By Joe Torosian —
“Solving your problems isn’t our line.”—Chris
“We deal in lead, friend.”—Vin
Kick it!
I’ll get to the Rams in a few hundred words.
I don’t know how everyone else feels about Monday night’s football game…but I loved it. I understand this makes me old. I understand this makes me a relic, but New England came out and just pounded the ball.
They pounded it with a set of running backs that—maybe/perhaps—won’t even be in the league in three years. They just ran, and ran, and ran…and beat up the Buffalo defense. It was truly a federal pounding, and it felt like the best part of football.
What is the best part of football? It’s that will, and desire can beat talent. Not always, but in the right circumstances, all you have to be is physical and to want it more.
So while we were watching a classic clash of helmets and pads…the NFL intervened with a ridiculous personal foul call on Patriot DB Myles Bryant.
SideBar: You know the reason the NFL can allow calls like that to be made? Because it can. It can enforce the Australian—I mean, Draconian—taunting penalty (like the one called on Jalen Ramsey, Sunday) because it has no competition. No threat. No rival league to league to call Bolshoi! And then advertise that they have something better.
The NFL will, eventually, change these calls—perhaps bring in reviews—but they’re in no rush because there’s no outside source bringing pressure to bear. So who gets jobbed in the meantime?
Regarding the Rams…heed the words of The Wolf and remember it was Jacksonville.
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I was really happy they won and did what they did. Sony Michel looked great running the ball, and he should. One, because they were playing Jacksonville. Two, because his legs should be fresh. Darrell Henderson’s banged up and a bit slower than previous seasons. It’s obvious he’s put on weight to protect his body, but I don’t think he carries it well. There are five games left. There’s no more time to rest, so Sean McVay can pound Michel all he wants.
Speaking of McVay, multiple tight-end sets? An extra-lineman on the field? Loved it. Jacksonville provided an excellent opportunity to break in new looks. I just hope they travel well to Arizona, Baltimore, and Minnesota.
The defense? I was a little worried when I saw the Jaguars drive 77-yards on 13-plays for a touchdown in the second quarter (this was the drive aided by the taunting call), but they buttoned things down from then on.
Okay…
This might sound nitpicky, but don’t you think the Rams should be getting more pressure on the quarterback? I also thought it was interesting that the first time we’ve heard Aaron Donald’s name mentioned prominently in a broadcast–for the first time in weeks–was against Jacksonville. I know PFF has him ranked number one, but tell me what you’re seeing with your eyes? And don’t play the card that he’s constantly being double-teamed. Donald’s been double-teamed for most of his career.
Tangent Dreams: A High School Football Novel (Available thru Amazon–click on pic)
He’s really good…but I don’t know if he’s still consistently great.
I know everyone hates the Tutu Atwell pick right now…I’m not going to say a word. But can you at least admit that Les Snead and the scouting department may have found something in linebacker Earnest Jones? The dude is getting better by the week.
The team’s getting massive clicks out of Greg Gaines and A’Shawn Robinson on the defensive front. Jordan Fuller is looking more comfortable at safety, and Darious Williams is beginning to look like the 2020 version of himself.
Troy Reeder, Taylor Rapp?…. It’s time to say, Sayonara!
If I could do it all over again…I’d have become a college football coach. Wish I had a Cristobal in my youth.
The Dude abides…
1,202
2 Corinthians 10:5
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”…and, the recently released, “Sin Virus.” All six available through Amazon.com.
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