers were deep into potential MVP campaigns, a healthy Dak Prescott was tearing it up, and Matthew Stafford was second in the NFL with 22 passing touchdowns to just four interceptions. This year, well, Russ is getting cooked, the Buccaneers and Packers have broken offenses, the league is baffled why Murray and his coach got contract extensions, Prescott has missed more games than he has completed and Stafford has seven touchdowns to eight interceptions.

“Some Hall of Fame quarterbacks have walked away [in recent years], some older quarterbacks might be hitting the wall, and these [recent] quarterback classes might not be that good,” another general manager suggested, with the 2021 class drawing particular scrutiny. “Then you look at who is coaching some of them, and that’s a problem, too. Too many of these coaching searches are s--t shows. Too many owners don’t know what they’re doing or what to even look for.”

Of the quarterbacks drafted in 2021, top overall pick Trevor Lawrence certainly hasn’t looked generational yet, although being saddled with inept Urban Meyer his rookie year didn’t help. Jets fans are clamoring for second overall pick Zach Wilson to be benched, third pick Trey Lance has barely played for the 49ers, and the Bears finally got around to leaning into 11th pick Justin Fields’s strengths just a few weeks ago. Mac Jones (15th overall) lost his job in New England, at least briefly, to Bailey Zappe (the 137th pick this past spring).

As for the first-time head coaches hired that year: Meyer is (mercifully) already gone, and the backward Texans fired David Culley after one year; meanwhile, Dan Campbell (Lions) and Brandon Staley (Chargers) got much hype, but their accomplishments have been scant.

Cronyism and nepotism still offer a fast track for unworthy coaching candidates, people around the league lament. Then factor in how many of the young coaches stack their staffs with similarly inexperienced assistants, and consider how all this newness impacts skill players already having to learn new systems.

There are more explanations. We saw an unprecedented offseason of blockbuster trades involving both quarterbacks and wide receivers changing teams. The preseason is shorter than ever, and fewer teams are actually playing their starters for any meaningful period of time in those exhibitions. Injuries to key players have been prevalent — with players rightfully indignant over the lack of mandatory grass fields — and executives grumble privately that the ever-expanding slate of international games doesn’t help the quality of play across a regular season that is also longer than ever.

There is an interesting subplot to consider, however. Believe it or not, the NFL running game is thriving like never before.

The average NFL rush this season is gaining 4.54 yards (it was 4.33 last season and 4.28 entering Week 9 a year ago). The highest figure in NFL history was 4.42 yards in 2018, while about 4.0 yards per rush are the historical norm. Teams aren’t running much more often — 42.2 percent of plays have been rushes in 2022 compared with 41.1 percent at this point last year — but they are doing it more efficiently in a game that has incentivized the downfield pass, even if casual fans haven’t caught on.

“What are they all b----ing about?” one grizzled NFL personnel executive asked when probed for his thoughts on the quality of play. “Let me guess: Scoring is down, and everybody wants more points? Listen man, it’s all cyclical, and no one is talking about it, but running the ball is coming back.

“You hear a lot about all the spread formations in college and how they don’t produce offensive linemen. But since it’s so small now [with college teams using so many three-or-more wide receiver sets], they aren’t producing [defensive] tackles, either. I’m on the road every week [scouting colleges], and they aren’t around like they used to be. The best offenses attack what you give them, and people in this league stopped paying for run-stuffers years ago, and there aren’t as many good ones coming out. So why wouldn’t you attack them in the run game?”

Perhaps we have unlocked the NFL’s “Moneyball” equation: YPC (yards per carry) in 2022 = OBP (on-base percentage) in 2000? Worthy of attention in the second half, if nothing else.

What is on YOUR game day menu?

SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 06, 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

.

Tennessee Titans vs. Kansas City Chiefs: AFC Division Leaders Meet on SNF​

Two of the AFC's marquee teams will duke it on "Sunday Night Football" when the Tennessee Titans travel to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs.

Both the Titans and Chiefs are atop their respective divisions with 5-2 records, but they're getting the job done in different ways. The Titans have won five straight games by leaning heavily on Derrick Henry and taking advantage of their rather undaunting schedule. All five of Tennessee's wins have come against teams that have a combined record of 10-18-2 and almost zero offensive firepower. With their quarterback situation still murky, a win on the road against Kansas City would be a huge boon for a Titans team flying under the radar yet again.

The Chiefs are doing what they've always done in the Patrick Mahomes era — score points — and scoring points as efficiently as any other team in the NFL. Despite new faces in the receivers' room, Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid haven't missed a beat. In fact, this year's Chiefs' offense is as dangerous as any in the last few years, leading the league in a bevy of offensive categories. Kansas City is coming off a bye week and a 21-point road win against the 49ers prior to that, so this offense should be well-prepared for whatever the Titans may throw at them.

Sunday Night Football: Tennessee (5-2) at Kansas City (5-2)

Kickoff: Sunday, Nov. 6 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Chiefs -12.5
Tickets: As low as $165 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. The Return of the King

The NFL's two-time rushing champion, Derrick Henry, is coming for his throne. After an injury-derailed 2021 and a slow start to this season, Henry has thrust himself near the top of the league's rushing leaderboard.

In the first two games of the season, both losses, Henry was averaging just 53.5 total yards and 3.1 yards per carry. Since then, he has exploded during the Titans' five-game win-streak, averaging 129.6 yards per game on 4.9 yards per carry and totaling six touchdowns. After last week's 219-yard and two-score explosion against the Texans, Henry leads the league in rushing yards per game (107.9) and sits third overall with 755. The two names in front of Henry, Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley, have played eight games to Henry's seven.

It's no secret that the Titans' offense goes as Henry goes. For reference, in the second half last week against Houston, Tennessee called just one passing play while Henry had 18 carries. He's accounted for 51 percent of Tennessee's total yards (748 of 1,453) and six of their 10 offensive touchdowns. For a running back in today's pass-heavy NFL, that is absurd. But with the Titans' uncertain quarterback situation unresolved, it's necessary.

This week, Henry and the Titans' offense face arguably their toughest test yet against the Chiefs' vaunted run defense. Kansas City has allowed the second-fewest rushing touchdowns (3), third-fewest rushing yards per game (92.0), and seventh-fewest yards per carry (4.1). However, over the last three games, the Chiefs have been a little more generous, surrendering 127 yards per game on the ground.

2. Can the Titans keep up?

Facing the Chiefs, after five weeks of lackluster offensive opponents, will have the Titans feeling like they've entered the Indianapolis 500 after a month of racing golf carts with Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz, and Davis Mills. Kansas City owns the league's top-scoring offense, averaging nearly 32 points per game, and has scored more touchdowns than any other team despite only playing seven games.

During their win streak, Tennessee hasn't seen an opposing offense ranked higher than 20th in DVOA, including four wins against the three lowest-ranked squads in the category. Four of their five wins were against teams that rank no higher than 25th in yards per play, 26th in total points scored, and 27th in expected points from offense and points per game.

The Titans' offense isn't any better. They're actually one of the worst units in the league, having failed to score more than 24 points in a game this season. Tennessee ranks 24th in scoring (18.9 ppg) and expected offensive points, 26th in total touchdowns (15), 28th in yards per play (5.0), and 30th in Pro Football Focus' offensive power rankings.

Those dismal numbers are only exacerbated by the fact it doesn't really matter who plays quarterback, whether it's Ryan Tannehill or rookie Malik Willis. This Titans offense simply does not have the tools to be a high-scoring unit. But they are going to have to find a way to keep pace by keeping the Chiefs' offense off the field, or they might be getting lapped before the race even starts.

3. Third downs

The Titans' best chance at keeping this game close is to keep the Chiefs' offense off of the field as much as possible. Easier said than done. The Chiefs are the top-rated third-down offense in the NFL (51.9 percent) and Mahomes is lights out with 35 conversions, a 120 passer rating, and six touchdowns on 61 third-down passing attempts. But the Titans do have the top-ranked third-down defense in the league (25.8 percent), and a blueprint for stopping Kansas City has been provided by Tennessee's own division rival earlier this season.

When the Colts knocked off the Chiefs back in Week 3, they held Kansas City to just 3-for-10 on third down and had the edge in time of possession by more than seven minutes. Those third-down stops led to field goals instead of touchdowns and kept Indianapolis within striking distance the whole game. Again, easier said than done.

But both the Colts and Titans have similar defensive makeups. Like the Colts, The Titans' front line with Denico Autry (3.5 sacks) and Jeffery Simmons (5.5 sacks) is able to pressure quarterbacks without having to sell out on blitzes. This in turn could allow the linebackers to help in coverage and maybe take pressure off a secondary that's allowed a 67.5 percent completion rate and a combined passer rating of 96.6 against some less-than-stellar quarterbacks this season.

Tennessee's coverage will obviously have to account for tight end Travis Kelce. He's the centerpiece of this K.C. offense outside of Mahomes, especially on third downs. Kelce's 14 third-down catches are tied for third in the NFL this season. He is easily Mahomes' favorite target when the sticks need to be moved.

Final Analysis

No matter who is under center for the Titans, a lot of Lady Luck's good graces need to break their way for them to win this game. But Reid's teams are exceptional coming off the bye, like 20-3 good. I see no reason why this high-flying Chiefs team should be any less prepared against a limited, but tough Titans team.

Prediction: Chiefs 30, Titans 20

Sunday, November 6, 2022

THE LATE GAMES
Seattle at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay, 4:25 p.m.

THE EARLY GAMES
Los Angeles Chargers at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Miami at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Carolina at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Green Bay at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Las Vegas at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Indianapolis at New England, 1 p.m.
Buffalo at New York Jets, 1 p.m.
Minnesota at Washington, 1 p.m.

SNF
Tennessee at Kansas City, 8:20 p.m.

Monday, November 7, 2022

MNF
Baltimore at New Orleans, 8:15 p.m.

Byes: Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, New York Giants, Pittsburgh, San Francisco

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ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, November 3, 2022

TNF
Philadelphia at Houston, 8:15 p.m.

Sunday, November 6, 2022

THE EARLY GAMES
Los Angeles Chargers at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Miami at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Carolina at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Green Bay at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Las Vegas at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Indianapolis at New England, 1 p.m.
Buffalo at New York Jets, 1 p.m.
Minnesota at Washington, 1 p.m.

THE LATE GAMES
Seattle at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay, 4:25 p.m.

SNF
Tennessee at Kansas City, 8:20 p.m.

Monday, November 7, 2022

MNF
Baltimore at New Orleans, 8:15 p.m.

Byes: Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, New York Giants, Pittsburgh, San Francisco

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ALREADY PLAYED

Thursday, November 3, 2022

TNF
Philadelphia at Houston, 8:15 p.m.

Great Rams running backs, could you imagine Gurley or Jackson with Stafford and Kupp, i know im dreaming but dang i miss those great Ram running backs. We have had some great ones. This maybe the worst Ram running game that I remember. They have zero threat running the ball. It sucks ass.

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 - 27

Brady's - 17

Trade deadline is passed.. and the Rams couldn't pull the trigger on anything. So, what's next?
The Rams can't just give up on this season, obviously, but this year needs to be about developing younger players and thoroughly evaluating what's on their roster. There's a chance they can still make the playoffs, but it's obvious that outside of something very flukey, this isn't a Super Bowl team.
So, how do they get back in the '23 season? A lot of internal improvement, an excellent draft, and adding a couple of key vets from outside.

Here are some of the roster areas and players that I'm very interested on focusing on and believe will be key to getting back on track next year.

Force feed the young safeties. We need to see as much of Yeast, Lake and Burgess as possible, imo. Can any of those three be counted on to contribute next year? Is any one of them going to be a real player? Fuller also needs to show he can be healthy. This is a HUGE area of need.. if we want to see the Rams play tighter coverage more often, and we all do, there needs to be a big improvement here.
Same thing for the corners. Durant needs to be healthy and be on the field.. we need to see Rochell.. good or bad.. and see if he can be the player many of us thought he could develop into. Kendrick has shown early promise.. but has a lot of growing to do and needs to show he can.

Dline.. what is Bobby Brown? You have to know to make decisions on Gaines and Robinson. If he's *not* a real player.. your going to have to not only sign one of Gaines or Robinson, which I think you already have to plan on... you're going to have to dumpster dive. Maybe you'll bring Brockers back on a cheap deal.. and hope you hit on a mid-round contributor. My hope is that Brown really steps up in the second half.

Edge.. really.. not much to see here. Unless Lewis or Hollins make dramatic improvements, the Rams desperately need to find another starter at that position. I'd like to see Hardy.. but he's a gimmick rotational guy, imo.. you have to scheme him to take advantage of his speed, because he's just not big enough to be a regular edge.

ILBS.... Wagner's been good, but I don't know that they don't cut him loose and save 4.5 on the cap and move Ernest Jones to the primary role. There will be tough decisions to make and I just think that this is one obvious area it may happen. We'll see. Maybe we see more of Hummel and Rozeboom? Tough one.

QB.. ride or die with Stafford.. but it'd be fun to see them bring in someone with real potential.. A lucky Burger swing in the draft.

WRs.. I hope they can bring in a little more juice.. and I hope Van can be the deep threat he was last year.

RBs.. This is an interesting spot. Does Akers play like a guy who got a wakeup call? Does he fulfill his potential? Is Williams a solid addition to the room, a solid option? If the answer is "yes" to both of those questions.. you just dropped the need to spend a high pick next draft on the position. Fingers crossed. The Akers question is the most pressing... I think you can get 3rd down backs pretty easily, if you're smart.

TEs.. this room is so "meh" right now. Higbee's fine.. but is getting worn out.. and Hopkins isn't getting much action. We need to see a lot more Hopkins to figure out if he's the answer. Would also be great to see if Carter can be brought up to determine if he's a player.

Oline.. unfortunately, the guys who need to be evaluated most for next season are out hurt. Bruss and Anchrum could be the starting guards next year.. but we have no way to know if they'll be good enough. One option I dismissed too early is Noteboom coming back at LT.. and Anchrum at LG. That *could* be interesting.. with Bruss/Anchrum battling for RG. Either way, they need to draft a couple of guys... including a center because of Allen's recurring kneee issues.

Figure out what you got.. then nail the offseason. Lot's of roster questions.. but, the good news is that some real answers may already be on the roster.

An Oline of Noteboom, Anchrum, Allen, Bruse/Anchrum and Havenstein looks very interesting to me.. and you have a 6th guy already there. With Anchrum.. you have your 3rd tackle already there. They'd still need another tackle.. Arcuri? We'll see.. and absolutely another Center. I'd think they'd look at 9 Olinemen next year.

RB? We get to see how big a need there is for 23, fortunately. If the Akers situation ends up being a plus.. that would be a huge win, going into next year.

Between the young DBs, Bobby Brown.. and lack of second edge.. there's a lot to pay attention to on the Defense the rest of the way.

In a best-case scenario... They'd need to bring in a really good edge to play opposite Floyd.. and the rest of the lineup problems would work themselves out with players on the roster and a solid draft.. in order for the Rams to be a real contender next year, imo.

I was originally going to wait until the official announcement for the Compensation Picks was released, but someone posted our estimated picks at :

2) 5'ths
1) 6'th
1) 7'th

to go along with our already set 2023 picks consisting of :

Round 1) N/A
#2) 1
#3) 1
#4) 0
#5) 0
#6) 3
#7) 1

So it now looks like our draft will be :

#1) 0
#2) 1
#3) 1
#4) 0
#5) 2
#6) 4
#7) 2

and then the dastardly Memento jumped in and got this bloody thing started. And I can't let her have all the fun !


So here we go ...

Re-Sign :

DT Greg Gaines
CB Grant Haley
WR/R Brandon Powell
K Matt Gay
P Riley Dixon
LS Matt Orzech


All RFA’s & ERFA’s return :

John Wolford - RFA
Kendall Blanton - RFA
Marquise Copeland - ERFA
Christian Rozeboom - ERFA
Travin Howard - ERFA
Michael Hoecht - ERFA
Bryce Perkins - ERFA
Shaun Jolly - ERFA


Futures Contracts & returning contracted Practice Squad players :


WR Jacob Harris
TE/FB Roger Carter
OLB Kier Thomas
OLB Brayden Thomas
WR Austin Trammell
OT Max Pircher
OT A.J. Arcuri
DE Zach VanValkenburg
DE Earnest Brown IV
TE Jared Pinkney
OL Chandler Brewer
OL Ty Nsekhe
OL Matt Skura
OG Okay Oboushi


Rams Players lost to Free Agency :

DT - A’Shawn Robinson
CB Troy Hill
OT/OG - David Edwards
S - Nick Scott
S - Taylor Rapp
RB - Darrell Henderson
CB - David Long
OLB - Justin Hollins
RB - Malcolm Brown
S/LB - Jake Gervase
OG/OT - Bobby Evans


Free Agent Acquisitions :


DT Da’Ron Payne (4 years)
Edge Arden Key (2 years)
RB D’Ernest Johnson (3 years)
OBj, I'll stick with him until he's officially out of the running.


Rams Major Trades :


Trade 2024 & 2025 1’st Round picks for Edge Brian Burns
Trade Leonard Floyd for a 2023 3’rd
Van Jefferson traded for a 2023 4'th & 6'th


Draft :


1 - N/A
2 - C/OG Ricky Stromberg, Ark.
3a - TE Luke Musgrave, Or. St.
3b - S Rashad Torrence II, Fl.
4 - ILB Jestin Jacobs, Ia.
5a - RB Chris Rodriguez, Ky.
5b - OT Jaxson Kirkland, Wa.
5c - CB Tony Grimes, N.C.
6a - OG Christian Mahogany, B.C.
6b - WR Tyler Harrell, Ala.
6c - QB Phil Jurkovec, B.C.
6d - OLB Brenton Cox Jr., Fl.

6e - traded with 6f to move up to 5c
6f - traded with 6e to move up to 5c
7a - Traded with 7c to move up to 6d
7b - Traded with 7c to move up to 6d


Rams 2023 depth chart for the 53 :


Offense (25) :

QB (2)

Matt Stafford
John Wolford

Offensive Line (9) :

LT) Noteboom, Jackson
LG) Stromberg*, Shelton
C) Allen, Stromberg
RG) Bruss, Anchrum
RT) Havenstein, Kirkland*

RB's (4) :

Kyren Williams
D'Ernest Johnson**
Chris Rodriguez*
Ronnie Rivers

WR's (6) :

Cooper Kupp
Allen Robinson
OBj
Ben Skowronek
Tutu Atwell
Brandon Powell

TE's (4) :

Tyler Higbee
Brycen Hopkins
Luke Musgrave*
Roger Carter


Defense (25) :

Defensive Line (5) :

Aaron Donald
Greg Gaines
Da'Ron Payne**
Bobby Brown
Marquise Copeland

OLB (5) :

Brian Burns*
Arden Key**
Terrell Lewis
Daniel Hardy
Brenton Cox*

ILB (4) :

Bobby Wagner
Ernest Jones
Jake Hummel
Jestin Jacobs, Ia*


CB (6) :

Jalen Ramsey
Robert Rochelle
Cobie Durant
Derion Kendrick
Tony Grimes, N.C.*
Grant Haley

Safety (5) :

Jordan Fuller
Rashad Torrence, Fl.*
Terrell Burgess
Quintin Lake
Russ Yeast

Special Teams (3)

Matt Gay
Riley Dixon
Mathew Orzech


See you at the 2023 Super Bowl

6'4", 318lbs. Ricky Stromberg
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NFL Draft Profile: Luke Musgrave, Tight End, Oregon State Beavers

NFL Draft profile scouting report for Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave

www.si.com

Rashad Torrence II Safety Florida | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 78.5 Rank: #39 Forty: 4.72 Rashad Torrence II attended Marietta High School and was rated a 4-star prospect by 247 Sports with a scout's rating of 0.900, going unranked by ESPN. Fol...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

I know this team has had a few injuries , but the offense has been just terrible

is Liam Coen the right fit , I have no idea what this offense is tryin to accomplish , the number of 3 and out is staggering

this offense really needs a running back , just has never been the same with out Todd Gurley

If the Rams finish sub .500 do you see mcVay and snead cleaning house at the end of the season?
I'm speaking on both player and coaching personnel.

I'm thinking there will be a massive changes next season. I just get that feeling