Rams/Patriots game thoughts

[Allen2McVay]

I'm not sure why Goff is under a microscope for better ball placement on his every pass.

Not every pass but certainly every turnover, especially when the QB has an NFL-high 36 turnovers in 29 games over the past two years.

That’s what is keeping Goff out of the elite category of QBs, and it needs to be addressed.

Goff was decent last night. I noted two of his best throws, and two of his worst throws in my post.

 

[oldnotdead]

With the way Staley uses his ILBs as safeties I've never had a personnel issue at the position. I've liked Reeder as a rookie he has just needed experience. He's growing before our eyes and is becoming a pretty good MIKE. He's got speed and size to play the position. Most importantly he's far more durable than Kiser.

This weekly criticism of Goff is getting tiresome. Every QB misses passes at times. But overall his issues come from trying to do too much. That is something that should improve with experience. But it's also that it's something of McVay's own makings. He needs to begin to give Goff more control at the LOS. He want's Goff to take ownership but refuses to give him the keys. Many times it appears that even if Goffs recognizes the pressure he's limited in his options due to play design and audible options. McVay's micromanaging the offense is retarding Goff's development.

I have no problem with Goff and think he's got a much higher ceiling than most give him.

 

[FarNorth]

I agree and have said as much before. McVay likely doesn’t want to run up the score and wants to get the game over ASAP.
Things is three and outs don’t run a lot of time off the clock and gives the ball back to the opponent. Or maybe he doesn’t entirely trust Goff so why risk it.
Who knows but chewing clock at the beginning of the fourth quarter against an ass like Belichick who beat the Chargers 45-0, is a wasted gesture, if that is what it was.

I'm a complete, vocal fan of McVay running the ball, and loved his play calling against the Pats, but...

Even I would like to see a little more creativity in kill the clock mode than 3 runs and out, 3 runs and out. It's as if a switch goes off in McVay's brain and he can't access any other plays. Like a kid being made to do something and grudgingly obeying. First downs are the ultimate clock killer.

 

[Neil039]

Couple of takes from the game...nothing special

1). Newton relied on pure athletic ability for years in Carolina. He’s not the same player and definitely doesn’t have a reliable outlet.
2). Ramsey blocking on the the INT made it a pick 6. He got out in front and made the key block on Newton.
3). If Akers game wasn’t a fluke, the deep to intermediate passing game may return. Defenses would pack the line against Gurley. This would be nice to see and likely open up the offense & scoring.
4). Jefferson might be the beneficiary of Akers play down the stretch. He’s had his own moments, the run game will open the field. Actually, watch out for Higbee’s numbers too.
5). Brockers sack on the ole block by the guard fired up the defense in the second half IMO. Zero through 30, then 6 in the second half. My FFT loved the production.

There is definitely something special happening on the defense side of the ball. Hopefully the offense and McVay will catch up heading into the playoffs.

 

[Flint]

Actually the INT is on him. It was a horrible throw to a wide open receiver. If Woods doesnt have to reach back for the ball there is no INT. Good pass would of been a 1st down. Just because I dont think he played well does not mean I think he had a bad game either. I just dont think his play was very relevant in the result of the game....its ok for that to happen. The run game and defense controlled the game. We didnt need much from Goff and that is not a bad thing. Hope that makes sense.

Cam was far more relevant I agree but I wouldn’t say Goff wasn’t good. The pick wasn’t a good throw but it was also a great play by the defense. Goff didn’t throw it a lot which is good, does anyone think the Steelers can keep throwing it 50 times, but he had some very good throws as well. He wasn’t as sharp as I’ve seen him but there were also some drops also.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Good thing they only have to cover his brother Tyreek.

Well.... we don't have Bradford, Foles, Keenum, Davis, Bulger, Banks, Everett.......... So..... GOFF!

darn autocorrect

 

[Boston Ram]

Cam was far more relevant I agree but I wouldn’t say Goff wasn’t good. The pick wasn’t a good throw but it was also a great play by the defense. Goff didn’t throw it a lot which is good, does anyone think the Steelers can keep throwing it 50 times, but he had some very good throws as well. He wasn’t as sharp as I’ve seen him but there were also some drops also.

I think we are saying the same thing lol. I like a run first offense anyway so what they did last night is stuff I love to watch. Goff DIDNT have to have a big impact and that is a good thing. I just dont know why some need to say he had a good game just because the Rams won...thats all.

 

[RentonRamsFan]

I'm a complete, vocal fan of McVay running the ball, and loved his play calling against the Pats, but...

Even I would like to see a little more creativity in kill the clock mode than 3 runs and out, 3 runs and out. It's as if a switch goes off in McVay's brain and he can't access any other plays. Like a kid being made to do something and grudgingly obeying. First downs are the ultimate clock killer.

I have no evidence of this, but I wonder if McVay's respect for Belichek led to the decision to basically not run up the score. Also, I noticed that the Patriots seemed to do the same near the end by just running it into the wall of defenders also, perhaps a sign of mutual respect between coaches?

 

[RhodyRams]

I dont know what some of you guys are talking about..the pass to Brown that he dropped was a bit behind him, but 9/10 RBs make that catch. Could have moved the team into FG range instead of forcing them to punt

 

[551staaa]

Reading all of this back and forth about Goff, let's not forget the BIG story from last night. The Rams played the vast majority of the game in 12 personnel and transitioned from precision passing to power running on offense. Goff did exactly what this type of offense demands...he managed the game. As much as I loved the defense last night (echoes of Youngblood and company), I think a lot of credit should go to Goff, the OL, and Mcvay.

As for McVay going conservative in the fourth quarter, I grew up watching the Tar Heels take a 4 point lead with 12 minutes left and Dean Smith standing up with four fingers in the air. I have no problem with running down the clock.

Aaron Donald throwing down Cam Newton. Damn.

 

[FarNorth]

Yea I don't remember off the top of my head.

But regarding Reeder, He is an excellent play vs a team like the Pats. But when we face the Kamara's and Jones in the playoffs, presumably, or even Russell Wilson, Reeder could be a huge liability. Reeder would get owned vs fast little RB's or QB's.

I still remember Littleton unable to cover Kamara play after play in the short pass game. We need an answer for that this time around and it aint Reeder. Projecting out a little, if we do play the Saints, which I think is our biggest challenge, I hope Ramsey mans up Thomas and Staley has a double team zone option to cover Kamara. I hope we can use smaller quick guys in that role and not Reeder or Kiser.

Agree, Reeder seems to me to be decisive and strong going down hill toward the qb or ball carrier, but not as fast in coverage on a quick receiver or rb going out for a pass.

 

[OC_Ram]

Here’s my 2 cents

McVay learned how to use 2 TE sets and run that ball.

In addition, to all those bitching about how we won just remember...we won.

 

[1maGoh]

I have no evidence of this, but I wonder if McVay's respect for Belichek led to the decision to basically not run up the score. Also, I noticed that the Patriots seemed to do the same near the end by just running it into the wall of defenders also, perhaps a sign of mutual respect between coaches?

I don't think Bill has that capacity. I also think that attitude is part of what lost the super bowl for McVay.

 

[Oregonram]

Play the hot hand imo. Him and Henderson should get snaps. Brown gets 3rd downs when we need the pass pro. Otherwise, I don't see much point in Brown.

Cam will make Jared 30% better just being a threat...and kudos to Sean for going 12 personnel.

 

[jrry32]

Cam will make Jared 30% better just being a threat...and kudos to Sean for going 12 personnel.

I was thinking 31.2%, but we can go with 30%. It's a round number.

 

[jrry32]

Yea I don't remember off the top of my head.

But regarding Reeder, He is an excellent play vs a team like the Pats. But when we face the Kamara's and Jones in the playoffs, presumably, or even Russell Wilson, Reeder could be a huge liability. Reeder would get owned vs fast little RB's or QB's.

I still remember Littleton unable to cover Kamara play after play in the short pass game. We need an answer for that this time around and it aint Reeder. Projecting out a little, if we do play the Saints, which I think is our biggest challenge, I hope Ramsey mans up Thomas and Staley has a double team zone option to cover Kamara. I hope we can use smaller quick guys in that role and not Reeder or Kiser.

The mistake we made back then against Kamara was trying to man up and cover him 1 on 1. Staley is zone heavy. He won't have the same issue if we play NO. Assuming Taylor Rapp is healthy by then, we'll likely see him a lot in that game. But the zone coverage will allow defenders to rally to Kamara. He might still catch a lot of passes, but he won't have as much space to do damage after the catch.

 

[TexasRam]

Not every pass but certainly every turnover, especially when the QB has an NFL-high 36 turnovers in 29 games over the past two years.

That’s what is keeping Goff out of the elite category of QBs, and it needs to be addressed.

Goff was decent last night. I noted two of his best throws, and two of his worst throws in my post.

Everyone here including Goffs coach has pointed out the need for Goff to improve his ball security and stop trying to force things.

But a little perspective last year we had a decimated Oline and zero
Run game. We threw the ball as much as anyone in football. Goff was 2nd in passing yards. We also didn’t have the same defense so lots of pressure to score. This year Goffs interception numbers are the same as Wilson and other so called great QB’s. If you take away the bonehead fumble vs the Niners and the Miami zero blitz that Mcvay out on Mcvay then Goffs turnovers are pedestrian.

Warner had 22 interceptions in one season alone. A season with way better Oline, RB and WR.

What Goff needs to do is adjust to our new algorithm to winning games. That algorithm is ball security first, throw ball away when no one is open and let the defense feast.

Mcvay has made the adjustments needed to address the blitz looks and Goff has shown the ability to protect the ball 2 games straight.

 

[TexasRam]

The mistake we made back then against Kamara was trying to man up and cover him 1 on 1. Staley is zone heavy. He won't have the same issue if we play NO. Assuming Taylor Rapp is healthy by then, we'll likely see him a lot in that game. But the zone coverage will allow defenders to rally to Kamara. He might still catch a lot of passes, but he won't have as much space to do damage after the catch.

Let’s hope so. Both teams defenses are better. The Saints have more pass rushers with Hendrickson coming on.

 

[jrry32]

Let’s hope so. Both teams defenses are better. The Saints have more pass rushers with Hendrickson coming on.

The Saints game will be a slugfest, but I think we can beat them.

 

[Mackeyser]

I was thinking 31.2%, but we can go with 30%. It's a round number.

Based on my calculations, I come up with chance of 32.33 ... repeating, of course...