Some ‘morning after’ thoughts today…

[Rams43]

Our Rams played their hearts out against a SB caliber team and we’re all justifiably proud of them. They just gave the vaunted 49ers all that they wanted and then some.

And just for context this is only 2 games into a 17 game season so there’s plenty of opportunity ahead for tweaking adjustments.

Here are a few things I hope to see addressed in the coming weeks:

RB situation might need tweaking. What’s the plan? Maybe some snaps for Zach Evans? Rivers? Or bring in an outsider for some help (not Taylor, he’s good but unaffordable)?

What’s the plan at RG? Boom is already hurt with his first injury halfway through the 2nd game and he doesn’t shine at run blocking anyway. Anchrum didn’t particularly impress. Is Dotson gonna get a shot? We gave up a pick and picked up his salary so why not check out our investment in him?

What happened to the 12 sets we were expecting vs 49ers? I think this TE room has potential but only McVay can decide to actually use them. C’mon, Sean. That TE room is your friend. Lol.

Is the stunted Ram running game a RB, OL, or scheme problem? Or maybe all of them combined? Gotta fix that issue if we want to be in the playoff club.

Is Van Jefferson even a 3rd WR on a Kupp-less roster? One catch, seriously? I’d sit him and give his snaps to some combo of Robinson, Skow, and Trammel until one of them steps up significantly. I’m done with VJ. Something is just missing with that guy and it’s hurting our O big time. It’s all about results, baby.

What to do with Hoecht? Does he have a mental problem with contain responsibilities? This should have been ironed out before the opener. Very frustrating. Edge probably won’t be fixed until next draft now, but meanwhile every team is gonna be attacking Hoecht because he’s one of our 2 weakest links on D.

Which brings me to our other weakest link on D, namely Kendrick. I would sit Kendrick and start Tomlinson in the very next game and never look back. Yeah, Tomlinson is a rookie and will make mistakes as he learns on the job, but look at Kendrick who is doing the same thing in spades and killing us in the process. Tomlinson is a sticky little mofo. Tomlinson’s ceiling is far higher than Kendrick’s ever will be. I mean, what does Morris have to lose with this change?

Don’t get me wrong. This Ram team pleased me yesterday with a performance overall that exceeded my expectations. We’ve lost badly to these 49ers in the past with vastly more experienced players than we had yesterday. I’m a great admirer of the coaching and the heart and effort of so many youngsters. I continue to believe we will finish with a winning record and possibly make the playoffs with these players because they will grow weekly by leaps and bounds.

This post was intended to point out a very few areas that I would most like Rams to shore up. Most are relatively quick fixes, I believe.

I firmly still believe that this team will continue to be scrappy and entertaining. Possibly will be among my favorite teams to root for all time. They just gave the 49ers all that they could handle and our young Rams haven’t even gelled together yet.

 

[den-the-coach]

I want to give a shout out to CB Derion Kendrick, he had a couple of penalties, but IMO, he has been very physical, very good against the run and seems to bounce back quickly. @OldSchool was right, he told me to pump the brakes on my criticism and as always I am glad to be wrong and Kendrick is proving me wrong each week.

 

[tklongball]

I dont think Anchrum did a bad job at all filling in for Noteboom. Give him 1st team reps in practice, so he gets some looks against the expected Defensive sets, stunts, etc. and he will look even better, assignment-wise

 

[Psycho_X]

I want to give a shout out to CB Derion Kendrick, he had a couple of penalties, but IMO, he has been very physical, very good against the run and seems to bounce back quickly. @OldSchool was right, he told me to pump the brakes on my criticism and as always I am glad to be wrong and Kendrick is proving me wrong each week.

Idk why but Kendrick kind of reminds me of Dexter McCleon. A guy who isn't the fastest player out there but is mostly solid with a play or two a game that'll drive people crazy. Everyone will remember the one or two plays but overall got the job done.

 

[Jacobarch]

Our Rams played their hearts out against a SB caliber team and we’re all justifiably proud of them. They just gave the vaunted 49ers all that they wanted and then some.

And just for context this is only 2 games into a 17 game season so there’s plenty of opportunity ahead for tweaking adjustments.

Here are a few things I hope to see addressed in the coming weeks:

RB situation might need tweaking. What’s the plan? Maybe some snaps for Zach Evans? Rivers? Or bring in an outsider for some help (not Taylor, he’s good but unaffordable)?

What’s the plan at RG? Boom is already hurt with his first injury halfway through the 2nd game and he doesn’t shine at run blocking anyway. Anchrum didn’t particularly impress. Is Dotson gonna get a shot? We gave up a pick and picked up his salary so why not check out our investment in him?

What happened to the 12 sets we were expecting vs 49ers? I think this TE room has potential but only McVay can decide to actually use them. C’mon, Sean. That TE room is your friend. Lol.

Is the stunted Ram running game a RB, OL, or scheme problem? Or maybe all of them combined? Gotta fix that issue if we want to be in the playoff club.

Is Van Jefferson even a 3rd WR on a Kupp-less roster? One catch, seriously? I’d sit him and give his snaps to some combo of Robinson, Skow, and Trammel until one of them steps up significantly. I’m done with VJ. Something is just missing with that guy and it’s hurting our O big time. It’s all about results, baby.

What to do with Hoecht? Does he have a mental problem with contain responsibilities? This should have been ironed out before the opener. Very frustrating. Edge probably won’t be fixed until next draft now, but meanwhile every team is gonna be attacking Hoecht because he’s one of our 2 weakest links on D.

Which brings me to our other weakest link on D, namely Kendrick. I would sit Kendrick and start Tomlinson in the very next game and never look back. Yeah, Tomlinson is a rookie and will make mistakes as he learns on the job, but look at Kendrick who is doing the same thing in spades and killing us in the process. Tomlinson is a sticky little mofo. Tomlinson’s ceiling is far higher than Kendrick’s ever will be. I mean, what does Morris have to lose with this change?

Don’t get me wrong. This Ram team pleased me yesterday with a performance overall that exceeded my expectations. We’ve lost badly to these 49ers in the past with vastly more experienced players than we had yesterday. I’m a great admirer of the coaching and the heart and effort of so many youngsters. I continue to believe we will finish with a winning record and possibly make the playoffs with these players because they will grow weekly by leaps and bounds.

This post was intended to point out a very few areas that I would most like Rams to shore up. Most are relatively quick fixes, I believe.

I firmly still believe that this team will continue to be scrappy and entertaining. Possibly will be among my favorite teams to root for all time. They just gave the 49ers all that they could handle and our young Rams haven’t even gelled together yet.

RB situation might need tweaking. What’s the plan? Maybe some snaps for Zach Evans? Rivers? Or bring in an outsider for some help (not Taylor, he’s good but unaffordable)?
I think the writing is on the wall with it comes to Cam. He's either going to be traded or riding the bench until he gets his act together. Watching the Seattle game, he was missing holes and being impatient with his running. It looks like he's always trying to hit that homerun rather than taking what the Defense gives him.
Rivers looks like he runs with bricks on his feet. His burst is terrible. He's definitely a downhill runner and needs room to get moving. I don't see him as Cams replacement.
Evans is a ??? at this point. McVay has had a long history of not playing rookie RB's which I understand because of the system he runs.

What’s the plan at RG? Boom is already hurt with his first injury halfway through the 2nd game and he doesn’t shine at run blocking anyway. Anchrum didn’t particularly impress. Is Dotson gonna get a shot? We gave up a pick and picked up his salary so why not check out our investment in him?
Boom can't stay healthy. He's a decent prospect but has zero durability. I think it's time the rams move on from him. He can't be depended on. Sucks but it is what it is at this point. Hopefully it's just a stinger, but if history is an indicator he'll be out for an extended period of time.
Dotson has a long history of being a drive killer. He's a holding machine, I think Anchrum gets the nod from here on out. Maybe he'll gel and get better.

Is Van Jefferson even a 3rd WR on a Kupp-less roster? One catch, seriously? I’d sit him and give his snaps to some combo of Robinson, Skow, and Trammel until one of them steps up significantly. I’m done with VJ. Something is just missing with that guy and it’s hurting our O big time. It’s all about results, baby.
VJ needs to take a seat. Running lazy routes, missing blocks, and dropping easy balls. He can't be depended on. I'd like to see what Robinson has to offer at this point, he can't be any worse than VJ.

What to do with Hoecht? Does he have a mental problem with contain responsibilities? This should have been ironed out before the opener. Very frustrating. Edge probably won’t be fixed until next draft now, but meanwhile every team is gonna be attacking Hoecht because he’s one of our 2 weakest links on D.
Hoecht did improve from week 1 to 2. I'd like to see what he has to offer by week 4 and if he hasn't fixed his containment issues we should kick the tires on his eventual replacement. Problem is the guys we have behind him are unknowns or possibly worse. I don't think he's our biggest issue on Defense at the moment.

Which brings me to our other weakest link on D, namely Kendrick. I would sit Kendrick and start Tomlinson in the very next game and never look back. Yeah, Tomlinson is a rookie and will make mistakes as he learns on the job, but look at Kendrick who is doing the same thing in spades and killing us in the process. Tomlinson is a sticky little mofo. Tomlinson’s ceiling is far higher than Kendrick’s ever will be. I mean, what does Morris have to lose with this change?
This is a tough one. He had a couple of good plays in Seattle and in the SF game, but his penalties are going to kill us and now teams are going to zero in on him and capitalize on his mistakes. Tomlinson is just throwing shit at the wall and seeing what sticks. We have zero evidence that he has what it takes to cover in the NFL. I can't use what he put on tape during the preseason playing against 2s,3s, and 4s. Especially this week going against Chase and Higgins. That's a terrifying thought.

The Rams really played a good game yesterday, we made some mistakes with young players, but the rams were in that game until the very end and didn't let it get away from them. Once Kupp gets back on the field and the defense starts to really gel, we could be looking at a very good team if we can stay healthy.

 

[Rams8821]

Idk why but Kendrick kind of reminds me of Dexter McCleon. A guy who isn't the fastest player out there but is mostly solid with a play or two a game that'll drive people crazy. Everyone will remember the one or two plays but overall got the job done.

If character counts, its not even close.

I'm not a huge Kendrick guy but hes a Ram so Ill root for him. I would like to see Tomlinson out there....

 

[Riverumbbq]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA9CfYAi6IY

 

[El Chapo Jr]

Kendrick is out there I'm guessing by necessity based on our current roster options, but he definitely should be a backup. I've said from day one, he's just too slow and its always taken advantage of. Guessing he'll be a bench warmer starting later in the year or next year.

 

[Kupped]

I'm on record with the RB thing.. it's worth it to go after Taylor (unless we're talking a first round pick).

I felt Anchrum was fine. I think the pass pro issues in 2nd half had more to do with becoming one-dimensional and passing all the time.

No idea why we didn't see more 12 sets.

I'm done with Jefferson. I just don't think he's enough of a competitor. I think he's good for some long plays here and there.. but is not reliable anywhere else.

I think the Run game issues are collective.. but the RB situation is the biggest issue, imo.

I think Hoecht played his best game and seems to be improving. Definitely some awareness issues still.

I think Kendrick is in there for his overall game. I believe Tomlinson is already a better man cover guy... but relying on a small guy like him for contain in the run game? Kendrick is very physical there and it helps.

 

[OldSchool]

I want to give a shout out to CB Derion Kendrick, he had a couple of penalties, but IMO, he has been very physical, very good against the run and seems to bounce back quickly. @OldSchool was right, he told me to pump the brakes on my criticism and as always I am glad to be wrong and Kendrick is proving me wrong each week.

Just my opinion but we fans are way too quick to throw out that bust label. Anybody here, not saying you I don't remember, recall saying Tutu was a bust?

 

[Kupped]

BTW...
Cobie Durant was really hyped up this offseason.
Haven't seen anything impressive for him yet.. Beat physically on one long pass and saw him with a very casual attitude on a hard in-route by Aiyuk or Deebo.. and he failed to make sure the player was down.

Not impressed at this point.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I'm on record with the RB thing.. it's worth it to go after Taylor (unless we're talking a first round pick).

I felt Anchrum was fine. I think the pass pro issues in 2nd half had more to do with becoming one-dimensional and passing all the time.

No idea why we didn't see more 12 sets.

I'm done with Jefferson. I just don't think he's enough of a competitor. I think he's good for some long plays here and there.. but is not reliable anywhere else.

I think the Run game issues are collective.. but the RB situation is the biggest issue, imo.

I think Hoecht played his best game and seems to be improving. Definitely some awareness issues still.

I think Kendrick is in there for his overall game. I believe Tomlinson is already a better man cover guy... but relying on a small guy like him for contain in the run game? Kendrick is very physical there and it helps.

I basically agree with all of this.



I wasn’t impressed with Noteboom in game 1 but said maybe he’ll improve, and he did seem to in game 2. . I actually thought that Anchrum looked faster and blocked better on the run than Joe, the few times I watched him. And yes, being one dimensional late did make it tougher to point fingers at specific Olinemen. ( It wasn’t just me noticing Anchrum. My son plays both lines in high school. He has been the leader of both units since his Sophomore season and studies film like a fiend. He immediately noticed Anchrum’s speed and movement. He said, “woah, who’s that?” It popped off the screen when he saw him hopefully Anchrum can hold down ORG.

Kendrick’s has a year of experience in the system too. I’ll bet Tomlinson is still trying to pick it up. TT-H is looking like a personal foul waiting to happen. I like feisty but he needs to reel in the emotions a bit. Maybe the Star position is proving to be too much for Durant? It’s still early but even Ramsey didn’t look like his dominant self in that role.

Hoecht looked improved against a tougher opponent. If we are talking regular season then he’s fine. But come playoff time, if the Rams get there, he won’t cut it. Their hands are tied on that front. If they are still paying Floyd why can’t they add him? I don’t get the way that works against the cap but he set a better edge than Hoecht.

As for the RBs, barring a trade for an established stud, they made their bed. I like Williams, but his size is concerning. Rivers and Freeman don’t move the needle. I’d be all for a trade to get Johnathon Taylor. He’s a difference maker and I felt a few years ago that McVay would be drooling over him the year he was drafted. They will have $75 million available next year. Maybe they can work something out. Even if they only had him for this season, getting him for a mid round pick and Akers would be worth it.

I think they could add Minnesota to the List of teams that could have interest in Akers. Mattison is not looking like a lead back and O’Connel knows Akers and his ability. So the Colts, Ravens, Vikings? Any other teams?

 

[Ramlife]

I want to give a shout out to CB Derion Kendrick, he had a couple of penalties, but IMO, he has been very physical, very good against the run and seems to bounce back quickly. @OldSchool was right, he told me to pump the brakes on my criticism and as always I am glad to be wrong and Kendrick is proving me wrong each week.

I agree, i think Kendrick is a bit raw but also believe he is a gamer and will come up big sooner than later. Hes busting his ass and i say give him some time to grow and get it figured out. I think the future is bright in the secondary… let em Gel.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I see Kendrick as an indifferent tackler. He avoids contact, and too often goes low to minimize contact.

Anchrum's failure to try to pick-up the blitzing Warner was a major mistake resulting in a huge sack.

Not giving-up on Anchrum. That's the most he's played in four years but I don't see anything in Kendrick.

 

[BuffaloRam]

Idk why but Kendrick kind of reminds me of Dexter McCleon. A guy who isn't the fastest player out there but is mostly solid with a play or two a game that'll drive people crazy. Everyone will remember the one or two plays but overall got the job done.

Travis Fisher is another comparison

 

[OldSchool]

BTW...
Cobie Durant was really hyped up this offseason.
Haven't seen anything impressive for him yet.. Beat physically on one long pass and saw him with a very casual attitude on a hard in-route by Aiyuk or Deebo.. and he failed to make sure the player was down.

Not impressed at this point.

He had a bad games yesterday imo

 

[Riverumbbq]

Rams come up short vs. 49ers, lose 30-23: Instant analysis of Week 2 loss

The Rams battled until the end, but they came up short against the 49ers on Sunday afternoon

www.yahoo.com

 

[OnceARam]

Just my opinion but we fans are way too quick to throw out that bust label. Anybody here, not saying you I don't remember, recall saying Tutu was a bust?

The issue with Tutu was never that he was a "bust". It was that he was over drafted given the opportunity cost of who we didn't draft.

He's had a good two-game stretch. I hope he keeps it up.

 

[OldSchool]

The issue with Tutu was never that he was a "bust". It was that he was over drafted given the opportunity cost of who we didn't draft.

He's had a good two-game stretch. I hope he keeps it up.

And yet we have a good WR and a good center now. Add this then to the previous comment from me. We fans too often are disliking a player because we drafted or signed "the wrong guy". We all have our draft or free agency crushes and if McSnead don't do what we do we hold it against the guy taken.

 

[Snaz]

I want to give a shout out to CB Derion Kendrick, he had a couple of penalties, but IMO, he has been very physical, very good against the run and seems to bounce back quickly. @OldSchool was right, he told me to pump the brakes on my criticism and as always I am glad to be wrong and Kendrick is proving me wrong each week.

Severely Disagree. Should be relegated to the bench.