How to prevent a repeat of Atlanta come January 12

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Steve808

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Is anyone just a wee bit concerned that Natson has looked a bit shaky in the last couple of weeks?

I believe if the Rams are even or plus turnovers, we can win any game.
 

Raptorman

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Not what the Vikings expected when they spent an extra $27m per year on their qb, fully guaranteed.

.
Vikings QB cost in 2017 was $23 million. In 2018, $26 million. Be patient. It won't be long before the Rams QB cost outstrip the Vikings.
 

Raptorman

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Avg ppg differential isn't what we were talking about. We were talking about avg ppg differential during the regular season against playoff opponents. That's an apples and pipe wrenches comparison.

Our ppg differential for the year was +8. So no history needed to be made there.

On the bright side, you have all off season to research more stats with me context to support your idea since, you know, your team doesn't have any playoff games for you to watch.

Well, I see the Rams as one and done in the playoffs. We shall see.
 

Steve808

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Vikings QB cost in 2017 was $23 million. In 2018, $26 million. Be patient. It won't be long before the Rams QB cost outstrip the Vikings.

But our QB got us to 13-3. You guys tossed a 13-3 QB to the curb and paid 84 million guaranteed to a guy who got you 8 wins. I think the Rams are fine.
 

Elmgrovegnome

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The most common playoff strategy against small receivers is to get physical with them. If the refs allow it then it will happen in each game. TEs will need to be a factor.


I understand the, "let them play" philosophy in terms of refs not looking like they determined the outcome. But, that philosophy handicaps a team like the Rams. It is an unfair advantage. Almost seems like it actually is to steer the outcome.
 

bomebadeeda

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Right now if I had to bet it would be the Bears.
Well, I see the Rams as one and done in the playoffs. We shall see.

And I see you are thinking the Bears are the one who sends us home. I'll bet you won't put any money on them away from Chicago. But I think they don't make it out of there. Trubisky hasn't seen playoff football. And he didn't exactly set the world on fire away from Chicago. (Or against us in Chicago.....)
 

BonifayRam

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And I see you are thinking the Bears are the one who sends us home. I'll bet you won't put any money on them away from Chicago. But I think they don't make it out of there. Trubisky hasn't seen playoff football. And he didn't exactly set the world on fire away from Chicago. (Or against us in Chicago.....)
2018 Chicago Bears Echo 2017 Los Angeles Rams
By
Jason Takeda

https://lastwordonprofootball.com/2019/01/04/2018-chicago-bears-echo-2017-los-angeles-rams/
 

Raptorman

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David
But our QB got us to 13-3. You guys tossed a 13-3 QB to the curb and paid 84 million guaranteed to a guy who got you 8 wins. I think the Rams are fine.
Tell me. What did that 13-3 QB do this year? And funny, wasn't he on the Rams at one point? And BTW, he was 11-3, not 13-3. Just how much do you think you will be spending on Goff next year?
 

Raptorman

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David
And I see you are thinking the Bears are the one who sends us home. I'll bet you won't put any money on them away from Chicago. But I think they don't make it out of there. Trubisky hasn't seen playoff football. And he didn't exactly set the world on fire away from Chicago. (Or against us in Chicago.....)
I don't bet money on football. Goff's numbers against the Bears were worse than his numbers against the Falcons in last years playoff game. Trubisky isn't the whole team. All he has to do is not turn the ball over. Trubisky's worst game of the season came against the Rams. How did that turn out?
 

Nicky P

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I know it's cliche to say but I believe this team has already taken the steps needed to prevent the same thing from happening in the playoffs this year. Experience.

Last season was a nice introduction to the future of this team but we heavily lacked playoff experience and pressure. With the expectations coming into this season being the highest since the early 2000s, we've been playing with that pressure all year and winning important games. We've also lost some huge games to good teams that we will most likely face (as someone said before me). Win or loss, the team developed and experienced playing under high expectations.
 

Merlin

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Is anyone just a wee bit concerned that Natson has looked a bit shaky in the last couple of weeks?

Yeah I am. But the near-fumble he had last week was a bad luck bounce that ran to and up his legs. I think it's always a concern with punt returners tbh, but Natson has been working the security and decision making so hopefully he won't deliver a Pharoh Cooper-esque playoff appearance.
 

Merlin

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Tell me. What did that 13-3 QB do this year?

Ease up on the routine wrt Goff my man. You know damn well he played 5 playoff teams this season and acquitted himself quite well. Compared to your veteran QB who you paid out the @$$ for who failed to get 'er done vs playoff opponents.

Rams are gonna have to pay up soon. But for now it is indeed nice to have consistently plus QB play at a bargain rate.
 

Raptorman

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Ease up on the routine wrt Goff my man. You know damn well he played 5 playoff teams this season and acquitted himself quite well. Compared to your veteran QB who you paid out the @$$ for who failed to get 'er done vs playoff opponents.

Rams are gonna have to pay up soon. But for now it is indeed nice to have consistently plus QB play at a bargain rate.
Wasn't taking about Goff, Was talking about Keenum, who was actually 11-3, not 13-3.
 

Malibu

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My take - dictate the game to the other team. Don't over anticipate what the other team will do play Rams football.

What do I mean - don't counter what defenses are going to do. Force defenses to adjust to what we do.

Offense:
So do not just run the ball. Do not give up on our bread and butter 15-18 yard crossers or deep seem routes. Focus more on Cooks and Woods than Everett and Reynolds. More max protects on deeper routes so Goff has to the pocket and time to throw. Keep up the gadget motions, keep up instant snapping the ball without a huddle. Don't let play clock get to 1-2 to snap the ball because I believe defenses figure out what we are going to do. Roll outs to avoid pressure. Screen passes to one of the running backs or bubble screens slows an over aggressive defense. Quick slants slows down defenses.

As for running the ball mix it up with the pass the last two weeks it became a little too predicable. Do not abandon the run!

Defense:
Blitz, blitz and more blitz but at the right times with odd combos - safety or CB as well as a lb. Overload to one side on a rush. Figure out ways to isolate one on one with Donald. If we rush or blitz an extra man do it away from Donald so not get caught up in a collapsed middle of the line. If playing off man don't line up 8 yards away from the wr give him some cushion but take away the quick outs that routinely get 8 yards. Joyner needs to play deep middle and or double the #1 receiver if warranted like Thomas in NO take him away and it will be harder for Brees. Tackle better.

ST
Catch the ball first before running. If your on the 5 Fielding the ball let it go into end zone or do not catch it. Solid punting putting teams behind the 15-20 is great. Don't try any longer FGs than 50-55 yards because if we miss we give other team great FG position.

Coaching
Gadget plays, no huddle quick snap, mix run pass keep them guessing. Way better use of time outs. Do NOT blow a time out in 2nd half unless really necessary.

Play Rams football!