A few ‘morning after’ thoughts…

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Rams43

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I haven’t re-watched the game yet so these are just some streaming consciousness memories.

McVay has been criticized a great deal here for some of his decisions, especially play calling, including from yours truly. But he did a great job yesterday and the results speak for themselves. I can only hope he keeps the running game prominently in his future game plans, including the TE usage.

Stafford clearly is still having trouble with that thumb, but he managed a good game vs Cards anyway. He is a genuine throwback QB warrior. I still believe that it’s time to bring in his future replacement unless Wentz proves that he’s worthy. Better one year too early then one year too late.

Speaking of which, it would have been nice if McVay had brought Wentz in early enough in that fourth quarter to throw a few passes. But that is going to have to wait for another time, I guess.

OK, KW is legit, isn’t he? What a performance! More please.

I spent a great deal of time, watching that Ram offensive line, paying most attention to Jackson, Avila, and Dotson. Obviously, they all played very well. Then again, we must remember it was the Cardinals. Extend Dotson ASAP.

It was good to see the younger TE’s brought in, and also great to see Higbee finally have what I would describe as a very good game. I do wish that Allen and Long could have made a splash play or two, however. Tight end is still a draft need, don’t you think?

Kupp is clearly still hurting. Probably best to sit him for another game or two, in my opinion. Some combination of Trammell and Robinson will have to do until Kupp is once again hundred percent. I did notice Kupp blocking his tail off yesterday, however.

That Ram front seven is coming along, despite needing a competent outside linebacker, isn’t it? Both Young and Turner have been outright draft steals. Kudos to Sneed and his scouting department.

Cornerback is still a work in progress for the Rams but I have got to say that Morris managed to cover their various deficiencies rather well yesterday. Interestingly, both Kendrick and Tomlinson seem to be play maker and ballhawk types, yet both have a tendency to make killer penalties that keep opposing teams drives alive.

Another thing, is it me or did Morris make adjustments to take away the easy short, passing game from Murray? I seem to recall that Murray was denied those easy stick moving completions yesterday, and he is no savant at the long ball. If I’m right, kudos to Morris. Although I do have to wonder what took him so long?

Even the safety position seems to be coming along, not that Sneed will not probably draft one in this next draft.

On special teams, Evans had a light day with only one punt, although he couldn’t keep it out of the end zone. I like Trammell as returner. But our place kicker leaves all of us with a lot of questions.

Good news, bad news. The bad news is that Rams seem to be getting further and further away from being able to draft an elite top six player. The good news is that Rams are inching closer to gaining a playoff position. And it sure is fun to watch this team play well, and just simply win. I’ll take it!

Only six more games to go, guys. Will be interesting to see what the Rams trend line is gonna be during that stretch. Fingers crossed.
 

RamWoodie

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I think Stafford is the guy for at least 1-3 years...and while I'm in agreement with you on McVay's play calling yesterday, I believe that's out of necessity because Kupp is injured and Puka isn't 100 either. He involved Tutu and Higbeast more along with calling screens more. IT WAS GREAT!!!

The blessing *may* be that McVay is learning every pass play doesn't need to be "chunks of yardage". When all the WRs (especially Kupp and Puka), he may revert back to calling long developing pass plays again... what I call "Martz-itus" after Mike Martz.

The Rams have a decent O-Line. but not a great one yet. When facing strong defenses, Stafford gets more pressure and he gets sacked more (remember the SF, Cincy, Philly, and Steeler games?)...games in which he almost got Stafford killed back there. McVay has to call plays that will get the ball out quicker and keep the defense honest making the playfake action more effective. Of course you can take your shots deep, but you moderate that.

I really hope he continues to call games like yesterday...but only time will tell. I too, am one who doesn't believe in "tanking" for draft picks, so where the Rams draft in '24 isn't on my mind.

Cleveland is next... and they have a strong defense. Hopefully, McVay will continue to vary his playcalling to keep Stafford upright.
 

Zodi

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I've been one of Morris' biggest critics, but dude is coaching his ass of this season, especially considering what he has to work with.
 

Loyal

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I have spent time on the Cardinal's forum, reading their expressions of misery. One frustrated fan pointed out all of the 1st round picks they have had since 1988 that have been absolutely meaningless...especially at the QB position.

For the Rams, we were fairly successful with Goff, but only because of McVay (IMO). I am cautiously optimistic about next year's draft in the first round. I think we need BTA (Best Tackle Available), but will get behind whomever we choose. Past experience has tempered my expectations and so I was never on board for a willing tanking of this season. I think it's vastly better for team morale and player development to see a purpose in trying to win every game

Lets go get a Wild Card!
 

HX76

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Didn’t Evans punt twice? One a fair catch? I could be wrong.
 

RamWoodie

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I've been one of Morris' biggest critics, but dude is coaching his ass of this season, especially considering what he has to work with.
That's what a good coach does...the best he can with what he has. Many times we forget coaches are learning too. All Morris has done is coach better. That's my take.
 

Merlin

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Whatever happened to that Cards fan who used to lurk in hopes that things were gonna turn for him. Haven't seen him around in a looooong while. :yawn:
 

RamWoodie

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As opposed to "Martz-itus" after Dick Vermiel? :hiding:
Well...let's say Vermiel, being head coach, was able to keep a lid on Martz...who's favorite saying was "we'll fix that", but it never got fixed.

I'll give Martz one credit...he was smart enough to hire Lovie Smith.
 

Soul Surfer

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The idea of tanking for draft picks makes me nauseous.

Once the team gets the feeling that they're losing on purpose is hard to get that hard playing winning thing back.

You can tank for draft picks and get better position and then you need 2 years to remind your team how to win again and play hard.

F that
 

RamDino

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The idea of tanking for draft picks makes me nauseous.

Once the team gets the feeling that they're losing on purpose is hard to get that hard playing winning thing back.

You can tank for draft picks and get better position and then you need 2 years to remind your team how to win again and play hard.

F that
Totally agree. And the 8th pick in the draft versus a 16th pick does not guarantee any better of a player.
 

XXXIVwin

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Didn’t Evans punt twice? One a fair catch? I could be wrong.
Yeah Evans punted twice, his first punt was a real nice pooch kick that pinned them back at their 10 yard line. I think he's developing the ability to make short punts that pin them deep.
 

snackdaddy

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The idea of tanking for draft picks makes me nauseous.

Once the team gets the feeling that they're losing on purpose is hard to get that hard playing winning thing back.

You can tank for draft picks and get better position and then you need 2 years to remind your team how to win again and play hard.

F that
Never go into a season with the idea of tanking. You never know what could happen. Look at us. We're better than expected and in a playoff chase.

The years we were eliminated in December I still rooted for a win. I just took the losses as a silver lining with a higher pick.
 

Oregonram

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I am hoping Kyren can string some good games together and keep his health. He looks like he’s having fun, and it looks contagious.
 

OnceARam

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Dotson isnt a guarteed resign. I was watching cut ups on Avila (against Seattle) and Dotson looked like he was on roller skates on several plays in comparison. That said, hes better than what we had last season.
 

PARAM

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Targets to WRs? 19
Targets to TE? 6
Targets to RBs? 6

Comp & Yds by WRs? 13 for 133
Comp & Yds by TEs? 6 for 35 (2 TD)
Comp & Yds by RBs? 6 for 61 (2 TD)

Rush attempts (being "smart" with KW)
Kyren 16 (143 yds)
Freeman 13 (77 yds)
Evans 3 (6 yds)

KW 10.1 YPR and 8.9 YPC. I guess it was difficult to not call his number.
Allen made a helluva catch on a low throw from Stafford

Gonna be a tougher game Sunday but same kind of balance will help.