Rest or Start key players next week?

[fanotodd]

The problem with resting players and taking your foot off of the gas is this team was rolling (warts and all) until it had about a week and a half bye. That game last week was terrible in all phases. This is not a veteran team. The Rams are about youth and momentum right now.

The problem with playing everybody is the Rams don’t want to show the 9ers TOO MUCH. Should THAT be a consideration? There will probably be a rematch should the Rams win in the first round of the playoffs. This Rams team has multiple new and key players that weren’t a factor in week 2.

 

[Londoner]

This is an interesting take, from Walterfootball:

"I’ve moved the Rams up to No. 3 because they’re the only team in the top six of both offensive and defensive EPA. I worry about their special teams, but that’s about it."

With both our offence and defence improving, does it make sense to rest them against the Whiners? Will McVay decide to give them another game and keep the momentum going, maybe?

 

[oldnotdead]

I would rather play Detroit than Dallas in the wildcard round. That is why seeding is very important and McVay would be foolish in resting starters until the Rams have a huge lead.

People assume Wentz would play well, the last game i saw him play he didn't look that great. In my opinion, we don't know what version of Carson we would get. No if he wants to stay next year as a backup I'm sure they would be happy to sign him. Then he can show how good he is in OTAs and TC.

Having your starters in rhythm is important. So you don't mess with that unless you have to.

 

[XXXIVwin]

Philly is a wildcard team they will play either Tampa or New Orleans.

No, Philly can still win NFC East.

 

[AvengerRam]

I voted Option 1, but I’m kind of between 1 and 2. Start everyone, but I might start pulling players in the second half if the game isn’t close.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I think we rest starters, but how much I am undecided.

 

[Giles]

F that rest the starters. I'm not willing to risk any injuries especially to the offensive players.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I think ... and, to be clear, I have no fucking idea, could change my opinion before I finish typing this post and don't know that McVay has even made a final determination ... Stafford sits-out the game entirely.

This clueless opinion is based solely on Peter Schrager's comment this morning that he thinks Wentz starts.

I think Schrager is clued-in; and McVay indicated his likely decision.

If Stafford sits, then I would expect Kupp and Donald to sit-out; along with a number of veterans ... Higbee, Jones, Fuller, Brown and a few others; especially anyone who is dinged-up.

With a limited roster, and only so many players that can be activated from the Practice Squad, a number of players will need to be dressed but could see limited snaps ... Havenstein, Johnson, Shelton.

Think young starters like Nacua and Williams see limited snaps; and the Rams try to get Nacua the records.

Whether this is the right decision, I have NO Idea whatsoever, and don't care because it's McVay's decision.
Of course, should any players be injured (it's football, players will be injured), McVay will be criticized; and,
should the Rams not play well in the Wild Card (especially early-on), McVay will be criticized.

Finally, in my opinion, Sean McVay has done a Great Job this season; and we are blessed to have him.

 

[MaxQ28]

I think ... and, to be clear, I have no fucking idea, could change my opinion before I finish typing this post and don't know that McVay has even made a final determination ... Stafford sits-out the game entirely.

This clueless opinion is based solely on Peter Schrager's comment this morning that he thinks Wentz starts.

I think Schrager is clued-in; and McVay indicated his likely decision.

If Stafford sits, then I would expect Kupp and Donald to sit-out; along with a number of veterans ... Higbee, Jones, Fuller, Brown and a few others; especially anyone who is dinged-up.

With a limited roster, and only so many players that can be activated from the Practice Squad, a number of players will need to be dressed but could see limited snaps ... Havenstein, Johnson, Shelton.

Think young starters like Nacua and Williams see limited snaps; and the Rams try to get Nacua the records.

Whether this is the right decision, I have NO Idea whatsoever, and don't care because it's McVay's decision.
Of course, should any players be injured (it's football, players will be injured), McVay will be criticized; and,
should the Rams not play well in the Wild Card (especially early-on), McVay will be criticized.

Finally, in my opinion, Sean McVay has done a Great Job this season; and we are blessed to have him.

This is accurate and honest.

 

[OregonRamsFan]

I’m in the mindset to play everyone to win the game except those that have to sit. Momentum is important. Beat the niners at their house and carry on. Rest starters when/if we are way ahead.

Confidence is huge for a young team. I don’t want to play Dallas at their house of ill repute coming off a loss. The refs are cowboy homers every time.

 

[Allen2McVay]

This is accurate and honest.

Thank you. To be 'accurate and honest' was my New Year's Resolution!

Now I can return to my typical irresponsible, immature and reckless behavior ... at which I excel.

Whew! That's a relief!

 

[Ellard80]

Highly doubt Stafford sees the field.

If you listen to McVay's vague responses - he gives you some clues in there.

I think both the Rams and 49ners will play a majority of backups.

 

[snackdaddy]

 

[Jacobarch]

No matter what the rams decide to do. If they win it will have been the right choice. If they lose, mcvays an idiot. Just remember that

 

[Karate61]

Rest 100% of the starters. That is how it's done. Why is this even debatable?

 

[Merlin]

It's a tough call actually. Even McVay waffled his ass off when asked about it.

I certainly see the merits of playing guys even if that's not my preference.

 

[Ellard80]

It's a tough call actually. Even McVay waffled his ass off when asked about it.

I certainly see the merits of playing guys even if that's not my preference.

yeah he waffled but you could hear some clues.

I think they get Puka the rookie record.

But after that I'm not sure how many starters will see the field.

This will be happening all over the league by the way...

 

[RamWoodie]

When it comes to Puka, Kupp, Williams, Donald, and Stafford, let those guys make the decision if they want to play!!!

Williams and Puka because they are both up for records...Stafford, Donald, and Kupp, because they've earned the right to decide.

As for seeding, I think the Rams play to keep the 6th seed,...but it really doesn't matter to me because they can beat whoever they play!!!

GO RAMS!!!

 

[AZRams]

In 2018, we rested starters against the 49ers and they went all out in that win. We haven’t beaten them in the regular season since. McVay was pissed - didn’t he say he would never do that again vs Kyle?

Fuck resting starters. End the streak.

 

[Rambitious1]

The problem with resting players and taking your foot off of the gas is this team was rolling (warts and all) until it had about a week and a half bye. That game last week was terrible in all phases. This is not a veteran team. The Rams are about youth and momentum right now.

The problem with playing everybody is the Rams don’t want to show the 9ers TOO MUCH. Should THAT be a consideration? There will probably be a rematch should the Rams win in the first round of the playoffs. This Rams team has multiple new and key players that weren’t a factor in week 2.

There is also also the injury risk factor.