By Joe Torosian
Let me get this out before the “Horns Up” crowd comes after me. I’m rooting for the Rams. I’m cheering for the Rams…but…
I think the Cardinals will take Monday night’s playoff game, 31-21.
This game boils down to who will deliver the “Federal Pounding.”
Last Sunday and for most of the year, the Rams have been on the receiving end of these poundings. The Cardinals have been recipients of bully-ball. Their lone win down the stretch came against the Cowboys, who can’t run the ball.
So it’s going to be less about Kyler Murray and Matthew Stafford and all about who gets the push.
With that said, if I’m the Rams (and this is a big “IF” because the word “adjustment” doesn’t exist in LA’s defensive offices), I pull Troy Reeder and put a fourth interior lineman on the line of scrimmage. Sell out against the run, and make Kyler Murray beat you with his arm.
Murray can beat you with his arm. But if he’s dropping back to pass, and if the Rams can keep contain, there’s a possibility the pass rush could throw him off. Raheem Morris needs to run Travin Howard at middle linebacker because he’s good in coverage. This gives the Rams a path to victory.
But if they continue to run that light-box on defense. The Cardinals will sentence them to no less than four quarters of a “Federal Pounding” and accent it with designed runs by Murray. You don’t have to be Buddy Ryan or John Madden to figure this out. The whole league has figured this out about the Rams.
The Rams will have to trust Jalen Ramsey, Darious Williams, and Dont’e Deayon. They’ve got no choice and hope they can eek something out of what is looking like the slowest safety tandem in NFL history to start a playoff game.
Name something slower than Eric Weddle and Taylor Rapp? At least Weddle’s got some savvy. Rapp is positively remedial in coverage.
Offensively, enough with the empty backfields. The offensive line was good for most of the year. Right now, it’s barely competent. No empty backfields. Maybe they can come out empty and motion Cooper Kupp into the backfield for a wrinkle.
I’ll say it one more time…Do Not Run Empty.
And, of course, run a lot of jumbo, keep pounding, keep pounding, keep pounding. Arizona’s vulnerable on the ground, don’t give their pass rush a chance.
The Rams need this win to justify all their moves. By making the playoffs, the Cardinals season is already made. All they need is a good showing, and Murray will get back on track for his Canton induction next August.
The Rams need this more, and Stafford desperately needs this.
One thing I know for sure…if this game goes south–no matter what happens–everyone will blame Stafford.
Tangent Dreams: A High School Football Novel (Available thru Amazon–click on pic)
Around the League:
(Winners in Bold)
Raiders at Bengals—The Raiders, in 1990, started Cincy’s playoff losing streak. If you’re a Bengals fan how can you trust? If you’re a Raiders fan you’re enjoying the ride.
Patriots at Bills—You’re going to need a big play. Josh Allen makes big plays.
Eagles at Buccaneers—Tampa Bay shuts down Philly’s dream season.
49ers at Cowboys—Dallas plays soft. The 49ers are like the “Warriors” trapped 27 miles behind enemy lines.
Steelers at Chiefs—Vaya con dios, Ben.
Cardinals at Rams—“You’re not a true Ram fan if you don’t pick them to win every game!”
(Titans, Packers—Bye)
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
Follow Joe on Twitter @joet13b
Instagram: @joet13b
