Re: Thomas: They emphasized his playing OG all TC. Then left him alone with no help at LT and say it was a disaster? That is on McVay. Thomas was solid at OG so I'm not totally counting him off the team. No one but me has said a word about the short disaster Anchrum was, that a hurt Noteboom was better and forced to return. Joe played hurt and it's why he simply can't go this week after playing hurt two weeks straight. Noteboom's play at RG was good, particularly in pass protection where it counts most.
Dotson can be streaky in his play. We need to see if Wendell can improve his technique and be more consistent. If so they have their starting RG going forward depending upon how McClendon looks. Warren is really an OG at this level and I think they drafted him to become the new starting RG. Using him at OT isn't the best solution. If he must play at LT replacing Jackson he will need as much help as Thomas. McClendon is much stronger than Thomas, but he really lacks the feet to play OT in the NFL as a starter. If he's going to play OT then RT is his best fit because he's like Havenstein, ie. heavy feet. If McClendon replaces Jackson as the starter or in relief, then Nacua will need to align at Y to give him a chip assist, something they didn't do with Thomas. The Thomas disaster was 100% on McVay.
They could also play 12 personnel with Hopkins giving them Puka and Cooper outside and a TE and RB as receivers. If they are stacking the box to stop the run that means zone behind the LBs. Nacua and Kupp will cut a zone to pieces. There is no way 4 DBs cover both Cooper and Puka. Running out of 12 personnel should at least make the run game efficient. This will force the Eagles to keep that stacked box and leave Nacua and Kupp to cook the 4 DBs.
The entire Eagle defensive game plan depends upon the play of their front 7. Disrupt the play of that unit and you can beat the Eagles. Extend the OL for pass pro and expect their LBs and DBs to cover Kupp, Nacua and Williams in the pass routes. Playing Kupp changes the entire equation for the Eagle defense. Their defense counts on the success of their DL. If the OL holds up against one of the best DLs in the league the Rams will feast on roasted bird.