A few more thoughts have filtered into my head since the Raider game...

[Rams43]

In no particular order...

Yeah, Cooks is an upgrade over Watkins in this O. A big one, at that.

I think Goff is in the process of taking that next step forward. Don’t know how high his ceiling is yet, but I think it’s gonna be pretty danged high under McVay and surrounded with this OL, Gurley, and these receivers. Goodness.

Don’t look now, but Blythe looks like a starter quality backup at G. And I suspect that Boom is a starter quality backup T. Can you imagine the peace of mind that gives Kromer and McVay? And the flexibility it will give Snead in next year’s draft?

I’m just gonna say it. The O runs through Gurley. McVay should tape that sentence over the top of his playlist on gameday. Additionally, someone needs to be assigned to remind him of it if he ever forgets it.

I’m thinking that our OL is among the league’s best, but the Raiders were not the sternest of tests, so stay tuned.

If and when Higbee and/or Everett can find their way into this O it will be unstoppable. If neither can, look for TE to be a high priority via draft or FA next year.

I’m in the crowd that believes that our LB’s are a work in progress. Not that they’re insufficient, but rather that they are learning to play well together in this Wade D. I think that they will improve each week and that they will eventually be pretty danged good. But I also believe that they will be mercilessly attacked each week since they are currently the least formidable unit on our D. No disrespect intended, because the DL and secondary are elite, but still... Opponents will have little choice but to focus on our LB’s.

If our “rust free” O can pick up where they left off after 2nd half of Raider game and somehow secure a two score lead against future opponents, then our opponents will be forced to abandon their “2 second” short passing game attacking our LB’s. This will cause our DL to get those sacks and pressures plus cause our secondary to work their magic, too. It would truly be a pick your poison scenario, huh? I really think this will happen, and soon. Like against the Cards.

Why are the zebras not seeing the blatant holds against our DL players? Especially AD? C’mon...

Remember all the fear that Talib, Peters, and Suh would be chemistry disrupters of the “We, not me” culture? Anybody still concerned that Talib, Peters, or Suh might be a “bad influence” on this team? Didn’t think so, either.

Only been one game, but is there any doubt that Talib and Peters are BIG upgrades over TruJo and Kayvon Webster? I mean, Gruden had to scheme around them early on and when he fell behind, he (and Carr) were screwed.

Are Hekker and GZ worth their weight in gold, or what? Their value can scarcely be overstated. The field position advantage that Hekker consistently provides opens all sorts of options for McVay/Goff/ Wade Phillips and 15 of last night’s points came courtesy of GZ. We’ve been downright spoiled by those guys for years.

If I’m on the Cards coaching staff I’m pulling out my hair AND losing sleep while trying to prepare for the Rams. The “rustless” Rams, I might add. I read that the line moved from -10 to -12.5 after the Raider game, and that it might get to -14 soon. Mercy!

 

[RamBall]

Yeah that dink and dunk crap wont work against this D. With the speed and tackling of Littleton I could see our LB corp being better than last year, especially if we can get some pass rush out of the OLBs. When was the last time the Rams had a coaching staff that believed winning starts in the trenches, some said it, but this one shows it. If Noteboom is able to step in for Whitworth when its time for him to hang em up and Blythe or Allen can take over when Sulivan hangs em up the OL will be relatively young and still a strength. Of course Saffold needs to be resigned also.

 

[badnews]

I reject the idea that McVay "forgets" to use Gurley.
I have also seen several posts suggesting that McVay is making mistakes in his play calling at times for not sticking with Gurley as much as some of us fans would like.

I dont agree at all.
1st of all, if McVay can win without over exposing our most important weapon, why wouldnt he?
The season is young. With how important he is in the pass game, feeding Gurley too many runs early in the season could increase his total touches to the point we wear out his wheels too soon.
But the big thing is predictability.
Every time we think we should run the ball, so do the 11 players on Defense and their DC.

Turning around the worst ranked offense into the 1st ranked offense in 1 season has only happened once and Sean McVay is the one who did it.
Lets assume he knows what he is doing.
If we lose a game because of a bad play call, I understand why we would criticize the decision. But not when we average 33 a game and are beating a team by 20.

 

[Karate61]

Why are the zebras not seeing the blatant holds against our DL players? Especially AD? C’mon...

Not seeing? How could they not see them? So obvious, play after play, hold after hold (especially on 99).

I think the question is why aren't they calling them? I think something may be rotten in Denmark (No offense to our Euro Posters!)

 

[OC--LeftCoast]

By golly 43 but I honestly agreed with every one of your points

Well written

Bravo!

 

[jjab360]

Not seeing? How could they not see them? So obvious, play after play, hold after hold (especially on 99).

I think the question is why aren't they calling them? I think something may be rotten in Denmark (No offense to our Euro Posters!)

The Raiders had a ton of holding calls against them last night, but only the blatant holds are going to be called. If the refs threw a flag every time there was a slight hold the game would never end.

 

[ReekofRams]

If and when Higbee and/or Everett can find their way into this O it will be unstoppable. If neither can, look for TE to be a high priority via draft or FA next yea

How many years have we been singing this same old song? I'm tired of waiting.

Why are the zebras not seeing the blatant holds against our DL players? Especially AD? C’mon...

To be real honest I thought the lack of holding calls went both ways, but especially for the Rams.

Remember all the fear that Talib, Peters, and Suh would be chemistry disrupters of the “We, not me” culture? Anybody still concerned that Talib, Peters, or Suh might be a “bad influence” on this team? Didn’t think so, either.

Notice how McVay was down there screaming jumping up and down when Peters tan that interception back for a TD.

Are Hekker and GZ worth their weight in gold, or what? Their value can scarcely be overstated. The field position advantage that Hekker consistently provides opens all sorts of options for McVay/Goff/ Wade Phillips and 15 of last night’s points came courtesy of GZ. We’ve been downright spoiled by those guys for years.

We are so privileged to have Hekker, Zuerline, and let's not forget McQuaide. Hate to think what it'll be like when their playing days are over.

 

[A.J. Hicks]

In no particular order...

Yeah, Cooks is an upgrade over Watkins in this O. A big one, at that.

I think Goff is in the process of taking that next step forward. Don’t know how high his ceiling is yet, but I think it’s gonna be pretty danged high under McVay and surrounded with this OL, Gurley, and these receivers. Goodness.

Don’t look now, but Blythe looks like a starter quality backup at G. And I suspect that Boom is a starter quality backup T. Can you imagine the peace of mind that gives Kromer and McVay? And the flexibility it will give Snead in next year’s draft?

I’m just gonna say it. The O runs through Gurley. McVay should tape that sentence over the top of his playlist on gameday. Additionally, someone needs to be assigned to remind him of it if he ever forgets it.

I’m thinking that our OL is among the league’s best, but the Raiders were not the sternest of tests, so stay tuned.

If and when Higbee and/or Everett can find their way into this O it will be unstoppable. If neither can, look for TE to be a high priority via draft or FA next year.

I’m in the crowd that believes that our LB’s are a work in progress. Not that they’re insufficient, but rather that they are learning to play well together in this Wade D. I think that they will improve each week and that they will eventually be pretty danged good. But I also believe that they will be mercilessly attacked each week since they are currently the least formidable unit on our D. No disrespect intended, because the DL and secondary are elite, but still... Opponents will have little choice but to focus on our LB’s.

If our “rust free” O can pick up where they left off after 2nd half of Raider game and somehow secure a two score lead against future opponents, then our opponents will be forced to abandon their “2 second” short passing game attacking our LB’s. This will cause our DL to get those sacks and pressures plus cause our secondary to work their magic, too. It would truly be a pick your poison scenario, huh? I really think this will happen, and soon. Like against the Cards.

Why are the zebras not seeing the blatant holds against our DL players? Especially AD? C’mon...

Remember all the fear that Talib, Peters, and Suh would be chemistry disrupters of the “We, not me” culture? Anybody still concerned that Talib, Peters, or Suh might be a “bad influence” on this team? Didn’t think so, either.

Only been one game, but is there any doubt that Talib and Peters are BIG upgrades over TruJo and Kayvon Webster? I mean, Gruden had to scheme around them early on and when he fell behind, he (and Carr) were screwed.

Are Hekker and GZ worth their weight in gold, or what? Their value can scarcely be overstated. The field position advantage that Hekker consistently provides opens all sorts of options for McVay/Goff/ Wade Phillips and 15 of last night’s points came courtesy of GZ. We’ve been downright spoiled by those guys for years.

If I’m on the Cards coaching staff I’m pulling out my hair AND losing sleep while trying to prepare for the Rams. The “rustless” Rams, I might add. I read that the line moved from -10 to -12.5 after the Raider game, and that it might get to -14 soon. Mercy!

Wait until teams fall asleep on the fact that Hekker is also a relatively good passer.

 

[dang]

I reject the idea that McVay "forgets" to use Gurley.
I have also seen several posts suggesting that McVay is making mistakes in his play calling at times for not sticking with Gurley as much as some of us fans would like.

I dont agree at all.
1st of all, if McVay can win without over exposing our most important weapon, why wouldnt he?
The season is young. With how important he is in the pass game, feeding Gurley too many runs early in the season could increase his total touches to the point we wear out his wheels too soon.
But the big thing is predictability.
Every time we think we should run the ball, so do the 11 players on Defense and their DC.

Turning around the worst ranked offense into the 1st ranked offense in 1 season has only happened once and Sean McVay is the one who did it.
Lets assume he knows what he is doing.
If we lose a game because of a bad play call, I understand why we would criticize the decision. But not when we average 33 a game and are beating a team by 20.

I am going to consider this was planned. Saving Gurley for the 2nd half when the OAK defense was a little more tired.

 

[JonRam99]

I am going to consider this was planned. Saving Gurley for the 2nd half when the OAK defense was a little more tired.

I had that thought earlier today, thinking about how they used Gurley sparingly in the 1st half... Once the Radars were gassed, we pounded them with Gurley (& Brown!).

 

[tempests]

I reject the idea that McVay "forgets" to use Gurley.
I have also seen several posts suggesting that McVay is making mistakes in his play calling at times for not sticking with Gurley as much as some of us fans would like.

I dont agree at all.
1st of all, if McVay can win without over exposing our most important weapon, why wouldnt he?
The season is young. With how important he is in the pass game, feeding Gurley too many runs early in the season could increase his total touches to the point we wear out his wheels too soon.
But the big thing is predictability.
Every time we think we should run the ball, so do the 11 players on Defense and their DC.

Turning around the worst ranked offense into the 1st ranked offense in 1 season has only happened once and Sean McVay is the one who did it.
Lets assume he knows what he is doing.
If we lose a game because of a bad play call, I understand why we would criticize the decision. But not when we average 33 a game and are beating a team by 20.

I don't think it was a plan for the Rams offense to have the ball for only eight minutes in the first half and for the defense to be sucking wind by the 2nd quarter.

McVay has an attack attack attack mindset, always looking for the big passing play downfield. The Rams will benefit from that far more often than not, but it cuts the other way when the big passing plays aren't there.

Gurley had 144 yards rushing in the first half of the Seattle game and the Rams were up 34-0 at halftime. 3 TDs in the first half of the SF game, which we only won by two. Absolutely no reason to hold him in reserve. ​

 

[dang]

In retrospect the big difference between the 1st half and the 2nd half was the defense not the offense. The defense stiffened and it was the difference.

The offense was very effective clicking after the 1st possession punt (TD, missed FG, FG, FG, Punt, TD, FG, FG). And - oh by the way - for his only 2 punts, Hekker showed why he is the best in the game.

Unfortunately the offense struggled throughout the game in the red zone. McVay needs to find a strong handed TE or WR target - then the sky is the limit for this offense!!

 

[badnews]

McVay needs to find a strong handed TE or WR target - then the sky is the limit for this offense!!

I said to my wife "Goff needs to go to Kupp on 1st down instead of 3rd here" right before the TD pass to Kupp. It was cool and it totally worked lol.
That 1st down was a play people thought we should run with Gurley.. until Kupp caught it for 6.

 

[PhillyRam]

In no particular order...

Yeah, Cooks is an upgrade over Watkins in this O. A big one, at that.

I think Goff is in the process of taking that next step forward. Don’t know how high his ceiling is yet, but I think it’s gonna be pretty danged high under McVay and surrounded with this OL, Gurley, and these receivers. Goodness.

Don’t look now, but Blythe looks like a starter quality backup at G. And I suspect that Boom is a starter quality backup T. Can you imagine the peace of mind that gives Kromer and McVay? And the flexibility it will give Snead in next year’s draft?

I’m just gonna say it. The O runs through Gurley. McVay should tape that sentence over the top of his playlist on gameday. Additionally, someone needs to be assigned to remind him of it if he ever forgets it.

I’m thinking that our OL is among the league’s best, but the Raiders were not the sternest of tests, so stay tuned.

If and when Higbee and/or Everett can find their way into this O it will be unstoppable. If neither can, look for TE to be a high priority via draft or FA next year.

I’m in the crowd that believes that our LB’s are a work in progress. Not that they’re insufficient, but rather that they are learning to play well together in this Wade D. I think that they will improve each week and that they will eventually be pretty danged good. But I also believe that they will be mercilessly attacked each week since they are currently the least formidable unit on our D. No disrespect intended, because the DL and secondary are elite, but still... Opponents will have little choice but to focus on our LB’s.

If our “rust free” O can pick up where they left off after 2nd half of Raider game and somehow secure a two score lead against future opponents, then our opponents will be forced to abandon their “2 second” short passing game attacking our LB’s. This will cause our DL to get those sacks and pressures plus cause our secondary to work their magic, too. It would truly be a pick your poison scenario, huh? I really think this will happen, and soon. Like against the Cards.

Why are the zebras not seeing the blatant holds against our DL players? Especially AD? C’mon...

Remember all the fear that Talib, Peters, and Suh would be chemistry disrupters of the “We, not me” culture? Anybody still concerned that Talib, Peters, or Suh might be a “bad influence” on this team? Didn’t think so, either.

Only been one game, but is there any doubt that Talib and Peters are BIG upgrades over TruJo and Kayvon Webster? I mean, Gruden had to scheme around them early on and when he fell behind, he (and Carr) were screwed.

Are Hekker and GZ worth their weight in gold, or what? Their value can scarcely be overstated. The field position advantage that Hekker consistently provides opens all sorts of options for McVay/Goff/ Wade Phillips and 15 of last night’s points came courtesy of GZ. We’ve been downright spoiled by those guys for years.

If I’m on the Cards coaching staff I’m pulling out my hair AND losing sleep while trying to prepare for the Rams. The “rustless” Rams, I might add. I read that the line moved from -10 to -12.5 after the Raider game, and that it might get to -14 soon. Mercy!

Assuming key players stay healthy.... for this team to get to the SB the LBs will have to grow into this defense by playoff time. The TEs have to become a factor, especially on 3rd down and red zone. And Goff has to take that next step from a good young QB in a QB friendly offense to a guy that rises above the offense at times and just makes a big play by improvisation and be clutch at the end of a game.

The good news that is all possible. I mean I am not saying Goff has to be Aaron Rogers, just win a game or two late and show defenses that he can extend a play to make a big play when needed.

The LBs should be the easiest in terms of getting where they need to. I am more concerned about the TEs and Goff's apparent lack of trust in them. Can they step up and will he trust them in key spots?

 

[Rambitious1]

The Raiders had a ton of holding calls against them last night, but only the blatant holds are going to be called. If the refs threw a flag every time there was a slight hold the game would never end.

They were missing blatant holds.

 

[PhillyRam]

They were missing blatant holds.

I am guessing teams look at it as hold if you have to. They won't call most of them and even when they do call it you don't get your QB killed and you at least get the down over.

NFL should give a defense an option of accepting either a 5 yd penalty with loss of down or 10 yards and replay down.

 

[Mackeyser]

I reject the idea that McVay "forgets" to use Gurley.
I have also seen several posts suggesting that McVay is making mistakes in his play calling at times for not sticking with Gurley as much as some of us fans would like.

I dont agree at all.
1st of all, if McVay can win without over exposing our most important weapon, why wouldnt he?
The season is young. With how important he is in the pass game, feeding Gurley too many runs early in the season could increase his total touches to the point we wear out his wheels too soon.
But the big thing is predictability.
Every time we think we should run the ball, so do the 11 players on Defense and their DC.

Turning around the worst ranked offense into the 1st ranked offense in 1 season has only happened once and Sean McVay is the one who did it.
Lets assume he knows what he is doing.
If we lose a game because of a bad play call, I understand why we would criticize the decision. But not when we average 33 a game and are beating a team by 20.

Late in the Raider game, Gurley got tackled, he got folded over backwards and his right leg got pinned underneath him. Thankfully for the dirt, his foot didn't get stuck in the turf and it seems no harm no foul.

Well, except for my heart stopping because I jumped out of my chair and shouted something at the screen that startled the other people in the room (I honestly have no idea what I said).

I think this team is focused on winning, not stats, and I couldn't be happier about it.

 

[badnews]

Late in the Raider game, Gurley got tackled, he got folded over backwards and his right leg got pinned underneath him. Thankfully for the dirt, his foot didn't get stuck in the turf and it seems no harm no foul.

Well, except for my heart stopping because I jumped out of my chair and shouted something at the screen that startled the other people in the room (I honestly have no idea what I said).

I think this team is focused on winning, not stats, and I couldn't be happier about it.

That scared me too, saw the same thing.

 

[Mackeyser]

Not seeing? How could they not see them? So obvious, play after play, hold after hold (especially on 99).

I think the question is why aren't they calling them? I think something may be rotten in Denmark (No offense to our Euro Posters!)

Well, they typically don't call regular holding because to do so would slow the game to a crawl...sorta like how the justice system would grind to a halt if everyone decided to have a jury trial (less than 5% of arrests lead to a jury trial which is a kinda crazy stat, come to think of it).

Now, if they called the game straight up (I've made this point before, I know), initially games would grind to a halt and set records for fouls called and yardage. And in very short order, prices for very good OL would skyrocket, the draft priorities would reset and big guys with supreme athleticism would try to move to the OL as the game shifted emphasis to technically pure OL play.

They did call the really blatant holds and/or the holds where the OL tackled the DL.

Still, lets you know how exceptional AD is when he defeats all that nonsense and gets sacks (he should have had that sack on Carr, the call was BS and the rule wasn't properly enforced)

I wish they would call every holding, but I doubt most fans would appreciate the outcome.

Holding for me is like the strike zone in baseball. I just want them to call the same strike from player to player (adjusting for height) and game to game. Cuz right now, it's hard to tell if some guy is good or simply has gotten away with a lot.

 

[Karate61]

Well, they typically don't call regular holding because to do so would slow the game to a crawl...sorta like how the justice system would grind to a halt if everyone decided to have a jury trial (less than 5% of arrests lead to a jury trial which is a kinda crazy stat, come to think of it).

Now, if they called the game straight up (I've made this point before, I know), initially games would grind to a halt and set records for fouls called and yardage. And in very short order, prices for very good OL would skyrocket, the draft priorities would reset and big guys with supreme athleticism would try to move to the OL as the game shifted emphasis to technically pure OL play.

They did call the really blatant holds and/or the holds where the OL tackled the DL.

Still, lets you know how exceptional AD is when he defeats all that nonsense and gets sacks (he should have had that sack on Carr, the call was BS and the rule wasn't properly enforced)

I wish they would call every holding, but I doubt most fans would appreciate the outcome.

Holding for me is like the strike zone in baseball. I just want them to call the same strike from player to player (adjusting for height) and game to game. Cuz right now, it's hard to tell if some guy is good or simply has gotten away with a lot.

If they called them straight up, they'd all stop doing it so much.

My sales reps turn in about 100 2-Page applications per week. My office staff was sick of having to waste their time and complete about 20 per week, which was the sales reps responsibility. After months of the staff begging the reps to please turn in completed apps, they gave up.

I implemented a processing fee of $25 per app to the sales rep, and Bam, none of the apps had errors. This was 6 months ago, and still wirking well. Only getting about 5 errors/incomplete apps per month vs. a 100.

So do the same for holding!!!! Call the Penalty!!!

That's how I feel about it...