I want Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford to be pass happy early and often

[FarNorth]

It's not a popular game plan, but hear me out.

- The Bucs are elite against the run.

- But have given up over 4k passing yards and 26 passing TDs

-Wanna tee off on Tommy boy and that injured line? Score early, fast, and often.

-Then unleash Sony and Cam.

Simple stupid win.

Sorry I don't agree.

If by "score fast" you mean unleash a deep passing game early on, imo that risks turnovers and three and outs. Especially from our own side of the field. It is a predictable pattern in the past from McVay. It puts pressure on the oline and on Stafford, who can be a slow and at worst erratic starter.

We have seen enough of the offense melting down early in the game to know this is a potential problem. It is imperative that we do not give up unnecessary turnovers, sacks, and first down chances in a playoff game against a really good team.

Give the line and Stafford a chance to get their heads and bodies into the game with some shorter plays, either run or pass. We have great WRs who can get open for first downs and RBs who can move the ball downfield. We now have Akers back for outlets and turning the corner. The oline can open some holes even against Tampa's big line. Sustain drives, move the chains, move the ball out of our own zone, and keep it away from Brady.

Keep the defense guessing about whether it is a run, short pass, or deep pass. Call enough runs so the D can't sit on the pass. And enough to create play action. Then pick your spots for shots downfield.

We know that we will likely have to throw the ball downfield to win the game at some point. But if we start out gunning and keep going we will end up throwing the ball 50 times, and likely lose the game on turnovers.

 

[MachS]

Being realistic, the Bucs front should dominate our OL. Should have happened the last two games.

I think it would be smart for McVay to have two plans - one to adapt to if they push us back like the Niners did. It's possible.

Given that the Bucs are down at WR and OL, we would be relying on our defense.

If it plays out that way, I'd expect us to run a lot, even if it only gains a yard at a time. We will need our offense to not lose us the game and have Stafford make a few plays.

If our OL protects well....good luck Tampa.

If that happens we will shift to a quick passing attack. Empty sets to spread them out, then screens to WRs or quick outs. Screens to our RBs and TEs will be big in this game.

It does no good to run on 1st and 2nd down into a brick wall for a loss or no gain. Then were sitting 3rd & 8+ and in real trouble. We need to be more creative. Pass on early downs, but safe quick high percentage throws. Then work the run game in on 2nd and short or 3rd and short. We have to keep them respecting both the run and the pass. Cant get one dimensional. Remember their secondary is the weakest part of their team by far. We can throw on them. It doesn't have to be deep shit. Easy completions, move the chains and make them tackle our athletes in space.

 

[dang]

Keep ‘em guessing with a balanced attack. Akers is Just warming up and Michel continues to get the tough yards. OBJ and Higbee have turned into strong handed red zone weapons. Jefferson will keep the pass defense honest while Kupp continues to zig zag his way into the soft spots of coverage. the weapons are in place And peaking at just the right time. I see 31 points being the magic number to lock and load the win. Less if the defense pressures Brady consistently and the Rams don’t lose the turnover battle.

 

[Angry Ram]

If by "score fast" you mean unleash a deep passing game early on, imo that risks turnovers and three and outs. Especially from our own side of the field. It is a predictable pattern in the past from McVay. It puts pressure on the oline and on Stafford, who can be a slow and at worst erratic starter.

Can't play scared. The TOs happened when pinned inside the 20. What happens if you're at the 20, gain only a couple yards on early downs then it's an obvious passing on 3rd down, allows THEM to tee off. Running isn't easy against a team like Tampa.

We have seen enough of the offense melting down early in the game to know this is a potential problem. It is imperative that we do not give up unnecessary turnovers, sacks, and first down chances in a playoff game against a really good team.

You can still pass and not do that.

Give the line and Stafford a chance to get their heads and bodies into the game with some shorter plays, either run or pass. We have great WRs who can get open for first downs and RBs who can move the ball downfield. We now have Akers back for outlets and turning the corner. The oline can open some holes even against Tampa's big line. Sustain drives, move the chains, move the ball out of our own zone, and keep it away from Brady.

At this point, their heads should already be in it. This is an experienced team that has playmakers everywhere on the outside. Use them. Make Tampa have to cover, which will eventually open up the front 7 for Cam and Sony.

Keep the defense guessing about whether it is a run, short pass, or deep pass. Call enough runs so the D can't sit on the pass. And enough to create play action. Then pick your spots for shots downfield.

That'll work perfectly in the second half assuming they have a good lead.

We know that we will likely have to throw the ball downfield to win the game at some point. But if we start out gunning and keep going we will end up throwing the ball 50 times, and likely lose the game on turnovers.

I'm saying throw downfield in the 1st half, and again can't play scared. Go for the juggular. Running will work eventually, I just don't think you do it initially w/ this matchup. Why would you allow their D to get confidence that they could stop the run early and make the team one dimensional?

 

[Merlin]

Can't play scared.

Playing with balance isn't playing scared, it is playing smart. It is a tried and true recipe for winning championships. And it also just so happens our pass pro isn't all that great when we don't balance the attack.

Ray Lewis on that vid I put up in the other thread suggested the Bucs come out and let their front "hunt" while they sit back and play the pass behind it. It's an interesting idea but I think extremely risky for them given how the Rams run game has been of late. We don't have the strongest run game but it's good enough to hurt a light box especially when a front is stunting and twisting and disregarding lane discipline with their ears pinned back.

Either way the moment anyone loads the secondary vs this year's team they're gonna get Akers and Michel in their face. Which is different from some other playoff teams we've fielded with a gimped Gurley or some combo of Hendy/whoever. These two guys are going to attack the defense and need to be part of the gameplan. With them doing their thing and a well balanced attack 9 will be set up with favorable reads all day long.

For me it's about efficiency. If you end up in a spot where you gotta open up the passing game and let Stafford go full hero, like for example if our defense doesn't play well and Brady marches them up and down the field, then you do it. But you don't want to go in with a plan to play into their hands. This team is fucking scary when the offense is balanced. When it's not balanced they're shaky in protections.

 

[Angry Ram]

Playing with balance isn't playing scared, it is playing smart. It is a tried and true recipe for winning championships. And it also just so happens our pass pro isn't all that great when we don't balance the attack.

Well yeah, but limiting passing b/c of potential TO risk is playing scared. Go for the jugular against them bitches.

I just really really really really really want the Rams to have a big ass lead in the 3rd quarter with the D just going to work against Tommy boy .

 

[Kupped]

Heard something this week about the Bucs run defense.. it's actually not great on the outside this year.

Sounds like Akers time, to me.

 

[rdlkgliders]

I actually wanted to continue to build on the last several weeks progression in the run game........BUT...
A play action deep ball on first play of the game to Van or OBJ could be a nice message "watch out we are coming for you".
We have been running first play from scrimmage through this latest commitment to the run. May just catch them off guard

 

[FarNorth]

Can't play scared. The TOs happened when pinned inside the 20. What happens if you're at the 20, gain only a couple yards on early downs then it's an obvious passing on 3rd down, allows THEM to tee off. Running isn't easy against a team like Tampa.



You can still pass and not do that.



At this point, their heads should already be in it. This is an experienced team that has playmakers everywhere on the outside. Use them. Make Tampa have to cover, which will eventually open up the front 7 for Cam and Sony.



That'll work perfectly in the second half assuming they have a good lead.



I'm saying throw downfield in the 1st half, and again can't play scared. Go for the juggular. Running will work eventually, I just don't think you do it initially w/ this matchup. Why would you allow their D to get confidence that they could stop the run early and make the team one dimensional?

Having the right game plan in the playoffs is not "playing scared." It's how you get to the NFC championship game.

Balance. Patience. Running game. First downs. Don't make Stafford play "hero ball."

Here's a comment from Jourdan Rodrigue which I think is right on:

Notable: In my opinion, last week’s game plan against the Cardinals was one of the best of the season by the Rams offense and certainly among the most complementary (even though it skewed more heavily toward the run). They brought nuance to their run game behind change-up backs, which allowed quarterback Matthew Stafford to efficiently pick his spots in the passing game. Six of his 17 pass plays were in the “explosive” category and he made some high-level throws, including a 41-yard look-off dime to Van Jefferson (so the Rams certainly weren’t asking him to simply be a “game manager” even though their A-plus plan was clearly running the ball at a high rate). Stafford also took a sack instead of forcing a throw into disadvantageous coverage and picked up 20 or so cushion yards with his feet if a throw wasn’t available.​

​

With Stafford’s smart decision-making came clean football. In some games this season, rather than taking that sack or some of the “gimme” yards, Stafford has instead tried to fit a pass. Sometimes the throw is successful; on other occasions, he’s been needlessly intercepted. Those “gunslinger” throws — and to be clear, specifically the throws that are forced — evoke memories of the years in which Stafford attempted to push the ball downfield however he could, without any real weapons to get it to.​

....​

He shouldn’t have to play “hero-ball” and the Rams are in a place with their personnel and game-planning ability where they shouldn’t have to ask him to.​

​

ttps://theathletic.com/3081059/2022/01/20/inside-rams-divisional-round-matchup-with-tampa-bay-coaching-keys-personnel-changes-and-more/

 

[Angry Ram]

Having the right game plan in the playoffs is not "playing scared." It's how you get to the NFC championship game.

Balance. Patience. Running game. First downs. Don't make Stafford play "hero ball."

Here's a comment from Jourdan Rodrigue which I think is right on:

Notable: In my opinion, last week’s game plan against the Cardinals was one of the best of the season by the Rams offense and certainly among the most complementary (even though it skewed more heavily toward the run). They brought nuance to their run game behind change-up backs, which allowed quarterback Matthew Stafford to efficiently pick his spots in the passing game. Six of his 17 pass plays were in the “explosive” category and he made some high-level throws, including a 41-yard look-off dime to Van Jefferson (so the Rams certainly weren’t asking him to simply be a “game manager” even though their A-plus plan was clearly running the ball at a high rate). Stafford also took a sack instead of forcing a throw into disadvantageous coverage and picked up 20 or so cushion yards with his feet if a throw wasn’t available.​

​

With Stafford’s smart decision-making came clean football. In some games this season, rather than taking that sack or some of the “gimme” yards, Stafford has instead tried to fit a pass. Sometimes the throw is successful; on other occasions, he’s been needlessly intercepted. Those “gunslinger” throws — and to be clear, specifically the throws that are forced — evoke memories of the years in which Stafford attempted to push the ball downfield however he could, without any real weapons to get it to.​

....​

He shouldn’t have to play “hero-ball” and the Rams are in a place with their personnel and game-planning ability where they shouldn’t have to ask him to.​

​

ttps://theathletic.com/3081059/2022/01/20/inside-rams-divisional-round-matchup-with-tampa-bay-coaching-keys-personnel-changes-and-more/

Obviously being smart in the decision making is a given. The biggest "duh" thing ever.

Bucs are not good against the pass. Running plays are, for the most part, a low yield play until later in games.

Why would one NOT one to exploit that especially when the pass game is a strength? And not doing that b/c of the potential TO is playing scared. What did the big tomato for the opponent this week say? No risk-it no biscuit.

 

[RamWoodie]

Being realistic, the Bucs front should dominate our OL. Should have happened the last two games.

I think it would be smart for McVay to have two plans - one to adapt to if they push us back like the Niners did. It's possible.

Given that the Bucs are down at WR and OL, we would be relying on our defense.

If it plays out that way, I'd expect us to run a lot, even if it only gains a yard at a time. We will need our offense to not lose us the game and have Stafford make a few plays.

If our OL protects well....good luck Tampa.

Huh...how should the Bucs dominate the Ram OLine??? In the last two meetings they couldn't do it. Take a look at the game stats.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Use Cam in the pass game.

This is critical.

We need to control TOP. The less offensive possessions they have, the less chances Brady has to get in a rhythm and bite us in the ass.

Use the pass to extend drives and score, but do not give the ball back quickly.

Agreed.
1st down will be key. If you feel like you can't run the ball...get the 5 yards in the passing game on 1st down. Don't call 10,15, 20 yard chunk plays to replace the run.

We've all seen how poorly McV's offense operates without establishing any rhythm. Higbee and Akers are more than capable of supplementing an ineffective run game.

 

[Ellard80]

Tampa bay will definitely hope we try to run a lot when we have picked them apart with the passing game the last two games.

 

[Ellard80]

Obviously being smart in the decision making is a given. The biggest "duh" thing ever.

Bucs are not good against the pass. Running plays are, for the most part, a low yield play until later in games.

Why would one NOT one to exploit that especially when the pass game is a strength? And not doing that b/c of the potential TO is playing scared. What did the big tomato for the opponent this week say? No risk-it no biscuit.

people way overplaying the game against the cardinals as some kind of masterpiece.

the cardinals couldn't get a fucking first down the entire 1st half...

lets not overcomplicate the obvious... we only passed 17 times because the game was over at halftime.

that isn't happening again.

 

[TexasRam]

I think the big advantage to throwing is:

1. There are huge mismatches to exploit that are not there in the run game.

2 Getting an early lead can potentially take the crowd out of the game.

Don’t get me wrong, we will try some runs and if these are successful then more running would be in order. But the greatest opportunity to move the ball is in the pass game.

Start safe with short passes and dump offs. Hope your playmakers can make people miss.

Emphasize to your QB to put ball security as #1 and trust him.

 

[Juice]

The Bucs secondary will get tested tomorrow afternoon. However, I can't help to think that a healthy Akers and a proven Michel will not be used to set up play actions. I hope we see long, punishing drives that keep the ball out of their hands and wears down that defense.

 

[Steve808]

Keep ‘em guessing with a balanced attack. Akers is Just warming up and Michel continues to get the tough yards. OBJ and Higbee have turned into strong handed red zone weapons. Jefferson will keep the pass defense honest while Kupp continues to zig zag his way into the soft spots of coverage. the weapons are in place And peaking at just the right time. I see 31 points being the magic number to lock and load the win. Less if the defense pressures Brady consistently and the Rams don’t lose the turnover battle.

Just no empty sets which sets off alarms that the Rams are going to pass the ball.

 

[Angry Ram]

Hey coach, you're welcome for the game plan.

 

[Ellard80]

Hey coach, you're welcome for the game plan.

definitely not running all the way to the superbowl

the 49ers we should be able to run a little bit more - but we are going to have to protect the passer to win.