20 Random, Mostly Silver Lining, Thoughts

[AvengerRam]

1. There is no such thing as a good loss.

2. There are, however, degrees of bad, and this loss was not as bad as others.

3. I'm torn about the final drive. The PI call was bad, and should not have been made. The failure to stop the Bills on 3rd and 22 (and giving up 16 on the subsequent 3rd and 25) was worse, and should not have happened.

4. I think the failings on that final drive can be attributed, in part to the lack of a preseason. Our DB corps never played together before this year. While that might not be a big factor in man coverage, when you play zone (as the Rams seem to be doing on those 3rd downs) DBs need to be in synch. They clearly were not.

5. The pass rush was nonexistent for 3+ quarters on Sunday before coming alive, to an extent, in the fourth quarter. Hopefully Terrell Lewis will provide a boost there when he returns, and I agree with those who have asserted that Samson Ebukam may need to cede snaps to someone (Obo, Polite, Fox?)

6. There was a lot of good that came out of Sunday, though...

7. The running game continues to produce, and Darrell Henderson is suddenly looking like the guy we hoped we were getting when he was drafted. You have to love his big play potential. He'll pop a 50+ yarder before this season is done.

8. Jared Goff is having a very strong year. Funny how a successful running game and better OL play does that for a QB. Its almost like its a team sport or something.

9. From the "Did we let the right guys leave" file, Dante Fowler has 1 sack and has been battling injuries, Cory Littleton has only 15 tackles (no sacks or INTs) in 3 games, Todd Gurley has fewer yards than Henderson alone and a much lower YPC (5.7 to 4.0), and Greg Zuerlein missed two extra points this week. Just sayin'

10. When we were down 28-3, I started thinking about last year's Ravens and Cowboys debacles. Coming back from that deficit (even if it didn't produce a win) tells me that this team is different.

11. The next two weeks bring opponents (Giants, Redskins) who the Rams should be able to handle. I'm hoping for some nice leads that might provide opportunities to try out some blitz packages and maybe a few offensive twists.

12. The Seahawks are 3-0, but I can't imagine they're too happy about their defense, which has given up almost 500 yards/game, 430 through the air. If Jamal Adams (groin) is sidelined, that's not going to help.

13. The 49ers had an easy time with the Giants, but they are vulnerable with all their injuries.

14. The media really needs to pump the breaks on Kyler Murray. Yes, he's an exciting runner and makes some impressive throws at times, but he also has a passer rating of 79.7 and has thrown 5 INTs in 3 games. As I said last week, the jury's still out on the Cardinals.

15. Aaron Donald is so freakin' good.

16. Sam Sloman still has not had a real test.

17. Leonard Floyd is not an elite pass rusher, but his overall skill set makes him a valuable asset to the defense.

18. The blue uniforms...they're okay... kinda color rushy... but, come on... who wouldn't prefer the old throwbacks? (I did order a Ramsey jersey t-shirt, though).

19. Not Rams related, but necessary for someone, such as myself, who remembers the Miami Arena, Rony Seikaly and Sherman Douglas, it must be said... LET'S GO HEAT!!!! (Sorry, Lakers fans.)

20. I'm enjoying the season thus far... maybe more so than in previous years because, if you had asked me 2-3 months ago, I would have said I wasn't sure we'd see football at all this year.

 

[nighttrain]

The one huge thing this team had to have learned from Sunday's loss, that this Ram's squad can overcome any lead opponent team puts on scoreboard
train

 

[bubbaramfan]

giving up 3rd and longs goes back several season.

 

[nighttrain]

giving up 3rd and longs goes back several season.

ha, all the way back to the very first prevent defense
train

 

[FaulkSF]

9. A friend asked me about Littleton when he joined the Raiders how he played for the Rams. I told him excellent in coverage, but a liability to diagnose runs and plug the correct gap.

He texted me Sunday and said yup. Guessing he was disappointed in that revelation.

 

[AvengerRam]

giving up 3rd and longs goes back several season.

Given the fact that we have several new DBs and a new DC, not sure the past is all that instructive on this issue.

 

[badnews]

I have a theory about our pass rush.
We don't blitz AND the ends are instructed to contain on their way to the QB.

Well, that sounds like a D built and coached to play the QBs in our division, at least Wilson and baby Kyler, as well as Shanahandjob's run game.

 

[HX76]

Couple of things Avenger son. What’s the SP on Cooks for the Texans and what do you mean by Sloman not being tested?

 

[Psycho_X]

Couple of things Avenger son. What’s the SP on Cooks for the Texans and what do you mean by Sloman not being tested?

As far as Brandin Cook, he is on pace for 736 yards and 0 touchdowns for the season soooo yeah lol.

Also, ouch...

Raiders LB Cory Littleton struggles again, named worst-graded defender through three games

One of the biggest moves the Raiders made this offseason was finally investing in their linebacker corps. For years, the position has been their Achilles’ heel as they could never find compet…

raiderswire.usatoday.com

Through three games, Littleton is the team’s lowest-graded player (29.8), according to Pro Football Focus. He ranks 73rd out of 76 qualifying linebackers in his overall grade, and has been among the league’s worst defenders in coverage. The ironic thing is that Littleton was dominant in coverage during his time with the Rams and that is why he signed such a big contract with Las Vegas.

 

[LouisvilleRam]

1. There is no such thing as a good loss.

2. There are, however, degrees of bad, and this loss was not as bad as others.

3. I'm torn about the final drive. The PI call was bad, and should not have been made. The failure to stop the Bills on 3rd and 22 (and giving up 16 on the subsequent 3rd and 25) was worse, and should not have happened.

4. I think the failings on that final drive can be attributed, in part to the lack of a preseason. Our DB corps never played together before this year. While that might not be a big factor in man coverage, when you play zone (as the Rams seem to be doing on those 3rd downs) DBs need to be in synch. They clearly were not.

5. The pass rush was nonexistent for 3+ quarters on Sunday before coming alive, to an extent, in the fourth quarter. Hopefully Terrell Lewis will provide a boost there when he returns, and I agree with those who have asserted that Samson Ebukam may need to cede snaps to someone (Obo, Polite, Fox?)

6. There was a lot of good that came out of Sunday, though...

7. The running game continues to produce, and Darrell Henderson is suddenly looking like the guy we hoped we were getting when he was drafted. You have to love his big play potential. He'll pop a 50+ yarder before this season is done.

8. Jared Goff is having a very strong year. Funny how a successful running game and better OL play does that for a QB. Its almost like its a team sport or something.

9. From the "Did we let the right guys leave" file, Dante Fowler has 1 sack and has been battling injuries, Cory Littleton has only 15 tackles (no sacks or INTs) in 3 games, Todd Gurley has fewer yards than Henderson alone and a much lower YPC (5.7 to 4.0), and Greg Zuerlein missed two extra points this week. Just sayin'

10. When we were down 28-3, I started thinking about last year's Ravens and Cowboys debacles. Coming back from that deficit (even if it didn't produce a win) tells me that this team is different.

11. The next two weeks bring opponents (Giants, Redskins) who the Rams should be able to handle. I'm hoping for some nice leads that might provide opportunities to try out some blitz packages and maybe a few offensive twists.

12. The Seahawks are 3-0, but I can't imagine they're too happy about their defense, which has given up almost 500 yards/game, 430 through the air. If Jamal Adams (groin) is sidelined, that's not going to help.

13. The 49ers had an easy time with the Giants, but they are vulnerable with all their injuries.

14. The media really needs to pump the breaks on Kyler Murray. Yes, he's an exciting runner and makes some impressive throws at times, but he also has a passer rating of 79.7 and has thrown 5 INTs in 3 games. As I said last week, the jury's still out on the Cardinals.

15. Aaron Donald is so freakin' good.

16. Sam Sloman still has not had a real test.

17. Leonard Floyd is not an elite pass rusher, but his overall skill set makes him a valuable asset to the defense.

18. The blue uniforms...they're okay... kinda color rushy... but, come on... who wouldn't prefer the old throwbacks? (I did order a Ramsey jersey t-shirt, though).

19. Not Rams related, but necessary for someone, such as myself, who remembers the Miami Arena, Rony Seikaly and Sherman Douglas, it must be said... LET'S GO HEAT!!!! (Sorry, Lakers fans.)

20. I'm enjoying the season thus far... maybe more so than in previous years because, if you had asked me 2-3 months ago, I would have said I wasn't sure we'd see football at all this year.

19. Billy Thompson started for the Heat back in those days. Was the main reason Louisville won the 1986 Championship. You may not remember him averaged like 11 and 7.

 

[AvengerRam]

Couple of things Avenger son. What’s the SP on Cooks for the Texans and what do you mean by Sloman not being tested?

Cooks, as noted, has been pedestrian.

Sloman has not yet had to make a kick with the game on the line.

 

[AvengerRam]

19. Billy Thompson started for the Heat back in those days. Was the main reason Louisville won the 1986 Championship. You may not remember him averaged like 11 and 7.

Oh, I remember... also Kevin Edwards, Grant Long, Bimbo Coles, Glen Rice, Keith Askins...

The franchise has come a long way!

 

[Merlin]

17. Leonard Floyd is not an elite pass rusher, but his overall skill set makes him a valuable asset to the defense.

Yeah Floyd is something. He's just a much better player than people realize. When he comes out you feel it.

There was a play in Sunday's game where Hollins was in there at LOLB in his place and the back comes out his side and instead of diverting wide to at least slow the RB (which is the type of thing Floyd does) Hollins pinned his ears back on the rush. Result was nice gainer for Buffalo. I'm with you on Floyd man.

 

[Merlin]

9. A friend asked me about Littleton when he joined the Raiders how he played for the Rams. I told him excellent in coverage, but a liability to diagnose runs and plug the correct gap.

He texted me Sunday and said yup. Guessing he was disappointed in that revelation.

And the Raiders paid him man. I mean maybe teams should check fan sites before they pay dudes in FA. People here knew who he was and so did the Rams and it's why they let him leave.

 

[oldnotdead]

I have always contended that Littleton is gone because he was too limited in how he can be used by the DC. His lack of speed has been exposed in the Raider D. He is strictly a zone coverage LB who lacks sideline to sideline speed. Wade's scheme protected him by playing him in a limited envelope. I have always contended he was overrated and his time in Vegas has validated that perspective. Kiser has validated the trust in him and has proved to be a huge upgrade over Littleton.

We saw how good the pass rush can be if Staley simply turns them loose and properly uses a SAM (Ebukam and his MIKE or safety) to contain. He needs to play a one gap front because that is the type of players he has. Brockers is poor against the run and that is something I have always said and has also been validated. He needs to get rid of Banks and Reeder and elevate Hoecht and Jonah Williams off the PS. Hoecht can play NT better than Brockers or Sebass. Williams can give them a fast OLB to play in rotation with Hollins and Floyd.

Hollins has played well in limited snaps and has looked good so far. If Terrell Lewis is healthy enough to play that would be huge.

If Staley doesn't want to make roster moves then he should play a double 3T alignment with Fox or Gaines as that second 3T and not play a NT at all. He can use his ILB to cover the A gaps. NFL players have been coached to read their pre-snap keys and assignments both before and after the snap but not to simply wait to make those reads after the snap (which Staley wants them to do). This is why the defense is always a step or two late. This is why you have safties and NCBs looking confused or late in responding to the offense. Rapps greatest asset has always been, even in college, his ability to anticipate the play quickly. Staley has stifled that ability which is an example of why I contend he pigeon holes every position to play his idiotic style of play. Read react, contain not attack is a loser scheme. Your defense will forever be a step or two behind. Why do you think receivers are so often wide open and RBs not touched until they are in the second level?

The only solution is to quit playing a passive defense and re-scheme to play aggressively. If he can't do that then he should be fired. They have the Bears and Niners before the bye. Both teams are good enough (including the Niners) to destroy Staley's passive defensive scheme. Staley could make them end up 5-3 at the bye. That means they will be looking at a wildcard berth in the playoffs and will be one and done with Staley as DC. This defense is far better than that. Staley has taken what could be a top ten defense and will drop it into the bottom 3rd of the NFL. Enough is enough they wanted an upgrade at DC and they ended up downgrading. This team has cut players who don't perform. That should be true with coaches as well. Sean needs to learn from the Kromer experience last year. He knew what was going on which is why he passed over Kromer for OC and hired O'Connell. As a result of keeping Kromer, this team missed the playoffs. He has got to learn not to make the same mistake. Staley is a friend, but the NFL is a business, and failing to perform calls for a change. If he won't do it then Snead must step in.

Staley has the next two weeks to re-tool his scheme. But IMO he won't and will point to victories over the next two snowflakes as proof his always prevent defense approach works. What this means is Goff and the offense (O'Connell) must carry this team. The defense is nothing but a speed bump when they play a good team. The offense will have to outscore everyone for the Rams to win.

I can see the Hawks sweeping the Rams if Staley doesn't change. Wilson will go up and down the field basically scoring on every drive.

 

[AvengerRam]

I find it amazing how some fans, after only three games, think that they know better than our coaching staff, start demanding wholesale changes, and then punctuate their demands by fomenting dire prognostications if their plans are not followed.

When those plans include plugging in guys who were not drafted and have played as many NFL snaps as I have...well...thanks for the chuckle.

 

[oldnotdead]

There was a play in Sunday's game where Hollins was in there at LOLB in his place and the back comes out his side and instead of diverting wide to at least slow the RB (which is the type of thing Floyd does) Hollins pinned his ears back on the rush. Result was nice gainer for Buffalo. I'm with you on Floyd man.

Hollins was the Jack so that is why he rushed. The lack of a SAM (Ebukam) behind the Jack is the schematic failure on Staley. I've been saying it for 3 weeks. Staley doesn't understand how a 3-4 hybrid is played. The JACK is the 4th man on the D-line that is why you play a SAM (Ebukam) behind him. Lets get real, the failure is schematic and OC's are exploiting it as I said they would. If Staley isn't going to play with a SAM then he needs to have the SS cover the flats, that basic defense 100. This is what I'm saying it's not the players that are failing it's the scheme that is crap. Staley has his safeties dropping 10 to 15 yds back in zone!! WTF?? That was a failure of the scheme because if you don't play a SAM you must play the SS in the flats to stop just what you described. Even Wade understood that if Ebukam wasn't on the field then he played Rapp in that role.

Staley wouldn't even make a good HS coach from what I've seen. His players are poorly coached and his scheme is simplistically easy to defeat. He plays for mistakes by the offense to stop themselves instead of playing to create those mistakes.

McVay must take a long hard look at his defense and the scheme they are playing. He would instantly see all the holes to exploit. He must force Staley to close those holes with a proper scheme or fire his ass. McVay's job is to win Super Bowls and he won't do it with his defense playing prevent the entire game.

 

[dieterbrock]

Not Rams related, but necessary for someone, such as myself, who remembers the Miami Arena, Rony Seikaly and Sherman Douglas, it must be said... LET'S GO HEAT!!!! (Sorry, Lakers fans.)

Before Sherman Douglas, there was Pearl Washington

 

[AvengerRam]

Hollins was the Jack so that is why he rushed. The lack of a SAM (Ebukam) behind the Jack is the schematic failure on Staley. I've been saying it for 3 weeks. Staley doesn't understand how a 3-4 hybrid is played. The JACK is the 4th man on the D-line that is why you play a SAM (Ebukam) behind him. Lets get real, the failure is schematic and OC's are exploiting it as I said they would. If Staley isn't going to play with a SAM then he needs to have the SS cover the flats, that basic defense 100. This is what I'm saying it's not the players that are failing it's the scheme that is crap. Staley has his safeties dropping 10 to 15 yds back in zone!! WTF?? That was a failure of the scheme because if you don't play a SAM you must play the SS in the flats to stop just what you described. Even Wade understood that if Ebukam wasn't on the field then he played Rapp in that role.

Staley wouldn't even make a good HS coach from what I've seen. His players are poorly coached and his scheme is simplistically easy to defeat. He plays for mistakes by the offense to stop themselves instead of playing to create those mistakes.

McVay must take a long hard look at his defense and the scheme they are playing. He would instantly see all the holes to exploit. He must force Staley to close those holes with a proper scheme or fire his ass. McVay's job is to win Super Bowls and he won't do it with his defense playing prevent the entire game.

I’m fairly new around here, so clue me in...

Is this whole, “I’m an expert so I can hijack threads and spew my great wisdom” thing something you do all the time? If so, I won’t take it personally.

 

[AvengerRam]

Before Sherman Douglas, there was Pearl Washington

Yeah...he was a BIG disappointment.