By Joe Torosian
The Rams breakdown is real simple this week. It’s the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the outcome can’t be competitive.
People will say, “It’s an NFL team, all games are competitive.”
Tangent Dreams: A High School Football Novel (Available thru Amazon–click on pic)
The Rams game against Jacksonville should not be competitive. Sunday’s game cannot be competitive if the Rams are truly a Super Bowl team.
The disturbing thing about the Rams is not the offense, and it’s not Matthew Stafford. And please stop with the Stafford has thrown three pick-sixes in each of the last three weeks. Tyler Higbee gave the 49ers a gift touchdown. Stafford hit his hands with the ball, and Higbee handed it to the defender. So stop.
What is disturbing—even disheartening—is the defense. Way too soft, and how many times must we watch a ten+ play drive to start a game or second half? Also, this team never makes adjustments. They are still starting Troy Reeder and Taylor Rapp, and that means neither Sean McVay or Raheem Morris are serious about stopping anybody.
Also, keep an eye on Aaron Donald. He’s still a good player and great in spots—but that’s it. I know it’s heresy, but it’s time to expect good from Donald going forward. The consistent greatness we saw in previous seasons is over.
With hope but little confidence, the Rams win 24-14.
Week-13 Picks
(Winners in Bold)
Colts-Texans—Houston will make a little noise, and then Indy will settle the business.
Vikings-Lions—Sooner or later, a bounce will go Detroit’s way, but no one knows when. Take the Vikes.
Giants-Dolphins—If Miami does what it should, it will change how people think in the AFC.
Buccaneers-Falcons—If Tampa Bay wants to be considered a Super Bowl team, they’ve got to win. The Bucs have exhausted their supply of Mulligans.
Eagles-Jets—Philly should win, but I’m sick of them falling short. Out of spite, I’m going with the Jets.
Cardinals-Bears—This game is in Soldier Field…Might be a reach, but…But Bruins by a field goal.
Jaguars-Rams—The Rams have not lost to Jacksonville since 2009. Of course, they’ve only played the Jags five times in 25 seasons.
Chargers-Bengals—Cincy…The Bolts are the Eagles of the AFC. You can’t trust them.
Washington-Raiders—My affection for Las Vegas is growing, but I don’t think Derek Carr has enough to work with. Go with the Taxskins.
Ravens-Steelers—For my friend Rob Sorge. I’ll go with the Steelers at home. Baltimore’s been cruisin for bruisin for a few weeks. And Tomlin knows Lamar.
49ers-Seahawks—Seattle looks like a dead horse needing to be put out of its misery.
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“A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead.” –Proverbs 21:16
Sunday Night
Broncos-Chiefs—For the Raiders sake, I hope Denver wins. But you’ve got to take KC in Arrowhead.
Monday Night
Patriots-Bills—I’m going with Buffalo because they have to be desperate at this point. New England has overachieved—a little bit. The Bills need this game at home.
(Teams on Bye: Packers, Panthers, Titans, Browns)
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 “Sin Virus”…all six available through Amazon.com.
www.JoeTorosian.com
jtbank1964@yahoo.com
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