By Joe Torosian
A few weeks ago, it was clear the Rams were pushing all their chips to the center of the table. Now, it’s time to say, “Call.”
Every move, every action, has been about getting to this point in the season. While it’s still regular season, Monday’s night’s contest in Arizona carries post-season emotions.
If the Rams lose to the Cardinals, if they don’t compete, if it’s a repeat of the game at SoFi, then this season is finished. Carolina has won in Phoenix. Green Bay won in Phoenix with little more than Aaron Rodgers.
If Los Angeles loses this game, the trades for Jalen Ramsey and Matthew Stafford are no longer justified. The moves to get Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr. are no longer justified. The payroll is no longer justified.
This game is a deal is a breaker for the 2021 season and the foreseeable future.
Now can they win this game? Yeah. They’ve been better than the Cardinals all along but haven’t played like it. Until the loss at SoFi, the Rams have always kept Kyler Murray in check. The personnel to shut Murray down is still in the locker room. Oh, and the personnel to shut down DeAndre Hopkins also remains. (See Jalen Ramsey.)
So if the defense contains, stays in its rushing lanes, and Ramsey matches up for four quarters on Hopkins, the Rams will be in good shape.
On offense, bang that three tight-end (13-Personnel) formation over and over again.
Rams win, 27-20.
Week-14 Picks
(Winners in Bold)
Saints-Jets—Because New Orleans is starting Taysom Hill at quarterback, Jets have a shot. But I think they’ll miss that shot.
Falcons-Panthers—This game is important to Carolina HC Matt Rhule’s future. Doesn’t matter who the Panthers QB is, the Cats need this game and they’ll get it.
Seahawks-Texans—Russ needs to cook, and consider it an audition for 2022.
Raiders-Chiefs—A month ago, Viva Las Vegas. There’s Friday night, just getting to town Vegas. And there’s Monday morning, going back to work Vegas. The Raiders are Monday morning Vegas.
Ravens-Browns—I have to admit, this is a game I want to see. I like Cleveland in the Dog Pound.
Cowboys-Washington—I hear George Allen saying, “Forty men together can’t lose!” Hail to the TaxSkins!
Jaguars-Titans—I’m gonna Volunteer this information…Tennessee wins.
Lions-Broncos—Detroit will not want this Crush to last. Denver rolls.
Giants-Chargers—It’s real easy to say, Bolts win. But if you’ve seen the Bolts from week to week…It’s not that easy.
49ers-Bengals—It’s not, but it feels like a playoff game. Frisco can’t afford a loss, and neither can the Tigers. So unless Vontaze Burfict materializes and is flagged with a late unsportsmanlike, I’m going Cincy.
Bills-Buccaneers—This one doesn’t interest me. The Bucs lose and it won’t crush their season. Buffalo wins, they stay alive, but the issues still remain. I go Brady at home.
Hard Copy will be released in a few days… Kindle version available on Amazon for 99-cents through Christmas. (Click Pic)
Sunday Night
Bears-Packers—Rout. The discussion won’t be about the game, but how long Matt Nagy stays employed.
Monday Night
Rams-Cardinals—As long as Pat Thomas and Rod Perry lock up Mel Gray and Pat Tilley…Rams win.
(Teams on Bye: Patriots, Dolphins, Colts, Eagles)
Tangent Dreams: A High School Football Novel (Available thru Amazon–click on pic)
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”… “Sin Virus”…all available through Amazon.com.
www.JoeTorosian.com
jtbank1964@yahoo.com
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