September 18, 2024 • 28 mins
Camryn Irwin, J.B. Long, and Stu Jackson react to the Los Angeles Rams Week 2 loss to Arizona Cardinals, break down injuries across the roster, how to move forward into rivalry week vs San Francisco 49ers, and much more!
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Speaker 1 (00:10):
Welcome to Between the Horns, presented by your Southern California
Toyota Dealers. This is week three. Cameroner went alongside JB
Long and Stu Jackson, and a little bit of a
short week for us, just because we're recording on Wednesday
instead of our traditional Thursday. A quick turnaround for each
of you. The last seventy two hours a little bit wild.
But how are you guys feeling coming into this?
Speaker 2 (00:29):
I like that we did this on Wednesday. It's forty
nine er week. Why wait, let's get right to it
and turn the page. How about you, Stu?
Speaker 3 (00:34):
Yeah, I don't think JB could have said it any better.
Let's turn the page and look ahead to what should
be an exciting rivalry game this Sunday.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
I like that we don't lose anything in the bicep department.
JD to Stu here over in the third chair, though,
thank you, buddy, I can tell you already did curls
this morning.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
I'm just waiting. I feel like we should sit like
this now because we're missing MJD.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Of course, classic, just doing my best MJD tribute.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Well, guys, before we move ahead, we have to take
a look back and We're starting this with a theme
and it's become somewhat of a trend as a new
wave of rams are currently getting placed on the IR,
including Jonah Jackson and John Johnson the third. This is
starting to become a trend and it's a tough one
the last seventy two hours. What are your perceptions of
(01:19):
what's going on in this organizations? Do all start with you?
Speaker 3 (01:22):
Yeah? I think what I draw on the most is
anytime I've seen you know, Cooper Cup especially you know,
post something after a loss, he always mentions, reflect, rectify,
and respond, and that seems most fitting and most appropriate,
especially this week, and it feels like that's what you know,
we're hearing from head coach Sean McVay and a lot
(01:44):
of the players like the circumstances are what they are.
It's about, you know, knowing your role and executing it
to the best of your ability, which you know is
going to require even guys who are already established roles
to you know, elevate themselves from a leadership standpoint and
bring some of those other guys along, especially those players
who will be in newer roles or expanded roles. So
(02:07):
I'm really looking forward to seeing how that response carries over,
especially into these next couple days of practice.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
And JB, I know you sat down with Sean on Monday.
What did you take from your conversation with him, just
considering the numerous injuries that have now piled.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Up, Well, there were seven months of planning that went
into the season, right from the moment last year ends
in Detroit into the moment you kick off this year
against the Lions. There was a vision, there was a plan.
It was executed through free agency, through the draft, through OTA,
through training camp, and it didn't survive first contact, which
(02:39):
is a shame because where they have to go by
necessity from here. I'm not saying it's over. I'm not
saying they can't win games. I think they can win
the Sunday and we'll get to that. But the way
they're going to have to do it and how it's
going to look was not how they conceptualized it in
February March April forward. So you go from having seven
months to ramp up to seven days too. That's where
(03:00):
we are right now. It's a hard challenge. I know
the forty nine ers have their woes, but it's a
much different Mountain to overcome now than just about any
other team in the NFL is dealing with. But I
do think we need to touch on the people part
of this, right because it's more than just a player
going on injured reserve, Like these are people that we've
(03:22):
come to know and love and appreciate. And I found
myself reflecting a lot this week, Like I think in
twenty twenty one, I appreciated what Cooper Cup was doing.
It wasn't just the yards that catches in the touchdowns,
it was the way he was blocking. But it was
seventeen games, like do you know how hard that is?
And then last year when Puka was doing it the
way that no rookie has done. I mean, I remember
(03:43):
when he slammed that shoulder down on the sideline at
Sofi Stadium. I thought it was over right there, and
he popped right back up and played that game Like
all those little moments that have to go right, and
the perseverance and the toughness to put together special, high
usage seasons like they had those two years. Again, I
think in twenty one and twenty three, I knew it
in real time, how unique, how rare that was. I
(04:03):
just I hate that we're reminded of it right now.
And then I mean, with all due respect to our
athleticism or lack therough of like Cameron, you're the only
one who's actually been in this position as a competitive
athlete where you know, the work that goes in to
build a foundation just to get to the starting line,
Like how many videos And it's not just Puka and Cooper,
this goes for everyone. Did we see this offseason like
(04:26):
the work they were putting in to give themselves a chance?
How many times did they throw up in Coop's yard?
You know, to have this moment and to just have
it ripped from them so soon as it's an emotional bummer,
no doubt about it.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Starting to oh in two not the way to go.
And it's been interesting for me in the last several
hours because I've been ruminating on the athlete's perspective, and
I think Sean has said time and time again throughout
this week just the amount of disappointment for the guys
like Cooper and Puka, and he hurts for them. But
then there's also the stuality right where he's still coming
(05:02):
in and having to hold the rest of the team
accountable because the forty nine ers are just around the corner,
and I think from a coaching standpoint, nobody can do
it quite like Sean McVay and this staff. We've learned
to trust them, and I just I imagine how tough
of a position he currently is in just to feel
for his guys, but then also to still hold the
rest accountable heading into this week.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Thankfully, they're so much better equipped to deal with it
than we are, Like the fans handle it better than
we do, and the coaches and the players handle it
better than all of us collectively. Like they have work
to do, they have an agenda, they have an itinerary
this week. The rest of us just have to kind
of wallow and get through it until Sunday arrives at
SOFI Stadium.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
It isn't exactly an Apple's Apple's comparison. But the other
thing I think about, too, is, I mean, what this
team went through before the bye week last year, and
then all the injuries they dealt with, they still this
team and this coaching staff still found a way to
rally and get themselves in position to get a playoff
Berth Again, It's an unprecedented health situation, especially compared to
(06:01):
the injuries they were dealing with early on last year,
but no reason to think, or at least for me,
I don't think there's any reason to think why they
can't figure out a solution and hopefully put themselves in
a similar position here moving forward.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Two things I've learned about this league. The NFL does
not care. You'll get no sympathy from anyone else, especially
not the forty nine ers. And the other thing is
I think an optimistic note for this week, which is,
just when you think you've got it figured out, just
when you think you know what's going to happen, Sunday
comes and completely changes your perspective. And as bad as
it looks right now, I want to maintain the hope
(06:37):
and the belief that four good quarters on Sunday can
change this whole season, not just the way we feel
right now.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Well, as much as this team is being called to rally,
we will do the same right here on between the words.
I like it. No, So let's talk a little takeaways
though from the Cardinals, because I feel like this was
a brutal concoction of potentially Kyler Murray playing the best
game he's ever played in his career and also a
depleted Rams roster. What was your takeaways now that you've
(07:07):
had some time to sit with it from the Cardinals
and what you saw take place.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
Aaron Donald's not walking through that door. We might as
well turn the page and get on with it.
Speaker 1 (07:15):
Yep.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
I like the fact that Jared Verse was there, disruptive
in and around the pocket and around the quarterback. Next
step is finishing those plays. But when a quarterback has
a perfect game against you, you're not going to win
in this league period. I thought back of that game
Jared Goff played against the Vikings in that twenty eighteen season.
That was the first perfect game that I was a
part of. Vikings played well that night. There was nothing
(07:36):
they could do. And that's kind of how it was
for Marvin Harrison Junior and for Kyler Murray and James
Connor last week. Now, could the Rams have done things
starting with their first offensive snap and plus territory to
prevent them having that opportunity. Absolutely, and that's where they
have to go from here. You cannot let a quarterback
be that comfortable. You cannot let a quarterback have eight
(07:58):
seconds in the pocket. You cannot, as a safety letter
receiver get deeper than you are. Those are learning lessons
that they had to take the hard way.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
Unfortunately for me, it was how fortunate this team is
to have DeMarcus Robinson back. I mean, especially with the
injury situation at wide receiver. You know, thinking about the
off schedule play that he made with Stafford where Stafford's
pointing down the field and you know, directing him and
it results in a big game. You know, he really
emerged in the second half of last season, and so
(08:27):
to have him play the way he did, and to
be able to have you know, at the very least
him to count on and to help bring those other
receivers along as something that at least on the offensive side,
you know, really stood out to me.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Cameron Stue I think in many ways, Arizona last week
as a model for the Rams this week. I know,
they were not heavy underdogs like the Rams are in
their home stadium this Sunday, But let's face it, the
Cardinals were sick of losing at home to the Rams
nine street time. They were done with that. For most
of those players, they had never beaten the Rams on
their home grass. They were done with their division losing streak,
and they played like it. They brought that suddenness, that urgency,
(09:00):
see that emotional advantage. I thought it was very clear
on Sunday. Now, I want to be very specific here.
The Rams have beaten the forty nine ers at Sofi Stadium,
and none of us would trade that win for any
other in our tenure. But let's be done with the
regular season one too, is my point. Let's see if
the Rams organizationally as a roster can bring that same Hey,
(09:22):
it ends here despite our circumstances, no more, not here,
not in our house.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
It's funny you bring up to Marcus because that's now
back to back weeks where he's made a significant play
late in the game. I think it was a third
down versus the Lions that was huge right through the
middle as well, where you're sitting there going, man, this
guy is starting to be somebody that you're not just
looking to but you can lean on. When we consider
the goal. Obviously beat the forty nine ers. However, what
(09:46):
should be the standard for the Rams going into this matchup?
Speaker 3 (09:52):
I think just better technique and fundamentals compared to what
we saw last week. I think, you know, just hearing
lot of what McVeigh said both on Sunday Monday. You know,
reflecting on what he saw on tape, you know, that
was basically a lot of what he was it felt
like he was pointing to and even just starting there
I think would be a positive first step because it
(10:13):
was just, at least to me, like so uncharacteristic of
what we've seen, at least in the past, you know,
from this defense and a lot of the players who
are on this unit. So just sharper execution in those
areas I think is a good starting point.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
I hate to say it's blocking and tackling, which this
time year can be really tough to clean up, especially
when your roster health wise is going the wrong direction.
But it's a laser like focus. It's an attention to detail.
It's precision in your technique because it's hard to see
it getting better unless you can protect upfront, unless you
can block in the running game, and unless you can
(10:49):
complete the plays that you have a chance to make
on defense, which there were those moments last Sunday, But
that's why the Cardinals got away from you, because you
weren't good enough in those areas.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
I'm gonna ask you, guys, put on your coaching and
I know you spoke to Sean again on Monday and
you asked him about eleven personnel and just how flexible
he's going to be coming into this catchup. And we
even considered last week we thought we'd see a lot
of tight ends. We really didn't see Parkinson until right
before half in this last one. And then of course
with the running backs, where do you imagine this scheme
is going to go?
Speaker 2 (11:16):
So this is a much larger deeper conversation than we
have time for here, but we can address the personnel
component of it. The reason that the Rampst you know
this well too, operate in this three receiver set is
because it's been the strength of their organization since Cooper
Cup was drafted and they realized what they had. But
it's also because of some of the ways they can
regulate the looks they get by opposing defense, as it
(11:38):
allows them to dictate terms two opponents. I think the
league has caught up a little bit. I think part
of what we've seen through two weeks is that an
NFL defensive coordinator is probably the fastest evolving species on Earth.
And I think a lot of teams, including the Lines
and the Cardinals, spent their entire offseason figuring out, Okay,
this new identity of Karen Williams and Matthew Stafford and
Sean McVay, we're going to have to contend with. That's
(11:59):
what some of the solutions. But to go back to
where I started, if the predicate for all this was
we can't take Cooper Cup off the field, we have
to live in three receiver sets because that's the strength
of our team. Well, now that he's not out there,
and neither is Puoka, I think it's a fair question
to wonder if you're putting your best eleven out there,
does that not mean that you're playing a six offensive
(12:20):
line and playing a second or third tight end? Like
is there a world where you get out there and
three tight ends with kiroen Wins in the backfield and
two two at well out there threatening a team vertically
and you look completely different than we're accustomed to. We've
seen Sean doing it before. Was it the game against
the Bears, I want to say, at the Coliseum where
they kind of reinvented themselves a little bit when their
backs have been against the walls. I don't know if
this is another one of those moments, but there's a chance,
(12:43):
there's a chance.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
Well go ahead.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
I was going to say, it's definitely going to force
you to evolve one way or another, because you know,
to your point about you know, this being the strength
of the team since you know Cooper Cup's been a
part of it. You know, he's he's not going to
be on the field for an extended period of time.
They said that on Monday, and so you know that's
going to force you to I would imagine experiment with
some different things. As much as you know, eleven personnel,
(13:07):
those three receiver sets have been your bread and butter,
you know, especially you know, depending on the you know,
situation with the offensive line, you may need that extra
help with those tight ends, with chipping some of those
defensive ends, especially against maybe a defensive front like the
forty nine ers and some of the other ones that
they'll face here down the road, and even just from
a passing sense as well, just incorporating you know, maybe
some more twelve personnel.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
So so we'll find out later today. I think having
a healthy Davis Allen is probably the key to opening
up that possibility.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
Yeah, Davis Allen was out last week with some backspasms,
so hope to see him out on the Sofi turf.
Speaking of players that we are invested in seeing take
a rise in a big step, who is somebody that
you're looking for on the offensive side of the ball
coming into this forty nine ers matchup?
Speaker 3 (13:48):
I think for me it's gonna be Jordan Waitington. Now
what his role looks like obviously to be determined, but
you know, I've already covered DeMarcus quite a bit. We
know what he can do. Tyler Johnson, he showed what
he was capable of against the Lions in week one.
Now it's Jordan Winnings. Potentially Jordan Whinnington's turned to step
up and and you know, provide some playmaking for this offense,
(14:11):
you know, or potentially too to out. Well, we'll see
what that looks like in terms of, you know, how
the Rams handle that third receiver this week. But Jordan
Whittington is somebody that I'm excited to see in terms of,
you know, potentially getting more involved and and you know
how he's able to take advantage of that.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
On my drive up, it was going to be Logan
Bruss because he was my coming out of training camp,
you know, upbeat, positive storyline, and he goes from being
the first pick of a draft and not really been
able to make a roster through a couple of years
for a variety of reasons. He did this year and
his time is now. Let's let's see if he can
be the plug and play starter that they envisioned him
being coming out of the Big ten but actually changed
(14:48):
my answer just moments ago. Sorry, not that you had
like plans of this. It's Alerc Jackson. It's Aler Jackson.
The left tackle play has not been professional grade. It's
just rupted the entire ecosystem. And I understand people are
frustrated that, you know, aj R Curry in Detroit and
Warren McLendon making his second career start in Arizona. It
(15:09):
didn't give stafford in this offensive chance, But that's because
Alaric wasn't with the Rams because of an off the
field disciplinary matter. So he's got to come in and
make up for lost time. He's got to come in
and help put this thing back in order because that
was his spot and he's been absent for two weeks.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
How hard is that to do? Just from a standpoint
like you haven't been out all of a sudden you're
in game. How much of a challenge is that for.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
Him against the forty nine ers pass rush, I would
say as hard as it gets.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
It's like, yeah, you got to step up, Yeah, pretty much.
I mean, if there's if there's one, if there's one
matchup to get yourself back on track or you know,
figure out what's working and what isn't, this would certainly
be one of them, especially from a pass blocking standpoint.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
All right, let's talk a few more matchups. This is
the one hundred and fifty first meeting between the Rams
and the forty nine ers, and they're dealing with some
stuff on their side as well. From an injury standpoint,
Christian McCaffrey out as well as Debo Samuel, Cafstrain and
Achilles Strain for each one, how could that change the complexion?
They took a loss just last week to the Vikings,
(16:15):
but what did you see in that matchup?
Speaker 2 (16:18):
For a team that has to improve week over week
in tackling, this is the closest thing to a gift
that you'll ever get, because Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel
are two the hardest players to tackle on the entire schedule,
so the fact that they won't play this weekend gives
you a head start correcting your biggest deficiency on defense
so far.
Speaker 3 (16:33):
To me, you also think about what they can do
in terms of yards after the catch when they get
the ball in their hands. You know McCaffrey obviously as
a pass catcher, and then you know Debo whether he's
lining up in the backfield or obviously lining up at
one of their receiver spots. Like they're two of the
most dangerous players in that regard. So similar to what
JB said, I think you know that will help significantly
(16:55):
as far as not having two players on the field
who are very capable of, you know, making just one
defender miss and turning it into an explosive play.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
And brock Perdy got hit. And look, don't read too
much into their loss of the Vikings because it's been
a long time since they won in Minnesota like that
just a unique house of horrors to the forty nine
ers organization. But if there was something you can extract
from that game, it's without cmc perty's holding on the
ball longer, he's having to just pat the ball and
(17:24):
wait longer in the pocket, and that's allowing some opponents
to tee off on him. That safety valve, that quick
game has been reduced, if not eliminated. So it's something
to watch this weekend. Is what's his time to throw
a look like? And does that give Byron Young? Does
that give Kobe Turner? Does that give Jared Versus a
chance to impact his platform?
Speaker 1 (17:41):
When you look at the offensive line for the forty
nine ers, there's obviously one person you want to avoid
at all costs. How are they able to get so
much pressure on brock Party? Was it coming from the
other side?
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Well, I know that if you study what Brian Flores
is doing or you just read what you know folks
who do study it very very closely, right and break
down about you know, the way he does, the way
he runs his defense. Some of the pressure looks, especially
in some of the blitzes that he uses, can cause
(18:12):
a lot of problems. And so you know, there have
been some great breakdowns about that from that, from that
biking scheme this past Sunday. But it's a lot of
it has to do with, you know, some of those
pressure looks and packages that he deploys that that really
throw things off for quarterbacks.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
That's the name. Brian Flores. We've seen it too. Yeah,
but he and Vic Fangio I think probably the two
biggest names combating this Shanahan McVeigh tree. In terms of
teams that have had success and how they've done it.
Speaker 1 (18:40):
Yeah, they got to Bertie six times and it caused
a lot of disruption. There is somebody else that we
need to pay attention to. They have done some major work,
and that's Jordan Mason who's filling in. He went from
potentially just being a special teamer to now they're starting
running back and he has been destructive. Twenty plus carries,
one hundred plus yards in each of the first two games.
(19:01):
He's currently leading the NFL. He's a scary force. What
have you seen from him?
Speaker 2 (19:08):
All due respect to Jordan Cameron, but if we plugged
you into that offense, you would also be leading the
National Football League and rushing like that's that's the forty
nine ers.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
I don't think it matters who's back there. It matters
when CMC is back there. Yeah, But like, this is
a team that's going to run the football no matter
who their running back is. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
The concepts they use in the run game and just
the way that you know, Kyle Shanahan that coaching staff
design it. You know, obviously it really excels and is
at its peak when you have somebody like Christian McCaffrey
in there. But you've also seen you know, guys like
you know, Raheem Moster when he was with them excel
in that and you know some other running backs in
the past to JB's points. So it's it's a system
(19:49):
that you know, if if you know it well and
you know based on obviously the talent up front and
around you know, whoever's you know carrying the ball, puts
you in a pretty easy position, pretty good position to succeed.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
How do the Rams walk away with a win versus
the forty nine ers? What's your key?
Speaker 2 (20:07):
Can I be honest with you this is always the truth,
But I don't know. But I don't know this week
in a way that I think is very helpful to
the Rams, which is they don't know either, like Nick
Sorenson does not know what's coming his way. Because to
our previous point, it could look different on offense this
week than it has traditionally with Sean mcvaygainst the forty
nine ers, and maybe that momentary element of surprise, depending
(20:30):
on what they're practicing out here this week, could play
to LA's advantage. Maybe that helps them play with a
lead leading into their running game a little bit. But
more practically, I think it's make your kicks get a
non offensive touchdown for the first time in forever, you know,
find your future, whether it's Jay Wit or Cam Kinchen's
or Omar space like, we don't know, and that's frustrating
(20:53):
and that's an uneasy feeling. But at the same time,
I think there's a lot of upside potential there there.
Speaker 1 (20:58):
Is danger in that there's no out.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
I think kind of what I was talking about before
with evolution, just coming up with a plan that puts
these guys in position to succeed, which is something that
obviously McVeigh talks about every week. But you know, knowing
the what personnel you have, who you have available and
figuring out a way to maximize their availability is as
(21:21):
cliche as it sounds. Just given the especially the injury
situation of this team. You know, how can you maximize
a two too? How can you put Kyrien in the
run game in the best possible position to succeed even
with the offensive line being banged up. Things like that,
I think that this is a this would be is
such an incredible opportunity to maybe try some new things
(21:45):
to get that first one of the season, and you
know what better matchup or environment to you know, learn,
you know what works and what might be effective.
Speaker 2 (21:53):
Right, here's one thing I've taken solace in this week.
You probably have too, is last week is the exception,
not the rule.
Speaker 1 (21:58):
In the league.
Speaker 2 (21:59):
Like blowouts are rare, blowouts in conference play and division play,
they don't happen very often. The norm is games being
decided by three, four, five plays, and you can circle them.
Almost every week we go back to Detroit and say,
these are the three four or five plays that decided
that game. The Rams didn't win those competitive moments, you
could see a scenario where they would have. And so
I'm banking on the fact that because it's a familiar opponent,
(22:20):
because the Rams are supremely motivated, because they're finally home,
there's going to be a small handful of plays that
if they break the Rams way, they'll be right there
with a chance to quote unquote upset the San Francisco
forty nine ers, and then we'll be having a different
chat next week.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
You talk about the rivalry and there is something to
be said about juice right going into that and the motivation.
Don't underestimate it, And at least from my perspectives, as
they go into this, I'm sitting here going their backs
against the wall. They have something to prove and they've
been asked to do that. And I think there's something
about this this staff and this team that is going
(22:54):
to rise to the challenge. And a few names too
that I think you mentioned Kitchens and he's going to
play probably critical role in this. Considering John Johnson out
of the mix. Why do you like Kitchens?
Speaker 3 (23:05):
For me, it's his versatility And he talked when I
talked to him during the preseason just he mentioned that
he felt like he was going to be put in
a position to, you know, show how much of an
all round safety he is essentially, and I think he's
got the ability to play either star or at safety.
Looked like toward the end of last week's game that
(23:27):
they were kind of experimenting with that figuring out. Okay,
if we're going to put in terms of you know,
replacing John Johnson, are we going to put Quinton Lake
next to Cam curl or are we going to put
cam Kinchin's And so kind of interesting to see how
that works out. But he was somebody who showed up,
you know, pretty consistently in joint practices and even in
training camp. And you know, Sean McVay had a lot
of good things to say about him on Monday as
(23:48):
well in terms of just you know, physicality and command
and things like that. So you know, he he did
play you know, in multiple spots in the secondary at Miami,
so he does have that ability, and so we'll see
what that looks like. But I'm really excited to see
just that physicality and that range out on the field.
Speaker 1 (24:08):
There's going to be a new version of the Rams
in Sofi Stadium just a few days from now. I
like to end on a bright spot, and I feel
like Special Teams was that bright spot off of this
past week. Let's talk a little Blake Korb. He started
off the game beautifully. What are your expectations for him
in this one?
Speaker 2 (24:25):
Yeah, I mean that was a real bright spot and
you hate that it happened on the first play of
the game and the Rams didn't capitalize. But I think
between Evans downing some nice punds, cardis staying perfect on
the season. I know he's dealing with an injury. I
hope to make to Sunday, but this is one of
those moments. This is one of those games where you
have to be a letter perfect, you have to win
that third phase. And I think for the first time
(24:46):
in a while, you can go into this contest saying, hey,
we're right there on level footing, maybe even a notch
ahead of where the forty nine ers are in the
caking game.
Speaker 3 (24:54):
Absolutely, And I think.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
Back to last year too, we were wondering so much
about special teams. You're going, hey, this is feeling a
lot more solidified into this season, so that's your plus.
And then we talked a little Jared verse. But any
final thoughts on him because he is everything that we
expected him to be coming out of this draft.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Yeah, I can't wait to see the impact that he
has in the tone that he sets, because I think
he's the person not just talent wise, but disposition that
you brought in for this reason. Yeah, like he needs
to establish a reputation as Hey, Trent Williams, you and me,
let's go like that's a tall order, a big matchup totally.
But you know, as much as we bemoan the mist tackles,
(25:38):
the miss sack attempts against Kyler, what a great opportunity
to level up and shore that up. I know Perdi's
not Kyler, but he is incredibly elusive inside and just
off platform. And so if you get a chance to
take him down or to stripsack him, make the most
of it. Young man. Can't wait?
Speaker 3 (25:57):
Yeah I would. I would agree with that, I think too,
you know when I talk to him this offseason about
just how vocal he is and and the purpose behind that,
Like this would be as good of a game as
any to you know, speak up and and and talk
as much as he does, because the main reason behind
it is it not only gets him going, but he
does it to get his teammates going too. And so
(26:19):
you know, again time place situation, depending on how the
game is going. But you know, there is there there
are I could see you know, that being something that's useful,
especially for galvanizing the.
Speaker 2 (26:30):
Steveense and maybe even keep your eye out. He may
not be the one to complete the hit, but watch
what he does on some of these games where he
just absolutely washes out that left guard and next thing
you know, Brandon Fisk is running unabated for the quarterback.
Like that is that is Jared Verus doing it for
his former Florida State teammate, and they're one and the same.
Speaker 1 (26:49):
All right, guys, I didn't put this on the sheet,
but I'm gonna I'm gonna ask you to rally because
it's the home opener push ups, but we need to
see Ramsay in Sofi Stadium. What's your rally cry to
the Ramley coming into this home opener against forty nine ers.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
You never know who could emerge in games like this
rivalry game, shorthanded depleted because of injury. I get it,
but like how many people saw Puka having the season
he would end up having. I mean that being the
biggest example of somebody who was kind of under the
(27:29):
radar who emerged and ended up shining and being one
of the stories of the season. That's the way I
look at this game, like who's next, Who's going to
step up? Like who's somebody that this team will be
able to count on over the next several weeks that
has a has a really strong game or has a
meaningful performance that also captivates this fan base.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
I would say your ticket gives you the best view
in the world to the escalators at Sofi Stadium, and
if you were there at the NFC Championship game in
twenty twenty one, you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
If I could drop the MIC, I would, but it's
currently attachment. Well said by both of you. Thanks so
much for joining us on Between the Horns for this
week three edition, presented by your Southern California toilet dealers again,
Cameron Irwin, J. B. Long, Stu Jackson, and we will
see you in Sofi on Sunday,
Welcome to Between the Horns, presented by your Southern California
Toyota Dealers. This is week three. Cameroner went alongside JB
Long and Stu Jackson, and a little bit of a
short week for us, just because we're recording on Wednesday
instead of our traditional Thursday. A quick turnaround for each
of you. The last seventy two hours a little bit wild.
But how are you guys feeling coming into this?
Speaker 2 (00:29):
I like that we did this on Wednesday. It's forty
nine er week. Why wait, let's get right to it
and turn the page. How about you, Stu?
Speaker 3 (00:34):
Yeah, I don't think JB could have said it any better.
Let's turn the page and look ahead to what should
be an exciting rivalry game this Sunday.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
I like that we don't lose anything in the bicep department.
JD to Stu here over in the third chair, though,
thank you, buddy, I can tell you already did curls
this morning.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
I'm just waiting. I feel like we should sit like
this now because we're missing MJD.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Of course, classic, just doing my best MJD tribute.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Well, guys, before we move ahead, we have to take
a look back and We're starting this with a theme
and it's become somewhat of a trend as a new
wave of rams are currently getting placed on the IR,
including Jonah Jackson and John Johnson the third. This is
starting to become a trend and it's a tough one
the last seventy two hours. What are your perceptions of
(01:19):
what's going on in this organizations? Do all start with you?
Speaker 3 (01:22):
Yeah? I think what I draw on the most is
anytime I've seen you know, Cooper Cup especially you know,
post something after a loss, he always mentions, reflect, rectify,
and respond, and that seems most fitting and most appropriate,
especially this week, and it feels like that's what you know,
we're hearing from head coach Sean McVay and a lot
(01:44):
of the players like the circumstances are what they are.
It's about, you know, knowing your role and executing it
to the best of your ability, which you know is
going to require even guys who are already established roles
to you know, elevate themselves from a leadership standpoint and
bring some of those other guys along, especially those players
who will be in newer roles or expanded roles. So
(02:07):
I'm really looking forward to seeing how that response carries over,
especially into these next couple days of practice.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
And JB, I know you sat down with Sean on Monday.
What did you take from your conversation with him, just
considering the numerous injuries that have now piled.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Up, Well, there were seven months of planning that went
into the season, right from the moment last year ends
in Detroit into the moment you kick off this year
against the Lions. There was a vision, there was a plan.
It was executed through free agency, through the draft, through OTA,
through training camp, and it didn't survive first contact, which
(02:39):
is a shame because where they have to go by
necessity from here. I'm not saying it's over. I'm not
saying they can't win games. I think they can win
the Sunday and we'll get to that. But the way
they're going to have to do it and how it's
going to look was not how they conceptualized it in
February March April forward. So you go from having seven
months to ramp up to seven days too. That's where
(03:00):
we are right now. It's a hard challenge. I know
the forty nine ers have their woes, but it's a
much different Mountain to overcome now than just about any
other team in the NFL is dealing with. But I
do think we need to touch on the people part
of this, right because it's more than just a player
going on injured reserve, Like these are people that we've
(03:22):
come to know and love and appreciate. And I found
myself reflecting a lot this week, Like I think in
twenty twenty one, I appreciated what Cooper Cup was doing.
It wasn't just the yards that catches in the touchdowns,
it was the way he was blocking. But it was
seventeen games, like do you know how hard that is?
And then last year when Puka was doing it the
way that no rookie has done. I mean, I remember
(03:43):
when he slammed that shoulder down on the sideline at
Sofi Stadium. I thought it was over right there, and
he popped right back up and played that game Like
all those little moments that have to go right, and
the perseverance and the toughness to put together special, high
usage seasons like they had those two years. Again, I
think in twenty one and twenty three, I knew it
in real time, how unique, how rare that was. I
(04:03):
just I hate that we're reminded of it right now.
And then I mean, with all due respect to our
athleticism or lack therough of like Cameron, you're the only
one who's actually been in this position as a competitive
athlete where you know, the work that goes in to
build a foundation just to get to the starting line,
Like how many videos And it's not just Puka and Cooper,
this goes for everyone. Did we see this offseason like
(04:26):
the work they were putting in to give themselves a chance?
How many times did they throw up in Coop's yard?
You know, to have this moment and to just have
it ripped from them so soon as it's an emotional bummer,
no doubt about it.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Starting to oh in two not the way to go.
And it's been interesting for me in the last several
hours because I've been ruminating on the athlete's perspective, and
I think Sean has said time and time again throughout
this week just the amount of disappointment for the guys
like Cooper and Puka, and he hurts for them. But
then there's also the stuality right where he's still coming
(05:02):
in and having to hold the rest of the team
accountable because the forty nine ers are just around the corner,
and I think from a coaching standpoint, nobody can do
it quite like Sean McVay and this staff. We've learned
to trust them, and I just I imagine how tough
of a position he currently is in just to feel
for his guys, but then also to still hold the
rest accountable heading into this week.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Thankfully, they're so much better equipped to deal with it
than we are, Like the fans handle it better than
we do, and the coaches and the players handle it
better than all of us collectively. Like they have work
to do, they have an agenda, they have an itinerary
this week. The rest of us just have to kind
of wallow and get through it until Sunday arrives at
SOFI Stadium.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
It isn't exactly an Apple's Apple's comparison. But the other
thing I think about, too, is, I mean, what this
team went through before the bye week last year, and
then all the injuries they dealt with, they still this
team and this coaching staff still found a way to
rally and get themselves in position to get a playoff
Berth Again, It's an unprecedented health situation, especially compared to
(06:01):
the injuries they were dealing with early on last year,
but no reason to think, or at least for me,
I don't think there's any reason to think why they
can't figure out a solution and hopefully put themselves in
a similar position here moving forward.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Two things I've learned about this league. The NFL does
not care. You'll get no sympathy from anyone else, especially
not the forty nine ers. And the other thing is
I think an optimistic note for this week, which is,
just when you think you've got it figured out, just
when you think you know what's going to happen, Sunday
comes and completely changes your perspective. And as bad as
it looks right now, I want to maintain the hope
(06:37):
and the belief that four good quarters on Sunday can
change this whole season, not just the way we feel
right now.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Well, as much as this team is being called to rally,
we will do the same right here on between the words.
I like it. No, So let's talk a little takeaways
though from the Cardinals, because I feel like this was
a brutal concoction of potentially Kyler Murray playing the best
game he's ever played in his career and also a
depleted Rams roster. What was your takeaways now that you've
(07:07):
had some time to sit with it from the Cardinals
and what you saw take place.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
Aaron Donald's not walking through that door. We might as
well turn the page and get on with it.
Speaker 1 (07:15):
Yep.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
I like the fact that Jared Verse was there, disruptive
in and around the pocket and around the quarterback. Next
step is finishing those plays. But when a quarterback has
a perfect game against you, you're not going to win
in this league period. I thought back of that game
Jared Goff played against the Vikings in that twenty eighteen season.
That was the first perfect game that I was a
part of. Vikings played well that night. There was nothing
(07:36):
they could do. And that's kind of how it was
for Marvin Harrison Junior and for Kyler Murray and James
Connor last week. Now, could the Rams have done things
starting with their first offensive snap and plus territory to
prevent them having that opportunity. Absolutely, and that's where they
have to go from here. You cannot let a quarterback
be that comfortable. You cannot let a quarterback have eight
(07:58):
seconds in the pocket. You cannot, as a safety letter
receiver get deeper than you are. Those are learning lessons
that they had to take the hard way.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
Unfortunately for me, it was how fortunate this team is
to have DeMarcus Robinson back. I mean, especially with the
injury situation at wide receiver. You know, thinking about the
off schedule play that he made with Stafford where Stafford's
pointing down the field and you know, directing him and
it results in a big game. You know, he really
emerged in the second half of last season, and so
(08:27):
to have him play the way he did, and to
be able to have you know, at the very least
him to count on and to help bring those other
receivers along as something that at least on the offensive side,
you know, really stood out to me.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Cameron Stue I think in many ways, Arizona last week
as a model for the Rams this week. I know,
they were not heavy underdogs like the Rams are in
their home stadium this Sunday, But let's face it, the
Cardinals were sick of losing at home to the Rams
nine street time. They were done with that. For most
of those players, they had never beaten the Rams on
their home grass. They were done with their division losing streak,
and they played like it. They brought that suddenness, that urgency,
(09:00):
see that emotional advantage. I thought it was very clear
on Sunday. Now, I want to be very specific here.
The Rams have beaten the forty nine ers at Sofi Stadium,
and none of us would trade that win for any
other in our tenure. But let's be done with the
regular season one too, is my point. Let's see if
the Rams organizationally as a roster can bring that same Hey,
(09:22):
it ends here despite our circumstances, no more, not here,
not in our house.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
It's funny you bring up to Marcus because that's now
back to back weeks where he's made a significant play
late in the game. I think it was a third
down versus the Lions that was huge right through the
middle as well, where you're sitting there going, man, this
guy is starting to be somebody that you're not just
looking to but you can lean on. When we consider
the goal. Obviously beat the forty nine ers. However, what
(09:46):
should be the standard for the Rams going into this matchup?
Speaker 3 (09:52):
I think just better technique and fundamentals compared to what
we saw last week. I think, you know, just hearing
lot of what McVeigh said both on Sunday Monday. You know,
reflecting on what he saw on tape, you know, that
was basically a lot of what he was it felt
like he was pointing to and even just starting there
I think would be a positive first step because it
(10:13):
was just, at least to me, like so uncharacteristic of
what we've seen, at least in the past, you know,
from this defense and a lot of the players who
are on this unit. So just sharper execution in those
areas I think is a good starting point.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
I hate to say it's blocking and tackling, which this
time year can be really tough to clean up, especially
when your roster health wise is going the wrong direction.
But it's a laser like focus. It's an attention to detail.
It's precision in your technique because it's hard to see
it getting better unless you can protect upfront, unless you
can block in the running game, and unless you can
(10:49):
complete the plays that you have a chance to make
on defense, which there were those moments last Sunday, But
that's why the Cardinals got away from you, because you
weren't good enough in those areas.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
I'm gonna ask you, guys, put on your coaching and
I know you spoke to Sean again on Monday and
you asked him about eleven personnel and just how flexible
he's going to be coming into this catchup. And we
even considered last week we thought we'd see a lot
of tight ends. We really didn't see Parkinson until right
before half in this last one. And then of course
with the running backs, where do you imagine this scheme
is going to go?
Speaker 2 (11:16):
So this is a much larger deeper conversation than we
have time for here, but we can address the personnel
component of it. The reason that the Rampst you know
this well too, operate in this three receiver set is
because it's been the strength of their organization since Cooper
Cup was drafted and they realized what they had. But
it's also because of some of the ways they can
regulate the looks they get by opposing defense, as it
(11:38):
allows them to dictate terms two opponents. I think the
league has caught up a little bit. I think part
of what we've seen through two weeks is that an
NFL defensive coordinator is probably the fastest evolving species on Earth.
And I think a lot of teams, including the Lines
and the Cardinals, spent their entire offseason figuring out, Okay,
this new identity of Karen Williams and Matthew Stafford and
Sean McVay, we're going to have to contend with. That's
(11:59):
what some of the solutions. But to go back to
where I started, if the predicate for all this was
we can't take Cooper Cup off the field, we have
to live in three receiver sets because that's the strength
of our team. Well, now that he's not out there,
and neither is Puoka, I think it's a fair question
to wonder if you're putting your best eleven out there,
does that not mean that you're playing a six offensive
(12:20):
line and playing a second or third tight end? Like
is there a world where you get out there and
three tight ends with kiroen Wins in the backfield and
two two at well out there threatening a team vertically
and you look completely different than we're accustomed to. We've
seen Sean doing it before. Was it the game against
the Bears, I want to say, at the Coliseum where
they kind of reinvented themselves a little bit when their
backs have been against the walls. I don't know if
this is another one of those moments, but there's a chance,
(12:43):
there's a chance.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
Well go ahead.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
I was going to say, it's definitely going to force
you to evolve one way or another, because you know,
to your point about you know, this being the strength
of the team since you know Cooper Cup's been a
part of it. You know, he's he's not going to
be on the field for an extended period of time.
They said that on Monday, and so you know that's
going to force you to I would imagine experiment with
some different things. As much as you know, eleven personnel,
(13:07):
those three receiver sets have been your bread and butter,
you know, especially you know, depending on the you know,
situation with the offensive line, you may need that extra
help with those tight ends, with chipping some of those
defensive ends, especially against maybe a defensive front like the
forty nine ers and some of the other ones that
they'll face here down the road, and even just from
a passing sense as well, just incorporating you know, maybe
some more twelve personnel.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
So so we'll find out later today. I think having
a healthy Davis Allen is probably the key to opening
up that possibility.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
Yeah, Davis Allen was out last week with some backspasms,
so hope to see him out on the Sofi turf.
Speaking of players that we are invested in seeing take
a rise in a big step, who is somebody that
you're looking for on the offensive side of the ball
coming into this forty nine ers matchup?
Speaker 3 (13:48):
I think for me it's gonna be Jordan Waitington. Now
what his role looks like obviously to be determined, but
you know, I've already covered DeMarcus quite a bit. We
know what he can do. Tyler Johnson, he showed what
he was capable of against the Lions in week one.
Now it's Jordan Winnings. Potentially Jordan Whinnington's turned to step
up and and you know, provide some playmaking for this offense,
(14:11):
you know, or potentially too to out. Well, we'll see
what that looks like in terms of, you know, how
the Rams handle that third receiver this week. But Jordan
Whittington is somebody that I'm excited to see in terms of,
you know, potentially getting more involved and and you know
how he's able to take advantage of that.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
On my drive up, it was going to be Logan
Bruss because he was my coming out of training camp,
you know, upbeat, positive storyline, and he goes from being
the first pick of a draft and not really been
able to make a roster through a couple of years
for a variety of reasons. He did this year and
his time is now. Let's let's see if he can
be the plug and play starter that they envisioned him
being coming out of the Big ten but actually changed
(14:48):
my answer just moments ago. Sorry, not that you had
like plans of this. It's Alerc Jackson. It's Aler Jackson.
The left tackle play has not been professional grade. It's
just rupted the entire ecosystem. And I understand people are
frustrated that, you know, aj R Curry in Detroit and
Warren McLendon making his second career start in Arizona. It
(15:09):
didn't give stafford in this offensive chance, But that's because
Alaric wasn't with the Rams because of an off the
field disciplinary matter. So he's got to come in and
make up for lost time. He's got to come in
and help put this thing back in order because that
was his spot and he's been absent for two weeks.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
How hard is that to do? Just from a standpoint
like you haven't been out all of a sudden you're
in game. How much of a challenge is that for.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
Him against the forty nine ers pass rush, I would
say as hard as it gets.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
It's like, yeah, you got to step up, Yeah, pretty much.
I mean, if there's if there's one, if there's one
matchup to get yourself back on track or you know,
figure out what's working and what isn't, this would certainly
be one of them, especially from a pass blocking standpoint.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
All right, let's talk a few more matchups. This is
the one hundred and fifty first meeting between the Rams
and the forty nine ers, and they're dealing with some
stuff on their side as well. From an injury standpoint,
Christian McCaffrey out as well as Debo Samuel, Cafstrain and
Achilles Strain for each one, how could that change the complexion?
They took a loss just last week to the Vikings,
(16:15):
but what did you see in that matchup?
Speaker 2 (16:18):
For a team that has to improve week over week
in tackling, this is the closest thing to a gift
that you'll ever get, because Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel
are two the hardest players to tackle on the entire schedule,
so the fact that they won't play this weekend gives
you a head start correcting your biggest deficiency on defense
so far.
Speaker 3 (16:33):
To me, you also think about what they can do
in terms of yards after the catch when they get
the ball in their hands. You know McCaffrey obviously as
a pass catcher, and then you know Debo whether he's
lining up in the backfield or obviously lining up at
one of their receiver spots. Like they're two of the
most dangerous players in that regard. So similar to what
JB said, I think you know that will help significantly
(16:55):
as far as not having two players on the field
who are very capable of, you know, making just one
defender miss and turning it into an explosive play.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
And brock Perdy got hit. And look, don't read too
much into their loss of the Vikings because it's been
a long time since they won in Minnesota like that
just a unique house of horrors to the forty nine
ers organization. But if there was something you can extract
from that game, it's without cmc perty's holding on the
ball longer, he's having to just pat the ball and
(17:24):
wait longer in the pocket, and that's allowing some opponents
to tee off on him. That safety valve, that quick
game has been reduced, if not eliminated. So it's something
to watch this weekend. Is what's his time to throw
a look like? And does that give Byron Young? Does
that give Kobe Turner? Does that give Jared Versus a
chance to impact his platform?
Speaker 1 (17:41):
When you look at the offensive line for the forty
nine ers, there's obviously one person you want to avoid
at all costs. How are they able to get so
much pressure on brock Party? Was it coming from the
other side?
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Well, I know that if you study what Brian Flores
is doing or you just read what you know folks
who do study it very very closely, right and break
down about you know, the way he does, the way
he runs his defense. Some of the pressure looks, especially
in some of the blitzes that he uses, can cause
(18:12):
a lot of problems. And so you know, there have
been some great breakdowns about that from that, from that
biking scheme this past Sunday. But it's a lot of
it has to do with, you know, some of those
pressure looks and packages that he deploys that that really
throw things off for quarterbacks.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
That's the name. Brian Flores. We've seen it too. Yeah,
but he and Vic Fangio I think probably the two
biggest names combating this Shanahan McVeigh tree. In terms of
teams that have had success and how they've done it.
Speaker 1 (18:40):
Yeah, they got to Bertie six times and it caused
a lot of disruption. There is somebody else that we
need to pay attention to. They have done some major work,
and that's Jordan Mason who's filling in. He went from
potentially just being a special teamer to now they're starting
running back and he has been destructive. Twenty plus carries,
one hundred plus yards in each of the first two games.
(19:01):
He's currently leading the NFL. He's a scary force. What
have you seen from him?
Speaker 2 (19:08):
All due respect to Jordan Cameron, but if we plugged
you into that offense, you would also be leading the
National Football League and rushing like that's that's the forty
nine ers.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
I don't think it matters who's back there. It matters
when CMC is back there. Yeah, But like, this is
a team that's going to run the football no matter
who their running back is. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
The concepts they use in the run game and just
the way that you know, Kyle Shanahan that coaching staff
design it. You know, obviously it really excels and is
at its peak when you have somebody like Christian McCaffrey
in there. But you've also seen you know, guys like
you know, Raheem Moster when he was with them excel
in that and you know some other running backs in
the past to JB's points. So it's it's a system
(19:49):
that you know, if if you know it well and
you know based on obviously the talent up front and
around you know, whoever's you know carrying the ball, puts
you in a pretty easy position, pretty good position to succeed.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
How do the Rams walk away with a win versus
the forty nine ers? What's your key?
Speaker 2 (20:07):
Can I be honest with you this is always the truth,
But I don't know. But I don't know this week
in a way that I think is very helpful to
the Rams, which is they don't know either, like Nick
Sorenson does not know what's coming his way. Because to
our previous point, it could look different on offense this
week than it has traditionally with Sean mcvaygainst the forty
nine ers, and maybe that momentary element of surprise, depending
(20:30):
on what they're practicing out here this week, could play
to LA's advantage. Maybe that helps them play with a
lead leading into their running game a little bit. But
more practically, I think it's make your kicks get a
non offensive touchdown for the first time in forever, you know,
find your future, whether it's Jay Wit or Cam Kinchen's
or Omar space like, we don't know, and that's frustrating
(20:53):
and that's an uneasy feeling. But at the same time,
I think there's a lot of upside potential there there.
Speaker 1 (20:58):
Is danger in that there's no out.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
I think kind of what I was talking about before
with evolution, just coming up with a plan that puts
these guys in position to succeed, which is something that
obviously McVeigh talks about every week. But you know, knowing
the what personnel you have, who you have available and
figuring out a way to maximize their availability is as
(21:21):
cliche as it sounds. Just given the especially the injury
situation of this team. You know, how can you maximize
a two too? How can you put Kyrien in the
run game in the best possible position to succeed even
with the offensive line being banged up. Things like that,
I think that this is a this would be is
such an incredible opportunity to maybe try some new things
(21:45):
to get that first one of the season, and you
know what better matchup or environment to you know, learn,
you know what works and what might be effective.
Speaker 2 (21:53):
Right, here's one thing I've taken solace in this week.
You probably have too, is last week is the exception,
not the rule.
Speaker 1 (21:58):
In the league.
Speaker 2 (21:59):
Like blowouts are rare, blowouts in conference play and division play,
they don't happen very often. The norm is games being
decided by three, four, five plays, and you can circle them.
Almost every week we go back to Detroit and say,
these are the three four or five plays that decided
that game. The Rams didn't win those competitive moments, you
could see a scenario where they would have. And so
I'm banking on the fact that because it's a familiar opponent,
(22:20):
because the Rams are supremely motivated, because they're finally home,
there's going to be a small handful of plays that
if they break the Rams way, they'll be right there
with a chance to quote unquote upset the San Francisco
forty nine ers, and then we'll be having a different
chat next week.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
You talk about the rivalry and there is something to
be said about juice right going into that and the motivation.
Don't underestimate it, And at least from my perspectives, as
they go into this, I'm sitting here going their backs
against the wall. They have something to prove and they've
been asked to do that. And I think there's something
about this this staff and this team that is going
(22:54):
to rise to the challenge. And a few names too
that I think you mentioned Kitchens and he's going to
play probably critical role in this. Considering John Johnson out
of the mix. Why do you like Kitchens?
Speaker 3 (23:05):
For me, it's his versatility And he talked when I
talked to him during the preseason just he mentioned that
he felt like he was going to be put in
a position to, you know, show how much of an
all round safety he is essentially, and I think he's
got the ability to play either star or at safety.
Looked like toward the end of last week's game that
(23:27):
they were kind of experimenting with that figuring out. Okay,
if we're going to put in terms of you know,
replacing John Johnson, are we going to put Quinton Lake
next to Cam curl or are we going to put
cam Kinchin's And so kind of interesting to see how
that works out. But he was somebody who showed up,
you know, pretty consistently in joint practices and even in
training camp. And you know, Sean McVay had a lot
of good things to say about him on Monday as
(23:48):
well in terms of just you know, physicality and command
and things like that. So you know, he he did
play you know, in multiple spots in the secondary at Miami,
so he does have that ability, and so we'll see
what that looks like. But I'm really excited to see
just that physicality and that range out on the field.
Speaker 1 (24:08):
There's going to be a new version of the Rams
in Sofi Stadium just a few days from now. I
like to end on a bright spot, and I feel
like Special Teams was that bright spot off of this
past week. Let's talk a little Blake Korb. He started
off the game beautifully. What are your expectations for him
in this one?
Speaker 2 (24:25):
Yeah, I mean that was a real bright spot and
you hate that it happened on the first play of
the game and the Rams didn't capitalize. But I think
between Evans downing some nice punds, cardis staying perfect on
the season. I know he's dealing with an injury. I
hope to make to Sunday, but this is one of
those moments. This is one of those games where you
have to be a letter perfect, you have to win
that third phase. And I think for the first time
(24:46):
in a while, you can go into this contest saying, hey,
we're right there on level footing, maybe even a notch
ahead of where the forty nine ers are in the
caking game.
Speaker 3 (24:54):
Absolutely, And I think.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
Back to last year too, we were wondering so much
about special teams. You're going, hey, this is feeling a
lot more solidified into this season, so that's your plus.
And then we talked a little Jared verse. But any
final thoughts on him because he is everything that we
expected him to be coming out of this draft.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Yeah, I can't wait to see the impact that he
has in the tone that he sets, because I think
he's the person not just talent wise, but disposition that
you brought in for this reason. Yeah, like he needs
to establish a reputation as Hey, Trent Williams, you and me,
let's go like that's a tall order, a big matchup totally.
But you know, as much as we bemoan the mist tackles,
(25:38):
the miss sack attempts against Kyler, what a great opportunity
to level up and shore that up. I know Perdi's
not Kyler, but he is incredibly elusive inside and just
off platform. And so if you get a chance to
take him down or to stripsack him, make the most
of it. Young man. Can't wait?
Speaker 3 (25:57):
Yeah I would. I would agree with that, I think too,
you know when I talk to him this offseason about
just how vocal he is and and the purpose behind that,
Like this would be as good of a game as
any to you know, speak up and and and talk
as much as he does, because the main reason behind
it is it not only gets him going, but he
does it to get his teammates going too. And so
(26:19):
you know, again time place situation, depending on how the
game is going. But you know, there is there there
are I could see you know, that being something that's useful,
especially for galvanizing the.
Speaker 2 (26:30):
Steveense and maybe even keep your eye out. He may
not be the one to complete the hit, but watch
what he does on some of these games where he
just absolutely washes out that left guard and next thing
you know, Brandon Fisk is running unabated for the quarterback.
Like that is that is Jared Verus doing it for
his former Florida State teammate, and they're one and the same.
Speaker 1 (26:49):
All right, guys, I didn't put this on the sheet,
but I'm gonna I'm gonna ask you to rally because
it's the home opener push ups, but we need to
see Ramsay in Sofi Stadium. What's your rally cry to
the Ramley coming into this home opener against forty nine ers.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
You never know who could emerge in games like this
rivalry game, shorthanded depleted because of injury. I get it,
but like how many people saw Puka having the season
he would end up having. I mean that being the
biggest example of somebody who was kind of under the
(27:29):
radar who emerged and ended up shining and being one
of the stories of the season. That's the way I
look at this game, like who's next, Who's going to
step up? Like who's somebody that this team will be
able to count on over the next several weeks that
has a has a really strong game or has a
meaningful performance that also captivates this fan base.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
I would say your ticket gives you the best view
in the world to the escalators at Sofi Stadium, and
if you were there at the NFC Championship game in
twenty twenty one, you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
If I could drop the MIC, I would, but it's
currently attachment. Well said by both of you. Thanks so
much for joining us on Between the Horns for this
week three edition, presented by your Southern California toilet dealers again,
Cameron Irwin, J. B. Long, Stu Jackson, and we will
see you in Sofi on Sunday,
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