November 27, 2024 • 21 mins
Ricky Hollywood sits down with former NFL linebacker and current ESPN LA host Kirk Morrison to preview the Los Angeles Rams-New Orleans Saints matchup before discussing what they are thankful for ahead of Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving, Jammies!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
You know, wine and football aren't that different. Sure they're complex,
but enjoying them should be easy. You don't need to
worry about complex formations and flavor profiles, or which wine
pairs with what. All that matters is together. Barefoot Wine
and the Rams are easy to enjoy, so let's enjoy ourselves.
Barefoot Wine the official wine sponsor of the NFL. What's Up, Jammies,
(00:27):
Welcome back to another episode of Ricky's Ramjam, presented by
Barefoot Wine. It was a tough loss to the Eagles
on Sunday night, but it's a new week and we're
on to New Orleans. It's a Thanksgiving episode of Ricky's Ramjam,
and I hope all of my jammies are going to
eat their little hearts out on Thursday. No Rams game
until Sunday, so everyone can kick back, eat and watch
(00:47):
some football. Kirk Morrison, who handles the Rams pre and
post game for ESPNLA, will join me to preview the
Rams Saints in a minute. And my voice sounds a
little shoddy today, so I'm really sorry about that, but
I I have a good reason for it. Monday nights,
all the people you see behind scenes, people that work
in ticketing. We have interns, marketing, pr all these types
(01:09):
of people behind the scenes. We all play flag football
together that work for the Rams. And we had a
double header the night before recording this and we won both,
which was so much fun. There people from football ops there,
you'd think wou'd be like a powerhouse team, which, like,
we've had kind of a shaky season, but we had
two back to back wins last night and so we
were just screaming, running up and down the field. It
(01:31):
was really really fun. So the reason my voice sounds
like this is because two back to back doubleheader Rams
wins technically last night, so that was really exciting. Okay,
before Kirk joins me, I want to hit the coin toss.
And for those that are watching on YouTube, check out
this new graphic. Isn't that awesome? I love it, the
little spin, It's amazing. Okay. Option one for the coin
(01:53):
toss is two sacks of Derek Carr or Saints quarterbacks.
So over two sacks, that's off one. Option two is
some sort of trick play. Maybe we get another two
to two quarterback moment or a fake punt or some sort
of trick play. So is it Option one or option
two let me know below all right. Joining me now
(02:14):
is the co host of rams pregame, halftime and postgame
for ESPN LA Radio. Kirk Morrison. Kirk, how are you.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
I'm doing good about yourself?
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Doing great? Doing great? It was it was a tough
loss to Philly, but we'll focus on some positives, right
and this continues to shine. What is it about his
game that makes him such a force?
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Well, I think it's his ability and get off to disrupt.
I think you saw that in college with him as well.
He's able to get through in the titus of spaces
but also utilize his strength when needed. And I think
that's what he's doing. In the first the first half
of the season, you could see he was trying to
get acclimated to the NFL. This last this next part
of his season, you've seen him really be a force
(02:58):
and really be disruptive Becau because he's got a great
get off. He uses his hands well, but he's able
to get into those I meant, you know, get skinny
at the line of scrimmage when needed, and he's attacking
the football. That's why he's had some of these big
plays as well. He attacks the football he brings grawl carriers,
quarterbacks down and you could just see he's getting more
and more comfortable as the more reps he gets, the
(03:18):
more experience.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Yeah, he leads all rookies with six sacks, and he's
had five sacks in the last four games, So you're right,
it did take him a second to sort of warm up,
and same with Jared Verse, but the two of them
together have just continued to improve game after game. Are
you surprised how easily the two of this duo has,
you know, adapted to the NFL game.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
You know what, I would lie to you if I said,
I would be lying if I didn't say I wouldn't
surprised because watching these two operate in college, you saw
how dominant they were at Florida State, Like you could
not block Fisk, you couldn't block also Verse, or when
they were on the same side, it was like good luck.
Offensive line teams would definitely try to do what they
(04:03):
would try to shift their whole offensive line and put
them on those two guys, which opened up some opportunities
for other players on that defense. But to me, I
shouldn't be surprised because I've watched these guys where they
were at the University of Albany in the beginning. For
Jared Vers or Central Michigan. When it comes to Fisk,
these guys have always had a chip on their shoulders.
(04:26):
They wanted to prove that they belonged at Florida State
and the Power five or Power four now whatever however
the college. But they're trying to do the same thing
when it comes to the NFL. They're proven that they
belonged and look Sunday Night versus the Eagles. I know
it didn't go in the right way for the Rams
(04:46):
in terms of wins and losses, but I will tell
you this, it was another mark on the book that's
being written by Braden Fisk and also Jared Vers as
offensive linemen. Now know these two young rookies play life
veterans and for Verse running over their tackles and fists,
getting in there calls and havoc. They to me, I
(05:08):
shouldn't be surprised at how successful that they've been as rookies.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
Yeah, that video when it was slowed down of watching
him Jared Verse truck over Jordan my Lotto was like
I watched that and I was like, that made it
look like he was tumbling over me and I'm five
to two, And I did like this recycling sort of
I don't even know what you'd call, like a promo
for social videos that we did. And I did this
(05:32):
competitive almost like recycling game with a few of the
rookies and Jared Versus was there and just him trash talking,
even me at five, and he towers over about like
how fast we're picking up recycling cups? Like he has
such a fire in him and it is so much
fun to watch him like explode in every facet of
his game. It's awesome.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
Yeah, he's got a motor. He's a competitor, and I
think for us, what will we look for. We were
looking for someone on the defense to really step up
in a major role that was voided when Aaron Donald
decided to retire last season. At the end of last
season it was going to be tough, and we're like, Wow,
that's the heartbeat of a team, Aaron Donald, not just
(06:18):
defensively but team and all Jared Versus come in and
done is really show that he can be that leader.
He's still young, but I see guys following him in
just his first year, and I think he's starting to
become the leader on defense that will eventually become the
leader for the entire team.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
As he's a guy.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
That I want getting off the bus first because he
is going to talk all game long, and that to me,
he's the baddest dude out there right now. And he's
got a lot of confidence and you love that when
you start a game.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Yeah, yeah, totally. And then also too, it's like letting
these other guys shining, like Kobe Turner at such an
impressive rookie season last year as well, and he's still
humming along too, So it's like you have these two
amazing rookies. But then also the defense, you know, Byron
Young in his second year as well, Like the defense
together you can't fail Aaron Donald's shoes and will continue
to say that, but to watch this defense sort of
(07:12):
step up in the way that they have has been really,
really impressive. Okay, so let's go to the offensive side
of the ball. Puka has his tenth one hundred yard
receiving game in just twenty three games, and only OBJ
has more over that span. What do you think makes
Puka so productive and how does he continue to stack
those marks?
Speaker 3 (07:33):
I think two things that stand out to me when
I see pooka number one contested catches. He is probably
one of the best that I've seen at such a
young age in terms of the contested catches. When a
guy's draped all over him or you know he's in
double he's being double covered. He seems to make the
tight window catches, which for a lot of players it's difficult,
(07:54):
but he utilizes his body. He's able to shield guys away.
He makes those difficult catches. That's the one thing that
stands out of me. The second thing that stands out
to me is his run after catchability. Ricky Like he
catches the football and then all of a sudden he
gets an extra five to ten yards. Or when you
see him make that catch in the middle of the field,
(08:15):
he's able to run, you know, sideline the sideline and
he gets extra yards. Now, the only bad part is
I want to see him run out of bounds sometimes
get the yards needed. I don't need you to lower
the shoulder, I don't need you to finish the run
of trying to run guys over. I want to keep
him as healthy as possible, but that's just who he
is as a player. But I've been really impressed with
(08:35):
his to me, the tough catches and then his catch
and run ability. That's what's stuck out to me, and
that's why I think you see the yard to just
keep going up and up for Cooper, I mean for
pooking the coop.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
Yeah. And you know, when this RAMS o line is
in sync, this offense can really hum and you can
really spread the ball out between the offense and give
them more time. Looking at the Saints on Sunday, how
important is it to keep Matthew st clean?
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Oh, it's to me this is a hostile environment, one
in which Rams fans know, going to New Orleans and
playing it brings back a lot of memories, great memories
for the Ram but also some bad memories as well
because of how loud and hostile that environment can be.
Keeping Matthew Stafford clean is going to be paramount this
(09:23):
weekend because the biggest thing that you have to realize
is that this offensive line has still kind of been
going through sort of a transition. It's not the offensive
line that we saw down at Loyola Marrimound in July
and August.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
He is a totally different offensive line.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
That being said, this cohesive unit has to be able
to keep Matthew Stafford upright, and they're gonna have noise,
loud noise. New Orleans will be rocking, especially Thanksgiving weekend.
A lot of people will be in town, and the
Saints have an opportunity to continue to keep playing and
possibly can.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Win their division.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
They've got an interim head coach and Rizzy, so there
are a lot of things for them that they're excited
for their part of it. That's why I think the
Rams offensive line, the talk has to be we have
to protect Matthew Stafford at all times, but that could
be keeping an extra tight end in. That could be
keeping an extra offensive lineman in right just to help
(10:21):
out in blocking. And may see two three receivers in
routes now for the Rams, not maybe not five guys eligible.
It may just be three guys, but I think that
may be enough for Matthew Stafford to really start to
get the football down the field, which Rams haven't done
really in the last couple of games.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Yeah. I mean as when they're doing that too, the
run game can really start to cook too. How important
will it be to get Kyron Williams and Blake Corum
going against the Saints run defense that has had struggles
this season.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Well, I think the big thing first is that Kyraen
let's hold on to the football. I mean, you're one
of the great running backs and you're a second team
All Pro last year, and when you hold on to
the football, when he puts the ball on the ground,
it's definitely put the Rams in some bad situations. So
the key there first, I think, is to keep hold
of the ball, protect the football. But I feel like
(11:13):
Blake Korum now it's at a point in the season
we've been talking about verse in fisks, even bo Lemmer
at center. I think the next rookie that has really
stepped up. I gotta throw in Cam Kitchens and McCullough
as well. But I think it's now time for Blake
Korm to really inject himself into this rushing attack. I
see so many teams have this two headed monster at
(11:33):
running back, and I think now the Rams need to
employ that. With Kyron Williams, he'll still get the bulk
of the carries, but I think Blake Korum has an
ability now. He has I think a special skill set
of getting downhill, which is what Kiren does well. But
I think Blake Korme does it just as good, and
maybe the more carries you give him, we may see
(11:55):
both guys doing it. And I don't know if anybody
wants to tackle these guys in the fourth quarter. If
the Rams run the ball that I know that they can.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Yeah, they're only a game back in a tight NFC
West race, and they were in a similar similar situation
last year needing to get a bunch of wins late.
But a win in New Orleans puts them back in
the playoff hunt. So what do you think before we
move on to my next segment that I just want
to do something little Thanksgiving themed with you. You know,
what are the keys to victory against the Saints on Sunday?
Speaker 2 (12:26):
Well, I think the biggest key is starting off fast.
Speaker 3 (12:29):
We've been saying that a lot about this Rams team,
like can they start off fast and get going?
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Well, they started off fast.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Against the Eagles, and yet there was a fumble as
they were entering the red zone and then now it
kind of took away a scoring opportunity. So starting fast
is going to be paaramount for the Rams because they
want to quiet the crowd. I would say the next part,
I want to see from this team or how they
will win the game is creating turnovers.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
They have to do it.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
They didn't do that last week, and you saw the
more opportunities Matthew Stafford. This offense gets the going to
score more points. But when you don't have those turnovers,
that makes possessions very key. That they have to get
something out of every possession, and they didn't do that
against the Eagles.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
You come up empty handed.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
That was seventeen unanswered by the Eagles and that's where
the game got away.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
You don't want that same thing to happen again this week.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
And I do want to see perfection in the kicking
game right, whether it's the field goals or even Xavier
Smith wait on him to make a big play pump
return kickoffs. I want to see the Rams do something
special teams wise as well, because that's where I think
this game will rely on creating turnovers defensively and also
some special teams work, and then offense holding on to
(13:39):
the ball.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
Yeah, you talk about it. Defensively, I mean this Saints
team has Alvin Kamara and also Taysom Hell which can
sometimes come out play quarterback, pay running back, play tight end,
and then he went for three touchdowns before the bye week.
I mean, this team is strong on the ground, and
we saw what Saquon Barkley had done to the RAMS
defense on side, so I think looking at that as
(14:02):
an example, and also how to keep the run game
to a minimum, which Alvin Kamara is great in the
past game as well too, but really limiting those explosive
plays like you just alluded to, I think is going
to be my key to victory. Okay Kirk, Before I
let you go, I was thinking, because it's Thanksgiving week,
we could do things we're thankful for. So instead of
(14:23):
doing a RAM jam, which I normally do every show,
I'd love to throw out a few things, maybe like
two RAMS related and like one personal each, so I
can go first. Just to give you an example. One
thing I'm thankful for is the RAMS staff and behind
the scenes people who keep the energy running. People like
us that are doing what we do out in the
field and every day. And it's really cool this community,
(14:46):
especially personally that I get to work with of RAMS
coworkers that like really rally together each and every day
no matter what. Like this team as a whole, and
when we talk about this RAMS team, there's a lot
of more people than that are just on the field,
and so to me, I'm really thankful for that community.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
Yeah, no, me as well. The production everything involved with
the Rams has been great. I would also throw a
step further, I'm very grateful for Sean McVay.
Speaker 2 (15:13):
Yes, Like, let's be honest.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
There's been I look at around the NFL in the
different coaches that have been fired and hired since Sean
McVay eight years ago took over at the Helm for
the Rams, I can say this, the Rams are always
going to be competitive.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
They're always going to be in a situation of winning games.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
They won a Super Bowl a couple seasons back, they
went to the playoffs last year where they weren't supposed
to do anything, and then this year the record is
five and six, but I would say it's still a possibility.
I mean, they still have the playoffs right there in
their sites. And a lot of it doesn't go unnoticed
by me. Of Sean mcvay's temperament, of his attitude even
(15:57):
in defeat, it's always positive, it's let's move on to
the next week. And so I'm very thankful for what
he's been able to do because Without him, I don't
know where the organization really is because it is difficult
for coaches in the league to handle the week to
week and he's been doing it at a level that
I don't think we've seen before to start his coaching career.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
He's not an old guy.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
He's not Andy Reid or Bill Belichick or Mike Tomlin.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
He's young Sean McVay now.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
But look at his coaching tree at this he's incredible. Yeah, yeah,
I think that's a good point. That's a great one.
It's like, yeah, look at his coaching tree. He's just
he's up there with the Bill Belichicks and the Andy Reids,
even at such a young age. Yeah. That we are
so thankful for Sean McVay and his leadership. I'm also
thankful when you talk about veteran presence, what about the
(16:47):
veteran presence of like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Cup shaping
the way for this offense. You have Puka, you have
these young rookies, You have Blake Corum like you we
talked about earlier, and just to see you know, when
you're facing this type of week to week like we
talked about, to have that veteran presence of extremely impressive,
(17:11):
talented playmakers like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Copp Like, I
am thankful to be able to watch and I felt
that last year with Aaron Donald on the field, It's
like wow, Like let's just stop for a second and realize,
like what we get to watch right now?
Speaker 2 (17:24):
Yeah, I mean that was my second one.
Speaker 3 (17:25):
What I'm very thankful for and just grateful to have
Matthew Stafford in an era in which all everyone's about
the new young quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, Drake
may bo Nix, Michael Pennix right, and then CJ Stroud,
Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, like all these young guys, young guys,
(17:46):
And then it takes me to sit back and realize
how good Matthew Stafford has been continues to be because
of how many young players come into the league and say, no,
I watched Matthew Stafford. I look at Matthew Stafford and
how he's playing quarterback, and so a lot of it's
fun to see the young players really understand who Matthew
(18:08):
Stafford is and without him, he's been keeping this Rams
team together the last couple of seasons. Now, he had
the injury riddled season a couple of years back, but
that was a bad year coming off of a Super Bowl. Yes,
we get that, but what we have seen the last
couple of years is high level quarterback and play and
when things are going right, man Matthew Stafford continues to
(18:29):
just thrive in a league with a bunch of these
young quarterbacks, everybody's trying to replace them, and it's like, no, no, no, no,
I like what we have.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
Yeah, I love it. I love it, And just personally,
I think I'm really thankful this year for it sounds
like kind of a cop out, but just like my
friends and family, I feel like I have like a
really great support system and helps me. It's a week
to week league in the NFL and in real life,
and it's really nice to have that support. So thank
you to everyone that listens.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Yeah, no, I'm right with you.
Speaker 3 (19:00):
Family has been always great for me, because you know,
football season is long, it's tough, and when you have
that tough travels with the road games me also doing
college football, I'm on the road a lot. But I'm
grateful for what my family has been able to always
be there for me and then also too, we get
(19:22):
to when I'm done talking football, we just talk about
family stuff. And so if I'm upset about a Rams
loss on Sunday Night versus the Eagles, like it doesn't
matter because ma Wana two is coming out and wins.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
As am I right?
Speaker 3 (19:38):
So it definitely puts in a lot for perspective of
you know, look, we love NFL, we love the Rams,
we love watching it. But then you know, family keeps
us grounded and let's us know that there's also other
things that are bigger than football.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Still, you know we're in love with as well.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Yeah, and you're so busy I would throw in an
extra You're probably pretty grateful for coffe as well, and
maybe some energy drinks with all that you do with
the travel and all that too.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Yes, yes, a lot of coffee, a lot of energy drinks,
a little bit of everything.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
So drink a lot of water too. You know, it's
never a dull moment in the Morrison household, for sure.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
I love that, Kirk. Thank you so much for stopping
by today. I'm excited. I'm looking forward to the Saints game.
But I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving and have a
great week before you head to New Orleans.
Speaker 2 (20:26):
Ricky, you as well.
Speaker 3 (20:27):
Great to be with you, love everything that you do,
and so yeah, hopefully it brings us to a victory
in New work.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Yes, we're right there, We're right there. Awesome, Thanks Kirk.
There he goes. That does it. For this week's Ricky's Ramjam,
presented by Barefoot Wine, I hope my jammis have an
amazing Thanksgiving and feel all rested up to focus on
the Saints game. I am so very thankful for you,
my jammis, and all the support with this fun program.
I love getting to do this show and getting to
(20:54):
cover this team right alongside with you. At the game
on Sunday, I met a lot of you guys actually
out at AA Plaza, so that's kind of where I
am filming some things before each each home game, and
a lot of people were coming up to me, and
there were two people specifically that were like Ricky, like,
I'm a day one, Jammy. I love listening to you.
(21:14):
I'm driving to work and it just completely made my day.
I love getting to meet you guys and talk with
you guys about what makes you a fan and why
you like this show. So thank you. So much. I
am so thankful and we will see you December first,
meaningful December football. That's always fun. You jammies know what
to do. Have a great Thanksgiving and let's ram it
You know, wine and football aren't that different. Sure they're complex,
but enjoying them should be easy. You don't need to
worry about complex formations and flavor profiles, or which wine
pairs with what. All that matters is together. Barefoot Wine
and the Rams are easy to enjoy, so let's enjoy ourselves.
Barefoot Wine the official wine sponsor of the NFL. What's Up, Jammies,
(00:27):
Welcome back to another episode of Ricky's Ramjam, presented by
Barefoot Wine. It was a tough loss to the Eagles
on Sunday night, but it's a new week and we're
on to New Orleans. It's a Thanksgiving episode of Ricky's Ramjam,
and I hope all of my jammies are going to
eat their little hearts out on Thursday. No Rams game
until Sunday, so everyone can kick back, eat and watch
(00:47):
some football. Kirk Morrison, who handles the Rams pre and
post game for ESPNLA, will join me to preview the
Rams Saints in a minute. And my voice sounds a
little shoddy today, so I'm really sorry about that, but
I I have a good reason for it. Monday nights,
all the people you see behind scenes, people that work
in ticketing. We have interns, marketing, pr all these types
(01:09):
of people behind the scenes. We all play flag football
together that work for the Rams. And we had a
double header the night before recording this and we won both,
which was so much fun. There people from football ops there,
you'd think wou'd be like a powerhouse team, which, like,
we've had kind of a shaky season, but we had
two back to back wins last night and so we
were just screaming, running up and down the field. It
(01:31):
was really really fun. So the reason my voice sounds
like this is because two back to back doubleheader Rams
wins technically last night, so that was really exciting. Okay,
before Kirk joins me, I want to hit the coin toss.
And for those that are watching on YouTube, check out
this new graphic. Isn't that awesome? I love it, the
little spin, It's amazing. Okay. Option one for the coin
(01:53):
toss is two sacks of Derek Carr or Saints quarterbacks.
So over two sacks, that's off one. Option two is
some sort of trick play. Maybe we get another two
to two quarterback moment or a fake punt or some sort
of trick play. So is it Option one or option
two let me know below all right. Joining me now
(02:14):
is the co host of rams pregame, halftime and postgame
for ESPN LA Radio. Kirk Morrison. Kirk, how are you.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
I'm doing good about yourself?
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Doing great? Doing great? It was it was a tough
loss to Philly, but we'll focus on some positives, right
and this continues to shine. What is it about his
game that makes him such a force?
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Well, I think it's his ability and get off to disrupt.
I think you saw that in college with him as well.
He's able to get through in the titus of spaces
but also utilize his strength when needed. And I think
that's what he's doing. In the first the first half
of the season, you could see he was trying to
get acclimated to the NFL. This last this next part
of his season, you've seen him really be a force
(02:58):
and really be disruptive Becau because he's got a great
get off. He uses his hands well, but he's able
to get into those I meant, you know, get skinny
at the line of scrimmage when needed, and he's attacking
the football. That's why he's had some of these big
plays as well. He attacks the football he brings grawl carriers,
quarterbacks down and you could just see he's getting more
and more comfortable as the more reps he gets, the
(03:18):
more experience.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Yeah, he leads all rookies with six sacks, and he's
had five sacks in the last four games, So you're right,
it did take him a second to sort of warm up,
and same with Jared Verse, but the two of them
together have just continued to improve game after game. Are
you surprised how easily the two of this duo has,
you know, adapted to the NFL game.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
You know what, I would lie to you if I said,
I would be lying if I didn't say I wouldn't
surprised because watching these two operate in college, you saw
how dominant they were at Florida State, Like you could
not block Fisk, you couldn't block also Verse, or when
they were on the same side, it was like good luck.
Offensive line teams would definitely try to do what they
(04:03):
would try to shift their whole offensive line and put
them on those two guys, which opened up some opportunities
for other players on that defense. But to me, I
shouldn't be surprised because I've watched these guys where they
were at the University of Albany in the beginning. For
Jared Vers or Central Michigan. When it comes to Fisk,
these guys have always had a chip on their shoulders.
(04:26):
They wanted to prove that they belonged at Florida State
and the Power five or Power four now whatever however
the college. But they're trying to do the same thing
when it comes to the NFL. They're proven that they
belonged and look Sunday Night versus the Eagles. I know
it didn't go in the right way for the Rams
(04:46):
in terms of wins and losses, but I will tell
you this, it was another mark on the book that's
being written by Braden Fisk and also Jared Vers as
offensive linemen. Now know these two young rookies play life
veterans and for Verse running over their tackles and fists,
getting in there calls and havoc. They to me, I
(05:08):
shouldn't be surprised at how successful that they've been as rookies.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
Yeah, that video when it was slowed down of watching
him Jared Verse truck over Jordan my Lotto was like
I watched that and I was like, that made it
look like he was tumbling over me and I'm five
to two, And I did like this recycling sort of
I don't even know what you'd call, like a promo
for social videos that we did. And I did this
(05:32):
competitive almost like recycling game with a few of the
rookies and Jared Versus was there and just him trash talking,
even me at five, and he towers over about like
how fast we're picking up recycling cups? Like he has
such a fire in him and it is so much
fun to watch him like explode in every facet of
his game. It's awesome.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
Yeah, he's got a motor. He's a competitor, and I
think for us, what will we look for. We were
looking for someone on the defense to really step up
in a major role that was voided when Aaron Donald
decided to retire last season. At the end of last
season it was going to be tough, and we're like, Wow,
that's the heartbeat of a team, Aaron Donald, not just
(06:18):
defensively but team and all Jared Versus come in and
done is really show that he can be that leader.
He's still young, but I see guys following him in
just his first year, and I think he's starting to
become the leader on defense that will eventually become the
leader for the entire team.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
As he's a guy.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
That I want getting off the bus first because he
is going to talk all game long, and that to me,
he's the baddest dude out there right now. And he's
got a lot of confidence and you love that when
you start a game.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Yeah, yeah, totally. And then also too, it's like letting
these other guys shining, like Kobe Turner at such an
impressive rookie season last year as well, and he's still
humming along too, So it's like you have these two
amazing rookies. But then also the defense, you know, Byron
Young in his second year as well, Like the defense
together you can't fail Aaron Donald's shoes and will continue
to say that, but to watch this defense sort of
(07:12):
step up in the way that they have has been really,
really impressive. Okay, so let's go to the offensive side
of the ball. Puka has his tenth one hundred yard
receiving game in just twenty three games, and only OBJ
has more over that span. What do you think makes
Puka so productive and how does he continue to stack
those marks?
Speaker 3 (07:33):
I think two things that stand out to me when
I see pooka number one contested catches. He is probably
one of the best that I've seen at such a
young age in terms of the contested catches. When a
guy's draped all over him or you know he's in
double he's being double covered. He seems to make the
tight window catches, which for a lot of players it's difficult,
(07:54):
but he utilizes his body. He's able to shield guys away.
He makes those difficult catches. That's the one thing that
stands out of me. The second thing that stands out
to me is his run after catchability. Ricky Like he
catches the football and then all of a sudden he
gets an extra five to ten yards. Or when you
see him make that catch in the middle of the field,
(08:15):
he's able to run, you know, sideline the sideline and
he gets extra yards. Now, the only bad part is
I want to see him run out of bounds sometimes
get the yards needed. I don't need you to lower
the shoulder, I don't need you to finish the run
of trying to run guys over. I want to keep
him as healthy as possible, but that's just who he
is as a player. But I've been really impressed with
(08:35):
his to me, the tough catches and then his catch
and run ability. That's what's stuck out to me, and
that's why I think you see the yard to just
keep going up and up for Cooper, I mean for
pooking the coop.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
Yeah. And you know, when this RAMS o line is
in sync, this offense can really hum and you can
really spread the ball out between the offense and give
them more time. Looking at the Saints on Sunday, how
important is it to keep Matthew st clean?
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Oh, it's to me this is a hostile environment, one
in which Rams fans know, going to New Orleans and
playing it brings back a lot of memories, great memories
for the Ram but also some bad memories as well
because of how loud and hostile that environment can be.
Keeping Matthew Stafford clean is going to be paramount this
(09:23):
weekend because the biggest thing that you have to realize
is that this offensive line has still kind of been
going through sort of a transition. It's not the offensive
line that we saw down at Loyola Marrimound in July
and August.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
He is a totally different offensive line.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
That being said, this cohesive unit has to be able
to keep Matthew Stafford upright, and they're gonna have noise,
loud noise. New Orleans will be rocking, especially Thanksgiving weekend.
A lot of people will be in town, and the
Saints have an opportunity to continue to keep playing and
possibly can.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Win their division.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
They've got an interim head coach and Rizzy, so there
are a lot of things for them that they're excited
for their part of it. That's why I think the
Rams offensive line, the talk has to be we have
to protect Matthew Stafford at all times, but that could
be keeping an extra tight end in. That could be
keeping an extra offensive lineman in right just to help
(10:21):
out in blocking. And may see two three receivers in
routes now for the Rams, not maybe not five guys eligible.
It may just be three guys, but I think that
may be enough for Matthew Stafford to really start to
get the football down the field, which Rams haven't done
really in the last couple of games.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Yeah. I mean as when they're doing that too, the
run game can really start to cook too. How important
will it be to get Kyron Williams and Blake Corum
going against the Saints run defense that has had struggles
this season.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Well, I think the big thing first is that Kyraen
let's hold on to the football. I mean, you're one
of the great running backs and you're a second team
All Pro last year, and when you hold on to
the football, when he puts the ball on the ground,
it's definitely put the Rams in some bad situations. So
the key there first, I think, is to keep hold
of the ball, protect the football. But I feel like
(11:13):
Blake Korum now it's at a point in the season
we've been talking about verse in fisks, even bo Lemmer
at center. I think the next rookie that has really
stepped up. I gotta throw in Cam Kitchens and McCullough
as well. But I think it's now time for Blake
Korm to really inject himself into this rushing attack. I
see so many teams have this two headed monster at
(11:33):
running back, and I think now the Rams need to
employ that. With Kyron Williams, he'll still get the bulk
of the carries, but I think Blake Korum has an
ability now. He has I think a special skill set
of getting downhill, which is what Kiren does well. But
I think Blake Korme does it just as good, and
maybe the more carries you give him, we may see
(11:55):
both guys doing it. And I don't know if anybody
wants to tackle these guys in the fourth quarter. If
the Rams run the ball that I know that they can.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Yeah, they're only a game back in a tight NFC
West race, and they were in a similar similar situation
last year needing to get a bunch of wins late.
But a win in New Orleans puts them back in
the playoff hunt. So what do you think before we
move on to my next segment that I just want
to do something little Thanksgiving themed with you. You know,
what are the keys to victory against the Saints on Sunday?
Speaker 2 (12:26):
Well, I think the biggest key is starting off fast.
Speaker 3 (12:29):
We've been saying that a lot about this Rams team,
like can they start off fast and get going?
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Well, they started off fast.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Against the Eagles, and yet there was a fumble as
they were entering the red zone and then now it
kind of took away a scoring opportunity. So starting fast
is going to be paaramount for the Rams because they
want to quiet the crowd. I would say the next part,
I want to see from this team or how they
will win the game is creating turnovers.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
They have to do it.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
They didn't do that last week, and you saw the
more opportunities Matthew Stafford. This offense gets the going to
score more points. But when you don't have those turnovers,
that makes possessions very key. That they have to get
something out of every possession, and they didn't do that
against the Eagles.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
You come up empty handed.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
That was seventeen unanswered by the Eagles and that's where
the game got away.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
You don't want that same thing to happen again this week.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
And I do want to see perfection in the kicking
game right, whether it's the field goals or even Xavier
Smith wait on him to make a big play pump
return kickoffs. I want to see the Rams do something
special teams wise as well, because that's where I think
this game will rely on creating turnovers defensively and also
some special teams work, and then offense holding on to
(13:39):
the ball.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
Yeah, you talk about it. Defensively, I mean this Saints
team has Alvin Kamara and also Taysom Hell which can
sometimes come out play quarterback, pay running back, play tight end,
and then he went for three touchdowns before the bye week.
I mean, this team is strong on the ground, and
we saw what Saquon Barkley had done to the RAMS
defense on side, so I think looking at that as
(14:02):
an example, and also how to keep the run game
to a minimum, which Alvin Kamara is great in the
past game as well too, but really limiting those explosive
plays like you just alluded to, I think is going
to be my key to victory. Okay Kirk, Before I
let you go, I was thinking, because it's Thanksgiving week,
we could do things we're thankful for. So instead of
(14:23):
doing a RAM jam, which I normally do every show,
I'd love to throw out a few things, maybe like
two RAMS related and like one personal each, so I
can go first. Just to give you an example. One
thing I'm thankful for is the RAMS staff and behind
the scenes people who keep the energy running. People like
us that are doing what we do out in the
field and every day. And it's really cool this community,
(14:46):
especially personally that I get to work with of RAMS
coworkers that like really rally together each and every day
no matter what. Like this team as a whole, and
when we talk about this RAMS team, there's a lot
of more people than that are just on the field,
and so to me, I'm really thankful for that community.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
Yeah, no, me as well. The production everything involved with
the Rams has been great. I would also throw a
step further, I'm very grateful for Sean McVay.
Speaker 2 (15:13):
Yes, Like, let's be honest.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
There's been I look at around the NFL in the
different coaches that have been fired and hired since Sean
McVay eight years ago took over at the Helm for
the Rams, I can say this, the Rams are always
going to be competitive.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
They're always going to be in a situation of winning games.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
They won a Super Bowl a couple seasons back, they
went to the playoffs last year where they weren't supposed
to do anything, and then this year the record is
five and six, but I would say it's still a possibility.
I mean, they still have the playoffs right there in
their sites. And a lot of it doesn't go unnoticed
by me. Of Sean mcvay's temperament, of his attitude even
(15:57):
in defeat, it's always positive, it's let's move on to
the next week. And so I'm very thankful for what
he's been able to do because Without him, I don't
know where the organization really is because it is difficult
for coaches in the league to handle the week to
week and he's been doing it at a level that
I don't think we've seen before to start his coaching career.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
He's not an old guy.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
He's not Andy Reid or Bill Belichick or Mike Tomlin.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
He's young Sean McVay now.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
But look at his coaching tree at this he's incredible. Yeah, yeah,
I think that's a good point. That's a great one.
It's like, yeah, look at his coaching tree. He's just
he's up there with the Bill Belichicks and the Andy Reids,
even at such a young age. Yeah. That we are
so thankful for Sean McVay and his leadership. I'm also
thankful when you talk about veteran presence, what about the
(16:47):
veteran presence of like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Cup shaping
the way for this offense. You have Puka, you have
these young rookies, You have Blake Corum like you we
talked about earlier, and just to see you know, when
you're facing this type of week to week like we
talked about, to have that veteran presence of extremely impressive,
(17:11):
talented playmakers like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Copp Like, I
am thankful to be able to watch and I felt
that last year with Aaron Donald on the field, It's
like wow, Like let's just stop for a second and realize,
like what we get to watch right now?
Speaker 2 (17:24):
Yeah, I mean that was my second one.
Speaker 3 (17:25):
What I'm very thankful for and just grateful to have
Matthew Stafford in an era in which all everyone's about
the new young quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, Drake
may bo Nix, Michael Pennix right, and then CJ Stroud,
Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, like all these young guys, young guys,
(17:46):
And then it takes me to sit back and realize
how good Matthew Stafford has been continues to be because
of how many young players come into the league and say, no,
I watched Matthew Stafford. I look at Matthew Stafford and
how he's playing quarterback, and so a lot of it's
fun to see the young players really understand who Matthew
(18:08):
Stafford is and without him, he's been keeping this Rams
team together the last couple of seasons. Now, he had
the injury riddled season a couple of years back, but
that was a bad year coming off of a Super Bowl. Yes,
we get that, but what we have seen the last
couple of years is high level quarterback and play and
when things are going right, man Matthew Stafford continues to
(18:29):
just thrive in a league with a bunch of these
young quarterbacks, everybody's trying to replace them, and it's like, no, no, no, no,
I like what we have.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
Yeah, I love it. I love it, And just personally,
I think I'm really thankful this year for it sounds
like kind of a cop out, but just like my
friends and family, I feel like I have like a
really great support system and helps me. It's a week
to week league in the NFL and in real life,
and it's really nice to have that support. So thank
you to everyone that listens.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Yeah, no, I'm right with you.
Speaker 3 (19:00):
Family has been always great for me, because you know,
football season is long, it's tough, and when you have
that tough travels with the road games me also doing
college football, I'm on the road a lot. But I'm
grateful for what my family has been able to always
be there for me and then also too, we get
(19:22):
to when I'm done talking football, we just talk about
family stuff. And so if I'm upset about a Rams
loss on Sunday Night versus the Eagles, like it doesn't
matter because ma Wana two is coming out and wins.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
As am I right?
Speaker 3 (19:38):
So it definitely puts in a lot for perspective of
you know, look, we love NFL, we love the Rams,
we love watching it. But then you know, family keeps
us grounded and let's us know that there's also other
things that are bigger than football.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Still, you know we're in love with as well.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Yeah, and you're so busy I would throw in an
extra You're probably pretty grateful for coffe as well, and
maybe some energy drinks with all that you do with
the travel and all that too.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Yes, yes, a lot of coffee, a lot of energy drinks,
a little bit of everything.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
So drink a lot of water too. You know, it's
never a dull moment in the Morrison household, for sure.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
I love that, Kirk. Thank you so much for stopping
by today. I'm excited. I'm looking forward to the Saints game.
But I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving and have a
great week before you head to New Orleans.
Speaker 2 (20:26):
Ricky, you as well.
Speaker 3 (20:27):
Great to be with you, love everything that you do,
and so yeah, hopefully it brings us to a victory
in New work.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Yes, we're right there, We're right there. Awesome, Thanks Kirk.
There he goes. That does it. For this week's Ricky's Ramjam,
presented by Barefoot Wine, I hope my jammis have an
amazing Thanksgiving and feel all rested up to focus on
the Saints game. I am so very thankful for you,
my jammis, and all the support with this fun program.
I love getting to do this show and getting to
(20:54):
cover this team right alongside with you. At the game
on Sunday, I met a lot of you guys actually
out at AA Plaza, so that's kind of where I
am filming some things before each each home game, and
a lot of people were coming up to me, and
there were two people specifically that were like Ricky, like,
I'm a day one, Jammy. I love listening to you.
(21:14):
I'm driving to work and it just completely made my day.
I love getting to meet you guys and talk with
you guys about what makes you a fan and why
you like this show. So thank you. So much. I
am so thankful and we will see you December first,
meaningful December football. That's always fun. You jammies know what
to do. Have a great Thanksgiving and let's ram it
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