By Joe Torosian —
“There’s more gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are. Humbug, I tell you. Humbug!”—Ebenezer Scrooge
Kick it!
Note: I had a project to finish, Thanksgiving to prepare for, a friend to murder, and Gilder to blame for it. I was swamped, so I took a Bye last week.
Of course, after watching the Rams in Green Bay, I wish I had taken another Bye.
The Rams are in trouble, but before thinking it’s the end of the world, remember that disaster in Lambeau on Sunday ended as a one-possession game—36-28.
Los Angeles was horrible, terrible, the players, the coaches, the combined execution was garbage, and it finished as a one-possession game.
A game where Matthew Stafford struck with another pick-six. A game where the ball was turned over on downs deep in Rams territory. A game where the Hall of Fame—still top five—left tackle was beat, Stafford was blindsided and gave up the ball. And, of course, a game where the Practice Squad import of the month, J.J. Koski, fumbles on a punt return.
The final was still 36-28—a one-possession game.
A defensive front that features Aaron Donald, Von Miller, and Leonard Floyd produces one sack…and that was by Greg Gaines. By the way, the Packers were missing two starters along the offensive line.
At inside linebacker, we’ve repeatedly said Troy Reeder is a glorified special teamer. He gets exposed, every series he plays, every week. It’s becoming brutal to watch.
The corners are playing too far off the ball. And Jalen Ramsey not being on the opposing team’s number one receiver for four quarters is a joke.
The unit can’t get off the field. They’re constantly surrendering ten-play length of the field drives. And it’s made worse because the offense can’t stay on the field.
It’s a joke, and the coaching staff is the center of the laugh.
And for all of that, Sunday was a one-possession game.
First Add Special Teams: A veteran needs to step up and take one or both of the return jobs. It’s not about protecting people and keeping them fresh anymore. The season’s on the line. How bad do they want it?
Last Add Offense: I refuse to believe Matthew Stafford is this bad. He has to be hurt, but if he’s good enough to play—then he’s good enough to play. No excuses, so let’s say it, he’s a really good quarterback going through a terrible stretch.
Really Last Add Offense: Remember—when you’re joining the chorus of “Stafford sucks!”—that Lamar Jackson threw four interceptions against the Browns last night. And if Baker Mayfield was slightly healthy, Cleveland wins that game.
And it was a one-possession game. My meaning to all of this is to have hope. Have hope because this is all correctible. It’s not over.
On the flip side, be concerned. The offense is slow in making adjustments, and the defense–DC Raheem Morris–appears incapable of making any adjustments, especially in-game.
***
Tangent Dreams: A High School Football Novel (Available thru Amazon–click on pic)
Lincoln Riley? Okay, I’ll dance.
Riley is the first “USC Free” hire since Pete Carroll. No ties, no former glory to live up to, no apparent connections. Great hire…I think fans would have been a bit Fickell about hiring anybody else.
Speaking of College Football…I still can’t describe the pleasure I get when Michigan defeats Ohio State. This is due to my lingering Woody Hayes hangover. I will always hate the Buckeyes, and that means I will always be a Michigan fan.
So break me off some Rick Leach and Harlan Huckleby.
***
Around The NFL:
It’s taken 49 seasons—but Derek Carr has made me a Raiders fan. He may not be going to the Hall of Fame, but the dude is a stud. The Raiders 2021 journey is a fantastic story, and an America’s Game episode needing to happen. The win in Dallas on Thursday was the pumpkin pie to my Thanksgiving.
Mayfield’s tough. Carr and the Raiders are tough. The New England Patriots are tough. I wish I saw a trace of that toughness in the Rams. Tell me if I’m wrong? Tell me if you see tough because I can’t get a sniff nor whiff of tough from the Rams.
Again, it goes back to, “how bad do they want it?”
The Chargers are gross.
Lamar Jackson’s third-quarter touchdown pass to Mark Andrews was an excellent play…but as Cris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico gushed over Lamar…they couldn’t find a moment to discuss the Browns’ blown coverage?
Okay, the commercial with the girl who keeps the snowman all year is creepy.
Last Thought: The question I got hit with on Sunday was furniture. Would you–in any optional circumstance—choose to move, pick up, or drop off furniture on an NFL Sunday? How special does somebody have to be in your life for you to do that for them?
The Response: More than a few said they’d help. And I’ve concluded there are many better people than me out there.
Coming This November (thru Amazon)
“A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead.” –Proverbs 21:16
The Dude abides…
1,201
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”…all five available through Amazon.com.
www.JoeTorosian.com
jtbank1964@yahoo.com
Follow Joe on Twitter @joet13b
Instagram: @joet13b
Be sure to read:
College Football Breakdown (Every Tuesday)
Standings & Stuff (Every Wednesday)
College Hoops Breakdown—by Riley Saxon
The Urena Express—by Steven Urena (MLB)
From The RamCave—by Joe T. (Every Friday)
