After 24 hours of seething, here’s my Ram ‘to do/fix it’ list…

[Rams43]

Where to start?

Probably the single biggest thing is to stop with the turnovers. By far the single biggest factor in determining W/L results.

Which brings us to Stafford, the single biggest turnover offender. Here’s the thing. I’m convinced that he’s playing hurt and that’s what’s causing most of his errant throws. It’s killing Rams on yardage, 1st downs, points, and TOP. I hate to say it but I’m afraid that Rams would be better off starting either Wolford or Perkins until Stafford has sufficiently recovered. I respect Stafford’s willingness to play through pain but right now he’s killing his team.

McVay needs to call more running plays. Duh! And more focus on the shorter to medium range throws might be a good idea. Regardless of who is at QB, but particularly if it’s Wolford or Perkins. BTW, for what it’s worth, I kinda prefer Perkins as backup until Stafford is recovered.

McVay needs to insist that Morris modify his scheming, particularly on 3rd down. The days of playing off 8-10 yards on 3rd and 3-4 should be over. Opponents are feasting on it with safe and quick short passes. Even Aikman commented on it late in the Packer game.

It blows my mind that Burgess can’t crack this lineup while Rapp keeps getting so many snaps. Again, opponents are targeting Rapp and enjoying good results. Did Burgess run over Morris’ dog? Seriously, this almost seems personal.

Rams are currently not getting enough pressure on QB’s. This is at least partly because opponents are finding it so easy to run the ball and then take the quick and very safe and sure short pass for the 1st down because Morris has our defenders playing ‘off’ while waiting for a ‘mistake’ by the opposing QB. How’s that been working in these last 3 games? The resulting 8-9 minute drives ending in points speaks to the foolishness of such a strategy. Prepare to rinse and repeat by every upcoming opponent on our schedule. Again, blows my freaking mind, especially after coming off of a bye. Arrrrrgh!

Reeder is a net liability and among the weakest links on D. One that opponents constantly target with good success. Is there no ILB on this roster that could be given some of Reeder’s snaps? Just to see if there isn’t an upgrade on this damned roster? And why couldn’t Morris have foreseen this problem back in the Spring? Or maybe deploy more 5-1-5 or some other outside-the-box scheme to cover up for this current ILB weakness? Geez, do SOMETHING, dammit!

My kingdom for a run blocking second TE. Even a street FA would be better than nothing, don’t you think? Again, why wasn’t this problem foreseen? Geez…

Frankly, I’ve not yet been particularly impressed with either Miller or OBJ. But as long as they’re here I would highly recommend that Rams force feed both to see if they can still be difference makers. If only to help decide on ‘22 decisions on both. Hope both are not somewhat has-beens getting by on their former reputations.

I would incorporate the above personnel and scheme moves in the Jags game. It would be a perfect opportunity to work out the kinks before those final critical 5 games. Now or never, IOW.

There seems no advantage in postponing these moves because our current personnel and schemes are just yielding embarrassing losses week after week. So, what do we have to lose, anyway?

We know this. What we’re currently doing ain’t working. And we also know that ‘Fortune favors the Bold’…

 

[Tano]

I keep seeing stuff that says Stafford's elbow is bothering him and he has back pains.

He needs to sit for a game or two.

 

[Faceplant]

Agree on all counts. This team seems disjointed. There just does not seem to be much cohesion at all, among any of the position groups. With all of the flashy signings and doofy "all in" talk, this team has become less than the sum of it's parts. In the process, they have basically put a target on their backs and also somehow managed to become the laughing stock of the league at the same time. I miss the 2017/2018 version of this team. The Rams of late have gone too "Hollywood" for my tastes......

 

[Ellard80]

agree with some of it.. however the beginning of this game we did run more - things still went south.

 

[AZRams]

agree with some of it.. however the beginning of this game we did run more - things still went south.

But just as in the previous two, the TOs and score pushed us out of it.

 

[KJD_Ram]

this "All In" bullshit media narrative...seriously, is that not the goal? Are you telling me there are teams that don't give a shit about the Superbowl?....all I can say is I'm glad my favorite team isn't one of them....

 

[TexasRam]

Staffords health is not affecting his play at all. Go watch the presser, he made that very clear.

His turnovers are largely due to bad decisions. Throwing the outs while not anticipating or seeing the DB breaking on it vs Tennessee and Green Bay. Trying to avoid a safety and throwing the ball right to a Tenn defender. Throwing the deep pass into double coverage vs the Niners when OBJ was covered. Most noteably holding the ball and taking sacks when the ball should be dumped off or thrown away. These all are mental not physical.

Fortunately this can be corrected. He has to break the lions hero ball mentality and play ball security game manager.

 

[blackbart]

Seems to me a lot of uncoordinated changes that aren’t meshing.

I hate the empty backfield, you’re asking the OL to hold their blocks longer, they are not built to do that.

It seems that are no passes in our play book made to pick up 5-10 yards. Everything is built for big chunks leaving us more vulnerable to short drives.

No press coverage means the targets are open for opposing QBs on short quick throws meaning the DL doesn’t have time to pressure the QB.

WTF are we trying to be? Is it personnel related or scheme?

 

[Tano]

Staffords health is not affecting his play at all. Go watch the presser, he made that very clear.

His turnovers are largely due to bad decisions. Throwing the outs while not anticipating or seeing the DB breaking on it vs Tennessee and Green Bay. Trying to avoid a safety and throwing the ball right to a Tenn defender. Throwing the deep pass into double coverage vs the Niners when OBJ was covered. Most noteably holding the ball and taking sacks when the ball should be dumped off or thrown away. These all are mental not physical.

Fortunately this can be corrected. He has to break the lions hero ball mentality and play ball security game manager.

He is lying as would I.

His arm has elbow pain and his back is bothering him.

 

[Jacobarch]

Listening to the pregame show on Thursday night with Demarco Farr. He pointed out that the Packers game plan should be exactly what they did against the 9ers. Lots of quick passing plays so it neutralizes the Rams pass rush. Which is exactly what they did. Now I'm no defensive coordinator nor am I any sort of football guru. But to hear the gameplan come from a former player and the Rams brass doesn't seem to change their gameplan from game to game is bananas. And the same thing can be said for the offense.

It's frustrating to see the Rams keep on repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results

 

[Ramon Ram]

My son just told me that Stafford is 9-70 against winning teams for whatever that's worth.

 

[Jacobarch]

My son just told me that Stafford is 9-70 against winning teams for whatever that's worth.

and the Rams sucked until McVay became out HC. I mean, I don't think Stafford is tied to what he did yesterday. It's what he's doing now that really counts.
We're 7-4 the sky isn't falling. If we lose to the Jags, then I'll say it's falling.

 

[WarnerToBruce]

Listening to the pregame show on Thursday night with Demarco Farr. He pointed out that the Packers game plan should be exactly what they did against the 9ers. Lots of quick passing plays so it neutralizes the Rams pass rush. Which is exactly what they did...

Yeah, it almost seems the Rams are afraid of the big play. Newsflash! Getting killed a thousand cuts is FAR WORSE, since the offense loses TOP and never finds a rhythm.

They finally collapsed the middle on one play, and Rogers went deep. Incomplete (should have intercepted, but DWill never turned around). Sounds like a MUCH better option than yet another first down!

Hoping this comes together soon. Running out of time for at least a playoff experience. I had hopes for a potential Super Bowl, but that really doesn't seem likely anymore.

 

[Kupped]

Yeah, it almost seems the Rams are afraid of the big play. Newsflash! Getting killed a thousand cuts is FAR WORSE, since the offense loses TOP and never finds a rhythm.

They finally collapsed the middle on one play, and Rogers went deep. Incomplete (should have intercepted, but DWill never turned around). Sounds like a MUCH better option than yet another first down!

Hoping this comes together soon. Running out of time for at least a playoff experience. I had hopes for a potential Super Bowl, but that really doesn't seem likely anymore.

It's really hard to know, since the last three weeks the Rams offense has given up points in every game to steal any momentum and make it easier for the other team to stick to its game plan.

Maybe don't turn the ball over all the time and see what happens?

 

[snackdaddy]

this "All In" bullshit media narrative...seriously, is that not the goal? Are you telling me there are teams that don't give a shit about the Superbowl?....all I can say is I'm glad my favorite team isn't one of them....

All in is great. But when it blows up in their faces we gotta expect to hear I told you so from the people who don't like giving up all those premium picks.

 

[Kupped]

All in is great. But when it blows up in their faces we gotta expect to hear I told you so from the people who don't like giving up all those premium picks.

If Stafford is too beat up already.. with the minimal beating he's taken behind that line... the deal for him could easily end up being a complete disaster.

 

[madrid311]

Listening to the pregame show on Thursday night with Demarco Farr. He pointed out that the Packers game plan should be exactly what they did against the 9ers. Lots of quick passing plays so it neutralizes the Rams pass rush. Which is exactly what they did. Now I'm no defensive coordinator nor am I any sort of football guru. But to hear the gameplan come from a former player and the Rams brass doesn't seem to change their gameplan from game to game is bananas. And the same thing can be said for the offense.

It's frustrating to see the Rams keep on repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results

I'm wondering why there is no light bulb coming on for them. I mean they had plenty of time to address all of these issues, yet they chose not to. What does that really mean?

 

[AppeasFBlGods]

As a long time lions fan who is following the rams while I wait for the "retool" in Detroit.. I can tell you, Stafford is injured. In 2018 he had back issues all year, and he kept getting questions and said he felt fine. After the season it turned out he had multiple broken bones. Then in 2019 he re injured them and had surgery after like week 6. Now last year he seemed fine, like he had gotten past it. But you can tell the last few games, how stiff he looks. Now, Stafford is tough.. so he can possibly play ok through it.

I see most posters arguing that the issue with the turnovers is mental.. and I agree. I think the whole offense is a bit disjointed. I think the combination of not having full comfort In the offense and a revolving door of guys around him has led to some hesitation.. late throws, etc. But I do think it goes hand in hand with his physical injuries. Stafford is used to being able to be a tick late. His ability to sling it all around let's him do that. But his back and arm are preventing him from making his off time and off platform throws.. and even some routine ones are floating on him.

 

[FarNorth]

Where to start?

Probably the single biggest thing is to stop with the turnovers. By far the single biggest factor in determining W/L results.

Which brings us to Stafford, the single biggest turnover offender. Here’s the thing. I’m convinced that he’s playing hurt and that’s what’s causing most of his errant throws. It’s killing Rams on yardage, 1st downs, points, and TOP. I hate to say it but I’m afraid that Rams would be better off starting either Wolford or Perkins until Stafford has sufficiently recovered. I respect Stafford’s willingness to play through pain but right now he’s killing his team.

McVay needs to call more running plays. Duh! And more focus on the shorter to medium range throws might be a good idea. Regardless of who is at QB, but particularly if it’s Wolford or Perkins. BTW, for what it’s worth, I kinda prefer Perkins as backup until Stafford is recovered.

McVay needs to insist that Morris modify his scheming, particularly on 3rd down. The days of playing off 8-10 yards on 3rd and 3-4 should be over. Opponents are feasting on it with safe and quick short passes. Even Aikman commented on it late in the Packer game.

It blows my mind that Burgess can’t crack this lineup while Rapp keeps getting so many snaps. Again, opponents are targeting Rapp and enjoying good results. Did Burgess run over Morris’ dog? Seriously, this almost seems personal.

Rams are currently not getting enough pressure on QB’s. This is at least partly because opponents are finding it so easy to run the ball and then take the quick and very safe and sure short pass for the 1st down because Morris has our defenders playing ‘off’ while waiting for a ‘mistake’ by the opposing QB. How’s that been working in these last 3 games? The resulting 8-9 minute drives ending in points speaks to the foolishness of such a strategy. Prepare to rinse and repeat by every upcoming opponent on our schedule. Again, blows my freaking mind, especially after coming off of a bye. Arrrrrgh!

Reeder is a net liability and among the weakest links on D. One that opponents constantly target with good success. Is there no ILB on this roster that could be given some of Reeder’s snaps? Just to see if there isn’t an upgrade on this damned roster? And why couldn’t Morris have foreseen this problem back in the Spring? Or maybe deploy more 5-1-5 or some other outside-the-box scheme to cover up for this current ILB weakness? Geez, do SOMETHING, dammit!

My kingdom for a run blocking second TE. Even a street FA would be better than nothing, don’t you think? Again, why wasn’t this problem foreseen? Geez…

Frankly, I’ve not yet been particularly impressed with either Miller or OBJ. But as long as they’re here I would highly recommend that Rams force feed both to see if they can still be difference makers. If only to help decide on ‘22 decisions on both. Hope both are not somewhat has-beens getting by on their former reputations.

I would incorporate the above personnel and scheme moves in the Jags game. It would be a perfect opportunity to work out the kinks before those final critical 5 games. Now or never, IOW.

There seems no advantage in postponing these moves because our current personnel and schemes are just yielding embarrassing losses week after week. So, what do we have to lose, anyway?

We know this. What we’re currently doing ain’t working. And we also know that ‘Fortune favors the Bold’…

Great breakdown!! but easier said than done to fix what's wrong. Both sides of the ball have been committed to schemes which did not get it done against Green Bay. Even after the two earlier losses.

Rams just have to take and keep better control of the ball. Limit turnovers, improve time of possession.

Right now ball control is a disaster working against the Rams. The offense and defense are exacerbating each other's weaknesses. The D can't get the ball back and when it does the offense has too many three and outs. The exact opposite of the balance between D and O that McVay likes to talk about. Forgot McVay's word for this, but he needs to game plan back to the basics of making that balance happen.

Both McVay and Stafford need to really focus on maintaining their patience during the game. Fake punts, failed 4th downs and empty backfield long pass attempts from deep in our own zone are not signs of patience.

Whatever may be wrong with Stafford, physically or mentally, McVay needs to make the game easier for him. I think he tried to do so against GB but got off track with the sack/fumble and failed 4th down conversion.

The problem I see with the offense is that McVay will remain locked in on the downfield passing game, including empty backfields. It's an all or nothing, high risk approach in terms of turnovers and ball control. If it works we get the lead and likely win. If we doesn't we fall behind and likely lose. McVay moved away this year from previous plays/formations intended to cause the D to hesitate (play action, motion.) It is now likely too late to rework the current approach for this season, or to teach new schemes to Stafford, or execute them without Woods and Mundt.

Even so, we ought to be able to do better at sustaining drives and possessions. Right now McVay is not effectively scheming, and/or Stafford is not effectively executing, a coherent short passing game. Rams have not seriously attempted to deploy very much more of a physical running game with Sony Michel.

McVay will have to make adjustments within the scheme. But it should still be possible, even within his current approach, to mitigate some of the obvious issues with better game planning and in game execution. And maybe with some new or returning players.

The D has weaknesses in personnel but at this point they just have to be able to run something more or other than the soft zone which seems to be our only plan. It might work with an early lead but we can't count on that. And we just can't run this scheme when we're behind. It's a recipe for losing. Have to try something else when we need to get the ball back.

Rams aren't... can't be??.... as bad as they have recently looked.

 

[RamDino]

The Rams are just not playing smart football. Honestly, if the turnovers in each game did not happen, what would the final scores have been? I'm sure they would have been much closer... which means the Rams could have won 1, or possibly even 2 of those losses. It's not rocket science, folks. These are all mental mistakes.