I’ve see Rams make many smart decisions since 2017. However…

[Rams43]

This year has shown many departures from former excellence, imo.

In no particular order of importance but just a stream of consciousness thing…

The Morris hire.
The DeCamillis hire.
The Atwell pick at 57 with Humphrey on the board.
Not having a single run blocking TE behind Mundt.
Not using Higbee more after loss of Woods.
Keeping Hekker over Bojo despite Bono’s clearly outplaying him in preseason.
Not having a single halfway decent PR on the roster. Inexcusable.
Using Kupp as an occasional PR. Seriously?
Depth at RB was suspect even before the Akers injury. How did THAT work out?
McVay with often puzzling playcalling, including not taking what D is giving him and getting away from running game too often.
McVay has apparently become too predictable and opponents have been taking advantage.
Stafford is very good, but being asked to do too much.
The Miller trade is now looking a little iffy to me. He’s not impressing and we’re gonna really miss those 2 premium picks next year.
I thought DW would be a team strength paired with Ramsey but he’s been neutered.
Burgess can’t get on the field despite impressing late last year pre-injury. This on a team with crying needs at both nickel and Safety, dammit!
The Kenny Young trade is looking like we shot ourselves in the foot as we watch Reeder flailing. Gawd!

These are just some highlights off the top of my head, but I will say this. Both Snead and McVay need to put their respective ‘genius’ trophies back into the closet until further notice.

This team should be in the SB conversation but now they’re no lock to even make a wildcard appearance. Color me extremely disappointed.

How the mighty have fallen, huh?

 

[snackdaddy]

The last 3 games are definitely troubling. But teams have turned it around before after rough stretches of games. The Rams are certainly capable with the talent they have. We will se over the next month and a half if they will be one of those teams. Its not how you drive. Its how you arrive.

 

[Ramlife]

All very legitimate points... cant say I disagree with any. Its mind numbing having Koski returning punts in such a crucial spot, and low and behold he fumbles and then mushandles a kickoff to boot. With all due respect Reeder is not good, and letting KY walk for that? Huh?? Im still scratching my head over that one. Dan Orlovsky said it best, what a stupid defense the Rams are running. If arm chair qbs like some of us realize that you put JR on the best receiver and forget about it and Morris and or McVay doesn’t see that I mean what the hell? Dear Santa please let Hollins play in the middle and let Reeder take a break.. oh please. One more thing Darious Williams doesn’t look like the same player... why oh why?? Go!

 

[BonifayRam]

This year has shown many departures from former excellence, imo.

In no particular order of importance but just a stream of consciousness thing…

The Morris hire.
The DeCamillis hire.
The Atwell pick at 57 with Humphrey on the board.
Not having a single run blocking TE behind Mundt.
Not using Higbee more after loss of Woods.
Keeping Hekker over Bojo despite Bono’s clearly outplaying him in preseason.
Not having a single halfway decent PR on the roster. Inexcusable.
Using Kupp as an occasional PR. Seriously?
Depth at RB was suspect even before the Akers injury. How did THAT work out?
McVay with often puzzling playcalling, including not taking what D is giving him and getting away from running game too often.
McVay has apparently become too predictable and opponents have been taking advantage.
Stafford is very good, but being asked to do too much.
The Miller trade is now looking a little iffy to me. He’s not impressing and we’re gonna really miss those 2 premium picks next year.
I thought DW would be a team strength paired with Ramsey but he’s been neutered.
Burgess can’t get on the field despite impressing late last year pre-injury. This on a team with crying needs at both nickel and Safety, dammit!
The Kenny Young trade is looking like we shot ourselves in the foot as we watch Reeder flailing. Gawd!

These are just some highlights off the top of my head, but I will say this. Both Snead and McVay need to put their respective ‘genius’ trophies back into the closet until further notice.

This team should be in the SB conversation but now they’re no lock to even make a wildcard appearance. Color me extremely disappointed.

How the mighty have fallen, huh?

Excellent post as usual.

Since I have always followed your posts I am of the opinion that this post was the short very kind draft that you went with......I could add another 20 to 30 bullet negative valid points that would surely fire up the Ram Kool-aid consumers.

However, there is really no need to waste the time it is what it is... an accumulation of a half-decade of hard work in an attempt to build & bring a Championship to the LA Rams now trending downward into the mediocrity of the post-2003 Championship team era.

 

[Malibu]

All valid can't argue on any, but let's look forward and deal with hand we are dealt currently. Can this team beat top tier teams because where I sit we are a top third team but not good enough to beat the best of the top third.

If we want to immediately improve we need to fix the Defense. That means Billions in for Reeder he was working at ILB in Denver as well as OLB. Need to put JR on #1. DW on #2 and both play tight man. Fuller and Rapp at Safety and Rochelle or DD at 3rd corner. Need to blitz more or play 5 on the line in passing downs it worked in 2nd quarter of Packers game.

Offense got to find a blocking TE why not Fells he is on a PS - must find open wr instead of trying to fit it in. Sure I know sounds easy but maybe not try for home runs and get strong 6-8 yard easy gainers.

No Kupp back on punts. On a 4th and half yard sneak the ball.

On Offense we have got to eliminate the pick 6s and holding onto to the ball as long throw it away and live to play another down without a big loss.

 

[Kupped]

This year has shown many departures from former excellence, imo.

In no particular order of importance but just a stream of consciousness thing…

The Morris hire.
The DeCamillis hire.
The Atwell pick at 57 with Humphrey on the board.
Not having a single run blocking TE behind Mundt.
Not using Higbee more after loss of Woods.
Keeping Hekker over Bojo despite Bono’s clearly outplaying him in preseason.
Not having a single halfway decent PR on the roster. Inexcusable.
Using Kupp as an occasional PR. Seriously?
Depth at RB was suspect even before the Akers injury. How did THAT work out?
McVay with often puzzling playcalling, including not taking what D is giving him and getting away from running game too often.
McVay has apparently become too predictable and opponents have been taking advantage.
Stafford is very good, but being asked to do too much.
The Miller trade is now looking a little iffy to me. He’s not impressing and we’re gonna really miss those 2 premium picks next year.
I thought DW would be a team strength paired with Ramsey but he’s been neutered.
Burgess can’t get on the field despite impressing late last year pre-injury. This on a team with crying needs at both nickel and Safety, dammit!
The Kenny Young trade is looking like we shot ourselves in the foot as we watch Reeder flailing. Gawd!

These are just some highlights off the top of my head, but I will say this. Both Snead and McVay need to put their respective ‘genius’ trophies back into the closet until further notice.

This team should be in the SB conversation but now they’re no lock to even make a wildcard appearance. Color me extremely disappointed.

How the mighty have fallen, huh?

No surprise from me.. I'm putting personnel decisions on D ahead of the hiring Morris as a mistake. At least for now.

DeCamillis.. What we need to be asking is what's going on with the Rams program that they've sucked on ST for two years in a row? Is it the coaches? Personnel? What's going on there?

The Atwell thing certainly doesn't look good at the moment. There are a few issues people can point to. McVay supposedly wanted to get bigger and beefier on the interior Oline this offseason. The opportunity to do that was right there.. what happened? I like Tutu as a WR and hope we get to see him perform there.. but, drafting someone like him who isn't really a punt and kick returner? You're not doing your roster and special teams any favors here.

I don't know what to say about the Higbee thing right now.
There are some that will argue Hekker is kicking to the capability of his coverage. I'm not sure I'm buying that right now.
The Kupp punt return thing doesn't bother me as much as it does others.
The Rams have had a complete rash of injuries at the RB position. I want to beat them up for what's going on at the position but have to have a little context.
McVay's playcalling issues seem to be a big picture thing that's just becoming clearer now. The Ringer article this week that showed a consistent dropoff in the second half of season coupled with comments that teams know what's coming by that time of year are worrying.
Stafford is TRYING to do too much, imo. Take the pass that's there more often.
The last two games, 9ers and Pack have been getting the ball out very fast. Tough to grade the pass rush. Also tough when they can't just pin their ears back because a team has the run option open to them, because they're playing from ahead.
I don't know what DW's problem is. We can blame scheme some.. but some of the blame has to be on the player.
If Burgess isn't getting on the field with what they're putting out there... I think we have our answer on Burgess. Either not healthy enough or not good enough.
The Young thing looks bad. What makes it that much worse is the decision to sign DJax instead of reinforcing the defense and then dumping him AFTER you traded Young for cap space. Awful.

The Rams draft and development the last couple of years is coming up short right now. Injury is part of that with Akers, for sure.. as well as Harris and Funk and Burgess.

The draft 3 years ago looks... mediocre to bad. Rapp is just miscast and not a complete safety.... Henderson just keeps getting hurt... David Long is a complete bust.. Evans can't beat out David Edwards and wasn't good enough to move Corbett to Center. Edwards is okay.. but exploited by strong interior rushers. Gaines has been a really nice contributor and the highlight of that class right now.

You just have to hit on more players than that in a draft to be successful.

 

[nighttrain]

The Young thing looks bad. What makes it that much worse is the decision to sign DJax instead of reinforcing the defense and then dumping him AFTER you traded Young for cap space. Awful.

The Rams draft and development the last couple of years is coming up short right now. Injury is part of that with Akers, for sure.. as well as Harris and Funk and Burgess.

 

[Kupped]

And now Buddy Howell is lost to injury as well. Bizarre year for RBs and Special Teams.

 

[Merlin]

RB is an enormous problem. Henderson has done this shit every single time he's been the guy, or every single time we have needed him to be the guy even spelling Gurley. He cannot stay healthy and when he's in there he does not provide any sustainment of the ground game.

What is so aggravating to me is that the Rams are blind to this. Or at least that they are not willing to sit him and give Michel a chance to provide what we lack with Hendy in there. The Green Bay game Michel came in they scored a TD then next possession oh hey it's Hendy time again. I am about fed the fuck up with this BS.

Howell didn't move the needle either btw. The way the blocking has been of late they really need someone who will put his head down and make tough yards. Only guy on this roster who fits that is Michel and they need to add another back who can bring that element to replace Howell.

I know McVay loves him some speedy pass catching backs. I get it. But at this moment in time that is NOT what we need. We're not gonna find a speed back who can also get tough yards at this time of year, those guys are all on rosters right now. But we can find a physical back. Address the fucking need GM.

 

[jap]

I am not going to wade through all the various team unit pros & cons at this point as that simply takes too long. However, at QB we have an elite talent who has suddenly been handed the keys to a high end offensive engine with more quality options than he has ever enjoyed. The problem is: he is still learning how to use that engine, AND the quality parts keep changing---that is to say, quality parts (Cam, Woodie) are getting injured and acquired (Odell) before he has the opportunity to fully appreciate the injured components or the newly acquired ones. In some respects Matthew is like a kid in a fully stocked candy store who prefers to continue to go for the jugular when he would be best advised to bide his time and take what the defense offers him until critical moments for big plays presents themselves. After being without all the pieces in Detroit for so long, he now needs to quickly discover how to best set up the very best defenses with the various options available to him in a very short time.

We could have beaten Green Bay. The defense played well enough to win. We had our moments against the Cards, the Titans, and the '9ers too. However, throwing Pick-6's in three consecutive games is NOT conducive to winning football, and Matthew needs to calm down a bit and approach these good defenses with a better overall perspective. I am hoping the Jacksonville game this weekend will serve as a witness to Matthew taking steps to being a better field marshall. He clearly has the talent, but he has to focus more acutely and optimize his tools so much better against the better NFL defenses. I am NOT giving up on Matthew or this team: we still got a ways to go in this crazy season, and a lot of things can still turn our way!

 

[Zodi]

Excellent post as usual.

Since I have always followed your posts I am of the opinion that this post was the short very kind draft that you went with......I could add another 20 to 30 bullet negative valid points that would surely fire up the Ram Kool-aid consumers.

However, there is really no need to waste the time it is what it is... an accumulation of a half-decade of hard work in an attempt to build & bring a Championship to the LA Rams now trending downward into the mediocrity of the post-2003 Championship team era.

Do you think overall, this 2021 roster is more talented than the 2017 or 2018 roster? I'm having a difficult time saying yes.

 

[thirteen28]

Do you think overall, this 2021 roster is more talented than the 2017 or 2018 roster? I'm having a difficult time saying yes.

I think the D is unquestionably more talented than the 2018 roster, even with the loss of JJ and Hill. But we have a huge weakness at ILB on what appears to be a self-inflicted wound by trading away Kenny Young. And we have scheme issues that are exacerbating our problems and negating our strengths.

Offense ... one area where we are definitely lacking compared to those seasons is at RB. We had a healthy Gurley, we had a franchise RB who was a weapon in both the ground game and air attack and had to be accounted for every play. McVay still hasn't adjusted to the loss of Gurley, and the problem is worsened by their approach to OL. The OL is not terrible and is better than it has been the prior two seasons, but I don't think it's as good as it was for most of the 17-18 time period. WR was good in 18 with Cooks, Woods, and Kupp, but we lost Kupp that year and lost Woods this year. The jury is still out on how OBJ will do with the Rams, but he's flashed so that could negate at least some of the Woods loss.

But overall, even though we made a big trade at QB, what this year has shown is that many of the same things that plagued us the last two seasons can still plague us this season with a different QB, because a lot of the underlying problems and changes have not been fully addressed and there was a myopic focus on one position only. Now people are starting to see that the problems ran a little deeper than that.

 

[Kupped]

I think the D is unquestionably more talented than the 2018 roster, even with the loss of JJ and Hill. But we have a huge weakness at ILB on what appears to be a self-inflicted wound by trading away Kenny Young. And we have scheme issues that are exacerbating our problems and negating our strengths.

Offense ... one area where we are definitely lacking compared to those seasons is at RB. We had a healthy Gurley, we had a franchise RB who was a weapon in both the ground game and air attack and had to be accounted for every play. McVay still hasn't adjusted to the loss of Gurley, and the problem is worsened by their approach to OL. The OL is not terrible and is better than it has been the prior two seasons, but I don't think it's as good as it was for most of the 17-18 time period. WR was good in 18 with Cooks, Woods, and Kupp, but we lost Kupp that year and lost Woods this year. The jury is still out on how OBJ will do with the Rams, but he's flashed so that could negate at least some of the Woods loss.

But overall, even though we made a big trade at QB, what this year has shown is that many of the same things that plagued us the last two seasons can still plague us this season with a different QB, because a lot of the underlying problems and changes have not been fully addressed and there was a myopic focus on one position only. Now people are starting to see that the problems ran a little deeper than that.

This kind of assessment is probably why I'm so strident in the Fire Morris thread..
"unquestionably more talented"??????
DL..
Michael Brockers, Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh and Dante Fowler were your primary front 4... they also had Ebukam in what was technically a 3-4. They rotated in Ethan Westbrooks and Franklin Meyers and Tanziel Smart a little.
It was an absolutely beastly front.
The linebackers were Littleton and Barron. The difference between that unit and this year's is PROFOUND.
Peters and Talib at corner plus Robey-Coleman. None of them are Ramsey.. but Peters is a damn good cover corner.. Talib was so much better that year than Williams is right now and the difference between NRC and Rochell is significant.
JJ was one starting safety and Joyner played well enough at the other safety to get a big, big contract.

The lack of perspective on what this current roster actually has when it comes to talent is one of the reasons people are so harsh on Morris, imo.

 

[sjm1582002]

All these big "splash" moves and not a single big body upgrade on either the D or O lines.

We are seeing how far mediorce lines will take us and that is proving to be not very.

 

[Kupped]

All these big "splash" moves and not a single big body upgrade on either the D or O lines.

We are seeing how far mediorce lines will take us and that is proving to be not very.

There’s nothing wrong with the DL. Even with SJD out, they’re very solid. Gaines & Robinson have been very good.

 

[ProGen]

Good post 43

Snead and co. have certainly made some unique decisions over the years. I admire them for 'going for it', but the wheels are coming off the wagon now, imo.

The product on the field is far too weak for us to be remotely close to challenging for a SB. That's fine - many teams are in that position. However, what really stings is the composition of our team, and the lack of draft capital to re-stock for the coming years.

We've borrowed in to the future and come up short.

 

[So Ram]

All very legitimate points... cant say I disagree with any. Its mind numbing having Koski returning punts in such a crucial spot, and low and behold he fumbles and then mushandles a kickoff to boot. With all due respect Reeder is not good, and letting KY walk for that? Huh?? Im still scratching my head over that one. Dan Orlovsky said it best, what a stupid defense the Rams are running. If arm chair qbs like some of us realize that you put JR on the best receiver and forget about it and Morris and or McVay doesn’t see that I mean what the hell? Dear Santa please let Hollins play in the middle and let Reeder take a break.. oh please. One more thing Darious Williams doesn’t look like the same player... why oh why?? Go!

I’ll disagree on almost all of the above. The Kenny Young trade cleared cap space. Say as you want I’ll take OBj & Von Miller thank you very much. Even if it cost The Rams the last 3 games.

I’ll stop for now,but please look at who The Rams played. Yes Lossing to Tennessee at home can’t happen.

Can’t help myself because I have to agree with you on some points.Troy Reeder Will & should get less playing time.

D. Williams hasn’t looked good all season.I saw when he got hurt in training camp.His first couple games back he looked bad.This last game against Green Bay gives me very much hope this defense is going to be very good. -Will always support Raheem Morris!!

 

[So Ram]

Good post 43

Snead and co. have certainly made some unique decisions over the years. I admire them for 'going for it', but the wheels are coming off the wagon now, imo.

The product on the field is far too weak for us to be remotely close to challenging for a SB. That's fine - many teams are in that position. However, what really stings is the composition of our team, and the lack of draft capital to re-stock for the coming years.

We've borrowed in to the future and come up short.

Then you can’t go anywhere right now while the wheels are being replaced.Your getting a head of yourself.It’s ok to be concerned.

This season is still going on.The Rams are only 1 game in off a tough road victory over one of the best teams in The NFL. I wouldn’t say the sky is following.
After The Rams loss to the Jags on Sunday you can head to the vent page.I was just eliminated from the survivor pool so I might as well go 3-0.

 

[So Ram]

Excellent post as usual.

Since I have always followed your posts I am of the opinion that this post was the short very kind draft that you went with......I could add another 20 to 30 bullet negative valid points that would surely fire up the Ram Kool-aid consumers.

However, there is really no need to waste the time it is what it is... an accumulation of a half-decade of hard work in an attempt to build & bring a Championship to the LA Rams now trending downward into the mediocrity of the post-2003 Championship team era.

Bonifay’d I could add a counter to almost all of those so called power points. Personally I think I need to send you a 100 or so packets of Kool-aide to add to whatever you will be drinking.

I’m a huge believer & have to agree The Rams are trending down as of this last Sunday against Green Bay.The Rams are only 1 game into the 2nd half of the season. What 6 games left into a 17 game season.

Cheers from a Kool-aide drinker.I know we didn’t have as much to be thankful for this last week.The truth is the holiday season is upon us.

Hope all has been well with you.
As I say Go Rams

 

[So Ram]

There’s nothing wrong with the DL. Even with SJD out, they’re very solid. Gaines & Robinson have been very good.

Really IMO as a Kool-aide drinker. How good were they. Robinson is showing so much heart down in the trenches.Just as an example that goal line tackle & of course Jalen had his head up his butt.Floyd had his jock strap framed right there around the 5 yard line or so.Can’t let Aaron Rogers run that ball in. He has containment there.He stepped inside & wasn’t paying enough attention never think Rogers would even try that.I’d say different if he took himself out of that play for all The Morris Haters to know.Maybe like last season he should have been on Adams instead.

Gaines has been showing more range & gotten faster.Has power.Was it a diving tackle on Aaron Rogers he made ? Not sure,but the play I’m talking about he did make an excellent play & tackle.Would gave made Raheem Morris look real bad if that was a first down,so nice play.

Last night the game was on The NFL channel & was watching the 1st. Qrt.
15 plays & held them to a missed FG.
Funny about 10 plays in GB had a power run up the middle.Some DT just got his AZZ blasted.Looked like a tumble weed hanging on to the RB with a bunch of Rams players around it. I looked to see who it was & behold it was AD99.

It is what it is.As great as AD99 is he still isn’t a true DT & as much as anyone wants to blame Morris for any of it go ahead.RAMsey & AD99 are such excellent Ram Players. They’re both tough as Nails. Raheem Morris has The Players Respect & I will say that in itself will go a long ways to The Rams SuperBowl run.

And yes - I hate the 9ers,but that team is heading in the right direction & I will say before that game up North Les Snead sort of pissed me off.
He came out of his garage & had his elbow on the podium talking to The Monday night crew.

What it shows though is Sean Mcvay has his hands full & the 2 coaches who are his friends have there steps going in the right direction.Mcvay needs to turn this ship around & head out to sea to SOFI.The fog has rolled in & The Rams need clarity.