GAME DAY Broncos at Rams - 4:30pm ET Christmas Day

[RocknRam29]

View: https://twitter.com/LightOnSports/status/1607173424111292418


View: https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1607172244664643587

 

[Merlin]

Once they get Durant playing better run defense out there we're going to have a hell of a corner. Good piece to build around. He's a real danger to QBs out there which is exactly what this secondary has needed.

Noticed late when Kendricks came in, on that run that broke outside, he conveniently turned around the opposite direction and half-assed it to the ball carrier. It was garbage time at that point but still, that's the kind of thing that turns me off in a player. Now maybe he did good things outside of that play, will admit it's not like I nuked the film or anything. But meh.

Mayfield played a damn near perfect game for what was there tonight. Also his timing and eye control made the short passes very dangerous.

Denver is not a shit defense. They're 3rd overall in scoring with 18.1 ppg allowed. They're 1st overall in TD rate allowed in the redzone at 37.50%. They're 1st overall in passer rating allowed at 75.9 which is a great overall metric that shows how tough a defense is to play. Their run defense isn't great but it's middle of the pack so all things considered the Rams OL deserves a group game ball for their performance along with Mayfield.

Oh and re: Akers did you see how he got stronger as the game goes on? There are two types of backs in this league... Backs that can get stronger as the game goes on and take it over as the defense tires, and backs that cannot.

This was one hell of a nice win tonight.

 

[jrry32]

There's a couple late day 2 early day 3 guys that are intriguing too but yeah I'd love to see Gibson, I think Pollard gets paid.

If the Cowboys don't franchise/re-sign Pollard, I think we're the team that pays him. We have no qualms about throwing resources at the HB position, and Pollard is basically a poorer man's Christian McCaffrey.

 

[jrry32]

Defensive tackle Michael Hoecht leaves Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson with nowhere to go for Los angeles Rams' fifth sack of game

www.nfl.com

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Michael Hoecht notches second consecutive sack on Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson with 3-yard takedown on third-and-long

www.nfl.com

Hoecht is a really athletic guy for his size. I have a feeling he's either going to be starting for us next year (replacing Gaines or A'Shawn), or he'll be a key rotational DL. I don't think we'll keep him at EDGE.

Once they get Durant playing better run defense out there we're going to have a hell of a corner. Good piece to build around. He's a real danger to QBs out there which is exactly what this secondary has needed.

Noticed late when Kendricks came in, on that run that broke outside, he conveniently turned around the opposite direction and half-assed it to the ball carrier. It was garbage time at that point but still, that's the kind of thing that turns me off in a player. Now maybe he did good things outside of that play, will admit it's not like I nuked the film or anything. But meh.

Mayfield played a damn near perfect game for what was there tonight. Also his timing and eye control made the short passes very dangerous.

Denver is not a shit defense. They're 3rd overall in scoring with 18.1 ppg allowed. They're 1st overall in TD rate allowed in the redzone at 37.50%. They're 1st overall in passer rating allowed at 75.9 which is a great overall metric that shows how tough a defense is to play. Their run defense isn't great but it's middle of the pack so all things considered the Rams OL deserves a group game ball for their performance along with Mayfield.

Oh and re: Akers did you see how he got stronger as the game goes on? There are two types of backs in this league... Backs that can get stronger as the game goes on and take it over as the defense tires, and backs that cannot.

This was one hell of a nice win tonight.

That was what I saw on the field from Kendricks in college, and I really didn't like it.

 

[Merlin]

If the Cowboys don't franchise/re-sign Pollard, I think we're the team that pays him. We have no qualms about throwing resources at the HB position, and Pollard is basically a poorer man's Christian McCaffrey.

Sounds about right. I'd prefer a physical back, but when it comes to McVay and RBs the heart wants what the heart wants.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Once they get Durant playing better run defense out there we're going to have a hell of a corner. Good piece to build around. He's a real danger to QBs out there which is exactly what this secondary has needed.

Noticed late when Kendricks came in, on that run that broke outside, he conveniently turned around the opposite direction and half-assed it to the ball carrier. It was garbage time at that point but still, that's the kind of thing that turns me off in a player. Now maybe he did good things outside of that play, will admit it's not like I nuked the film or anything. But meh.

Mayfield played a damn near perfect game for what was there tonight. Also his timing and eye control made the short passes very dangerous.

Denver is not a shit defense. They're 3rd overall in scoring with 18.1 ppg allowed. They're 1st overall in TD rate allowed in the redzone at 37.50%. They're 1st overall in passer rating allowed at 75.9 which is a great overall metric that shows how tough a defense is to play. Their run defense isn't great but it's middle of the pack so all things considered the Rams OL deserves a group game ball for their performance along with Mayfield.

Oh and re: Akers did you see how he got stronger as the game goes on? There are two types of backs in this league... Backs that can get stronger as the game goes on and take it over as the defense tires, and backs that cannot.

This was one hell of a nice win tonight.

Durant's obviously a keeper, ... hoping Kendricks can still be developed into something, he's a young rookie who was drafted #212 overall. I suspect we'll be drafting another CB for 2023 competition.

Akers is our RB1 and Williams our RB2, the Rams can draft a big back to replace Malcolm Brown without using a lot of capital. An inexpensive RB4 should be easy to find in free agency. What I don't want in 2023 is more bickering in the draft room over snaps.

Fix the OL and our RB's will be fine. jmo.

 

[jrry32]

Sounds about right. I'd prefer a physical back, but when it comes to McVay and RBs the heart wants what the heart wants.

Personally, I think Pollard can be a special HB if he's not being forced to cede essentially 60% of the work to Zeke. He's a guy who split time in college between WR and HB. He's extremely explosive, difficult to tackle (very slippery runner), and could be a major weapon in the passing game if a team was willing to feature him. I think he's an underutilized asset in Dallas. The nice thing about him is that he doesn't have a lot of mileage on his tires either, so he shouldn't be a HB who starts declining at 27 years old.

But yes, McVay does not seem to have a fondness for bruising HBs.

 

[Memento]

Once they get Durant playing better run defense out there we're going to have a hell of a corner. Good piece to build around. He's a real danger to QBs out there which is exactly what this secondary has needed.

Noticed late when Kendricks came in, on that run that broke outside, he conveniently turned around the opposite direction and half-assed it to the ball carrier. It was garbage time at that point but still, that's the kind of thing that turns me off in a player. Now maybe he did good things outside of that play, will admit it's not like I nuked the film or anything. But meh.

Mayfield played a damn near perfect game for what was there tonight. Also his timing and eye control made the short passes very dangerous.

Denver is not a shit defense. They're 3rd overall in scoring with 18.1 ppg allowed. They're 1st overall in TD rate allowed in the redzone at 37.50%. They're 1st overall in passer rating allowed at 75.9 which is a great overall metric that shows how tough a defense is to play. Their run defense isn't great but it's middle of the pack so all things considered the Rams OL deserves a group game ball for their performance along with Mayfield.

Oh and re: Akers did you see how he got stronger as the game goes on? There are two types of backs in this league... Backs that can get stronger as the game goes on and take it over as the defense tires, and backs that cannot.

This was one hell of a nice win tonight.

Yeah, I honestly have no idea why we're playing Kendrick over Rochell at this point. While I hesitate to pile on a rookie (why I didn't pile on Skowronek and was wrong to pile on Atwell), it's hard to justify giving away free points like Kendrick did (that play where he and Rapp shared simultaneous blame for letting Jeudy get out of bounds with one second left in the second quarter was inexcusable. Rapp at least played better as the game went on; Kendrick did not.)

 

[Merlin]

Fix the OL and our RB's will be fine. jmo.

I would add to the room River. Bottom line for myself is I am goddamn tired of the same players disappointing. We need to add fresh blood at the least.

 

[Merlin]

Yeah, I honestly have no idea why we're playing Kendrick over Rochell at this point. While I hesitate to pile on a rookie (why I didn't pile on Skowronek and was wrong to pile on Atwell), it's hard to justify giving away free points like Kendrick did (that play where he and Rapp shared simultaneous blame for letting Jeudy get out of bounds with one second left in the second quarter was inexcusable. Rapp at least played better as the game went on; Kendrick did not.)

The problem is Rochell hasn't been able to do a thing out there in any look he's had. The guy is damn near invisible. Also and btw what I don't like is that the Rams have played Kendricks outside the hash. He just doesn't have the wheels for that, not at this level.

I think if Kendricks is played in the slot he can adjust to this level maybe. That's where you put that type player. Not sure his head is fully in the game, but the Rams do seem to like him so maybe his issue has mainly been usage idk.

Either way looking forward to what they do with this back end in the offseason. We definitely need more guys back there who can play with anticipation and instincts.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I would add to the room River. Bottom line for myself is I am goddamn tired of the same players disappointing. We need to add fresh blood at the least.

And that's why I added a RB3 & RB4 in my above post. A big mid-round RB to replace Malcolm Brown and a decent free agent RB4 for injury insurance, both are likely had without great expense to either our draft or CAP. I just happen to see other positions which are more desperate for help right now and would prefer spending higher draft picks or free agency money at Edge, OL, S, TE, and CB, even re-signing Mayfield if we can make it happen.

 

[TK42-RAM]

That was so great. Merry Christmas ROD!!!

Great present.

 

[Memento]

The problem is Rochell hasn't been able to do a thing out there in any look he's had. The guy is damn near invisible. Also and btw what I don't like is that the Rams have played Kendricks outside the hash. He just doesn't have the wheels for that, not at this level.

I think if Kendricks is played in the slot he can adjust to this level maybe. That's where you put that type player. Not sure his head is fully in the game, but the Rams do seem to like him so maybe his issue has mainly been usage idk.

Either way looking forward to what they do with this back end in the offseason. We definitely need more guys back there who can play with anticipation and instincts.

Has he really had any looks other than our 2021 season? At least he has balls skills; he had an interception in 2021. Kendrick not only has poor speed and only really fits in the slot (where I'd personally put Durant or even Ramsey, if he's covering a tight end), but I don't think he has the ball skills you hope for.

If Rochell or Kendrick aren't in the future plans or if you move Ramsey to safety, I'd love to see the Rams draft Kris Abrams-Draine out of Missouri (he's the Mizzou guy I'm hyping the most. He's a former wide receiver who is an amazing ball skills corner; he led the SEC in pass deflections, and has good hands, being a former receiver and all. He may not even be the best cornerback on our team, but he reminds me a lot of Sean Murphy-Bunting.)

 

[PhillyRam]

Personally, I think Pollard can be a special HB if he's not being forced to cede essentially 60% of the work to Zeke. He's a guy who split time in college between WR and HB. He's extremely explosive, difficult to tackle (very slippery runner), and could be a major weapon in the passing game if a team was willing to feature him. I think he's an underutilized asset in Dallas. The nice thing about him is that he doesn't have a lot of mileage on his tires either, so he shouldn't be a HB who starts declining at 27 years old.

But yes, McVay does not seem to have a fondness for bruising HBs.

Can't afford a FA top level RB

 

[Tano]

The problem is Rochell hasn't been able to do a thing out there in any look he's had. The guy is damn near invisible. Also and btw what I don't like is that the Rams have played Kendricks outside the hash. He just doesn't have the wheels for that, not at this level.

I think if Kendricks is played in the slot he can adjust to this level maybe. That's where you put that type player. Not sure his head is fully in the game, but the Rams do seem to like him so maybe his issue has mainly been usage idk.

Either way looking forward to what they do with this back end in the offseason. We definitely need more guys back there who can play with anticipation and instincts.

Problem with Rochelle is that he does not fit in a soft zone defense shit that Morris employs 95% of the time.

Rochelle is a man to man CB. I don't know why the Rams drafted Rochelle with the intent of playing a zone defense all the time.

Why Williams was so terrible for the majority of the year last year is that he is also a man to man CB and didn't play well until Morris switched up his defense in the playoffs.

 

[Merlin]

Problem with Rochelle is that he does not fit in a soft zone defense shit that Morris employs 95% of the time.

Rochelle is a man to man CB. I don't know why the Rams drafted Rochelle with the intent of playing a zone defense all the time.

Why Williams was so terrible for the majority of the year last year is that he is also a man to man CB and didn't play well until Morris switched up his defense in the playoffs.

Corners need to be able to play the call Tano. If they can't then they're not good enough to be a starter. At that point they're a guy you sub when you zone 'em, etc. Rochell to me is simply a depth corner until he shows he can impact the game.

Durant today was a threat. That's what ball skills look like. He has that feel for the timing and getting his head around, he is sticky on the target, he can swoop with anticipation if he's off. We need more like him out there IMO.

 

[Tano]

Corners need to be able to play the call Tano. If they can't then they're not good enough to be a starter. At that point they're a guy you sub when you zone 'em, etc. Rochell to me is simply a depth corner until he shows he can impact the game.

Durant today was a threat. That's what ball skills look like. He has that feel for the timing and getting his head around, he is sticky on the target, he can swoop with anticipation if he's off. We need more like him out there IMO.

Peters is a Zone Corner who sucks at Man to Man - he is a great corner in a zone defense

I think Rochelle can be a great corner in a primarily Man to Man defense with occasional zone looks

 

[Kupped]

Corners need to be able to play the call Tano. If they can't then they're not good enough to be a starter. At that point they're a guy you sub when you zone 'em, etc. Rochell to me is simply a depth corner until he shows he can impact the game.

Durant today was a threat. That's what ball skills look like. He has that feel for the timing and getting his head around, he is sticky on the target, he can swoop with anticipation if he's off. We need more like him out there IMO.

I just worry about his lack of size and physicality. He's a true liability in the run game, imo. But.. he can mirror and play the ball like a motherfucker.

 

[So Ram]

Peters is a Zone Corner who sucks at Man to Man - he is a great corner in a zone defense

I think Rochelle can be a great corner in a primarily Man to Man defense with occasional zone looks

I believe that is a farce!! I’ve been watching RR31 & would be right with you if I thought he had any upside.

IMO RR31 will(should like Bobby Evans) get cut next season & maybe be a practice squad guy like Jake Gervase. I don’t know how cutting draft picks work though? I guess like every other player now that I look at it.His contract though has value if cut?

However it is is he just can’t tackle. His special teams plays seems poor. I could be to early to judge,but he is a disappointment non the less.

 

[So Ram]

Corners need to be able to play the call Tano. If they can't then they're not good enough to be a starter. At that point they're a guy you sub when you zone 'em, etc. Rochell to me is simply a depth corner until he shows he can impact the game.

Durant today was a threat. That's what ball skills look like. He has that feel for the timing and getting his head around, he is sticky on the target, he can swoop with anticipation if he's off. We need more like him out there IMO.

Durrant’s INT was funny,because Kendrick’s started running after him down the sidelines.

Like I posted above with RR31 & have to say Kendrick’s has passed him up big time. His upside & ceiling is High IMO.

Durant & Kendrick’s we’re battling out a roster spot & or starting spot in training camp.
Jalen Ramsey was hurt.Maybe it was 2nd string with RR31?

The one thing in training camp that was FREAKING impressive was Durants knack at coming down with the ball.

It seemed like anytime there was a ball in the air & he was near it he would come down with it. I saw him have at least 3 INT’s in training camp a lone on probably that many occasions.

I will have to say Kendrick a red zone 1 on 1 skill level that is really nice as well. In The NFL though PI is such a iffy thing its danger to be physical with a WR.