new focus

[majrleaged]

Well, frankly I still expect more. I admit the defensive flaws have been glaring. The loss of Kupp completely changes the identity of the offense. A strict diet of 11 personnel no longer makes sense. If not for AD, I think wouldn’t even have made the playoffs this year. All it takes is the loss of Gurley, AD, JJ, Goff, Cooks, or Woods and I wouldn’t expect even the scenario suggested here.

With that said, here are the reasons I still expect a Super Bowl win THIS YEAR.

1. I’m not smarter than McVay so if I can see that a scheme adjustment is necessary, I’m confident that he will. Zone runs will reduce and power will replace it. The same quick rhythm passes that defeat our defensive penetration will be utilized by McVay in the postseason. Truly, I don’t expect it against AZ and SF. The element of surprise is necessary.

2. The well documented liabilities on the edge and LB corps of the defense mandate the playoff game plans focus on red zone effectiveness, blitz gambles to produce turnovers, and deeper drops in the secondary to limit explosives. In a way, Wade has already begun the process but expect him to turn up the heat even though we will still give up too many points.

3. Football is an emotional game and this team’s best players have not played with the same edge once the playoffs were assured. I believe that first half of the season focus will return.

4. Ours is not the only flawed team in the tournament. I suspect their flaws may be greater than ours and that will become more apparent on our way to the Lombardi.

I also believe they are waiting on for the playoffs, to make the changes we all can see they need.

 

[551staaa]

Thread winner because I have a drain clog that needs a plumber.

Will this help?

 

[Rambitious1]

Even a 12-4 record vs a 1st place schedule is an improvement.
Thats why back-to-back div titles are rare.
I applaud the Rams being aggressive in the offseason to make a run, but the automatic Superbowl expectations of the media hype machine has made something that is exceptionally hard to do and made it the only outcome that is going to make some folks happy.
That's a little unfortunate imo.

This whole ‘first place schedule’ myth is really on my nerves.
You do know that San Francisco (and the rest of the NFC West) had the exact same schedule as we did, except for two games. The only difference being whether or not each game is home vs away. Your finish the previous year only affects two games the next year.

 

[Ramlock]

Will this help?
View attachment 27502

Nope

I've got @T-REX 's plumber on the way!

 

[Farr Be It]

I used be a Tour Bus driver....Went to see his show with a group every once in a while, along with many of the shows. I remember once I was using a urinal at Mickey Gilley's theater, and I look sideways and see Mickey taking a p*ss in the urinal next door...Of course I said hello in midstream...lol

Wait...he didn’t “slip you a Mickey”, did he?

:eek:

 

[LesBaker]

I also believe they are waiting on for the playoffs, to make the changes we all can see they need.

"Flipping the switch" is a bad plan.

 

[leoram]

You work for Shoji Tabuchi? Always wanted to play billiards in the bathroom...lol

Ha! Must have seen I live in Branson. And no, haven’t ever set foot in that theater. I run a car dealership

 

[leoram]

"Flipping the switch" is a bad plan.

My suggestion wasn’t to flip a switch, more like revealing a new schematic identity at the appropriate time.

 

[MrRiceGuyRJ]

As stated above, getting a bye and winning ONE game means we're in the championship game. That's a deep playoff run!

Completely agree. But if we dont win the next two games, we may not that first round BYE. That was my concern.

49ers just recently shut down the Seahawks who we barely beat before our recent struggles.
Cardinals have beaten the 49ers and Packers.

It's not completely unbelievable to think neither team has a chance against us. Especially if we play like we've been playing lately. I, just like most on here, really really really want us to overcome our recent struggles to regain confidence of the players and fans alike

 

[Loyal]

Ha! Must have seen I live in Branson. And no, haven’t ever set foot in that theater. I run a car dealership

The men's restroom boasts a billiards table with rich dark wood paneling. You enter the actual restroom and the same wood paneling and gold colored fixtures in the sinks, and urinals. The floor was fancy tile or marble (can't really remember now). The stalls were wood paneled as well. Women would try to peak into the Men's billiard room to take pictures, but there is a sign prohibiting it....lol. I've heard that women's restroom was just as fancy in different ways. I wanted to play billiards, but the balls are removed during performances so that it won't be heard during the show...So I never actually got to use it because I was always there for a performance with a charter group!

 

[TexasRam]

I really expect us to beat the Bears at home though they are the hottest team right now in the NFC and anything can happen.

I think if we go into new Orleans and beat the Saints we will win the Super Bowl.

Unfortunately the Saints Defense is better than ours right now, so it’s going to take massive adjustments in scheme.

 

[majrleaged]

"Flipping the switch" is a bad plan.

Start playing better now. Bring out the new wrinkles when you need them.

 

[jetplt67]

I'm not sure we have "new wrinkles". I think we would have seen them as an adjustment these last few weeks as our normal offensive scheme was failing.

 

[LesBaker]

My suggestion wasn’t to flip a switch, more like revealing a new schematic identity at the appropriate time.

I know that, and the remark was not about what you posted.

Start playing better now. Bring out the new wrinkles when you need them.

This is what I made the remark about.........."saving" things while losing is a bad plan.

Hope is never a good idea in football.

 

[dang]

Number 1 - a team has to be healthy to succeed in the playoffs. Anything can happen in the last 2 games but we appear to be as healthy as any team headed into the playoffs and need to keep that a priority.

Number 2 - the coaches need to prepare the players for sharp execution and appropriate response to their opponent. I think our coaching staff has taken a hit on this lately - as the readiness of the Rams defense/offense and their ability to adjust as hasn't been as apparent in the last 3 games. I have hope this will be corrected.

Number 3 - momentum is a huge factor. So I am looking for the Rams to establish some momentum in the last 2 regular season games that will carry into the playoffs. That starts with taking care of business this week against the Cards ( an inferior opponent in all 3 phases of the game).

 

[PhillyRam]

Except for missing Kupp, this is the same team that was once 11-1 and the toast of the town.

So, hell no, I’m not willing to lower expectations.

I expect them to contend for the SB, frankly. If they get their act back together, especially the D, this is very possible.

No “settling” for me.

Not sure they are the same. OL looks a little worn down. It's great they have stayed healthy, but that also means none if these older guys got a chance to sit out a week here or there with ding. Plus few blowouts means they have played every snap.

Goff's arm looks a little dead. Seems like he needs a few weeks in practice with fewer reps or something and the bye will be important. Just does not have the same live arm he had a month ago.

And of course losing Kupp is big.... the go to guy who always seemed open.

On D, Suh looks old, Donald and Suh have played too many snaps, and Barron is not a ILB nor is Littleton. Those "linebackers" also look like they are wearing down due to being undersized, not to mention their complete lack of instincts are so apparent. If you put guys like Kuechley and Davis at ILB on this team, they would be 12-1.

 

[Ellard80]

Step one complete!

 

[Ellard80]

Ok regular season step = check

 

[“Turbo set!”]

I also believe they are waiting on for the playoffs, to make the changes we all can see they need.

THIS crossed my mind. If it is true McVay REALLY is a genius. It seems the offense they have been running has beyond bland x10.

 

[Boston Ram]

After signing 3 major players to jig contracts and trading for 2 CBs to me anything less than a SB appearance is not good enough.

The Rams shortened their own window. There will be depth issues when they have to sign Goff and others so they created this window and are tying to capitalize on it.

This team has the talent to beat anyone this year....let’s get it done!!