A few game thoughts after sleeping on it… (2 replies)

This article was originally published on Herd Message Board.

I’m gonna try not to repeat what’s already been posted, especially by Avenger and Dead.

Stafford is having one helluva season, isn’t he? Not gaudy yardage totals but 5 passing TD’s? No FG’s needed in red zone. He put up points so fast that Coen felt it necessary to eschew FG’s and go for it on one 4th down after another. IOW, Stafford wrecked Coen’s game plan. Last offseason I had been wondering if Stafford could get through this season, much less lead us next year. But now I’ll concede that I was wrong and horribly underestimated him. Heck, I’m now not so sure QB is such a pressing need next offseason.

I’m seeing bursts from Kyren that were missing before. Could it be because he’s getting more breathers now? More please.

Very nice game by Rams OL. I particularly watched Avila and McClendon and liked what I was seeing. Made it possible for Stafford to make so many plays.

Ferguson is looking like the real deal. I’m talking about a weapon that could be a nightmare to defend. And he had a higher PFF blocking grade than any Ram OL. Let that sink in. He is outplaying Higbee, y’all and if McVay is as smart as I think he is then Ferguson will be getting more and more opportunities as this season unfolds. Can’t wait.

Kudos to McVay for coming up with the 12 and 13 personnel sets. Jags really struggled against them.

Puka who? Just kidding, but Stafford found 10 different receivers. That’s not a typo. We are a better O when we’re diversified. Even when Puka returns.

Adams and Stafford seem to be getting closer and closer to being on the same stage. Adams is still the master of contested catches and I love that.

Nice to see 2025 rookies contributing. Stewart, Ferguson, and even Mumps getting his 1st TD catch. Can Hunter be far behind?

Speights played well. I’m gonna trust the coaches on this Speights/Dolac option to pair with Landman. Sure nice to have that kind of depth at ILB for a change.

Darious Williams has found the fountain of youth for these last 2 games. Couldn’t have come at a better time, huh?

Our Safety corps is quietly having a very nice season. Hat’s off to all of them.

Our coverage ST are still an adventure, aren’t they? And too many penalties to suit me. Sigh…

Tip of the hat to Shula for unleashing his studly front 7. They are amazing. Young and Verse get most of the pub, but the secret of their overall success is the synergy and depth rotation. I think they’re the envy of the league.

Finally, a game ball for McVay. Took the team all the way to London without Puka to lean on and came up with a crushing game plan that exceeded everybody’s expectations. My favorite all-time Ram HC and that’s saying something.

As an aside, I’m no longer so certain about various Ram needs to be addressed next offseason. Perhaps we already have those ‘needs’ that were concerning me already on this roster.

QB. Stafford. Heck how many more good years does he have in him? He’s really making a statement this year.
TE. Ferguson is clearly the future. This will be Higbee’s last year as a Ram.
RT. McClendon is also making a strong case that RT is no longer a high priority need.
LT. AJ is solid and I think Stafford trusts him which is hugely important.
Front 7 on D appears to be set and only needs depth infusion on Day 2 or maybe Day 3.

Which leaves WR and CB as our biggest needs. And we just happen to have two 1sts in next draft. I love it when a plan comes together.

Hot Damn!

Thoughts?