- Joined
- May 9, 2018
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- 5,375
1. The difference between winning and generally requires a multi-faceted and nuanced analysis. This week, though, I feel like one word tells a lot of the story. That word is TACKLING.
2. The Rams' tackling was, in a word, bad.
3. Missed tackles by the defensive backs allowed the Eagles to convert third downs and extend drives.
4. The inability to make a tackle in the backfield in the rare cases when they were able to get to Jalen Hurts allowed the Eagles to extend drives.
5. The inability to tackle Hurts when he ran the ball allowed him to convert third downs and extend drives.
6. Are you seeing the pattern yet?
7. I actually think that Rahim Morris devised a good game plan. For most of the game, the defense kept the Eagles from making big plays, and had opportunities to get off the field. But, again.... that requires solid tackling.
8. I'm getting a bit tired of commentators talking about teams "neutralizing" Aaron Donald. Donald is the best defensive player of his generation, but he's still only one human being. If an excellent offensive line gameplans to stop him, and double/triple teams him constantly, he's going to have trouble making plays.
9. The real issue here is that the Rams don't have enough pass rushers to make opposing offenses pay for dedicating so much attention to Donald. Byron Young is showing signs of being a guy who can do so, but we need more. Michael Hoecht isn't that guy (and he's a liability setting the edge and in coverage).
10. Allowing the Eagles to drive the field and score a TD at the end of the half was awful. The Rams' inability to finish off the first half has been a recurrent problem, and it's getting to the point of being inexcusable. It really changed the complexion of the game. Derion Kendrick played a big part (though I thought the PI was questionable), but I'm not going to blame one guy (and he did save us 4 points with a key 3rd down stop in the first half).
11. Given that the offense was shut out in the second half, I should be criticizing them, right?
12. Well, to a degree. There were definitely some missed opportunities, including a couple of dropped passes and some deep passes that looked promising, but didn't connect.
13. That said, the offense didn't get a lot of opportunities due to the defense's failure to get off the field. The Eagles held the ball for over 37 minutes. That's going to make it tough for any offense.
14. The "Brotherly Shove" is BS. Its not a football play, and should be banned. Its particularly frustrating when the forward progress is stopped, and the "shove" then gives the Eagles what amounts to a second chance. Not a fan of this gimmick.
15. On the positive side, welcome back Cooper Kupp! He and Matthew Stafford were not 100% in synch, but he looked healthy and ready to be a factor.
16. We also saw the possibilities of a Kupp/Puka Nacua/Tutu Atwell trio. Going forward, that's going to be a strength of the team.
17. Kupp gets my Offensive Player of the Week award with his 8 reception, 118 yard performance in his first game in nearly a year.
18. Given how I ripped the tackling, the Defensive Playter of the Week goes to the one guy who made a lot of tackles: Ernest Jones, 15 tackles (10 solo) and 3 TFL.
19. The schedule gets a bit more favorable after a killer opening 5 games. The Cardinals are better than expected, but very beatable. The Steelers pass rush is fierce, but their offense is suspect. This team has a chance to get to 4-3. That doesn't sound so bad, does it?
20. Rational perspective: the Rams' 3 losses are to teams that were in last year's "Final Four." Not an excuse, and we (and the Rams) should not be satisfied. Keep moving forward.
2. The Rams' tackling was, in a word, bad.
3. Missed tackles by the defensive backs allowed the Eagles to convert third downs and extend drives.
4. The inability to make a tackle in the backfield in the rare cases when they were able to get to Jalen Hurts allowed the Eagles to extend drives.
5. The inability to tackle Hurts when he ran the ball allowed him to convert third downs and extend drives.
6. Are you seeing the pattern yet?
7. I actually think that Rahim Morris devised a good game plan. For most of the game, the defense kept the Eagles from making big plays, and had opportunities to get off the field. But, again.... that requires solid tackling.
8. I'm getting a bit tired of commentators talking about teams "neutralizing" Aaron Donald. Donald is the best defensive player of his generation, but he's still only one human being. If an excellent offensive line gameplans to stop him, and double/triple teams him constantly, he's going to have trouble making plays.
9. The real issue here is that the Rams don't have enough pass rushers to make opposing offenses pay for dedicating so much attention to Donald. Byron Young is showing signs of being a guy who can do so, but we need more. Michael Hoecht isn't that guy (and he's a liability setting the edge and in coverage).
10. Allowing the Eagles to drive the field and score a TD at the end of the half was awful. The Rams' inability to finish off the first half has been a recurrent problem, and it's getting to the point of being inexcusable. It really changed the complexion of the game. Derion Kendrick played a big part (though I thought the PI was questionable), but I'm not going to blame one guy (and he did save us 4 points with a key 3rd down stop in the first half).
11. Given that the offense was shut out in the second half, I should be criticizing them, right?
12. Well, to a degree. There were definitely some missed opportunities, including a couple of dropped passes and some deep passes that looked promising, but didn't connect.
13. That said, the offense didn't get a lot of opportunities due to the defense's failure to get off the field. The Eagles held the ball for over 37 minutes. That's going to make it tough for any offense.
14. The "Brotherly Shove" is BS. Its not a football play, and should be banned. Its particularly frustrating when the forward progress is stopped, and the "shove" then gives the Eagles what amounts to a second chance. Not a fan of this gimmick.
15. On the positive side, welcome back Cooper Kupp! He and Matthew Stafford were not 100% in synch, but he looked healthy and ready to be a factor.
16. We also saw the possibilities of a Kupp/Puka Nacua/Tutu Atwell trio. Going forward, that's going to be a strength of the team.
17. Kupp gets my Offensive Player of the Week award with his 8 reception, 118 yard performance in his first game in nearly a year.
18. Given how I ripped the tackling, the Defensive Playter of the Week goes to the one guy who made a lot of tackles: Ernest Jones, 15 tackles (10 solo) and 3 TFL.
19. The schedule gets a bit more favorable after a killer opening 5 games. The Cardinals are better than expected, but very beatable. The Steelers pass rush is fierce, but their offense is suspect. This team has a chance to get to 4-3. That doesn't sound so bad, does it?
20. Rational perspective: the Rams' 3 losses are to teams that were in last year's "Final Four." Not an excuse, and we (and the Rams) should not be satisfied. Keep moving forward.
