20 Random Wince Wince WIN! Thoughts

[AvengerRam]

IT'S A SWEEP!!!!!!

1. A common sports fan mantra is that there is no such thing as winning ugly when your team does the winning.

2. Today's game tested that theory.

3. But, WHO CARES... WE WON!!!!!

4. Let's start with Matthew Stafford. He did not have a good game. He missed some huge opportunities, including a chance at an 80+ yard TD to Darrell Henderson. He also was a big part of one of the most poorly executed flea flickers I've seen in a long time - a play that resulted in an INT and Stafford losing a layer of skin on his left arm. But, as Matthew Stafford has done more than any active QB, he made enough plays to lead a 4th Quarter comeback for the win. He's still that guy.

5. Sean McVay had another tough day. I didn't love his play-calling on the Rams' first Red Zone opportunity, and he nearly blew the game by failing to run the ball on the final drive, thereby delaying the Seahawks' use of their final time out and giving them an extra 45 seconds to work with on their last drive. Had the Seahawks made the winning FG, McVay's gaffe would have been monumental. Instead, he'll probably acknowledge the mistake, and it will quickly be forgotten. Hopefully, he'll learn.

6. Man... we really have the Seahawks' number, don't we?

7. 21 total penalties for 222 yards!!!! And, to be honest, I don't think there were any particularly bad calls. Maybe a bit ticky-tack on a couple (PI on Cooper Kupp, for example), but there were a lot of legit infractions on both sides.

8. Derion, Derion, Derion... 3 tackles, 3 passes defended, 1 big INT... and two really stupid penalties. Sigh.

9. My offensive MVP is Royce Freeman. His 73 yards on 17 carries really allowed the Rams to keep enough balance to move the ball when they needed to.

10. Puka Nacua had another nice game.

11. Kills me to see Kupp go down again.

12. My defensive MVP... welcome back, Ernest Jones (12 tackles, .5 sacks, 2 QB hits).

13. Aaron Donald had 3 QB hits, including the one that sidelined Geno Smith and allowed the Rams to make their comeback.

14. Over the bye, I noted that the Rams had really done poorly in the 4th Quarter this year. Its great when the team pays attention, takes heed of my advice, and makes the necessary adjustments!

15. Or, maybe its just a Seattle thing? We have outscored them 23-0 in two 4th Quarters this year!

16. The November losing streak ends!

17. Looking forward to getting Kyren Williams back next week.

18. The Rams will have to play much better than they did today if they want to string some wins together.

19. I like our chances at Arizona next week.

20. We're still in the hunt. Barely, perhaps, but still.

 

[XXXIVwin]

A few random thoughts to add...

Ernest Jones came up huge today. His hair certainly did.

I'm contemplating starting a "Derion Kendrick appreciation thread"... just to see if it gets any replies.

DK had several real nice plays today. Nice batted ball, tight coverage at times, and the crucial INT.

But wow were his 2 penalties stupid and unnecessary. Yeah they were both borderline and the refs called it tight. But come on man, when are you gonna learn there aren't special rules that apply only to you?!?!

That was one of the "ugliest wins" I've seen in a long time. To make up for the "pretty losses" to Eagles and Niners, I guess.

McVay again with some real questionable time management. Going empty set and throwing incomplete on 2nd and goal, without forcing the Hawks to use their final timeout?? That mistake could have easily cost the game.

Freeman is a monster and it's a damn shame he doesn't get more carries.

New kicker still looking good.

Trammel now a keeper.

Game could have been different if Lock hadn't looked as bad as Rypien. Hawks O was completely lost without Geno.

Goodbye Joe Alt and hello playoff chase.

 

[InfiniteRam]

A few random thoughts to add...

Ernest Jones came up huge today. His hair certainly did.

I'm contemplating starting a "Derion Kendrick appreciation thread"... just to see if it gets any replies.

DK had several real nice plays today. Nice batted ball, tight coverage at times, and the crucial INT.

But wow were his 2 penalties stupid and unnecessary. Yeah they were both borderline and the refs called it tight. But come on man, when are you gonna learn there aren't special rules that apply only to you?!?!

That was one of the "ugliest wins" I've seen in a long time. To make up for the "pretty losses" to Eagles and Niners, I guess.

McVay again with some real questionable time management. Going empty set and throwing incomplete on 2nd and goal, without forcing the Hawks to use their final timeout?? That mistake nearly cost the game. Hawks could have had far less time on that last drive.

Freeman is a monster and it's a damn shame he doesn't get more carries.

New kicker still looking good.

Trammel now a keeper.

Game could have been different if Lock hadn't looked as bad as Rypien. Hawks O was completely lost without Geno.

Goodbye Joe Alt and hello playoff chase.

Neither of Kendrick's penalties would have been called on any other player, particularly the UR. Pointing this out is just another way to discount him, like the majority of the board has done all season. Kendrick has had too many penalties, and been out of position a few times, but given he's a 23 year old, 2nd year corner - he's been fairly solid all year, with the exception of a few games surrounding his arrest. Witherspoon, who seems to be a favorite here, is getting beat deep like a drum regularly, but QB's are off target. Reading many of the threads here, you'd think DK was solely responsible for several losses on his own.

 

[OldSchool]

Think both of DK's penalties were shitty calls but that's just me. His best game as a Ram easily.

 

[RamFan503]

Neither of Kendrick's penalties would have been called on any other player, particularly the UR. Pointing this out is just another way to discount him, like the majority of the board has done all season. Kendrick has had too many penalties, and been out of position a few times, but given he's a 23 year old, 2nd year corner - he's been fairly solid all year, with the exception of a few games surrounding his arrest. Witherspoon, who seems to be a favorite here, is getting beat deep like a drum regularly, but QB's are off target. Reading many of the threads here, you'd think DK was solely responsible for several losses on his own.

While I agree with most of this. DK needs to not embarrass himself with stupid shit after a play and unnecessary penalties. Outside of those, he has been balling well beyond his draft status.

 

[InfiniteRam]

While I agree with most of this. DK needs to not embarrass himself with stupid shit after a play and unnecessary penalties. Outside of those, he has been balling well beyond his draft status.

Definitely not condoning his immaturity, but hoping he can channel that "energy" into making him MORE of a fierce competitor, and less of a knucklehead. But no one can doubt his competitive spirit and DB's need to have that short memory.

 

[AvengerRam]

He body slammed Lockett after the whistle (Devon Witherspoon was flagged for the same thing later in the game) and then penalized for taunting the Seahawks bench after his INT. Dumb penalties. Not sure why anyone would defend that crap.

He also made some great plays.

Two things can be true at the same time.

 

[Loyal]

View attachment 62358
IT'S A SWEEP!!!!!!

1. A common sports fan mantra is that there is no such thing as winning ugly when your team does the winning.

2. Today's game tested that theory.

3. But, WHO CARES... WE WON!!!!!

4. Let's start with Matthew Stafford. He did not have a good game. He missed some huge opportunities, including a chance at an 80+ yard TD to Darrell Henderson. He also was a big part of one of the most poorly executed flea flickers I've seen in a long time - a play that resulted in an INT and Stafford losing a layer of skin on his left arm. But, as Matthew Stafford has done more than any active QB, he made enough plays to lead a 4th Quarter comeback for the win. He's still that guy.

5. Sean McVay had another tough day. I didn't love his play-calling on the Rams' first Red Zone opportunity, and he nearly blew the game by failing to run the ball on the final drive, thereby delaying the Seahawks' use of their final time out and giving them an extra 45 seconds to work with on their last drive. Had the Seahawks made the winning FG, McVay's gaffe would have been monumental. Instead, he'll probably acknowledge the mistake, and it will quickly be forgotten. Hopefully, he'll learn.

6. Man... we really have the Seahawks' number, don't we?

7. 21 total penalties for 222 yards!!!! And, to be honest, I don't think there were any particularly bad calls. Maybe a bit ticky-tack on a couple (PI on Cooper Kupp, for example), but there were a lot of legit infractions on both sides.

8. Derion, Derion, Derion... 3 tackles, 3 passes defended, 1 big INT... and two really stupid penalties. Sigh.

9. My offensive MVP is Royce Freeman. His 73 yards on 17 carries really allowed the Rams to keep enough balance to move the ball when they needed to.

10. Puka Nacua had another nice game.

11. Kills me to see Kupp go down again.

12. My defensive MVP... welcome back, Ernest Jones (12 tackles, .5 sacks, 2 QB hits).

13. Aaron Donald had 3 QB hits, including the one that sidelined Geno Smith and allowed the Rams to make their comeback.

14. Over the bye, I noted that the Rams had really done poorly in the 4th Quarter this year. Its great when the team pays attention, takes heed of my advice, and makes the necessary adjustments!

15. Or, maybe its just a Seattle thing? We have outscored them 23-0 in two 4th Quarters this year!

16. The November losing streak ends!

17. Looking forward to getting Kyren Williams back next week.

18. The Rams will have to play much better than they did today if they want to string some wins together.

19. I like our chances at Arizona next week.

20. We're still in the hunt. Barely, perhaps, but still.

Next top 20 list.... Why the Rams will win out! ~ @AvengerRam

 

[XXXIVwin]

Neither of Kendrick's penalties would have been called on any other player, particularly the UR.

I call bullshit on that. The refs called 21 penalties for over 220 yards today. They were calling a LOT, and calling it tight. Refs would have called those penalties today against any other player-- as @AvengerRam pointed out, they called Devon Witherspoon for the same penalty against Trammel. And as for the taunting on the sidelines after the INT, the NFL has made taunting a "point of emphasis" this year.

I have defended DK way more than most around here. I think he's a talented player and a tough competitor who is very inconsistent. I just wish he could cut down on the stupid unnecessary self-inflicted penalties. His two penalties today were just stupid and undisciplined.

DK had some good games early in the season that went largely unnoticed. Today was his best in terms of "splash" plays.

And yea, I think today was Witherspoon's worst game as a Ram.

 

[TexasRam]

The Rams offense is much better with PA and when the pocket gets moved. I noticed when we started doing this things went better.

Mcvay is still in a Funk with the scheme. He needs to break out of the shotgun deep route offense.

The short passes need to return. So do the older staple misdirection plays.

Stafford has been so bad lately. Part of it is maybe not being comfortable with the LT situation and/or the thumb. But man its rough to watch. Missing wide open guys constantly is tanking the offense.

He does have that Gamer mentality though, so in this one was able to muster enough towards the end.

Kendrick had some great plays in this game. Overall his best game. The Penalties this deep in the season by the same guy that leads the league, is on the coaches. WTF man. Either that or he is near retarded and just doesn't listen. He is best suited as a backup. He can make some plays then give up huge ones at any given time. Better then Durant though.

The draft talk pauses for a week. We aren't going anywhere unless the offense has a come to Jesus and is born again though. This offense is Putrid and the D is average unless we knock the Starter out. If our offense does have a divine transformation, then we can definitely take that 7 seed due to Seattle's tough schedule. Minnesota is vulnerable with their loss tonight as well, though their schedule isn't to hard if Dobbs can continue his strong play when Jefferson comes back.

Morris did a nice job in this game bringing some more pressure from what I could tell. But I'll have to rewatch the game to see for sure.

Kobie Turner is really turning in a strong season. He is a difference making starter in this league with his ability to get off blocks and shut down a run game.

 

[thirteen28]

Ernest Jones came up huge today. His hair certainly did.

To rip off and paraphrase from the movie "Fletch", "Jones is 6'5", 6'9" with the afro ..."

 

[fanotodd]

While I agree with most of this. DK needs to not embarrass himself with stupid shit after a play and unnecessary penalties. Outside of those, he has been balling well beyond his draft status.

It’s not just Kendrick, the Rams, or the game yesterday. I’ve noticed the uptick in penalties called AFTER the play this season in general. The league started emphasizing this a couple seasons ago but it is still prevalent. What is it these guys aren’t getting?

Kendrick’s INT went from almost a gimmee (2 first downs?) to score to basically a long punt had the Rams forced one. 15 yards for no reason other than stupidity is a lot of real estate. Ramsey was good for several of these as a Ram.

Kendrick is fighting out there and outside of a 2-3 game rough stretch, doing damn good job. The PIs have hurt enough, but that comes with the territory. He'll learn better technique (hopefully). Not cleaning up that crap that got him penalized twice yesterday could eventually cost him his job.

 

[Tumak61]

Looks like Stafford should retire after this season. His 70 or so rating reflects erratic accuracy resulting is points not scored. Those misses to Henderson and Atwell could all have been TD's. No idea why the Offense functions better without Kupp now.

 

[JakeRamUk]

Looks like Stafford should retire after this season. His 70 or so rating reflects erratic accuracy resulting is points not scored. Those misses to Henderson and Atwell could all have been TD's. No idea why the Offense functions better without Kupp now.

Was it not a case of him not being 100% with the thumb? A Stafford at 50% being several times better than rypien and wentz who got picked up off the street. I know the Henderson throw was a bad miss - but we know Stafford can make throws like that in his sleep normally.

 

[PARAM]

15. Or, maybe its just a Seattle thing? We have outscored them 23-0 in two 4th Quarters this year!

In two second halves of football vs the Rams this season, the Seahawks amassed 99 yards of offense, scored 3 points and converted 1 of 12 third downs. Conversely, the Rams offense has 430 yards, 33 points and converted 9 of 15 third downs. When the announcers were talking about Seattle's poor third down conversion rate early in the game they said, "but they seemed to have found something here....they're 3 of 3", I said, "well all that means is they've got a 1 for 10 coming". I was wrong. They had a 2 for 12 finish.

The biggest reason the game was ugly was:

5. Sean McVay had another tough day. I didn't love his play-calling on the Rams' first Red Zone opportunity, and he nearly blew the game by failing to run the ball on the final drive, thereby delaying the Seahawks' use of their final time out and giving them an extra 45 seconds to work with on their last drive. Had the Seahawks made the winning FG, McVay's gaffe would have been monumental. Instead, he'll probably acknowledge the mistake, and it will quickly be forgotten. Hopefully, he'll learn.

You really think he'll learn? It's not the first time but many, he's abandoned the run when he should ignore his desire to pass the ball. He got away with it and he hasn't learned even when he doesn't get away with it. What made it even more blatant was we came out in empty without even the possibility of a run. Made Seattle's defensive call that much easier.

 

[OnceARam]

Great thread guys. Only got to watch the highlights, so much appreciated.

That said, how much did we pay their kicker?

 

[Ramstien]

The title of this thread could have been Rams win in spite of McVay.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Most of the #5 comment below is from my mentor @Avenger Ram ...

5. Sean McVay had another tough day. I didn't love his play-calling on the Rams' first Red Zone opportunity, and he nearly blew the game by failing to run the ball on the final drive, thereby delaying the Seahawks' use of their final time out and giving them an extra 45 seconds to work with on their last drive. Had the Seahawks made the winning FG, McVay's gaffe would have been monumental. Instead, he'll probably acknowledge the mistake, and it will quickly be forgotten. Hopefully, he'll learn.

...

For me, it comes down to real-time thought process.

On the first Red-Zone opportunity, the Rams ran the ball on 1st, 2nd and 3rd down. To all the posters who have screamed this year for the Rams to 'just run-the-ball' and 'McVay gives-up on the run too fast',
I thought sarcastically at the time ... "Well ... there you go".

On the final Rams' drive I was a little torn watching it; and before the plays were called and executed,
I was thinking ... "Please don't play it safe. Go for the TD." Which by-the-way, is something McVay has commented on and stressed throughout his tenure ... to stay aggressive and go for the win.

Been a ton of posts this year about the Rams' defense giving-up drives and points right before halftime, with little time on the clock. Had the Rams gone conservative, run three times and not scored, relied upon a very inexperienced Kicker and taken a one-point-lead with one minute to play against a PK that had already hit two 50-plus-yard-FGs ... I would not have been confident.

In hindsight ... Yes ... some of the play calls and decisions did not work.
However, in real time ... at the moment, I was more than OK with most of the decisions.

 

[Loyal]

In two second halves of football vs the Rams this season, the Seahawks amassed 99 yards of offense, scored 3 points and converted 1 of 12 third downs. Conversely, the Rams offense has 430 yards, 33 points and converted 9 of 15 third downs. When the announcers were talking about Seattle's poor third down conversion rate early in the game they said, "but they seemed to have found something here....they're 3 of 3", I said, "well all that means is they've got a 1 for 10 coming". I was wrong. They had a 2 for 12 finish.

The biggest reason the game was ugly was:

5. Sean McVay had another tough day. I didn't love his play-calling on the Rams' first Red Zone opportunity, and he nearly blew the game by failing to run the ball on the final drive, thereby delaying the Seahawks' use of their final time out and giving them an extra 45 seconds to work with on their last drive. Had the Seahawks made the winning FG, McVay's gaffe would have been monumental. Instead, he'll probably acknowledge the mistake, and it will quickly be forgotten. Hopefully, he'll learn.

You really think he'll learn? It's not the first time but many, he's abandoned the run when he should ignore his desire to pass the ball. He got away with it and he hasn't learned even when he doesn't get away with it. What made it even more blatant was we came out in empty without even the possibility of a run. Made Seattle's defensive call that much easier.

"Why doesn't McVay learn," might be the wrong question to ask. He is a strange mix of aggressiveness and conservatism. He needs to get a decent to big lead early through creative passing TD's and then almost always goes conservative in the second half. So much so that multiple 3 and outs are common and he doesn't care. You will never see McVay trying to run up the score on anybody, oddsmakers be damned.
If he's behind in the second half, he becomes very impatient with the run. He was wrong not running the ball in that last drive, but I think he was trying to end the chance of what eventually (almost) happened, which was losing b y a last second FG. He trusts the passing game more than the run game and I think he can't help himself. It's who he is.

 

[AvengerRam]

The title of this thread could have been Rams win in spite of McVay.

Gotta get the 20 Random Thoughts part in there!