20 Random Imperfect Domination Thoughts

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AvengerRam

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1. That was a big, important win.

2. And, despite only winning by 8 points in the end, it was a domination. The Rams outgained Washington by 148 yards, had nearly a 12 minute advantage in time of possession, and never trailed.

3. That said, its was a sloppy performance with too many mistakes.

4. Two fumbles by Kyren Williams is concerning. Despite 152 rushing yards, its going to keep him from winning my weekly MVP award. I'm inclined to think his drops were an anomaly, and I'm glad they didn't change the outcome. Can't happen again.

5. Derion Kendrick also made way too many key errors in coverage, including allowing big completions and a PI in the end zone. Again, harmless in the end, but concerning.

6. And, clearly, we still have a placekicking problem. Looking on Sean McVay's face after Lucas Havrisik missed a 43 yard FG, I'm thinking we're going to see some activity at the position (has the Mason Crosby bridge been burned?).

7. On the positive side, Matthew Stafford was again extremely effective. He now has 13 TDs and 2 INTs since returning from his thumb injury.

8. Cooper Kupp gets my offensive MVP this week. 8 receptions on 8 targets, 111 yards, and 62 yard TD (not to mention a nice swat on onside kick coverage).

9. Love the contribution from Demarcus Robinson. 2 catches for 44 yards and a TD, and a 23 yard run. He really fits our scheme well.

10. You have to give the OL a lot of credit. 445 yards, including 196 on the ground, does not happen without good OL play.

11. Joe Noteboom, apart from giving up a sack in the 4th Quarter, held up pretty well. He'll never be the player we hoped he'd be when the Rams gave him a contract with the expectation that he'd take over the LT spot after Andrew Whitworth retired, but he's a valuable "6th man" on the OL right now (we'll need to talk about that contract at the end of the year, Joe).

12. My defensive MVP this week, once again, is Ernest Jones. 7 tackles, 2 TFL, a sack (and several pressures), and a pass defended. He's a difference maker.

13. So we're in a playoff spot, holding the No. 8 spot, a tiebreaker ahead of...

14. Our next opponent, the Saints!

15. After all those games (including this week) against teams coming off their bye, we now get a bit of a scheduling advantage as the home team on a short week.

16. So, does this performance leave me feeling encouraged, concerned, worried, hopeful...

17. Yes. All of the above.

18. At the end of the season, there will be time to look back with pride (and rising expectations for the future) after our team that, having been written off by many, stayed relevant into December (and beyond?).

19. Right now, though... screw that!!!! I want the playoffs, I want to make a run!!! I want it all!!!

20. This has become an enjoyable season. Imperfect, yes... but very enjoyable.
 

12intheBox

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CB is the second hardest position to play. Kendrick has had his warts this year - but there are 31 teams who would love it if we dropped him and who would all make a play for him.
 

ArkyRamsFan

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Nice work, Avenger. But I have to wonder why we don't give Robbie Gould a call. Last I saw he was still available and is the best "money" kicker in the history of the NFL (has never missed any kick in a playoff game) I think Mason Crosby would be decent and all but I'd be very interested in seeing what Mr. Gould has left in the tank.

Make the call, Les!!!

~ArkyRamsFan~
 

AvengerRam

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CB is the second hardest position to play. Kendrick has had his warts this year - but there are 31 teams who would love it if we dropped him and who would all make a play for him.
I'm not sure why pointing out that he got beat twice on big plays and had a PI in the end zone elicits that response. I have not asserted that we should drop him. That said, I don't think he's qualified to be left out on an island against a top WR like Terry McLaurin.
 

AvengerRam

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Nice work, Avenger. But I have to wonder why we don't give Robbie Gould a call. Last I saw he was still available and is the best "money" kicker in the history of the NFL (has never missed any kick in a playoff game) I think Mason Crosby would be decent and all but I'd be very interested in seeing what Mr. Gould has left in the tank.

Make the call, Les!!!

~ArkyRamsFan~
Gould announced his retirement a couple of weeks ago. Of course, we talked Eric Weddle out of retirement, so...
 

12intheBox

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I'm not sure why pointing out that he got beat twice on big plays and had a PI in the end zone elicits that response. I have not asserted that we should drop him. That said, I don't think he's qualified to be left out on an island against a top WR like Terry McLaurin.
I was adding to the discussion not directly challenging you.

It’s an open thread, right?
 

AvengerRam

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20RT footnote 2...

I didn't mention Puka Nacua's drop in the 4th quarter. Again, harmless error in the end, but that is something I don't want to see again.
 

AvengerRam

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I was adding to the discussion not directly challenging you.

It’s an open thread, right?
Of course it is, but when you respond to a post by expressing opposition to something that nobody said, that's called a "strawman argument," and it tends to derail, rather than add to, the discussion.

If we're having a discussion, though... are you concerned about Kendrick's "warts," as you described them?
 

HE WITH HORNS

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Kyren gets a pass for his fumbles today.

The kicker, however, does not. He's had like one decent game so far, and the rest have been poor. Time to move on.
 

12intheBox

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Of course it is, but when you respond to a post by expressing opposition to something that nobody said, that's called a "strawman argument," and it tends to derail, rather than add to, the discussion.

If we're having a discussion, though... are you concerned about Kendrick's "warts," as you described them
expressing opposition?

I don’t think I quoted anyone. If this is your personal thread then I can move on - I didn’t think every reply had to be in “opposition” to anything - I thought I could just say whatever I wanted.

And yeah - of course I want to clear up the warts - as I do for every player on the team. But I also think there is a good reason he is starting for us - I don’t think a better answer is on our bench or on the waiver wire. (And no, I’m not saying you said that) - again - just stating an unsolicited opinion.
 

rdlkgliders

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15. After all those games (including this week) against teams coming off their bye, we now get a bit of a scheduling advantage as the home team on a short week.
Don't let the NFL read this
 

AvengerRam

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expressing opposition?

I don’t think I quoted anyone. If this is your personal thread then I can move on - I didn’t think every reply had to be in “opposition” to anything - I thought I could just say whatever I wanted.

And yeah - of course I want to clear up the warts - as I do for every player on the team. But I also think there is a good reason he is starting for us - I don’t think a better answer is on our bench or on the waiver wire. (And no, I’m not saying you said that) - again - just stating an unsolicited opinion.
I trust that he's playing because the coaches see him as the best option, and I'm not one to presume I know better. His warts, though, have me thinking that CB is going to be among our "areas to upgrade" this offseason.
 

tempests

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I will add this could be the Rams most notable late season rally since 1979. They were 3-6 at one point; I do not think any other Ram team fell three games below .500, and recovered to make the playoffs. That would be a franchise first.
 

thirteen28

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20RT footnote 2...

I didn't mention Puka Nacua's drop in the 4th quarter. Again, harmless error in the end, but that is something I don't want to see again.

Yeah, he's done that twice in the last two weeks, looking to turn upfield for a big play. Hopefully he learns from it.
 

CGI_Ram

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I will add this could be the Rams most notable late season rally since 1979. They were 3-6 at one point; I do not think any other Ram team fell three games below .500, and recovered to make the playoffs. That would be a franchise first.
We’ve won 4 of the last 5. It feels sweet! :thumbsup1:
 

snackdaddy

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I'm hearing some talk about the proverbial "no one wants to see them in the playoffs". Seems like the Rams are becoming one those teams. I don't know about the top 3 teams but I feel like we're better than almost 3/4 of the NFC teams. Which is a far cry from what most thought before the season. And a far cry from the 3-6 team that looked like drafting in the top 10 was likely. f we want to avoid going the SF, Philly or Dallas in the first round we need to secure that number 6 seed. Detroit would be tough but I think we could match up with them better. If anyone knows Jared Goff its Sean McVay.
 

Zodi

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I think we all need to take a minute and appreciate what Carson Wentz has brought to this team.