Random Thoughts

[TheDude]

No particular order -

• I bailed on the game yesterday at halftime, more of a combination of a million errands to do and the NFL is getting stale. I really cant take subjective penalties or not or inconsistency. I feel that penalties used to be less frequent and much less impactful versus today when it is just a haphazard flag fest that some turn the games (or keep them competitive). The game is just different and I guess I am a curmudgeon now
• I work at a firm in LA that is delving into sponsoring the 2028 Olympics. We had a luncheon where there were some ESPN folks , including some former players (on air talent). Briefly walked into some water cooler talk. Many are smitten with the Rams and McVay. Says he builds schemes every game off of previous games and new wrinkles to successful plays. Said that many coaches try, but that team has bought in and is being put in a position to maximize talent. Many think they are the most complete team in the NFL and will beat Philly.
• From a cowboy perspective, the I heard that they were tough, but predictable. One comment was that they dont scheme many explosive, they rely on high percentage plays that when it works allows them to lean on a team and wear it down. But most teams will take that and rarely can teams consistently win with 10-15 play drives
• I watched the game on All-22, only offense so far, today. To me it came down to Chaz Green and coaching, play calling (ground breaking, I know). Chaz was just not an NFL player yesterday. The thing is, it was there from the onset where Dak was pressured into the INT on the 3rd play. The whole drive was almost a misdemenor battery charge on Green.
• The unnerving thing, though is that the routes didnt really change. There were opportunities to adjust to hot routes or 2 step drops, but it never came. There were 3 sacks where 4 receivers go out and are 10 yards down the field and Prescott got hit right before they made their cut. Just not smart after the first series.
• Hats off to Atlanta, they rushed receivers the moment Dak left the pocket
• There is more, but all save some more for later

 

[RS12]

I work at a firm in LA that is delving into sponsoring the 2028 Olympics. We had a luncheon where there were some ESPN folks , including some former players (on air talent). Briefly walked into some water cooler talk. Many are smitten with the Rams and McVay. Says he builds schemes every game off of previous games and new wrinkles to successful plays. Said that many coaches try, but that team has bought in and is being put in a position to maximize talent. Many think they are the most complete team in the NFL and will beat Philly.

Coaching matters. McVay proved himself at his last stop. He also brought in one of the best DCs in the business on the other side of the ball, so it is obvious to me he is smart with his priorities in place, and isnt threatened by other talented people. Of course it doesnt hurt that Kroenke is satisfied counting money and not making personnel or coaching decisions. I dont see them winning in Philadelphia in January though.

 

[RS12]

Do me a favor, see if you can find out what the water cooler dwellers opinion of Garret is and let us know.