20 Random Don't Care How, I Want a Win Now Thoughts

[AvengerRam]

1. The Rams are a dynamic passing team that can overwhelm defenses and score quickly to win games.

2. And sometimes, they're not.

3. That's okay, though. Great teams find many ways to win.

4. Matthew Stafford had a bad day today. This wasn't his only bad day as a Ram, but this time, it was different.

5. The defense did enough to keep Stafford's errors from completely turning the game around.

6. The running game - mostly Sony Michel - provided an alternate way for the offense to succeed.

7. And the special teams unit, which finally has a true return specialist in addition to a Pro Bowl placekicker, won the day for us in the end.

8. Michel has been a godsend this year. And his style of running really fits the scheme that Sean McVay wishes to run.

9. With Darrell Henderson going down (not sure the severity at this moment), the possibility of Cam Akers providing a significant contribution in January increases.

10. Speaking of January... welcome back to the playoffs (and, quite possibly, and NFC West title).

11. The injuries have been brutal this year. Hoping that Ernest Jones and Brian Allen are okay.

12. But the "next man up" mentality has really taken hold. Getting four straight wins with injuries and COVID absences is pretty remarkable.

13. Aaron Donald continues to amaze. His 12 sack of the year was such a smart, veteran play. He was stymied at the line by a double-team, so he switched on the fly to a "contain" role. The second Cousins broke the pocket, he pounced and made the play like a linebacker or safety. Its almost not fair to opposing blockers.

14. Greg Gaines officially has my vote for "most improved player." He has not only made us forget SJD... he's made us forget Michael Brockers.

15. Cooper Kupp with 100 yards receiving. Ho-hum.

16. OBJ's is such an asset in the Red Zone.

17. The Rams stand at #2 in the NFC at this moment. It is unlikely that we catch the Packers, so my question is... how much difference between #2, #3 and #4 is there? It could be more of a match-up issue (i.e. I'd rather be #4 and play Arizona right now than #3 and play the 49ers).

18. The Rams could use some work on defending screen passes.

19. Will this be the last week that COVID impacts the Rams significantly? At some point, you'd think the virus will have run through the team.

20. I said earlier this year that I'd try to stop and take a moment here and there to enjoy the season. Things are getting tense, but I'm still trying to do just that. It has been an enjoyable season thus far.

 

[Angry Ram]

There's only 2 more games left in the regular season. Thankfully the Rams are gonna continue in January but you never know what happens there.

So yeah hope everyone doesn't take this for granted.

 

[Kupped]

11 wins!!!!

First place!!!
These are very, very good things.

And, I think this team is still getting better, week by week.

 

[bomebadeeda]

14. ""Greg Gaines officially has my vote for "most improved player." He has not only made us forget SJD... he's made us forget Michael Brockers."

Our "weak moment" on defense coincided with Gaines being out with a hand injury. Later he was back in and lo and behold, back to business as usual. Gaines has certainly been a difference maker this year.

 

[London59]

An unsung hero was Howard who entering the season was a third string linebacker. He stepped in and made several nice plays after Jones went down. Great job by him being prepared and the coaches for having him ready.

 

[Merlin]

4. Matthew Stafford had a bad day today. This wasn't his only bad day as a Ram, but this time, it was different.

In the first half he had two mistakes. Well three counting the fumble on 4th down but he got a good bounce and recovered it.

The throw to Jefferson was early and induced by pressure when the defender split the double team. He was outside the pocket, throw it away if you know you can't get an accurate throw off.

Then before halftime he didn't see Barr. Again pressure from the guy beating Shelton this time. Take the sack there or throw it out of bounds he's got the arm to do that. Also I will point out that the very play prior Michel dropped what would have been a first down completion on a quick sidearmer.

But anyway. He just needs to ratchet back the aggression. Trying to force the ball is unnecessary so definitely once he had the first INT he should have been more careful. What irks me about his performance in this game is that going in he knew he wasn't gonna have his starting OL. So calm the fuck down you know? Expect that shit. But if he learns from this stuff and it prevents us from an early playoff exit it's experience well spent IMO.

Oh and btw if Odell goes after that throw in the endzone instead of sitting back and trying to one-hand it that's another play that would have changed the look of that first half. So it wasn't all 9 making the mistakes.

 

[LouisvilleRam]

14. Brian Allen deserves honorable mention for most improved player.While he still has some flaws he's come a long way from what we saw 2 seasons ago.

 

[madrid311]

It was good to see Stafford get back to some better throws and better decisions. Like to think they now know how to survive his brain farts when it's got the gas going on.

 

[Merlin]

14. Brian Allen deserves honorable mention for most improved player.While he still has some flaws he's come a long way from what we saw 2 seasons ago.

Hope he's ok because he's better in pass pro than Shelton. Though I will give it to Shelton in the run game.

Love this line too btw when they run the power/duo. It suits them 100% better than zone IMO.

 

[Flatlyner]

Really hoping Jones is not serious. That guy was an absolute find in the draft and he's likely to man the middle for many years to come.

 

[RAMBUSH]

11 wins!!!!

First place!!!
These are very, very good things.

And, I think this team is still getting better, week by week.

I agree 100% . Also , covid and injuries suck, but getting some snaps from other players and the shuffling of the o-line may pay dividends in the long run... GO RAMS.

 

[HE WITH HORNS]

7. And the special teams unit, which finally has a true return specialist

Let's Go Brandon?

 

[Oregonram]

Let’s Go Brandon!

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

How much is it Gaines has improved, and how much is it that Gaines just needed playing time to get in his groove. Gaines was very good in college. I think he just needed to get some real playing time. Too bad it didn’t happen sooner. He’s better than SJD.

Stafford reminds me of early Bradford with forcing throws. Sam had to learn to throw the ball away and did. I’m surprised Stafford doesn’t have that mastered by now, especially backed up like he was on those plays. Maybe it’s a symptom of playing from behind most of his career.

AJ Jackson did great for a rookie third string player.

 

[Kupped]

How much is it Gaines has improved, and how much is it that Gaines just needed playing time to get in his groove. Gaines was very good in college. I think he just needed to get some real playing time. Too bad it didn’t happen sooner. He’s better than SJD.

Stafford reminds me of early Bradford with forcing throws. Sam had to learn to throw the ball away and did. I’m surprised Stafford doesn’t have that mastered by now, especially backed up like he was on those plays. Maybe it’s a symptom of playing from behind most of his career.

AJ Jackson did great for a rookie third string player.

Gaines is better penetrating than SJD.. I think SJD is better against the run.

The best part? They cost the Rams a 4th and a 6th. What an amazing couple of picks.

 

[A.J. Hicks]

21. Very often dragged player Reader made a lot of nice plays today.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Gaines is better penetrating than SJD.. I think SJD is better against the run.

The best part? They cost the Rams a 4th and a 6th. What an amazing couple of picks.

I think Gaines is every bit the run stuffer that SJD is

 

[VeteranRamFan]

21. Very often dragged player Reader made a lot of nice plays today.

He actually had a pass break up!

That was the rub on him in the past, no pass coverage.

I was surprised and pleased with his overall performance.

 

[Steve808]

Reeder actually might have played his best game of the season today.

 

[PressureD41]

14. ""Greg Gaines officially has my vote for "most improved player." He has not only made us forget SJD... he's made us forget Michael Brockers."

Our "weak moment" on defense coincided with Gaines being out with a hand injury. Later he was back in and lo and behold, back to business as usual. Gaines has certainly been a difference maker this year.

Gaines needs a raise, and we need to restructure Robinson's contract.