From The RamCave: 10/8/21

By Joe Torosian —

The Rams beat the Seahawks, 26-17, to take “The Chuck Knox Trophy.”

That’s why I say, “When you’ve got wine, you don’t need bread.”

Were the Rams perfect? No. But in a hostile environment, with some weird calls, a dinged finger on their quarterback’s passing hand, and a still schematically-flawed defense…The Rams responded the way you’d expect a Super Bowl contender to respond.

I’ll scream later about Geno Smith driving 98-yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but it was LA’s response to that score that showed why the team is a contender.

Quick Notes:
***For wearing those neon green uniforms, the Seattle Seahawks should start 3-points down on the scoreboard. Those things hurt the eyes and need to be subject to cancel culture.

***On 4th & 2, deep in Rams territory and playing with Russell Wilson—why did Seattle try to run the ball?

***On the play where Matt Stafford suffers a “Goffasm” and throws the worst interception of his life…Why was the backfield empty, again? When you run the ball as effectively as the Rams do, why—in a non-obvious passing situation—would you run “empty” inside the red zone?

***And while I love the running game…why did the Rams run the ball on a 3rd & 10? (Unless it was because of Stafford’s banged-up finger—which he indicated in the postgame he had to “pop” back into place—then I don’t get it.)

***On a 3rd & 22, why did Seattle run the ball? So you have to wonder what was going on, on its sideline.

***Matt Gay gave Rams fans Sam Sloman flashbacks.

In the: “It was a bad call, Ripley. It was a bad call” Dept.:
Maybe there’s a rule that says you can kick the ball twice from behind the line of scrimmage. Maybe it’s new, or new wording was put in…But I’ve always known—I believe everybody has—you can’t kick the ball—at any time—when you’re beyond the line of scrimmage. Seahawk punter Michael Dickson’s second punt denied new Rams linebacker Jamir Jones his moment.

Either way, It got me reminiscing about the days of Corey Littleton.

***It’s a pleasure watching Darrell Henderson rush the ball. Decent speed, good power, and excellent vision.

***The Rams defense pressured Wilson, they held him in check…Okay…cool…But how does the defense allow Geno Smith to drive 98-yards in the fourth quarter for a touchdown? And how on earth, with Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams on the field, does Robert Rochelle get matched up with DK Metcalf? And that wasn’t the only bad match-up.

***How long until Nick Scott replaces Taylor Rapp, who is always late and appears lost in coverage, at safety? And what’s happened to Terrell Burgess? One snap all season.

***The answer to that Seattle score was brilliant. On the drive, Stafford went 33-yards to Cooper Kupp to put the Rams in scoring position. But the play happened because Sony Michel picked up the blitzing linebacker.

***The offense was diverse and balanced. Robert Woods was targeted 14-times, Kupp 10. Henderson had 17-carries, Michel 11.

***And the offensive line was, again, fantastic.

Quote of The Night: “This field goal has to be made.”Troy Aikman

Week-4 Picks
(Winners in Bold)
Jets-Falcons—It would be easy after a victory last week to take the Jets this week. Nope, go with Matt Ryan and the Falcons.

Patriots-Texans—This looks like a blowout, but be careful…Houston will play them tight before Belichick makes the difference.

Lions-Vikings—Gotta believe Norsemen HC Mike Zimmer’s job is on the line. His team cannot lose this game.

Eagles-Panthers—Carolina is playing for keeps and will crush the Birds.

Saints-Washington-Both these teams have stuck it to me when I’ve picked them. Playing it safe and going with DC at home.

Titans-Jaguars—Is there a more boring game this weekend? After last week’s performance I wanted to say Jacksonville was ready for a breakthrough—but then Urban Meyer decided to enjoy another kind of performance. Titans safe pick.

Dolphins-Buccaneers—Tampa Bay has no secondary, and Miami has no passing game. Go with the Super Bowl champs.

Packers-Bengals—This is Cincy HC Zac Taylor’s moment. Green Bay’s secondary is a little banged up, the Bengals are at home, this is the moment for Taylor’s team (and the time served to this point) to breakthrough.

Broncos-Steelers—Pittsburgh’s been bad, but I don’t trust Denver even if Teddy Bridgewater played. Plus it’s at Heinz.

Bears-Raiders—Can Las Vegas bounce back after a rough Monday night in Los Angeles? They should, and they should convincingly. After all, what’s better than 3rd & Renfro against a team without a secondary?

Browns-Chargers—Cleveland’s good, but they’re not the Chargers. I’m also going to guess Bolts HC Brandon Staley knows something about the Browns John Johnson III and Troy Hill. 

Giants-Cowboys—It would be so sweet to see the 2022 Super Bowl champions beaten by the Giants. And how wonderful will be the weeping and gnashing of teeth of those who have declared Dallas Super Bowl champions/contenders? Not gonna happen.

49ers-Cardinals—I think Colin Cowherd and entire sports media complex would crash and burn if Saint Kyler faltered against Frisco. I like the kid, I just refuse to bestow “Greatness” on anyone without a winning record or even a playoff appearance. Rooting for the 49ers, but don’t see it happening.

Sunday Night

Bills-Chiefs—Buffalo, all the way. KC will play inspired till about the start of the third and then reality will set in. Bills, 35-23.

Monday Night

Colts-Ravens—If it was at Indy, I’d take the Colts. But in Baltimore I’m going with the Ravens…If Lamar Jackson remains upright…Got a bad feeling the dude is due for an injury. And that’s based on how much of the offensive load he carries for John Harbaugh’s team.

Joe T. is the author of “Tangent Dreams: A High School Football Novel” … “Temple City & The Company of The Ages” … “The Dead Bug Tales” … “The Dark Norm” & “FaithViews for Storm Riders”…all five available through Amazon.com.

www.JoeTorosian.com
jtbank1964@yahoo.com
Follow Joe on Twitter @joet13b
Instagram: @joet13b

Be sure to read:
College Hoops Breakdown—Every Monday
The Urena Express—Every Wednesday (MLB)
From The RamCave—Every Friday

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