We need to experiment and get right

[jrry32]

We have two very winnable games. Don't get me wrong. We need to play hard and win them. But we should use these games to do a little experimenting too. Here are a few things I think we should consider doing:
1. We should use Gerald Everett on the majority of plays instead of Josh Reynolds. I think Gerald is a bigger mismatch. We basically put teams in a pickle. If they stick with their base defense, we can move Gerald around and treat him like a WR. That will put him 1 on 1 with a LB or force them to drop a safety down to cover him. If they play nickel, that'll mean having Gerald block a CB 1 on 1. They might also play big nickel with a safety, but again, I think Gerald against a safety 1 on 1 in the running game is a good matchup for us. Gerald still makes a mistake from time to time with his route running.(he needs to get better with the instinctual parts of the game, like knowing when to sit down in coverage or knowing what to do with his stem, but he's a big time athlete who can make tough catches and run after the catch)

2. We should try Micah Kiser or Bryce Hager at ILB. We know Barron isn't the answer. We know Ramik Wilson isn't the answer. If we're going to play a lot of zone coverage, Kiser is a good fit. His big weakness is a man coverage. But he's a very smart and instinctual player in zone. In the running game, he's a thumper who will fill gaps with authority. We desperately need that. However, Hager has flashed good play too when given an opportunity. He's a smart, instinctual player. Wade needs to change things up. The current setup isn't working.

3. I'd sub Brian Allen in for Sullivan at Center or sub Noteboom in for Blythe at RG and move Blythe to Center. Sullivan seems to be hitting a wall this year. I'd like to see if one of the younger guys can step up and handle the job. It might be safer to play Allen because Noteboom is our backup LT. We can't afford him getting hurt. Regardless, the OL hasn't looked quite the same of late. I recognize there are some risks with a rookie Center, but if Allen offers us quality play there, that could solve a lot of the recent woes we've had.

We need to find a way to win the next two games to wrap up our bye. I think that'll be important for getting our guys some much needed rest and giving us a week to figure out how to adjust our schemes for an optimal playoff run. Still, I think these next two games give us a great opportunity to make some small changes and experiment a little.

 

[gabriel18]

Do they really need both Natson and Cooper on the roster ? What have they contributed with WR depth ?

 

[Loyal]

Try something Sean..I'm feeling a little hopeless right now.

 

[jrry32]

Do they really need both Natson and Cooper on the roster ? What have they contributed with WR depth ?

Nope. They should have cut Natson when they activated Cooper. Natson doesn't do anything but return punts.

 

[Rambitious1]

We have two very winnable games. Don't get me wrong. We need to play hard and win them. But we should use these games to do a little experimenting too. Here are a few things I think we should consider doing:
1. We should use Gerald Everett on the majority of plays instead of Josh Reynolds. I think Gerald is a bigger mismatch. We basically put teams in a pickle. If they stick with their base defense, we can move Gerald around and treat him like a WR. That will put him 1 on 1 with a LB or force them to drop a safety down to cover him. If they play nickel, that'll mean having Gerald block a CB 1 on 1. They might also play big nickel with a safety, but again, I think Gerald against a safety 1 on 1 in the running game is a good matchup for us. Gerald still makes a mistake from time to time with his route running.(he needs to get better with the instinctual parts of the game, like knowing when to sit down in coverage or knowing what to do with his stem, but he's a big time athlete who can make tough catches and run after the catch)

2. We should try Micah Kiser or Bryce Hager at ILB. We know Barron isn't the answer. We know Ramik Wilson isn't the answer. If we're going to play a lot of zone coverage, Kiser is a good fit. His big weakness is a man coverage. But he's a very smart and instinctual player in zone. In the running game, he's a thumper who will fill gaps with authority. We desperately need that. However, Hager has flashed good play too when given an opportunity. He's a smart, instinctual player. Wade needs to change things up. The current setup isn't working.

3. I'd sub Brian Allen in for Sullivan at Center or sub Noteboom in for Blythe at RG and move Blythe to Center. Sullivan seems to be hitting a wall this year. I'd like to see if one of the younger guys can step up and handle the job. It might be safer to play Allen because Noteboom is our backup LT. We can't afford him getting hurt. Regardless, the OL hasn't looked quite the same of late. I recognize there are some risks with a rookie Center, but if Allen offers us quality play there, that could solve a lot of the recent woes we've had.

We need to find a way to win the next two games to wrap up our bye. I think that'll be important for getting our guys some much needed rest and giving us a week to figure out how to adjust our schemes for an optimal playoff run. Still, I think these next two games give us a great opportunity to make some small changes and experiment a little.

@jrry32 well written.
You make some good points, and I really think we need to do some experimenting. The current lineup just is not gonna work in the playoffs. No other way to put it.

 

[gabriel18]

Nope. They should have cut Natson when they activated Cooper. Natson doesn't do anything but return punts.

I'm pretty sure the Az Hakim fumble will be the last we see of Natson . It happens , but not usually without being touched .

 

[socalrams90]

Agree with all of those, especially the OL.

Can't believe that niners game is going to mean something now smh

 

[Prime Time]

I wonder if resting the players before the playoff loss against the Falcons has made McVay fearful of resting any of his players now. Their shoddy play after the bye might have reinforced this.

 

[fearsomefour]

We have two very winnable games. Don't get me wrong. We need to play hard and win them. But we should use these games to do a little experimenting too. Here are a few things I think we should consider doing:
1. We should use Gerald Everett on the majority of plays instead of Josh Reynolds. I think Gerald is a bigger mismatch. We basically put teams in a pickle. If they stick with their base defense, we can move Gerald around and treat him like a WR. That will put him 1 on 1 with a LB or force them to drop a safety down to cover him. If they play nickel, that'll mean having Gerald block a CB 1 on 1. They might also play big nickel with a safety, but again, I think Gerald against a safety 1 on 1 in the running game is a good matchup for us. Gerald still makes a mistake from time to time with his route running.(he needs to get better with the instinctual parts of the game, like knowing when to sit down in coverage or knowing what to do with his stem, but he's a big time athlete who can make tough catches and run after the catch)

2. We should try Micah Kiser or Bryce Hager at ILB. We know Barron isn't the answer. We know Ramik Wilson isn't the answer. If we're going to play a lot of zone coverage, Kiser is a good fit. His big weakness is a man coverage. But he's a very smart and instinctual player in zone. In the running game, he's a thumper who will fill gaps with authority. We desperately need that. However, Hager has flashed good play too when given an opportunity. He's a smart, instinctual player. Wade needs to change things up. The current setup isn't working.

3. I'd sub Brian Allen in for Sullivan at Center or sub Noteboom in for Blythe at RG and move Blythe to Center. Sullivan seems to be hitting a wall this year. I'd like to see if one of the younger guys can step up and handle the job. It might be safer to play Allen because Noteboom is our backup LT. We can't afford him getting hurt. Regardless, the OL hasn't looked quite the same of late. I recognize there are some risks with a rookie Center, but if Allen offers us quality play there, that could solve a lot of the recent woes we've had.

We need to find a way to win the next two games to wrap up our bye. I think that'll be important for getting our guys some much needed rest and giving us a week to figure out how to adjust our schemes for an optimal playoff run. Still, I think these next two games give us a great opportunity to make some small changes and experiment a little.

I agree with point one and two, disagree on three.
Would like to see Everett play with his down on some passes too.....let him run a route out of a running set with play action. I think that could work welll.
As for swapping out a vet C for a rookie in the next game....which does have meaning in terms of the number two seed.....no way I see this happening. Line calls and all that? No way.

 

[thirteen28]

I definitely think we ought to be doing more out of 12 personnel, with Everett being somewhat of a wild card in that. McVay is very creative and innovative, and given that we haven't given teams that look for most of the season, they have little film to go on. I like Josh Reynolds, but he's not the same athlete as Everett, nor can he be moved around the formation the same way Everett can. On top of that, I like Woods better on the outside than in the slot.

With ILB, I'm at the point of just about having anyone on the roster replace Barron. Even Ramik Wilson would be an improvement. But I really want Kiser to get his shot.

Total dittos on #3. Put Allen in ... you can decide after that whether to play him at C or at G (and move Blythe to C). Sullivan has gotten old very fast.

 

[hotanez]

We have two very winnable games. Don't get me wrong. We need to play hard and win them. But we should use these games to do a little experimenting too. Here are a few things I think we should consider doing:
1. We should use Gerald Everett on the majority of plays instead of Josh Reynolds. I think Gerald is a bigger mismatch. We basically put teams in a pickle. If they stick with their base defense, we can move Gerald around and treat him like a WR. That will put him 1 on 1 with a LB or force them to drop a safety down to cover him. If they play nickel, that'll mean having Gerald block a CB 1 on 1. They might also play big nickel with a safety, but again, I think Gerald against a safety 1 on 1 in the running game is a good matchup for us. Gerald still makes a mistake from time to time with his route running.(he needs to get better with the instinctual parts of the game, like knowing when to sit down in coverage or knowing what to do with his stem, but he's a big time athlete who can make tough catches and run after the catch)

2. We should try Micah Kiser or Bryce Hager at ILB. We know Barron isn't the answer. We know Ramik Wilson isn't the answer. If we're going to play a lot of zone coverage, Kiser is a good fit. His big weakness is a man coverage. But he's a very smart and instinctual player in zone. In the running game, he's a thumper who will fill gaps with authority. We desperately need that. However, Hager has flashed good play too when given an opportunity. He's a smart, instinctual player. Wade needs to change things up. The current setup isn't working.

3. I'd sub Brian Allen in for Sullivan at Center or sub Noteboom in for Blythe at RG and move Blythe to Center. Sullivan seems to be hitting a wall this year. I'd like to see if one of the younger guys can step up and handle the job. It might be safer to play Allen because Noteboom is our backup LT. We can't afford him getting hurt. Regardless, the OL hasn't looked quite the same of late. I recognize there are some risks with a rookie Center, but if Allen offers us quality play there, that could solve a lot of the recent woes we've had.

We need to find a way to win the next two games to wrap up our bye. I think that'll be important for getting our guys some much needed rest and giving us a week to figure out how to adjust our schemes for an optimal playoff run. Still, I think these next two games give us a great opportunity to make some small changes and experiment a little.

agree 100% but still keep Reynolds involved. I feel like he's getting better with the extra playing time. Please McVay do something about Sullivan. If he needs rest put the rookie in. If its because Sullivan can't do it no more then get the rookie ready for the playoffs by starting the next 2 games. Bye or no Bye if these problems are not fixed we will be one and done.
PS tell Goff to take what the defense is giving him and stop turning the ball over.

 

[99Balloons]

A few things I'd like both Offense and Defense to do are:
1. The play call needs to be called in quick and the ball hiked quickly. Never let the other defense get set up.
2. Have Goff do the Read Pass Option. Because the Defense is taking the Rams WR underneath routes. Goff has to run because he's not slow.
3. Add an extra OL and go Jumbo like the Seahawks with their run game.
4. Use Gerald Everett. Why did Goff throw to Reynolds more than Everett? Collinsworth mentioned #83 is used more as a TE.
5. Take smaller chunks at a time and wear out the other defense. Do run and pass for short yards at a time. Just methodically get 1st & 10 in smaller increments.

For the Defense:
1.Wade Philips need to go 4-DL and stop having them lined up more to the edge and no direct NT playing directly against the C and G.
2. The Rams need to stop playing man defense and the players need to communicate better when passing off the man they cover.
3. Hit the opposing teams' QB, RB and WRs every time the ball is touched.

I think other teams are watching the Patriots blueprint back in 2001 and that was to hit the Rams QB, RB and WRs as soon as the ball is touched. Goff has panic attacks when he gets the ball and he mentally sees rushers in his face constantly. The ball threw to Reynolds on the last play could have been a TD had Goff not threw it too far outside.

The most important thing is the Rams have to play fast and furious and don't let the other Defense get set up. If it's a shoot-out, let it be a shoot-out.

 

[Ramlock]

Goff has panic attacks when he gets the ball

LOLOL

 

[BonifayRam]

Special Teams
No need for WR Jo Jo Natson on this roster now with WR Pharoh Cooper fully healthy & FS Blake Countess available for duties as a KR/PR. Better use for the 53rd master roster position. Natson has not been productive.

Offense
#1-Center-Move starting RG & last season's back up center Austin Blythe into starting center John Sullivan post. Sullivan is now the reserve center. Vacancy now present @ RG...solutions'....

#2- Insert top 2018 draft selection OT/OG Joe Noteboom 6-5/321 into the RG post. Prime 4th rd 2018 draft selection OG/OC Brian Allen 6-2/305 as the primary back up to both OG posts.

Defense
#1- Advise MLB'er Cory Littleton he will continue to captain & call the plays for Wade's defense but he will now complete this duty from the Inside weak side LB'ing post. Ramik Wilson will back up Cory Littleton at this time.However plan to activate 2018 drafted rookiie Weak Side ILB'er Travin Howard from the practice Squad immediately to the master roster to replace the released Jo Jo Natson. Prepare Howard to ultimately replace Wilson. Mark Barron is sent to the bench permanently.

Note: Vacancy now present @ MLB post.

#2- Plan to play both 4th yr MLB'er Bryce Hager & 2018 drafted Micah Kiser in this MLB'er post with rotations taking place just like they do in the front defenseive line. Hager is fully capable of calling & captaining this defense if something were to happen to Cory Littleton @ the WS ILB'er post. too Hager is also well schooled in pass coverage responsibilities. Rookie Kiser is a serious gap filler & true hittmg machine on run downs. RB's do not go forward when Kiser hits them like Littleton & Barron.

#3- Scheme/ plan to increase to find ways to utilize Lamarcus Joyner ...up close to the LOS (where LJ has proven since he was drafted) he can make big plays & get much more productivity. Joyner flourishes in the area of big body actions where his quickness & quick forward run support is outstanding. This would also mean that LJ would take snaps away from safety Marqui Christian who replaces Mark Barron on passing downs. If this can be done you will certainly gets some of the $ 11 million cap dollars worth back this season.

Note: Vacancy now @ high deep safety position.

Use either veteran super fast/rangy Sam Shields/ 3rd yr pro safety Blake Countess or rookie Ramon Richards in the high safety post. Troy Hill & NRC can back up Peters & Talib if Wade goes the veteran Sam Shield route @ deep high safety . Shields is the fastest defensive player on this team.

 

[Ramlock]

utilize Lamarcus Joyner ...up close to the LOS

He was very active there last night.

One big TFL and close several times

 

[…..]

I wonder if resting the players before the playoff loss against the Falcons has made McVay fearful of resting any of his players now. Their shoddy play after the bye might have reinforced this.

My thoughts too but then we see players who clearly look like they need rest lol

I guess if it was easy, we’d all be doing it!

 

[CowdengellyRam]

For me, lining up in 11 personnel worked so well early doors, simply because it had our best players on the field at the same time. With Kupp out I now don't think that is such the case.

Time to get creative with 2 TE sets, 2RB sets with Gurley splitting. Anything just to change it up just a bit.

I also agree about trailing a new C. It can't be any worse, even if it is Sully gets a few weeks rest heading into the playoffs.

We beat the Cards either way I believe. Their oline is serious banged up. I think all 5 starters are on IR. We win that if the O scores 14.

 

[Ram65]

I like the idea of Everett playing more. It should affect the defensive line up as mentioned.

I'm not sure about Kiser/Hager. Barron's not practicing so Wade has seen these players in practice. You would think the move would have been done already if they were an improvement.

Hard to take Sully off the field with his line calling and experience.

I guess you never know until you try changes. Rams need to shake it up some way.

 

[Boston Ram]

Its funny we as fans completely understand some of the adjustments that need to be made. Some have been calling this for 2 weeks now. Yet still no real adjustments.

I have seen enough of Josh Reynolds and would be pleased if I dont have to see him again this year.

 

[Legatron4]

The Cardinals shouldn’t even be a threat. No any given Sunday. Our roster up and down is better. It should be a fucking blowout with the 2nd stringers coming in the 3rd quarter. I’m okay with experimenting against them.