Much of the talk is that a QB needy team should trade for Jimmy G.
I just don’t get it.
the 9ers with a very strong roster traded major draft assets last year to replace him. His 2021 season was similar to the rest of his career. Lots of Ws, mediocre stats, injury prone.
For a team with SB aspirations, why turn to Jimmy G?
There won’t be many teams as stacked as 9ers overall, and he is not good enough there.

With all the criticism Goff has received, and continues to get, I would much rather have Goff as QB1 than Jimmy G.

the narrative is that Lions need to improve and move on from Goff, and that Jimmy G is solution for current QB needy teams. I just don’t get it

The power ballad is an interesting genre. When done poorly, they can be cheesy and cringe inducing. When done right, however, they can produce an emotional bombshell that hits home through countless listenings.

Here are three of my favorites:
Still Loving You - Scorpions
This band rose to prominence during the 80s/MTV/Hair Metal era, but their talent, in my opinion, far exceeded most of their glitzy counterparts. I have no idea ow many times I’ve listened to this song over the decades, but it has yet to get old for me.
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Bringin’ On The Heartbreak - Def Leppard
The guitars and drums on this one kicks ass, but it’s the harmonies on the chorus that take it over the top. I can hold my own in a karaoke bar, but they go several octaves over my range on my best day. Still in awe of this song.
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My Immortal - Evanescence
The structure of this song creates its impact. It starts with Amy Lee’s ethereal and haunting vocals accompanied by piano and strings. When it hits it’s crescendo of electric guitars and drums, which accentuate rather than overpowering Lee’s voice, it goes to another level.
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Which power ballads get to you?

Not saying the Rams would want to do this. Just thought the article was neat in showing how flexible the cap can be

---

Freeing Up $100M of Rams' Cap Space​

By: Michael GinnittiPublished: February 16, 2022​

The Super Bowl Champion Rams enter the 2022 offseason with -$10M of projected cap space, and 48 players under contract, turning our immediate focus to just how much of this team can run it back next year. We'll take a deep dive into the contract status for every notable starter from 2021, discussing options to restructure, extend, trade, or release where applicable, and the predicted savings to the salary cap based on moves we anticipate could be made.

In essence, here's our look at how the Los Angeles Rams can free up nearly $100M of cap in the coming weeks.

Related:

• Freeing Up $100M of Saints' Cap Space
• Freeing Up $75M of Chiefs' Cap Space
• Freeing Up $70M of Cowboys' Cap Space

Quarterbacks​

PREDICTED SAVINGS: $17.5M​

Matthew Stafford
With 1 year, $23M remaining on his contract, the Rams have 3 legitimate options here:

1. Do nothing. Live with the $23M cap hit and let Stafford play into a contract season for 2022.
2. Restructure the $23M into a signing bonus, adding 4 void years to spread the cap out, lowering his 2022 cap figure down to $5.5M.
3. Extend him out to a new contract (projected at 4 years, $168M), hoping he’ll follow the path of Brady & Brees in taking a significant discount (4 years, $120M?) to help the team.

Predicted Savings: $17.5M

John Wolford, Bryce Perkins
Wolford remained the QB2 through 2021, and can be brought back at a minimum $895,000 for 2022. Perkins is under contract at a minimum $825,000, putting both in line to stick around if the Rams choose to keep 3 QBs again.

Running Backs​

PREDICTED SAVINGS: $0​

Cam Akers
Has 2 years, $2.6M remaining on his rookie contract, none of which is guaranteed. He doesn’t become extension eligible until after 2022.
Darrell Henderson
Became extension eligible after 2021, but with back to back injury filled seasons, it seems likely he’ll be asked to play out the 1 year, $1M remaining on his rookie contract before decisions are made.
Sony Michel
Is slated for unrestricted free agency, likely to end up in a new spot for 2022. Michel carries a $5M valuation into the offseason.

Wide Receivers​

PREDICTED SAVINGS: $20.9M​

Cooper Kupp
Has 2 years, $29.125M remaining on his contract, a steal considering new WR contracts are filing in at around $25M per year. His $18.675M cap hit for 2022 is on the high side, putting a few options on the table for LA:

1. Do nothing, give this contract another year to breathe before ripping it up and going big prior to 2023, when the league cap is expected to skyrocket.
2. Simple restructure his $14.875M base salary, adding another void year to the back end of the contract, dropping his 2022 cap figure to $7.6M.
3. Extend Kupp (currently projected at 4 years, $96M), locking him in for then next 3 years, while lowering his 2022 cap hit for team purposes.

Predicted Savings: $11M
Robert Woods
Has 4 years, $60.5M remaining on his contract, recovering from an ACL injury suffered in Week 11, but will certainly be back in the fold once he does so. His $3.5M roster bonus for 2022 is already fully guaranteed, and his $10M upcoming salary locks in on March 20th. If both of these figures are restructured, Woods’ cap hit for 2022 can be dropped from $15.7M to $5.7M.
Predicted Savings: $9.9M
Odell Beckham, Jr.
The torn ACL is brutal news for both he and the Rams, as the two sides really did appear to be a match-made-in-heaven scenario in their short time together. Will Les Snead throw OBJ a bone in offering a 2 year contract with a near minimum salary ($1.12M) for 2022 as he recovers, then a boost in pay for 2023 with plenty of incentives to build up his earnings as the production comes in? Beckham was trending toward a $12M-$15M per year contract before the injury.
Van Jefferson
Has 2 years, $2.4M remaining on his rookie contract and doesn’t become extension eligible until after 2022. He’ll be back with a bigger role

Tight Ends​

PREDICTED SAVINGS: $4.1M​

Tyler Higbee
Was missed in Super Bowl 56 (knee), and should be brought back for 2022. His $8M+ cap figure however likely needs to be addressed. With 2 years, $12.8M remaining on his contract, an outright extension isn’t likely, but a simple restructure fits the bill here. Reducing his $6.25M base salary down to the minimum $1.035M, while tacking on 3 void years to the back of the contract can reduce that 2022 cap figure by $4.1M
Predicted Savings: $4.1M
Brycen Hopkins
Has 2 years, $1.9M remaining on his rookie contract (none of it guaranteed), and carries a cap figure just north of $1M for 2022. He should be back.
Kendall Blanton
Holds a minimum $895,000 salary for 2022 and should factor as inexpensive depth.

Offensive Line​

PREDICTED SAVINGS: $16M​

Andrew Whitworth
The 40 year old left tackle was sensational yet again in 2021, but has all but said out loud that he plans to walk away from the game on top this offseason. Whitworth has 1 year, $16M left on his contract, including a $5.5M roster bonus due March 18th. If he steps away before that, the Rams can free up $16M of cap & cash by adding him to the reserve/retired list prior to that date.
Predicted Savings: $16M
David Edwards
Is entering a contract year in 2022, and is projected to get a salary boost up to $2.79M thanks to the proven performance bonus system. His $2.8M cap hit is still plenty of value for a starting left guard. Edwards is a mild extension candidate this offseason.
Brian Allen
Is a pending free agent, and a Top-10 rated center according to PFF. He’s a $6M player according to our valuation system, and should be highly considered to be brought back by the Rams.
Austin Corbett
Is a pending free agent, and the #22 ranked guard according to PFF. He’s a $9M player according to our valuation, and an extension candidate - but the Rams could look to add a few interior lineman via free agency for both upgrade and depth purposes.
Rob Havenstein
Enters a contract year in 2022, set to make $7.25M on a $9.5M cap figure. Havenstein was the 9th ranked tackle in football according to PFF, and Top-3 right tackle in this regard, making him an extension candidate this offseason. Bryan Bulaga’s 3 year, $30M deal with the Chargers is inline with his valuation.

Defensive Line​

PREDICTED SAVINGS: $15.5M​

Aaron Donald
Has 3 years, $52M remaining on his contract, including $14.25M cash & a $26.75M cap figure for 2022. Will he retire? Will the Rams blow out a massive 2 year extension? Will they offer a new signing bonus + a simple restructure to quantify the player and maximize the cap?

1. He retires. There's a $5M March 17th roster bonus, so the Rams would want a quick decision from Donald in this regard. LA would likely need to carry his $26.75M cap hit until June 1st, at which time they can place him on the reserve/retired list, dropping his 2022 cap figure to $12.5M (assuming they discard the $5M bonus), leaving $9M of dead cap to be taken on in 2023. This is obviously not an ideal football or business option for the Rams.
2. Do Nothing. The $26.75M cap figure seems too high to go this route, but it’s not unheard of.
3. Tack on a 2 year, $50M extension, much of which comes via an upfront signing bonus, slightly lowering this year’s cap (but not by much thanks to $12.5M of proration already baked into the cake).
4. Rebuild this contract as 3 years, $60M, offering him a $20M per year hook to hang his hat on, while keeping the team cap and cash flow somewhat healthy in the process. An $18M signing bonus spread out over 5 years (2 void years) plus a $1M pay bump in each of 2023 & 2024 (fully guaranteed) might be attractive enough for Donald. That’s a straight $20M cash per year, and nearly $9M of cap savings to the Rams in 2022.
5. Simple restructure his 2022 compensation, lowering his 2022 cap hit to $16.2M, freeing up $10.5M.

Predicted Savings: At least $9M
Greg Gaines
Should see a slight bump up on his final year base salary thanks to the Proven Performance Bonus system, now projected to carry a $2.7M cap hit. Is he a trade/release candidate to free up $2.5M of space? Seems more likely that Gaines is kept and A’Shawn Robinson is moved on from here.
A'Shawn Robinson
Has 1 year, $8M remaining on his contract, including a $9.5M cap figure. He was the #11 ranked interior defender according to PFF, putting him in extension candidate conversation. Is he also a trade candidate? Moving on before March 20th means $6.5M saved, but he’s probably too valuable to this defensive line to make that a real thought at the moment. Restructuring his base salary & roster bonus (adding 3 more void years) can lower his cap hit from $9.5M to $3.9M. As an extension candidate, Robinson projects toward Grover Stewart’s 3 year, $31M deal in Indy.
Predicted Savings: $6.5M via trade/release

Linebackers​

PREDICTED SAVINGS: $12.3M​

Leonard Floyd
Enters year 2 of his 4 year $64M extension, leaving 3 years, $48M to go, including $16.5M fully guaranteed through 2022. He’s a slam dunk restructure candidate this March, a move that would lower his current cap hit from $20M to $7.6M.
Predicted Savings: $12.3M
Ernest Jones
The 3rd rounder enters year 2 of his rookie contract that has 3 years, $3.2M remaining on it (none of guaranteed). He won’t be extension eligible until after 2023.
Troy Reeder
Is slated for restricted free agency, likely headed for a $2.4M right of first refusal tender. He should be able stick at this price point.
Von Miller
Is slated for unrestricted free agency, and has already made it clear he plans to test the waters a bit. Is a return to Denver possible should they find an upgrade at the QB position? At nearly 33 years old, his days of cashing in are likely over, though statistically speaking Miller still projects to a $10M per year deal.

Secondary​

PREDICTED SAVINGS: $11.1M​

Jalen Ramsey
Has 4 year, $70M left on his massive contract, including $7.5M fully guaranteed in 2022, and another $12.5M that locks in March 20th. Ramsey restructured his base salary last season, pushing his cap figures up over $23M+ each for the final 4 seasons, but that likely doesn’t stop the Rams from doing it again this March. A full base salary restructure lowers his 2022 cap figure from $23.2M to $12M, freeing up $11.1M of space.
Predicted Savings: $11.1M
Darious Williams
Is slated for unrestricted free agency, and should be allowed to test the open market despite the Rams’ lack of depth at the cornerback position. Williams was once on pace for a top-tier CB contract before his play suffered a bit in 2021. He finished the season as the #64 ranked CB according to PFF.
Taylor Rapp
Enters a contract year in 2022, including $2.54M cash and a $2.9M cap hit. It’s very likely he’s asked to play out his contract before future decisions are considered.
Jordan Fuller
Enters year 3 of his rookie contract that includes 2 years, $1.9M remaining (none guaranteed). He’ll be extension eligible after 2022, and after a #19 rating from PFF last season, has a chance to make a decent bit of coin.

Special Teams​

PREDICTED SAVINGS: $2M​

Johnny Hekker
The 32-year-old looked human at times in 2021, putting his 2 years, $5.2M remaining contract in a bit of question. There’s $2M+ to be freed up by moving on, and if the cap remains an issue late into the spring, this could be a surprise move.
Predicted Savings: $2M
Matt Gay
Is slated for restricted free agency, likely headed for a $2.5M tender in the coming weeks. It’s highly possible the Rams look to upgrade here.

As I get older, I find that my memory, though still good, is limited.

Right now, there are so many vivid memories about this championship run. Who knows, though, how many of them I'll remember in 10, 20, 30 years and (hopefully) beyond.

So, I thought it would be nice to have a thread for us to record our own personal Super Bowl moment to preserve it in time.

Mine:

My son took a while to take to football. Ultimately, I wore him down, though, and he's now a Rams fan. The problem is, he's grown now and lives in Wisconsin. Thanks to technology, though, he was there with me via cell phone for every big moment, including the final play by Aaron Donald to seal the victory. So great to share that moment with him.

That's what I'll remember.

Former Rams DC Wade Phillips talks about the 15-play game winning drive the Rams accomplished during Super Bowl LVI


Tons of love and respect for the Rams former DC Wade Phillips.


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Any timepiece aficionados?

I would say I'm very much a newb when it comes to watches and I certainly don't have the budget for the "high-end" stuff. Having said that it doesn't stop me from drooling over watches I'll never afford.

I recently picked up the nicest watch I've ever owned. To me it's stunning and pictures certainly don't do it justice. I had been eyeing it for a while and finally picked it up a little over a week ago as a treat to myself (with the wife's stamp of approval of course).

It's the Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300m. I went to my authorized dealer with the intention of picking up a black dial but could not stop looking at the white. I would normally think a white dial bland. Not this one! Like I said earlier... a picture cannot convey how amazing this thing looks in light.

The Big 4 involved regarding the Rams culture, roster building strategy and front office/structure (Kroenke, McVay, Snead & Demoff) have gotten a ton of respect and it's been well deserved for various reasons.

The 5th man (Tony Pastoors) has kind of been hidden under the radar. He's not been forgotten, but it feels like he gets lost in the shuffle.

I know I'm not alone hearing that Pastoors is the front man (salary cap/magician) regarding the Rams financial responsibilities.

Maybe I'm wrong, but this dude Mr. Pastoors has been an under the radar big time asset to the Los Angeles Rams organization.

It's as if Pastoors is a stealth CEO that problem solves and makes crucial beneficial decisions for a top five fortune 500 company.


Tony Pastoors enters his 12th season with the Rams after joining the Rams prior to the 2010 season. Pastoors serves as the vice president, football and business administration.

In this role, Pastoors works directly with Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff on all aspects of Rams operations. Pastoors teams with General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay in the development and implementation of the club's strategic plans for player signings and player acquisitions.

As the club's chief negotiator, Pastoors is responsible for Rams' salary cap management, contract negotiations, compliance with the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement as well as the club's financial and strategic planning.

Pastoors also partners with Demoff, Snead, and McVay in the day-to-day management and execution of the team's football operations. In addition, Pastoors serves as a liaison to Rams business operations, including marketing, partnerships, finance, ticketing, community relations, administration, and communications.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minn. Pastoors received his degree from Dartmouth College, where he was a three-time letter winner for Head Coach Buddy Teevens and the Dartmouth football program. Pastoors resides in Los Angeles, Calif., with his wife, Emily and their daughter Charli.




You have been worth every penny Mr. Kroenke pays you Mr. Pastoors. Continue the genius work you do. The Rams are blessed to have you on their payroll.

I remember post draft watching and reading about this guy.
And then when the preseason rumblings from camp and games.
I remember Early on @den-the-coach and I concurring that this kid was a ball player.
I know we weren't alone in that assessment. Not on ROD. Too many skilled eyeballs.

I had him taking over a starting spot early. He did earn that spot
though a bit later than my projections. And then being impressive enough
as a Rookie to be given the dot. It looked like he was about to explode.

The difference in our run defense with him playing the majority of the snaps was noticeable.
Unfortunately for him, teammates and ourselves the injury bug hit him right as he was really
coming into his own.

The playoffs hit and I am praying that he could get back and be healthy
the break between the championship and
the Super Bowl allowed him to get caught up physically and mentally.

A small tweet from Jourdan prior to the SB that Reeder would not be wearing the dot
seemed to be a sign that Jone's PT was going to be full go for the SB.

How did the kid respond on the biggest stage of the game? Nothing short of excellent.
7 tackle's 6 solo - 1 sack - 2 TFL'S and a huge pass defense with 3 QB hits

I personally , am fast becoming a Huge E.J. fan. They talked about his lack of range coming out of college,
While he may not be a all out speedster by ILB standards, he appears to be a very cerebral type.
You know the type of player who puts himself in the right place through great instincts and opponent study.

I know Rams fans have heard the too slow , too small stories before .
But for me what I see is another big time Ram on the up. If he stays healthy....
He makes a huge jump and LA will have the best ILB we've seen in a while.



Who is your "FIXIN TO EXPLODE" Ram prospect?

I paid $4.999 (cash price) for diesel on Monday. When I drove by my station today it was $5.599. Anybody else notice similar hikes in price?

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He deserves it all and should retire as a Rams player.

Anyone else read this book? I'm most of the way through the book.

A few things stand out. I have memories as a 12, 13, 14, ,15 and 16 year old kid, remembering all of the Ram hold outs that seemed to happen ever training camp during the 80s. They had one of the best teams in the NFL, but they just didn't want to pay their players. If the book was true, it sounds like the organization had some pretty bad money problems that included shifting money around to cover checks. ED says the initial check that was cut to Jim Everett after the trade actually bounced.

And man, was ED underpaid. He signed a 4 year, 2 million contract with a 900K singing bonus. It turned out that 600K of that bonus was a forgivable loan, which was unforgiven after they traded him. He was obviously a top 3 RB (I think he was THE best) in the league at the time, but was barely in the top 10 salaries for RBs. Many RBs made around or over a million a year, and he didn't even make half of that. If he would've been taken care of and stayed, what could've been, as that offensive line was definitely one of the top, if not THE top offensive line in Rams history.

He mentions that one of his toughest losses as a Ram was the playoff loss to the Giants in 84. That Ram team could've given that 84 Niner team a serious run for their money, as they later did in 89 (in the regular season) without ED.

In the end, if ED somehow stayed a Ram, I think the Rams history would've been much different and could've included more Super Bowl titles.

I had to put my dog of 16 years down last night.

In some ways I feel she hung on long enough to witness a Rams Super Bowl win. She has watched many a games with me on the back porch.

Love you Dodger RIP

Thomas Brown most likely going to be Tight End Coach/Pass Game Coordinator.

https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/college/big-12/texas-christian-university/article258917188.html

Checking in on the Rams' 2021 draft class, end-of-season edition​

Feb 26, 2022 at 12:00 PM

Stu Jackson

In most cases, the rookies seasons for members of the Rams' 2021 draft classes were a waiting game. Whether because of depth or a late-season injury at their respective position, playing time didn't come along until toward the middle of the season or late in the season. Some entered into starting roles, others saw increased playing time, but some also saw their seasons end prematurely due to injury.
After checking in with the group in mid-November, theRams.com has an updated, end-of-season look at how each of them fared.

WR TUTU ATWELL (ROUND 2, NO. 57)
With established veteran depth at wide receiver, Atwell's playing mostly came on special teams through the first eight weeks. Of his 35 snaps, 25 came on special teams and 10 came on offense.

Although Atwell did not record any offensive stats, he still tallied 10 punt returns for 54 yards and five kickoff returns for 87 yards before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 8 against the Texans.

LB ERNEST JONES (ROUND 3, NO. 103)
Jones also began his rookie season primarily playing on special teams – out of 177 total snaps through Week 7, 45 came on defense and 132 came on special teams.

After the Rams traded Kenny Young to the Broncos, Jones' role expanded significantly, as he started every game through Week 16 except for Week 10 against the 49ers. In Week 16, Jones suffered a high left ankle sprain that landed him on Injured Reserve, but he managed to return in time for the NFC Championship game and Super Bowl LVI. In the Super Bowl, he had seven total tackles and accounted for one of the Rams' Super Bowl-record-tying seven sacks in the game.

Jones finished his rookie campaign with 61 total tackles, a pair of interceptions and four pass breakups while starting in seven of the 15 regular season games he appeared in, plus those appearances in the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl in the postseason.

DL BOBBY BROWN III (ROUND 4, NO. 117)
Brown was inactive for the first seven weeks of the season before being activated to the gameday roster for the first time against the Texans in Week 8 following Sebastian Joseph-Day's pec injury.

While Brown played 10 snaps against the Texans, his playing time skewed more toward special teams – in some cases, like Weeks 14 and 15, exclusively. Ultimately, 47 of his 69 regular season snaps came on special teams, with 22 on defense.

He was active for each of the Rams' first three playoff games, but inactive for the Super Bowl with Joseph-Day returning.
All told, he appeared in 10 regular season games, finishing with one tackle, in addition to the three postseason appearances.

CB ROBERT ROCHELL (ROUND 4, NO. 130)
For Rochell, playing time peaked in Weeks 5 and 6, due to becoming a starter in Week 5 and Darious Williams also sustaining an ankle injury that week.

Even when Williams returned from Injured Reserve, Rochell kept a starting role through Week 10 – except for Week 8 against the Texans, when he entered the game questionable due to a knee injury and played a couple of snaps but did not start. However, Rochell did not start in Week 12 against the Packers. In Week 13 against the Jaguars, he sustained a rib injury on special teams that would ultimately sideline him for the remainder of the season – he returned to practice during the playoffs but was never activated off of IR.

In 11 games (five starts), he tallied 14 total tackles, an interception, four pass breakups and one fumble recovery.

WR JACOB HARRIS (ROUND 4, NO. 141)
Harris was scheduled to play and learn the tight end position, but moved back to receiver – the position he played in college – after attrition due to mid-season injuries and departures impacted the Rams' depth.

His contributions across nine games primarily came on special teams, and his season ended prematurely after tearing his ACL and MCL covering a punt against the Titans in Week 9, on what Rams head coach Sean McVay described as a "freak accident" of a play.

DE EARNEST BROWN IV (ROUND 5, PICK 174)

Brown spent his rookie season on the Rams' practice squad.

RB JAKE FUNK (ROUND 7, NO. 233)
Although he was the third running back in the rotation, Funk's action as a rookie was limited mainly to special teams with trade acquisition Sony Michel and third-year back Darrell Henderson Jr. handling the bulk of the carries – a combined 357 of the Rams' 420 in the regular season, to be exact.

Funk sustained was initially called a season-ending torn hamstring against the Giants in Week 6, but ended up missing only seven games and was able to return later in the regular season.

Funk finished the regular season with two carries for five yards and four kickoff returns for 88 yards in 10 regular season games, then two carries for five yards in the playoffs (both coming in the Wild Card Round against the Cardinals) in the playoffs. He appeared in every Rams playoff game until he being inactive for Super Bowl LVI, when a healthy Cam Akers and Henderson were both available.



WR BEN SKOWRONEK (ROUND 7, NO. 249)
Once Skowronek returned from a preseason forearm injury that sidelined him for the first two weeks of the regular season, he primarily saw action on special teams through the first nine weeks of the season. The games he did see an uptick in offensive snaps were ones the Rams were well in control of – Week 6 against the Giants and Week 8 against the Texans.

Skowronek saw a season-high 40 offensive snaps against the 49ers in Week 10 and would be more involved in the rotation following Robert Woods' torn ACL in practice two days before the game. However, as free agent signee Odell Beckham Jr. got more comfortable in the offense, Skowronek's offensive snaps saw a small decrease, with time split between offense and special teams – of his 369 snaps during the regular season, 172 came on offense and 196 on special teams, with another on a two-point conversion attempt.
Skowronek also appeared in each of the Rams' four playoff games during their Super Bowl LVI-winning run, including playing 46 of 69 offensive snaps in the Super Bowl.

He finished with 11 catches for 133 yards and four kickoff returns for 70 yards in 14 regular season games, plus two catches for 12 yards in the Super Bowl.

LB CHRIS GARRETT (ROUND 7, NO. 252)

Garrett began the season on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, missing the first two games while on it. Once activated, he played 10 total snaps (four defensive, six special teams) against the Bucs in Week 3, but did not record any stats in that contest and was inactive for each remaining game since, including each of the Rams' four playoff games.

Opportunities became especially more scarce after the bye week as the Rams integrated trade acquisition and veteran Von Miller into the mix at outside linebacker.

I still think it's a bit odd that the Warner to Bruce 73 yard game winning TD in SB34 is still greatly overshadowed by "The Tackle."

The TD broke the tie in dramatic fashion, and "The Tackle" prevented overtime. Both are awesome plays that created a championship, but it's just weird to me that Bruce's TD isn't legendary in NFL lore...yet we see "The Tackle" so often. I mean, it even got a nickname.

That's always been my perception anyway.

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Mostly compare...that is just crazy.

After the Rams won it all in 1999, they returned with essentially the same roster in 2000. The results, however, were very different, as they went from 13 wins and a division title, to 10 wins, a wild card birth, and a first round exit from the playoffs.

How and why did that happen?

Some might suggest that Kurt Warner's health (he missed 5 games) was a big reason, but Trent Green (16 TDs/5 INTS, 101.8 passer rating) filled in quite nicely.

I'd say the two biggest factors were as follows: (1) turnovers - the Rams gave the ball up 35 times and were -10 in turnover ratio, and (2) the defense, almost inexplicably, collapsed. In yards allowed, the Rams went from 6th in 1999 to 23rd, and from 4th to 31st in points allowed.

To this day, I'm not quite sure how that happened. Perhaps the most obvious "culprit" is Mike Martz, who took over the team after Dick Vermiel "retired" and altered the approach. Perhaps his freewheeling ways, which clearly contributed to the turnover issue, put too much strain on the defense.

So what can we learn from this?

I don't really have a brilliant answer here. Given how things changed under Martz, though, I'm glad that McVay is returning, along with Raheem Morris. If it ain't broke...

I've seen/read a lot of "Aaron Donald should've gotten the MVP"... I agree, but Co-MVP with Kupp. They were the two best and most important players on the field for that game and made the biggest plays at the most important moments. Hell... Kupp had to catch the winning touchdown twice.. got fucking hammered.. and drew three penalties. He scored twice.. he got the 4th and 1. I don't want anyone to suggest he was NOT the MVP. Aaron, of course, deserved to share that award.. but this was the clearest "CO-MVP" situation I've ever seen.


So.... David Long, Jr's first interception this season was about 8 yards deep in the end zone against the Bears... his last was at the 3 or 4 yard line of the Cardinals..

I don't know if it's tracked.. but that's got to be about the biggest difference in interceptions in one season.. don't you think? 104 yards?

Cain Velasquez arrested and charged with Attempted Murder. Used to love watching him fight. Hopefully it’s not true or evidence is lacking.

https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id...in-velasquez-arrested-attempted-murder-charge

Okay, I've decided to make another one. Hopefully there will be less mistakes:

Retire:

Andrew Whitworth..

(Either he retires or we move on.)

Restructure:

Aaron Donald
Jalen Ramsey
Cooper Kupp

(We're going to need all the restructuring for the signings in free agency I'm gonna make.)

Re-sign:

Matthew Stafford (extended three years, 30 million per year.)
Von Miller (three years, 10.6 million per year)
Matt Gay (fifth round tender)
Coleman Shelton (RFA)
Travin Howard (ERFA)
Troy Reeder (RFA)
John Wolford (ERFA)

(Stafford will likely have an extension to save us serious cash in the long run, Von re-signs here so that AD doesn't do something like retire. Gay is retained at the original tender (that I hope we'd re-sign him if someone tried to take him. The rest are either restricted or exclusive rights free agents.)

Release:

Odell Beckham
Darious Williams
Sony Michel
Brian Allen
Austin Corbett
Joseph Noteboom
Sebastian Joseph-Day
Johnny Mundt
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
Donte Deayon
Buddy Howell

(Beckham is the shocker here. I think his injury really changed things for us, and given that he won't be back until at least the postseason, I'm not signing him in this mock draft. D-Will and SJD are bounceback candidates, but I can't see it with us. Michel could end up leaving for a starting gig. Corbett, Allen, and Noteboom price themselves out of our cap range. Mundt has lost his job to Blanton and Hopkins. Okoronkwo, Deayon, and Howell are negligible losses.)

Free Agency:

D.J. Chark - five years, 11.5 million per year.
Chukwuma Okorafor - five years, 10 million per year.
Za'Darius Smith - one year, 9 million (can go up to 11.5 million with incentives).
Preston Smith - one year, 9 million (can go up to 11.5 million with incentives).

(Chark could be a top wide receiver in the league; the only reason we get him for this price is because of an ankle injury, but at least he'll be available at the start of the year, unlike OBJ. Okorafor, in my honest opinion, has more potential than Noteboom and is less injury prone; he's not as technically sound as Whit/Noteboom yet, but that's what Carberry is for. Both Smiths may get cut in order for the Packers to get money to pay Aaron Rodgers. While Za'Darius had a back injury that kept him out all year, and Preston had a down year in 2020, I think both could be a solid rotational players in our system, and would jump at the chance to get a ring.

TRADES:

Leonard Floyd to the Los Angeles Chargers for 2022 second round pick.

(The Chargers are going to be desperate to make the playoffs with Herbert, and even more desperate for an answer outside of Joey Bosa. Trading Floyd to them makes sense, because we can shed salary.)

Robert Woods to the Cleveland Browns for 2022 second round pick (#44 overall, Browns) and 2022 fifth round pick (Browns).

(I love Bobby Trees, but given that Kupp and Chark have a lot of targets between them, he's become obsolete. We trade him to the Browns for two picks.)

Van Jefferson to the Detroit Lions for 2022 third round pick (Lions).

(Yeah, I'm trading Van and Bobby Trees. I think that Harris and three draft picks will help, while Detroit needs a veteran option for Goff/new quarterback.)

Darrell Henderson to the Houston Texans for 2022 sixth round pick (New York Jets).

(Henderson, despite being injured a lot, has probably upped his stock with this Super Bowl performance through the passing game. Houston is desperate for running back help; they have Scottie Phillips and Rex Burkhead left, while David Johnson and Royce Freeman shouldn't move the needle either. And while I like Henderson, I won't hesitate to move him for a good pick; he's lost his job to Akers, and I guarantee we draft another running back or two this year anyway because of the injury issues all four of ours have - and because I don't see Michel re-upping with us when he can get a huge contract elsewhere.)

Taylor Rapp to the Dallas Cowboys for 2022 sixth round pick.

(The Cowboys are losing a shit ton of players in free agency this year, and while they'll probably go hard in free agency, I can't see them satisfied with their safeties. Rapp is cheap, has draft pedigree, and should be a solid player for them. In return, we get a nice pick for a player who won't - and shouldn't - start for us.)

Johnny Hekker to the Minnesota Vikings for 2022 seventh round pick.

(Yeah, I really hate doing this, but it's time to get new blood in at punter, and it's better to trade Hekker than to cut him and get nothing. Minnesota needs a punter, and O'Connell is familiar with Hekker.)

Chatarius Atwell to the Oakland Raiders for 2023 conditional sixth round pick (can increase to third if Atwell gains 1,000 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 75 catches.)

(I'll be honest: I'm doing this because I don't like the Atwell pick. If we could get a conditional pick from a team, I'd be quite happy.)

Terrell Lewis to the Atlanta Falcons for 2022 sixth round pick.

(Lewis is expendable with Von Miller, Leonard Floyd, and Justin Hollins, and he has an injury history. Atlanta is in need of an edge rusher, and can take a chance on Lewis.)

2022 second (Browns) to the Miami Dolphins for 2022 second (50) and 2022 third (compensatory for San Fran, traded to Miami in the Lance trade).

(We trade down to Miami who jumps up for a falling inside linebacker.)

2022 third (Lions) to the New York Jets for 2022 fourth (Jets), 2022 fourth (Panthers) and 2022 fourth (Vikings).

(We trade out of the third and get a really nice haul for depth in this class. New York goes for a falling tight end like Likely.)

2022 third round pick (Holmes compensatory) pick to the Baltimore Ravens for 2022 fourth (Ravens) and 2022 fourth (Ravens from Cardinals).

(Stealing again from Jerry. I think that there's enough talent in the fourth to offset the loss of the third.)

2022 sixth round pick (Ebukam comp.), 2022 sixth round pick (Everett comp.) and 2022 sixth round pick (Hill comp) to New Orleans for 2022 fifth round pick and 2022 seventh round pick.)

(We trade up with New Orleans for a specific player in mind. New Orleans needs cheap talent to offset their cap problems.)

DRAFT:

2nd (Chargers) - Jalen Pitre, FS, Baylor. (6'0", 197 lbs.)

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(Pitre could be an elite safety. I'm calling it now. He has everything you could ever want: physicality, athleticism, ball skills, football IQ.. He's a heat-seeking missile, a guy who goes to the ballcarrier with bad intentions. He's very versatile; he's able to cover the slot, go big nickel, occasionally go single-high (although that's not Pitre at his best). The only reason he falls here is because he's not the biggest, but as Bob Sanders and many other players have proven, it's not the size that matters.)

2nd (Dolphins) - Nik Bonitto, OLB, Oklahoma. (6'2", 231 lbs.)

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(Just looking at Bonitto's size doesn't tell you the story. He's a lot like Brian Burns-lite: insanely athletic (Oklahoma used him as a spy a lot.), smart pass-rusher with his hands, able to keep contain, and he has a constantly-running motor; he will never give up on a play. Like Pitre, he'll fall because of his lack of size, but I would gladly take him with a second round pick to eventually be the successor to Miller and Floyd.

3rd (Rams, Miami compensatory) - Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri. (5'8", 194 lbs.)

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(Badie is a Mizzou player I compare to Jamaal Charles. I'm serious. He's got acceleration, agility, speed you dream about, and yet he's so compact that players tend to bounce off of him. And to top that off, he's an excellent receiver. Not just good: excellent. He's the best receiving back in this class, and his size, like Charles, is the reason we get him here.)

4th (Jets) - Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson. (6'3", 205 lbs.)

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(Ross looked like a superstar early in his Clemson career. Then he had congenital spinal fusion surgery and struggled on the field in 2021 along with the entire Clemson team. Medicals are definitely a concern. But he's so damn talented that I don't think it matters too much. I've seen Marvin Jones comparisons, and I think Ross is more talented than Jones was when he came out. He's a big target who will highpoint a ball and take it down, but he's so silky smooth with his routes and he has surprising athleticism. I think he could end up starting in his rookie year, if he proves he's healthy.)

4th (Panthers) - Leo Chenal, ILB, Wisconsin. (6'2", 250 lbs.)

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(Chenal is someone that I believe @Riverumbbq scouted? I can see why; he's so toolsy, with size, speed, intelligence, and leadership. When he hits someone, they will go down hard. I'm not convinced he's the best cover linebacker, but he's better than Reeder. I think he starts off on special teams and works his way up.)

4th (Vikings) - Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada (6'2", 200 lbs.)

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(Doubs is fast. He's explosive with the ball in his hands, a true deep threat who runs decent routes. He's another receiver who can highpoint the ball, who can pick up yards after the catch with his speed. He's had issues with drops and his routes need work, but ultimately, if Chark doesn't work out, I think Doubs will.)

4th (Ravens) - Lecitus Smith, OG, Virginia Tech. (6'3", 320 lbs.)

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(Smith is a mauler and a beast in the run game, and he's got a nasty temperament; he will bring the fight on every down to the echo of the whistle. He's a natural knee-bender who will simply not be bullrushed; he's got amazing lower body strength. He has poor length, which hurts him as a pass protector. He's also not very versatile; he's only played left guard at the college level, and I think that's where you slot him at the NFL level. But Smith could be a dominant run-blocker with enough pass-protection skills to be good enough.)

4th (Ravens) - Cole Strange, OC/OG, Chattanooga. (6'6", 301 lbs.)

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(Strange has played left guard for most of his career at Chattanooga, but I like him more at center. He's a people mover in the run game with the nasty temperament you love to see in an offensive lineman. He's an older prospect, which hurts his draft stock, but he's smart, has solid pass-protection ability, and I think he could be a solid developmental center behind Shelton.)

4th (Rams, John Johnson compensatory) - Thayer Munford, OT/OG, Ohio State. (6'6", 320 lbs.)

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(Munford's 2021 season reminds me of David Edwards' in a way, as he was not nearly as good as he was the previous year in deference of a better player. I think that could drop him a bit. Still, he's versatile enough to play three positions (I don't think his movement skills are good enough for left tackle, but he can definitely play right and both guard spots.), and he was rock solid in 2020. It all depends on what kind of player he is: the rock solid player in 2020 or the player who struggled mightily in 2021.)

5th (Browns) - Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Maryland. (6'2", 242 lbs.)

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(Don't let the late pick for a tight end to pair (and eventually replace) Higbee fool you: Okonkwo is one of the better tight ends in this class who will likely end up falling to the fourth or fifth round because of his lack of size (I'm not entirely sure he's 6'2".), and because he had a bout with myocarditis that completely wiped out his 2020 season. However, he's a fantastic runner with the ball in his hands, has excellent hands, is an underrated blocker (who still has room to grow, despite his lack of height), and I think he compares favorably to Gerald Everett - only better.)

5th (Saints) - Smoke Monday, SS, Auburn. (6'3", 200 lbs.)

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(Monday is more than a name; he's a very good safety who hits really fucking hard. He will dump you, and you will know it. He's a very versatile chess piece; able to move from big nickel linebacker, to slot, to single-high. He has enough range to cover tight ends, and his length helps. What drops him here is his IQ; he's struggled with angles, struggled in coverage due to being too aggressive. He's also struggled with ball skills; he gets to the ball, but there's been very few interceptions. However, Monday should be a solid rotational safety.)

5th (Rams) - Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State (6'2", 180 lbs.)

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(I don't know much about punters, I'll be honest. Araiza looked like the best of the best, and he's got plenty of leg. According to the video, he would've led all punters - from the NFL down - in average yardage. He's a weapon, even from his own endzone.)

6th (Texans) - Kaylon Geiger, WR, Texas Tech. (5'10", 180 lbs.)

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(One word describes Geiger perfectly: electric. He's a great route runner who takes pride in his craft, and yet, if you let him, he will eat up yardage on the field. He proved at Texas Tech that he can play outside, but he's probably best suited for the slot. He doesn't go down easily either; he's tough, and will not only make a man miss, but bounce off of some contact as well. I'd love to see him at returner; no offense to Powell, but Geiger has returning experience, and is a better offensive player.)

6th (Falcons) - Jeremiah Gemmel, ILB, North Carolina. (6'1", 225 lbs.)

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(Gemmel is so underrated. He's the heart, soul, and mind of that Tar Heel defense, a good enough athlete, a great tackler, good in zone coverage against a fair few running backs and tight ends. However, he lacks the ability to get off blocks due to his size, and despite his skills translating perfectly to special teams, he's never played special teams, so there could be a disconnect there. But as a sixth round pick, I think he could surprise.)

6th (Cowboys) - Zaquandre White, RB, South Carolina. (6'1", 215 lbs.)

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(White is a punishing runner. He's a bigger back, and he plays like it; would-be tacklers often bounce right off of him. He also has a surprising extra gear; he's had quite a few longer runs. He's decent enough with running routes, great with the ball in his hands in space, but he's not incredibly elusive, and I have doubts about his hands. Still, with a sixth round pick, I can't help but take him.)

7th (Vikings) - Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri. (6'2", 198 lbs.)

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(Originally from Tulsa before transferring to Mizzou, Evans is sushi raw, but has absolutely tantalizing tools. He's big, physical, fast with length and prototypical ability you dream about. Then you see that he needs a ton of work, maybe from the ground up; that's why he's going to fall. He's decent in coverage, but lacks ball skills, and needs a fair bit of coaching if he's ever going to reach his potential. But that potential is higher than a weed addict on the Empire State building.)

7th (Saints) - Grant Calcaterra, TE, Southern Methodist. (6'5", 247 lbs.)

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(Calcaterra is an interesting story. He retired because of concussions after a couple years of playing extremely well at Oklahoma before this senior year at SMU. Medically, he's a huge risk, which is why he's in the seventh round. He's not really a good blocker either. But he's tough, and as a receiver, I don't think there's many better than he is. He has iron mitts for hands; he does not let go of the football when he has it. He has speed to threaten the seam. Is he a risk player, potentially a luxury? Sure, but the potential is there to be great for us, even if we put him on the practice squad.)

7th (Dolphins) - Clint Ratkovich, RB/FB/TE, Northern Illinois. (6'0", 231 lbs.)

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(Jerry's convinced me on Ratkovich. He could definitely be our answer to Kyle Juszcyzk: a physical downhill runner who can block, catch, and be a moveable chess piece. He can probably be a solid H-back, line up with his hand in the dirt as well. I watched a bit of him, and I loved what I saw. Ratkovich could be special as a fullback, and I hope the Whiners don't take him.)

7th (Rams) - Allie Green IV, CB, Missouri. (6'3", 202 lbs.)

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(Green, like Evans, was also from Tulsa before transferring to Mizzou. He also has incredible tools; he's a force on the perimeter because of his size, athleticism, length, and aggressiveness. He's a huge chirper; he will play head games with receivers. He's also quite versatile; he can play outside or in a big nickel as a box defender. However, he's even more raw than Evans was. He needs work on damn near everything from tackling to proper coverage technique. His aggressiveness can also draw flags. But for a seventh round pick, I've gotta take him.

Roster (starters, bold; rookies, italics)

QB - Matt Stafford, Bryce Perkins.
RB - Cam Akers, Tyler Badie, Zaquandre White, Clint Ratkovich (TE/FB/HB)
WR - Cooper Kupp, D.J. Chark, Justyn Ross, Jacob Harris, Romeo Doubs, Kaylon Geiger (KR/PR).
TE - Tyler Higbee, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Kendall Blanton/Grant Calcaterra.
OL - Chukwuma Okorafor, David Edwards, Coleman Shelton, Tremayne Anchrum, Rob Havenstein, Cole Strange, Thayer Munford, Lecitus Smith, Alaric Jackson, Max Pircher.
DL - Aaron Donald, Greg Gaines, A'Shawn Robinson, Bobby Brown III, Earnest Brown IV.
LB - Von Miller, Za'Darius Smith/Preston Smith, Ernest Jones, Travin Howard, Justin Hollins, Chris Garrett, Nik Bonitto, Leo Chenal, Jeremiah Gemmel.
DB - Jalen Ramsey, Robert Rochell, David Long, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Terrell Burgess, Jalen Pitre, Smoke Monday, Akayleb Evans, Allie Green IV.
ST - Matt Gay, Matt Araiza, Matt Orzech.

So, let me know what you think!

Why when the talking heads use that term are they talking about his interceptions. It should be his league leading come from behind wins. It should be his 3 last drive wins in the playoffs. It should be his league best 4th quarter stats. WTF.

The same question has been asked every year since 2004.

Can the current Super Bowl Champions (Rams) win back-to-back Lombardi trophies?

Every NFL team that has won the Super Bowl since 2004 (has been under the microscope) with the same repeated question.

Will they have enough talent, desire and team roster health to repeat as Super Bowl Champions?

This will always be the question after every season ends when a new NFL Champion is crowned.

We all know the New England Patriots (2003 - 2004) were the last NFL team to win back-to-back SB Championships.

If my math serves me correctly, this has not been done in 18 years.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of, if not the biggest favorites to do it since the 2003 - 2004 Patriots.

Good morning Football puts in their two cents regarding the Rams chances.

Click on the Watch on YouTube area in the black box below to watch GMF's most recent opinions just like they did last season at this time when the Bucs were on SB repeat mode. GMF and all the major NFL networks ponder this after the SB is over.

It's one of the most interesting subjects in the NFL world because it hasn't been pulled off in 18 years.

The Los Angeles Rams are the next SB Champion on deck...


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Key 2022 Rams & NFL Offseason Dates: Free Agency, NFL Draft, Rookie Minicamps & More​

Published on02/28/2022 /Matt Borelli​

The Los Angeles Rams accomplished their ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl and now head into a crucial offseason in which they will have many important decisions to make.

The franchise/transition player designation period began on Tuesday and runs through March 8. The Rams haven’t used either tag since 2018 and aren’t expected to do so this year either.

March is when the offseason really picks up as the NFL Scouting Combine begins on the first day of the month. Two weeks later, free agency will begin for all 32 teams.

The Rams have limited cap space and won’t be able to retain all of their free agents, but still may be able to bring back a few key contributors. The group is headlined by Von Miller, Odell Beckham Jr. and Austin Corbett.

The next date to look out for is April 18, which is when offseason workout programs begin for teams with returning head coaches. That will apply to the Rams, assuming Sean McVay returns for his sixth season.

Then at the end of April, the 2022 NFL Draft will take place in Las Vegas. The Rams currently have just three picks and won’t make their first selection until the fifth round.

Included below is a list of key dates the Rams must be mindful of for the 2022 NFL offseason:

Important 2022 NFL offseason dates​

Feb. 22-March 8: Franchise/transition player designation period

March 1-7: NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

March 8-April 20: Teams are permitted to host up to 30 non-local, draft-eligible players at their facilities for visits and physical exams. On-field workouts are not allowed.

March 8-April 27: Teams are permitted to conduct video or telephone interviews with draft-eligible players. There is a maximum of three video or telephone interviews per player, interviews cannot be longer than an hour in length.

March 14-16: Pre-free agency legal negotiating window between teams and agents representing players who will become unrestricted free agents, beginning at 9 a.m. PT on March 14 and ending at 12:59:59 p.m. PT on March 16.

March 16: New league year begins at 1 p.m. PT. Teams are permitted to execute contracts with other free agents and conduct trades with other teams.

March 27-30: Annual league meeting in Palm Beach, Florida

April 18: Start of offseason workout programs for teams with returning head coaches

April 20: Deadline for teams to bring in draft-eligible players to their facilities for physical evaluations

April 22: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets from other teams

April 27: Deadline for teams to exercise the right of first refusal for restricted free agents

April 27: Deadline for teams to time, test and interview draft-eligible prospects

April 28-30: 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas

May 6-9 or 13-16: Teams can hold their three-day rookie minicamps

May 16: Rookie Football Development Programs begin

May 23-25: Spring League Meeting

June 1: Deadline for teams to send “June 1 Tender” to its unsigned Restricted Free Agents who received a Qualifying Offer for a Right of First Refusal Only

June 15: Deadline for teams to withdraw qualifying offers to RFAs and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting “June 15 Tender” of one-year contract

Late June: Several teams to hold Rookie Readiness Program

Rams show importance of depth in the draft​

Cameron DaSilva February 27, 2022 8:52 am PT​

Everyone talks about the star-studded roster that the Los Angeles Rams assembled en route to their Super Bowl title, but that team was much more than a collection of big names. In the Super Bowl alone, they got contributions out of Brycen Hopkins, Nick Scott, Darious Williams, A’Shawn Robinson, Greg Gaines and Ernest Jones.

Of course, Matthew Stafford, Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Donald, Von Miller, Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. helped the Rams get to the big game, but throughout the season, their excellent depth was on full display.

Gaines, Scott, Hopkins, Kupp, David Edwards, Rob Havenstein, Tyler Higbee and Jordan Fuller were all drafted outside the first round, showing how much value there is in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network mentioned exactly that during his pre-draft conference call, pointing out how the Rams are an example of the importance of depth in a draft class.

So I think a lot of people have kind of looked at the top of this draft and have their thoughts about whether or not it stacks up with previous years, but I would just say kind of as I’m going through this process and watching all these guys and then paying attention through the postseason and seeing the Rams win the Super Bowl, I think the discussion about the Rams being a superstar team is obviously very valid, but I think if you look at that team and who some of their key players are and the home run picks they’ve had outside the first round to help really build the nucleus of that team, it shows you the importance of depth in a draft,” Jeremiah said. “I think this is a really good depth draft, especially when you get into the second, third, fourth round. There’s a lot of quality there, a lot of starters.”

The Rams will once again need to find value in the later rounds of the draft, being without a first- or second-round pick this year. They do have a third-round compensatory pick, but even that selection won’t come in the top 100. Los Angeles has had success in Rounds 3-7 before, and that will need to be the case again in 2022.