5 Thoughts After Miami (from an ex-baller)

[pvtdragon39]

You missed my point, I 'm not talking about this season, even with a healthy Higs there isnt a lot of production from TE. With Everett the TE's would see 120+ targets, since he left, been a dramatic drop off. Can say it's the players but it seems more scheme.

I remember him having at least 60 per year on avg even with higs having 50ish as well. 2019-20 seasons for sure. Our TEs have like 30 combined this year I think.

 

[snackdaddy]

Good post - except it was not 4th down at the end. It was still 3rd down. Why not try an EZ shot and then kick the FG?

Maybe in the slim chance the onside kick was successful McVay wanted as much time as possible? I believe they had a timeout left. Maybe throw for 15 yards over the middle and use the timeout? Then set up a couple hail mary's? Or maybe McVay thought an 8 point loss doesn't look as bad as an eleven point loss.

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

We used the shotgun wayyyy too many times. Your ability to run the ball is limited, especially with a non-mobile qb, and the defense knows the pass is mostly likely coming.

More plays from under center!!!

 

[Merlin]

You missed my point, I 'm not talking about this season, even with a healthy Higs there isnt a lot of production from TE. With Everett the TE's would see 120+ targets, since he left, been a dramatic drop off. Can say it's the players but it seems more scheme.

I think this is because Kupp settled into a lot of those usages McVay threw at TEs early on as OC and then with the Rams when it was Everett. Kupp's the same size, he's stronger after the catch, a better athlete than Everett, and far smarter in the scheme so they can option route the hell out of opponents with him too.

 

[dieterbrock]

I think this is because Kupp settled into a lot of those usages McVay threw at TEs early on as OC and then with the Rams when it was Everett. Kupp's the same size, he's stronger after the catch, a better athlete than Everett, and far smarter in the scheme so they can option route the hell out of opponents with him too.

For sure. Leaving Puka to play in more of the Robert Woods role

 

[Merlin]

For sure. Leaving Puka to play in more of the Robert Woods role

Yep. He's a better Woody. And I love Woody but Puka when healthy adds that physicality.

Re: the scheme vs players I think the OL limitations have limited the efficiency of the underneath possession game that McVay's scheme is built on. Teams are so steeped in stopping WCO now that if you don't have the weapons or time for your passer to stretch it they'll roll up and make life hard on this type of offense. So I think it is players to some extent, those being the OL being bad and a lack of a speed option that isn't limited.

It was the same shit last season when the OL was struggling. Then the line started playing better, they started limiting the stuffs in the run game so they could balance things, and the engine started running. So it could just be my relentless positivity for which I am no doubt renowned, but I think this offense should start hitting on some of those cylinders soon.

 

[Tano]

It was the same shit last season when the OL was struggling. Then the line started playing better, they started limiting the stuffs in the run game so they could balance things, and the engine started running. So it could just be my relentless positivity for which I am no doubt renowned, but I think this offense should start hitting on some of those cylinders soon.

 

[Ballhawk]

McVay needs to go max protect to give Stafford time to find his guys. With enough time Koop or Puka will be open every time and Stafford will slice up any defense.

 

[InfiniteRam]

I'm not so sure that the problem is Puka and Kupp are redundant. The problem as I see it, is McVay puts them out there with Robinson/Johnson as a trio, and Robinson/Johnson are the exact same WR as Puka and Kupp, except inferior in every capacity.

Then, there's Whittington, and once again, nice looking young player, but the exact same WR as Puka and Kupp.

Herein lies the problem.

 

[fearsomefour]

When the Rams were winning 7 of 8 down the stretch last year, I dont recall anyone being concerned that Kupp and Puka were redundant. Sure didnt seem that way on Monday either, pretty much the only bright spot on offense.
What puzzles me is how/why McVay cant seem to get the TE involved, or just doesnt care to? We change out the players time and time again and blame the players for not gaming out, but is there really an opportunity for them? Even Higs is a bit mysterious, we saw his 4-5 game monster streak a bunch of years ago and never saw anything like that out of him since. (Pre-current injury of course).
And lastly, while Gurley was a tremendous player, the screen plays that were run were amazingly effective, but since the screen game has been borderline bad.
Alas, it all comes down to the o-line, I expect big changes this weekend. Not necessarily in personnel, as much as I hope so, but in effectiveness. Its got to be a rough week in practice

Hes shifted a lot of the shorter check down and shallow crossers that Higbee would run to Johnson.
Thats ok.
He was trying to get Allen involved vs Miami and he made some catches.