October 3, 2024 • 33 mins
Camryn Irwin, J.B. Long, and D'Marco Farr react to the Los Angeles Rams' Week 4 loss to Chicago Bears, break down a lack of red zone production, defensive pressure, possible return of defensive back Darious Williams, how to move forward into Green Bay Packers matchup, and more!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:10):
Welcome to this week five edition of Between the Horns,
presented by your Southern California toy to dealers. Cameron, I
went alongside my good friends to mark O Farr and
JV Long, and before we get into the loss of
this year, there.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
I relegated next week. Wow, third chair about tonight? Fourth?
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Okay? Okay, the okay, I'm grady to.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Have to Marco back. Yes, everyone's happy about that.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Yes, I don't know if I should smile this week?
Are we still? Are we over it yet? Chicago? No,
We're still not over.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
I'm not hosting, Cameron.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
I was gonna say it's hard because I mean, I
always have a little bit of a smile on my
face considering we have the greatest job in the world
and I get to sit next to YouTube. But speaking
of athletic feats, JB, You've got a pretty big athletic
feat coming up Cassie's fortieth birthday. This guy's going to
get some roller blades on this week?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
What get ready to call play by play Sunday?
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Oh my god, please tape your ankles. Come on, we
need you man. Wow, good luck with that.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
I know, yes, but the last time you were in
Rollerblade at.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
Once when they first came out, and this is enough
for me, never again.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Yeah, we'll get a few of the best snapshots on
the Infinity screen at so far there we go at halftime.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Yes please, I could not wait to see it dialed
up now before we get into it. This week was
a little tough. A smile is now dropping from my face.
The loss to the Bears twenty four to eighteen. We
got to dig into it because there were some points
definitely left on the field and JB you said coming
into this show that you had a lot to say.
Speaker 3 (01:37):
Yeah, where do you want to begin with this? Tough
the word it's more frustrating what happens Sunday you go
fair just frustrating and arguing about it all week and
seeing the stuff on social media and on video and
pointing out the weaknesses. We all get that. But I
still think that if this current team the way it is,
and I know you want Pooka back, you want Cooper
(01:59):
cut back, you want all the guys that are injured
to come back, but even the group that you have
right now, if you play better in Chicago, that's a win.
You were dominating Chicago. You're much better than that outcome says,
So that to me is the most frustrating thing. That's
one you could have gotten that you don't get, and
we know in this league that could keep you out
of the playoffs, and that just drives me nuts.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
It was like the most dominant six zero lead I've
ever felt, Yes, and then it was gone in an
instant where you just dive right into the the for
red October? Is that what's on your mind?
Speaker 1 (02:30):
If I was just about to say, or maybe let's
start with a different word that starts with red as well,
how about the red zone? Because you talked about dominant, Well,
we've been getting to the red zone actually off the
thirty nine drives this season, seventeen trips there, but have
only come away with seven touchdowns, six of which behind
Kyraen Williams. What's the solution?
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Look, Sean McVay did not forget how to drop game
plans or call plays anywhere on the field, especially not
the red zone. And Matthew Stafford, to my eye, has
not lost a mile per hour off his fastball, and
as recently as last year, this was an elite red
zone offense, like they were eighth in red zone conversion
last year. Now, since that playoff game in Detroit, it's
been a different story, and that's incredibly frustrating and it's
(03:12):
why they're losing games. But I think it's a lot
of actenuating circumstances. And this is going to sound like
I'm an apologist, and I am in a sense, But
like the offensive line isn't how you built it. Like
you said Pook and Cooper cup are in lockstep with
your quarterback, They're not there. I think some of it
is circumstantial, Like you're playing from behind right, you're trying
to score quickly, and you face some really good defenses too,
(03:35):
Like that's not pretend that other than Arizona you face
three really good defenses. And in the NFL world, a
four game sample size is still pretty small. I think
there's better things to come, but I'll stop there. You
chime in, I do want to defend the play color
a little bit more. But where am I right with me?
Speaker 3 (03:53):
I trust in Sean McVay. I agree with everything you
said in the red zone. I'll tell you this as
a guy that made his living with his hand in
the dirt. Into the red zone on defense, the first
thing I thought about was the run, because if we
miss one run fit or miss a tackle, it's unforgiving.
He's in the end zone and you could have the
slowest running back in the world, and it hurts you
because the end zone is right there. So if you're
(04:15):
not in lockstep, if you don't have guys like you said,
like Puka and Cooper that are in tune mentally with
your quarterback, you're having issues out there, then the safest
way to score is to run. The only way you
scored in Chicago in the red zone was Kyron Williams,
So I would say lean on that until you start
figuring everything else out. But like I said, with a
week's worth of practice, I expect them in the passing
(04:36):
game to be a whole lot better than they were
in Chicago.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
The myth is that Sean doesn't like to run the football,
and having watched every snap of Rams football to Sean McVay,
area believe me. I fall victim to that too. It
does feel that way sometime, but it's not true. The
data does not support that, not in the red zone,
not this season. It's just not true. What is true
is the Rams are through a month a more fe
(05:00):
running offense than passing offense because of those circumstances. And
I think the offensive line as currently constructed is better
firing off the ball than they are in pass protection.
The numbers bear that out. What's also true, and you
hinted at it, is Kyen Williams is the only player
with the Rams helmet this Sunday at Sofi Stadium who
scored a touchdown. Kupp has the other one. He's not
going to play. So if if you're in the comments section,
(05:22):
and I'm right there with you saying, why don't the
Rams just embrace that reality? Why don't they lean into
that identity until a defense forces them to do something else,
or until things open up a bit, or until they
get healthier out at receiver. I'm with you there, I'm
with you there. But let's not I guess. Let me
just argue for giving Sean McVay is afraid to call
run plays. That's not what I'm saying, correct, And the
(05:43):
quarterback has to say in this too, like he often
is there, I assume with two plays that he can
choose aarb runner pass, And so I guess I'm just
advocating for giving a little bit more margin to a
future Hall of fame quarterback who's still got plenty of
juice and soon to be the winning his coach in
Rams franchise.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
Totally question, would you rather bet on that right arm
to make a play or Kyron Williams one on one
with an unblocked safety because they are going to stack
the box and make you throw it, that's the thing.
And when he checks out, there's a reason he's checking
out is because they're taking away the runs. So that's
your question. Kyron Williams with an unblocked guy or the
arm of Stafford.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
That's your choice.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
I'll also say this, like some of the plays that
have not worked are screens, are checked downs.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
And fantastic a.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Yeah, those are essentially extensions of the running game. There
have been a couple of costly penalties, one in Chicago,
one on the left tackle in Detroit that cost Jordan
Whittington are rushing touchdown again. There's just a couple of
not quitees that are causing this this tension and I
feel it. Believe me, I get it. This is why
they're losing. It's at least one of the reasons why
(06:51):
they're losing. But I think their best red zone execution
is still in front of them.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
You know, I would challenge even that statement though, because
I don't know if you're betting on the right arm
of math Stafford, because I would never bet against the
right arm of Matthew Stafford. I think you're more betting
off of the receivers and even the tight end group
at this point and their ability to find the right space,
the right timing.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
That's and to go off of what you.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Said in that regard, I don't think he turned it
over in the red zone last year. No, No, if
memory serves, I think he was literally letter perfect inside
the opponent's twenty as recently as last December January.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
Right, I was talking if you were the quarterback, if
you're Stafford making that choice, loaded box, we have a
run call. Yeah, I'd rather trust that, But agreed, I
mean this might be keep the run on. There are
no checks until we get this thing right.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
At receiver, Yeah, let's talk a receiver a bit more.
We've got two two out Well Jordan Woodington Whittington coming
off his career high six reception sixty two yards in
Week four and the last two for two two at Well.
He's had eighty plus receiving yards again, no touchdowns, He's
had some big chunks. How does that show up though?
In the red zone? Can they use him as a
(07:56):
red zone threat?
Speaker 3 (07:57):
I was does plus eighteen counts as an exploded in
the passing game? I thought it was twenty or.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Yeah, you can set your own threshold.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
YEA, yes to two plus eighteam, that's that's an explosive
And if he makes you miss, it's yards after the catch.
All I do know is it's the bigger the receiver,
the better they are in the in the red zone.
I would say smaller receivers, shorter guys like two two.
They're hard to see because the rush is right there
and the safeties don't have far to drop and neither
do the linebackers, so if they don't bite it on playfakes,
(08:24):
hard to see him. But his speed can also be
useful in the red zone. And I thought that might
have popped out at some point. Maybe it will this
week the end to round game, especially with that guy. Again,
it's tough on defenses. One missed, wrong fit, runfit. You
don't get that back, So maybe you can't throw it
to him, but you can definitely use two to two
more in the red zone.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
I mean, that's above my pay grade. But I will
say there are enough tools in the tool belt right
now at receiver to still find success. They're not Cooper Cup,
they're not Pooka Akua, they're not thinking in lockstep with
the quarterback. But that's just a matter of time on task.
I don't think it's a matter of ability.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
I think to some bigger bodies, right, So Colby Parkinson
had tight end and then of course d rob who,
by the way, was the target on that two point conversion.
So they're trying to find those bigger bodies. There's no
questions about that. All right, let's dig into this staate.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
Lost my house, by the way, I thought Parkinson would
have been a bigger part of this offense early, especially
in the red zone. The guy's a giraffe, he's so tall.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
That's right.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
There's more there.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
There's more there, And it was a weird first month.
And I don't think you can account for the hand
that the rams were dealt. I'm with you. Like the
fact that Matthew Stafford doesn't have a completion on a
throw into the end zone yet, like that's never happened
in his career. It hasn't happened in a long time
for the Rams. Yeah, I believe it's going to happen
on Sunday.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
It was notable in this matchup that they found that
he found Parkinson earlier than he has in the previous weeks.
It's felt like usually it was finding catches like about
the halfway point in the game, and all of a
sudden this game, I'm like, Oh, they're actually finding Parkinson
a little bit earlier than they traditionally have through this season,
so I can try to find that rhythm.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
I'm really liking Jay Witt too. That's that's a big
dude in the open. At some point, he's gonna find
the end zone one.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Year after Puka. He's done really well to step into
Puka's cleats.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
Yeah, it's gonna be like one of the ugliest touchdown
runs like in NFL history, but he's gonna score with it. Watch. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
All right, Well, let's get into the state of the
Rams as we are about through the first quarter of
this season. The nugget on my paper and you looked
at me, you said, are we going there? Is it
as bad as it seems?
Speaker 3 (10:26):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Sitting at one and three, what's your.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Take Okay, look and this this is dangerous because you're
one in three and Bill Parcells love him, and I
love everything he says, and I respect it. You are
what your record says you are. You're one and three.
So right now, it's gonna be tough to make the postseason. Indisputable.
The numbers prove that out. But it's it's not as
bad as you think. It really isn't You're you're four
(10:50):
or five plays, ten plays away from being three and
one the other way. That's just how football go. So
you have to practice, get better and when those opportunities
present themselves. You can't shoot yourself in the foot. You
can't come up oh for four or one for four
in the red zone. You had that game that should
have been a win, and you let it go. It's
(11:12):
not a matter of the Johnny's and the Joe's right now,
it's the execution. It's the x's and the o's that
are keeping you from winning.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
We've been working together too long, and I want to
do it for another four decades because literally, here's what
I wrote down, and this is the tension for me,
and I think a lot of RAMS fans are living
in it too. They're what one and three. I could
make a case that they've played like zho and four unfortunately,
but I could also easily argue they should be three
and one with a coin toss and a couple of
(11:39):
breaks in different circumstances. And it's agonizing because we know
they're not a bad team. You remember playing like old
school Nintendo, whether it's Tech Mobile or Duck Hunt or whatever,
and you just want to rip the cartridge out, blow
on it and restart all game. Yes, like I want
to go back to August with this team and try again,
because I really believe that three and one is is
(12:00):
a more likely representation. But all that aside, here's what
I believe about the twenty four Rams. This is still
an above average offense. It's still got the best quarterback
in the NFC playing behind a dinged up offensive line
that's getting some of the worst results unfortunately in the NFL.
I don't love that that's the reality. Nonetheless, Stafford and McVeigh,
(12:21):
like we're saying, they're making it work in just about
every facet moving the football, except for those short fields,
which is still to come. And then we got to
talk about the other side of the ball. Too.
Speaker 3 (12:30):
Yeah, oh yeah, because.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
The hard reality is this was a roster built to
score thirty points per game and outscore opponents and put
the defense in more favorable circumstances down in distance, time
and score because the Rams do have a great pass
rush despite losing the biggest cheat code in franchise history,
and they targeted both young and veteran defensive backs with
(12:53):
ball hawking skills to go and get interceptions. But the
only interception so far this season is on injured reserve
of John Johnson.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Right now, you're getting into the meat of the conversation
that I wanted to which was based off of this
offense predicated thirty plus points. We had expectations. We knew
this defense coming in was going to be maybe inconsistent
just based on youth alone. We knew we were going
to have verse and fisk and it was going to
be good, and it was going to show flash flashes.
(13:20):
And it's so interesting now as we've gotten into this,
because the offense and because of the injuries, it feels
as if that expectation has changed, how we have to
win has changed, and a lot more pressure has been
placed potentially on the defense. I understand that you have
to win. This is National Football League. But if I
were to ask you, if you take the context of
the losses away and the output that you've seen from
(13:43):
this defense, and your expectations beginning of the season, what
would you say in regards to beginning of season to
now and their performance.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
About the defense. Yeah, I'd be a little disappointed. At
the front, Jared Verse, Braden Fisk. We said they're going
to be young studs, and they are. Once they learn
how to corral and tackle quarterbacks and not waste pass rushes,
they're going to be dominant.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Last week was a step forward, right step forward.
Speaker 3 (14:09):
And Byron Young same thing. He has taken a step
from where he was last season. He's getting better, he's
trusting his pass rush. So the front, yes, they're performing
like we thought. I thought the secondary would be a
little tighter, but I didn't know Darius Williams was going
to miss time, so that's an issue. And I didn't
know the linebacking situation was going to be the way
(14:31):
it was. I thought you were going to start with
Ernest and keep earnest. That didn't happen. So here you are.
So look, this is the National Football League, and you
get paid to play, so you have to perform better
than what you're performing run and pass on defense to
get wins in the National Football League, and you have
to not put your defense in bad spots as well.
(14:52):
And that goes back to the offense. So if you
have a chance to keep the football, keep possession, win
the game with your offense, I think you should do it.
Putting them out there in bad spots to where they
get dragged in overtime situations or last week when they
just flat got tired and they ran the ball on
you and they scored and the game got out of hand.
So you have to protect them. They're young, they're doing
(15:13):
a lot right now, they're learning on the fly. So offensively,
this team needs to be led by the offense. It
can't be led by a young defense right now.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
But again, they got the strip, sack and the football
back to the offense up six points, and it felt
like that game was about to break definitely, And if
you go down and put a touchdown on the Bears
and take a two score lead on a rookie quarterback,
that defense, that whole game looks different. That's exactly. And again, yes,
the defense is clearly clearly not without some blame here,
(15:41):
But I'm going to defend them in this sense because
look at the contrast in terms of the roster builds
with the opponent this week. Green Bay is the perfect
contrast right now to illustrate the fact that the Rams
are just one offseason into retooling on defense, and they're
ahead of schedule for a lot of very very good,
shrewd moves, but it's going to take some time when
you're spending less money on the ball on that side
(16:02):
of the ball than any team in the National Football League.
Right like the Rams current defensive too deep I counted
this morning, has six players drafted in the top one hundred.
Three of them are rookies.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
Yeah right.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
One additional one came from waivers just before this season.
The Green Bay Packers have six first round and four
second round players on defense. Right, they've gone the other direction.
They're saying, we're going to be organic and ground up
on offense, and then we're going to invest in our
defense with our draft picks. So yes, the best football
for Chris Schule in this defense is certainly ahead. They're
(16:37):
learning on the job. Darius Williams might be their best
corner I hope he debuts this week, and I hope
it looks different because it could put some things back
in order. I think they're asking like one level too
much from a lot of individual pieces right now. On
defense either, yeah, either asking them to be stars when
they're starters, asking them to be starters when they're reserved,
asking them to play a different position than maybe it
(16:59):
was envisioned to be. Like, all of those dynamics are happening, right.
Speaker 3 (17:02):
Yeah, this is what you got and who you are.
And but the thing is, I am happy they're going
through it because they're going to be better for it,
especially the guys that remain. When you go through situations
like this, you learn and you learn and you learn
it to get better. They'll be better by the end
of the year. They really will. And that pass us,
like I said, is good now. And I could watch
Jared Fisk play or not Jordy Fisk, Jared Vers plays.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
I like that.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
Let's say Jared Fisk ye. I could watch those two
run stunts all day long, because it seems like they
have this otherworldly sense of each other. They know where
the other one's going to be. That is just poetry,
that's ballet to me and watching Jared Verse rush the
passer and how physical he is, and reminding myself this
is his first time through. Imagine what it's going to
look like after an offseason when he learns the game
(17:46):
and it slows down for him.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
I don't disagree with anything you just said. I just
on behalf of all of us who love rams football
in this team and the audience watching. It's got to
happen sooner rather than later before it's too late. Right,
you got to grow up. The margin twenty twenty four
is getting really thin, and I know we're gonna move on,
but let me just tack on because we've ignored the
third phase so far and I get it, But like,
let me shout out special teams in the year of
(18:08):
a year growth they've made so far. Like again, we're
searching for silver linings and we've highlighted some of them,
but the drastic improvement in the kicking game, I think
is one thing to highlight here as well. CARDI yeah,
funning covering, I mean, like big return. It stinks that
last week's most consequential play might have been the Bear's
punt that sort of right turn at the eight yard line.
(18:30):
But the Rams won They're won and only game because
of how well they performed on special teams, and look
from where they were last year. I don't think we
can kind of do a state of the Rams at
the quarter pole and not point out good on you,
Chase Blackburning Company.
Speaker 1 (18:46):
The learning curve is steep on the defensive side of
the ball. Three sacks against the Bears a seven total
on the season, so nearly half of that coming from
just a game ago. Darius Williams, you mentioned the name
he could potentially see time this week. How might that
change the complexion of the secondary?
Speaker 3 (19:02):
You know, I can't wait to see him go. We
didn't see a ton of him. So if it's the
same guy that left here and then came back, then yeah,
that would be your shut down guy. That would give
you a better weapon against receivers that are, you know,
having their way with guys. So yeah, the more corners
you can have, the better. So be it. You've got
(19:23):
a great pass rush. I would assume this week when
you're facing guys like Jordan Love and they're good against
the Blitz, you're gonna bring more than what they can block,
which means you're gonna try to make him throw it quick.
So your corners are gonna have to tackle that's Darius Williams.
They're gonna have to cover in short areas. That should
be Darius Williams. But I haven't seen him do it.
But I'm hoping that guy is still there.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
If he's healthy, he helps immensely. If he's healthy, he's
probably your best corner. And I think again, he puts
a lot of things in order in that back end.
So I don't know how it's gonna look. I have
a suspicion that it's as close to the way the
Rams drew it up defensively as we've seen since training camp.
When Darien Kendrick went down on the first.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
Day, Larelle Murchison also back at practice to somebody else
to keep an eye.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
Out for Lazarus broke his arm and he's back.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
If only we all healed back gun.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
Yes, and the Rams do need a little more interior
pass rush, no doubt.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
Shout out to Kobe Turner. I think he the part
of Aaron that rubbed off on him. He's playing like
eighty five percent of the snaps. He never comes off
the field. I respect that, So if he had a
little more help in the middle to help him get
that interior rush with those edge guys. Now you got.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
Something, especially because you just faced a Chicago team that
was having a world of trouble running the football and
the next thing you know, DeAndre Swift is unstoppable. We
all know that can't happen against the Packers. Like the
Packers their offense balance diverse. They can beat you multiple ways.
You have to take at least half of their attack.
And this goes back to the Darius Williams Darius Williams question.
(20:50):
If the Rams are getting healthier in their secondary and
the Packers are getting more injured on their receiving core,
maybe that balances the scales.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
Turner to your point, fifty total snaps and I believe
one of those touchdowns from Swift was actually when Turner
was off.
Speaker 3 (21:03):
Off the field.
Speaker 1 (21:04):
Wow field. Okay, let's dig into the Packers and this
opponent breakdown. Packers coming off all lost to Minnesota twenty
nine to thirty one. Minnesota looks really solid and this
will be the one hundredth meeting all time between the
Packers and the Rams. Jordan Love it was a lot
of good and maybe not a lot of good. All
(21:24):
at the same time, he had a career high and
two aspects passing yards with three hundred and eighty nine,
but also interceptions with three against Minnesota. This is just
his second game of the season. What can you expect
from him in terms of this offense. You talked about
it some quick quick shots, but what else.
Speaker 3 (21:42):
I remember, like way back when quarterbacks set through for
like three fifty and up usually lost.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Yeah, yours signed your game circumstances.
Speaker 3 (21:50):
They had to gun it every single time.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
That's kind of how it was for him last week,
exactly yours.
Speaker 3 (21:54):
My my thing this week for I guess the Rams
defense watching the Minnesota tape is ff follow floors, do
what he did. He sent the house after Love Love
is coming back. He's still not as mobile, you know.
So he made him get on the move and made
him uncomfortable a lot more than he liked. And it worked.
Three picks and they were absolutely dominating that game. So
(22:16):
that's the one thing I would say coming out of Chicago,
with the way the defense is set up now, the
personnel you have, I would expect a lot more dogs
and stunts out of this defense. Twist the lineup, don't
give offensive lines a dead run at your second level,
help them out with some stunts and just make them
think a little bit. And if it's in the passing game,
you may get after Love. He's not as mobile as
he used to and you've got some really athletic ins
(22:38):
and some fast guys on the field.
Speaker 2 (22:39):
See I was going to say, of all the opponents
the Rams could have drawn this week, the Packers are
on the short list for the ones I would have
liked to have seen the least because of their opposing
head coach and play caller, who the Rams have yet
to beat. Maybe getting them out of Lambeau will help.
I mean, that could be the biggest thing, right, I'm
sick of going there and trudging home from the frozen tundra.
End to feed shifting.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
Nice shifting the sea and Green Bay. So far, Yeah,
it can help.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
But kind of what I just said, like, they can
shorten the game on you, and they can squeeze you
at the running game. They can beat you with their
receivers if you take them away. They can eviscerate you
with their tight end. One of their tight ends had
a great game against the Rams last year. So they
just have a lot of different ways to beat you offensively,
and given the state of the Rams defense, that's extremely
(23:26):
concerning going into Sunday, and that's why the opportunity that
got away last week in Chicago still stings.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
So where do you set your focus? Then? In terms
do you defending the run, defending the pass? You drop?
What think you had fifty four total attempts versus Minnesota?
I mean where do you set your focus?
Speaker 3 (23:43):
Well, what have you been saying for years? You earned
the right the rest of the passer, and you do
that by stopping the run. So that would be job one.
If they run up and down the field on you've
got no chance. So definitely, first emphasis is making them
one dimensional, forcing the game back onto love shoulders, and
then get after him. I was gonna say, hopefully you'll
have benefit of crowd noise. You are at home, this
(24:04):
is your turf, this is your track. Your guys should
feel comfortable getting after a quarterback.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Chief says have never been to Sofi Stadium. They're one
of a small handful of teams that are yet to
play in Englewood, and I think they are ready for
the moment. Yes, I hate to disappointment in that regard.
I'll be curious to see what they're what they've got
at receiver. Jaden Reid has become a true number one
for them, and he's a dangerous run thread as well.
I think he leads all receivers in rushing yards this
(24:29):
season without Christian Watkins. That may help the Rams cause.
And we'll see about Romeo Dobbs, who as of today
we're sitting here on a Thursday, I think mispractice today
for a personal reason, so that might impact the answer
to my question. But you can never go wrong with
stopping the run. I would just like to see the
Rams take the football, goes, score an opening drive touchdown
for the first time in the first quarter of the season,
(24:51):
and maybe dictate some circumstances to the floor and to
eleven the Packers.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
Well, we did get a chance to see Karen Williams
score his seventh straight rushing a touchdown. It is currently
leading the NFL. You talked about it. Just keep going there,
even if it is one dimensional until they stop it.
Why not go that.
Speaker 3 (25:07):
Direction single handedly saving the reputation of Notre Dame running backs.
Speaker 2 (25:13):
How about his past pro too.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
Dude, he is so willing. He's becoming one of my
favorite guys, and I know we have on there. Why
isn't Blake Korum playing well?
Speaker 2 (25:23):
Just say, Kyen, you tackled out one go ahead?
Speaker 3 (25:25):
Yeah, we're talking about it now. Why do you need him?
Kyen Williams is bawling right now. I don't know how
much you thought your third running back was going to
get in the game. Anyway. This is not college and
they're not running the wishbone. You know, only one back
at the time. Guys, you know.
Speaker 2 (25:43):
You pay your insurance premiums right, Yes? Is that the
most fun check that you write? No, but when you
file a claim, aren't you glad so happy?
Speaker 3 (25:52):
Yes? I see where you're going. But I mean, look,
if the running game wasn't where it needs to be
or it's failing you and I you don't you're not
ranked as high as you would like running the football.
I get that. But it's not like Kiren hasn't been effective.
He's scoring. He's totally That's what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
So look, if the frustration is spending third round draft
capital on a player who's only seen eight snaps of
offense in garbage time at Arizona, that I get. I
get that, But if the thought is that he's somehow
going to elevate speaking of Korum, the Rams chances of
winning by taking snaps away from Kiren or even Ronnie Rivers,
who's been superb as well. No, that's a no for me.
(26:31):
In fact, the last thing I think the Rams need
right now in their offensive huddle is another fresh face.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
Yeah, that's true.
Speaker 2 (26:38):
The reason they're coming off a loss is because of
quite literally one pass protection breakdown. It wasn't a running back,
but if Montees sweat doesn't get to Stafford, I think
we're talking a much different dynamic here today. So I'm
not if and when you need Blake Korm he's going
to be ready, He's going to be great. You're going
to be glad that you drafted him. I just hope
that day is far off in the future.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
Nine different offensive line men have seen a start, just
to give some context to that pass pro and the
challenges there. So again, offensive line a little bit of
a struggle. Yeah, we'll see what they can put together.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
But in truth, don't beat a tight end as a
professional defensive end, you are fired. I have to say
that if a tight end blocks you in pass pro
and you don't win, your fired.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
I don't think that was the design.
Speaker 3 (27:19):
No, definitely, I'm just had to put that out there.
Speaker 1 (27:21):
Yes, let's talk a little Packers secondary. There might be
some space for us to actually throw the ball downfield.
What have you seen from the Packers secondary? Have either
of you?
Speaker 3 (27:33):
I think every secondary is vulnerable with today's NFL. The
Packers aren't any different from any other team. You know,
if you can avoid the pass rush and they do
bring it, and like I said, it's weird. Turn it
on the green Bay video. Tell me if you catch
this and you see them lining up in a four
to three, it's strange.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
Joe Berry and green Bay.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
Yeah, they are traditional three to four teams, have been forever.
Some of their best players throughout history have been in
the three four Outside linebackers to four to three, so
tougher to run against, but easier to pick up. If
you're Matthew Stafford and I think that if McVeigh would
pick which front he'd like to play against, it would
be a four to three. It fits his eleven personne.
Speaker 2 (28:12):
What does it remind you of? Is there a comp
a recent comp in Rams opponent history that the four to.
Speaker 3 (28:17):
Three you just saw it in Chicago. There's gonna be
a lot of carryover. I mean there's cover four, cover two,
rush for with stunts, maybe bring five. That's the same
thing you've just practiced against. So there'll be some great
carryover from Chicago. So, like I said, just execute better
you had Chicago. You can do the same thing against
(28:38):
this defense.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
It's a great pickup by you on the four three.
One of the last keys for me generating takeaways because
when you look at Green Bay, they're currently leading the league.
They have twelve opponent turnovers, eight of eight interceptions and
one guy has just been demonstrative. He has four interceptions
in the last four games alone, and that's McKenny on
the back end. When was the last time you saw
(28:59):
some to do that.
Speaker 2 (29:01):
I can't remember another Giant who got out of New York.
Speaker 3 (29:04):
Yeah, wow, unreal. Winning isn't complicated? People complicated? Yes?
Speaker 1 (29:14):
And on the other side, for the Rams, just one interception?
Where can they generate takeaways? How does it happen?
Speaker 3 (29:22):
You know, it's it's weird. I hate going into games,
either as a player or as doing this saying the
defense needs to take the ball away because of how
hard it is to do. I'd say, be ready for
tips and overthrows. If you watch the tape with Jordan
Love versus Minnesota, he was throwing high a lot, everything
went over, So there will be opportunities for tips and overthrows.
(29:46):
Be ready for those. If we called them baskets, we
didn't count them as picks as players for fun, but
they are interceptions. If you have to dive and catch one,
so be it. But stepping in front of one, asking
the guy to step out of his comfort zone and
be like a shutdown corner not gonna happen. So that
or rushing the passer and knocking the ball out, or
getting the ball out on a rushing play, that stuff
(30:06):
has to happen if it's on the deck, if you
get it out, it's got to be rams football. So
I think that's more of effort than saying, hey, we
need more takeaways.
Speaker 2 (30:15):
Keys for me are getting back to situational mastery because
I don't think you can necessarily count on Jordan Love
throwing you three this week. I'm guessing he's going to
shore that up. Cut down on penalty, something you can control,
especially in your secondary ball. Security impacts the turnover margin
the same way. Can you be letter perfect in clock
(30:36):
and time out management. This week, I think you'll need
to be Can you nail your fourth down decisions? Can
you capitalize in the kicking game or the Packers have
actually had some real problems this year, or even better yet,
don't kick it at all unless it's an extra point.
Those are all sorts of things that I'm looking for
in terms of again, there's a narrow path to victory
against a very good opponent. But this is one the
Rams got to get. It's got to be two and
(30:57):
three going in to buy.
Speaker 3 (30:59):
And Matthew Stafford has ahead right right he does. There's
a helmet on his head, so if the defense hits
him in the head, that should be Oh, I'm sorry.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
I see where you're going.
Speaker 3 (31:08):
Just where helmet head tap?
Speaker 1 (31:11):
Okay, yeah, no, I like it. We got your keys?
Do you have any last keys going into this matchup?
Mine was the takeaways? So what do you have?
Speaker 3 (31:19):
Uh? You know, I think when did he I think
that was coming back from Arizona. It was man in
the mirror time and they responded versus San Franz. They
got to win. I don't mind going right back to that.
And I know it's cliche to say like, okay, we're
going to start the season over from this point here.
That's yadiya dada. But you can forget all that, man,
this team is good enough to win and they're not
(31:42):
as bad as one in three says. I really believe that.
So go out and play. Go out and play your
best game at home in so far, and get this
ship turned around. Get a winning week, not a losing week,
and start a streak.
Speaker 2 (31:57):
Ship with a p ship with a piece.
Speaker 3 (32:01):
I want to make sure we get that out. Or
either way you want to take.
Speaker 2 (32:05):
It, I'm with you. I don't think this group has
come within an Ethan Evans kickoff of its best football yet.
I just hope that they can get there while it
still matters, because the difference between a win going into
the by and a loss, as we all know, is stark.
But I also looked at the Green Bay Packers and
last year's experience as a model for what's still possible.
(32:26):
Remember going to Green Bay last year, they were dead
in the water. They couldn't score a touchdown, they couldn't
get points early in games. There were rumblings about Jordan Love.
Now he's got paid and they've been a rocket ship
ever since. Finally you get these guys at your place.
Let's go, same script, just flip it.
Speaker 3 (32:45):
I know Sean ain't quitting.
Speaker 1 (32:49):
A week away from the bye, a win away from
the bye. And there's one thing I know for sure,
and it's that I'm glad I have you two in
my huddle. So thanks so much for joining us on
between the horns for this week. Five is presented by
our Southern California to our dealers Cameron or When DeMarco
far and JB. Long. We can't wait to see you
in sofa on Sunday
Welcome to this week five edition of Between the Horns,
presented by your Southern California toy to dealers. Cameron, I
went alongside my good friends to mark O Farr and
JV Long, and before we get into the loss of
this year, there.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
I relegated next week. Wow, third chair about tonight? Fourth?
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Okay? Okay, the okay, I'm grady to.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Have to Marco back. Yes, everyone's happy about that.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Yes, I don't know if I should smile this week?
Are we still? Are we over it yet? Chicago? No,
We're still not over.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
I'm not hosting, Cameron.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
I was gonna say it's hard because I mean, I
always have a little bit of a smile on my
face considering we have the greatest job in the world
and I get to sit next to YouTube. But speaking
of athletic feats, JB, You've got a pretty big athletic
feat coming up Cassie's fortieth birthday. This guy's going to
get some roller blades on this week?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
What get ready to call play by play Sunday?
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Oh my god, please tape your ankles. Come on, we
need you man. Wow, good luck with that.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
I know, yes, but the last time you were in
Rollerblade at.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
Once when they first came out, and this is enough
for me, never again.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Yeah, we'll get a few of the best snapshots on
the Infinity screen at so far there we go at halftime.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Yes please, I could not wait to see it dialed
up now before we get into it. This week was
a little tough. A smile is now dropping from my face.
The loss to the Bears twenty four to eighteen. We
got to dig into it because there were some points
definitely left on the field and JB you said coming
into this show that you had a lot to say.
Speaker 3 (01:37):
Yeah, where do you want to begin with this? Tough
the word it's more frustrating what happens Sunday you go
fair just frustrating and arguing about it all week and
seeing the stuff on social media and on video and
pointing out the weaknesses. We all get that. But I
still think that if this current team the way it is,
and I know you want Pooka back, you want Cooper
(01:59):
cut back, you want all the guys that are injured
to come back, but even the group that you have
right now, if you play better in Chicago, that's a win.
You were dominating Chicago. You're much better than that outcome says,
So that to me is the most frustrating thing. That's
one you could have gotten that you don't get, and
we know in this league that could keep you out
of the playoffs, and that just drives me nuts.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
It was like the most dominant six zero lead I've
ever felt, Yes, and then it was gone in an
instant where you just dive right into the the for
red October? Is that what's on your mind?
Speaker 1 (02:30):
If I was just about to say, or maybe let's
start with a different word that starts with red as well,
how about the red zone? Because you talked about dominant, Well,
we've been getting to the red zone actually off the
thirty nine drives this season, seventeen trips there, but have
only come away with seven touchdowns, six of which behind
Kyraen Williams. What's the solution?
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Look, Sean McVay did not forget how to drop game
plans or call plays anywhere on the field, especially not
the red zone. And Matthew Stafford, to my eye, has
not lost a mile per hour off his fastball, and
as recently as last year, this was an elite red
zone offense, like they were eighth in red zone conversion
last year. Now, since that playoff game in Detroit, it's
been a different story, and that's incredibly frustrating and it's
(03:12):
why they're losing games. But I think it's a lot
of actenuating circumstances. And this is going to sound like
I'm an apologist, and I am in a sense, But
like the offensive line isn't how you built it. Like
you said Pook and Cooper cup are in lockstep with
your quarterback, They're not there. I think some of it
is circumstantial, Like you're playing from behind right, you're trying
to score quickly, and you face some really good defenses too,
(03:35):
Like that's not pretend that other than Arizona you face
three really good defenses. And in the NFL world, a
four game sample size is still pretty small. I think
there's better things to come, but I'll stop there. You
chime in, I do want to defend the play color
a little bit more. But where am I right with me?
Speaker 3 (03:53):
I trust in Sean McVay. I agree with everything you
said in the red zone. I'll tell you this as
a guy that made his living with his hand in
the dirt. Into the red zone on defense, the first
thing I thought about was the run, because if we
miss one run fit or miss a tackle, it's unforgiving.
He's in the end zone and you could have the
slowest running back in the world, and it hurts you
because the end zone is right there. So if you're
(04:15):
not in lockstep, if you don't have guys like you said,
like Puka and Cooper that are in tune mentally with
your quarterback, you're having issues out there, then the safest
way to score is to run. The only way you
scored in Chicago in the red zone was Kyron Williams,
So I would say lean on that until you start
figuring everything else out. But like I said, with a
week's worth of practice, I expect them in the passing
(04:36):
game to be a whole lot better than they were
in Chicago.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
The myth is that Sean doesn't like to run the football,
and having watched every snap of Rams football to Sean McVay,
area believe me. I fall victim to that too. It
does feel that way sometime, but it's not true. The
data does not support that, not in the red zone,
not this season. It's just not true. What is true
is the Rams are through a month a more fe
(05:00):
running offense than passing offense because of those circumstances. And
I think the offensive line as currently constructed is better
firing off the ball than they are in pass protection.
The numbers bear that out. What's also true, and you
hinted at it, is Kyen Williams is the only player
with the Rams helmet this Sunday at Sofi Stadium who
scored a touchdown. Kupp has the other one. He's not
going to play. So if if you're in the comments section,
(05:22):
and I'm right there with you saying, why don't the
Rams just embrace that reality? Why don't they lean into
that identity until a defense forces them to do something else,
or until things open up a bit, or until they
get healthier out at receiver. I'm with you there, I'm
with you there. But let's not I guess. Let me
just argue for giving Sean McVay is afraid to call
run plays. That's not what I'm saying, correct, And the
(05:43):
quarterback has to say in this too, like he often
is there, I assume with two plays that he can
choose aarb runner pass, And so I guess I'm just
advocating for giving a little bit more margin to a
future Hall of fame quarterback who's still got plenty of
juice and soon to be the winning his coach in
Rams franchise.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
Totally question, would you rather bet on that right arm
to make a play or Kyron Williams one on one
with an unblocked safety because they are going to stack
the box and make you throw it, that's the thing.
And when he checks out, there's a reason he's checking
out is because they're taking away the runs. So that's
your question. Kyron Williams with an unblocked guy or the
arm of Stafford.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
That's your choice.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
I'll also say this, like some of the plays that
have not worked are screens, are checked downs.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
And fantastic a.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Yeah, those are essentially extensions of the running game. There
have been a couple of costly penalties, one in Chicago,
one on the left tackle in Detroit that cost Jordan
Whittington are rushing touchdown again. There's just a couple of
not quitees that are causing this this tension and I
feel it. Believe me, I get it. This is why
they're losing. It's at least one of the reasons why
(06:51):
they're losing. But I think their best red zone execution
is still in front of them.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
You know, I would challenge even that statement though, because
I don't know if you're betting on the right arm
of math Stafford, because I would never bet against the
right arm of Matthew Stafford. I think you're more betting
off of the receivers and even the tight end group
at this point and their ability to find the right space,
the right timing.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
That's and to go off of what you.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Said in that regard, I don't think he turned it
over in the red zone last year. No, No, if
memory serves, I think he was literally letter perfect inside
the opponent's twenty as recently as last December January.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
Right, I was talking if you were the quarterback, if
you're Stafford making that choice, loaded box, we have a
run call. Yeah, I'd rather trust that, But agreed, I
mean this might be keep the run on. There are
no checks until we get this thing right.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
At receiver, Yeah, let's talk a receiver a bit more.
We've got two two out Well Jordan Woodington Whittington coming
off his career high six reception sixty two yards in
Week four and the last two for two two at Well.
He's had eighty plus receiving yards again, no touchdowns, He's
had some big chunks. How does that show up though?
In the red zone? Can they use him as a
(07:56):
red zone threat?
Speaker 3 (07:57):
I was does plus eighteen counts as an exploded in
the passing game? I thought it was twenty or.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Yeah, you can set your own threshold.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
YEA, yes to two plus eighteam, that's that's an explosive
And if he makes you miss, it's yards after the catch.
All I do know is it's the bigger the receiver,
the better they are in the in the red zone.
I would say smaller receivers, shorter guys like two two.
They're hard to see because the rush is right there
and the safeties don't have far to drop and neither
do the linebackers, so if they don't bite it on playfakes,
(08:24):
hard to see him. But his speed can also be
useful in the red zone. And I thought that might
have popped out at some point. Maybe it will this
week the end to round game, especially with that guy. Again,
it's tough on defenses. One missed, wrong fit, runfit. You
don't get that back, So maybe you can't throw it
to him, but you can definitely use two to two
more in the red zone.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
I mean, that's above my pay grade. But I will
say there are enough tools in the tool belt right
now at receiver to still find success. They're not Cooper Cup,
they're not Pooka Akua, they're not thinking in lockstep with
the quarterback. But that's just a matter of time on task.
I don't think it's a matter of ability.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
I think to some bigger bodies, right, So Colby Parkinson
had tight end and then of course d rob who,
by the way, was the target on that two point conversion.
So they're trying to find those bigger bodies. There's no
questions about that. All right, let's dig into this staate.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
Lost my house, by the way, I thought Parkinson would
have been a bigger part of this offense early, especially
in the red zone. The guy's a giraffe, he's so tall.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
That's right.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
There's more there.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
There's more there, And it was a weird first month.
And I don't think you can account for the hand
that the rams were dealt. I'm with you. Like the
fact that Matthew Stafford doesn't have a completion on a
throw into the end zone yet, like that's never happened
in his career. It hasn't happened in a long time
for the Rams. Yeah, I believe it's going to happen
on Sunday.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
It was notable in this matchup that they found that
he found Parkinson earlier than he has in the previous weeks.
It's felt like usually it was finding catches like about
the halfway point in the game, and all of a
sudden this game, I'm like, Oh, they're actually finding Parkinson
a little bit earlier than they traditionally have through this season,
so I can try to find that rhythm.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
I'm really liking Jay Witt too. That's that's a big
dude in the open. At some point, he's gonna find
the end zone one.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Year after Puka. He's done really well to step into
Puka's cleats.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
Yeah, it's gonna be like one of the ugliest touchdown
runs like in NFL history, but he's gonna score with it. Watch. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
All right, Well, let's get into the state of the
Rams as we are about through the first quarter of
this season. The nugget on my paper and you looked
at me, you said, are we going there? Is it
as bad as it seems?
Speaker 3 (10:26):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Sitting at one and three, what's your.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Take Okay, look and this this is dangerous because you're
one in three and Bill Parcells love him, and I
love everything he says, and I respect it. You are
what your record says you are. You're one and three.
So right now, it's gonna be tough to make the postseason. Indisputable.
The numbers prove that out. But it's it's not as
bad as you think. It really isn't You're you're four
(10:50):
or five plays, ten plays away from being three and
one the other way. That's just how football go. So
you have to practice, get better and when those opportunities
present themselves. You can't shoot yourself in the foot. You
can't come up oh for four or one for four
in the red zone. You had that game that should
have been a win, and you let it go. It's
(11:12):
not a matter of the Johnny's and the Joe's right now,
it's the execution. It's the x's and the o's that
are keeping you from winning.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
We've been working together too long, and I want to
do it for another four decades because literally, here's what
I wrote down, and this is the tension for me,
and I think a lot of RAMS fans are living
in it too. They're what one and three. I could
make a case that they've played like zho and four unfortunately,
but I could also easily argue they should be three
and one with a coin toss and a couple of
(11:39):
breaks in different circumstances. And it's agonizing because we know
they're not a bad team. You remember playing like old
school Nintendo, whether it's Tech Mobile or Duck Hunt or whatever,
and you just want to rip the cartridge out, blow
on it and restart all game. Yes, like I want
to go back to August with this team and try again,
because I really believe that three and one is is
(12:00):
a more likely representation. But all that aside, here's what
I believe about the twenty four Rams. This is still
an above average offense. It's still got the best quarterback
in the NFC playing behind a dinged up offensive line
that's getting some of the worst results unfortunately in the NFL.
I don't love that that's the reality. Nonetheless, Stafford and McVeigh,
(12:21):
like we're saying, they're making it work in just about
every facet moving the football, except for those short fields,
which is still to come. And then we got to
talk about the other side of the ball. Too.
Speaker 3 (12:30):
Yeah, oh yeah, because.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
The hard reality is this was a roster built to
score thirty points per game and outscore opponents and put
the defense in more favorable circumstances down in distance, time
and score because the Rams do have a great pass
rush despite losing the biggest cheat code in franchise history,
and they targeted both young and veteran defensive backs with
(12:53):
ball hawking skills to go and get interceptions. But the
only interception so far this season is on injured reserve
of John Johnson.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Right now, you're getting into the meat of the conversation
that I wanted to which was based off of this
offense predicated thirty plus points. We had expectations. We knew
this defense coming in was going to be maybe inconsistent
just based on youth alone. We knew we were going
to have verse and fisk and it was going to
be good, and it was going to show flash flashes.
(13:20):
And it's so interesting now as we've gotten into this,
because the offense and because of the injuries, it feels
as if that expectation has changed, how we have to
win has changed, and a lot more pressure has been
placed potentially on the defense. I understand that you have
to win. This is National Football League. But if I
were to ask you, if you take the context of
the losses away and the output that you've seen from
(13:43):
this defense, and your expectations beginning of the season, what
would you say in regards to beginning of season to
now and their performance.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
About the defense. Yeah, I'd be a little disappointed. At
the front, Jared Verse, Braden Fisk. We said they're going
to be young studs, and they are. Once they learn
how to corral and tackle quarterbacks and not waste pass rushes,
they're going to be dominant.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Last week was a step forward, right step forward.
Speaker 3 (14:09):
And Byron Young same thing. He has taken a step
from where he was last season. He's getting better, he's
trusting his pass rush. So the front, yes, they're performing
like we thought. I thought the secondary would be a
little tighter, but I didn't know Darius Williams was going
to miss time, so that's an issue. And I didn't
know the linebacking situation was going to be the way
(14:31):
it was. I thought you were going to start with
Ernest and keep earnest. That didn't happen. So here you are.
So look, this is the National Football League, and you
get paid to play, so you have to perform better
than what you're performing run and pass on defense to
get wins in the National Football League, and you have
to not put your defense in bad spots as well.
(14:52):
And that goes back to the offense. So if you
have a chance to keep the football, keep possession, win
the game with your offense, I think you should do it.
Putting them out there in bad spots to where they
get dragged in overtime situations or last week when they
just flat got tired and they ran the ball on
you and they scored and the game got out of hand.
So you have to protect them. They're young, they're doing
(15:13):
a lot right now, they're learning on the fly. So offensively,
this team needs to be led by the offense. It
can't be led by a young defense right now.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
But again, they got the strip, sack and the football
back to the offense up six points, and it felt
like that game was about to break definitely, And if
you go down and put a touchdown on the Bears
and take a two score lead on a rookie quarterback,
that defense, that whole game looks different. That's exactly. And again, yes,
the defense is clearly clearly not without some blame here,
(15:41):
But I'm going to defend them in this sense because
look at the contrast in terms of the roster builds
with the opponent this week. Green Bay is the perfect
contrast right now to illustrate the fact that the Rams
are just one offseason into retooling on defense, and they're
ahead of schedule for a lot of very very good,
shrewd moves, but it's going to take some time when
you're spending less money on the ball on that side
(16:02):
of the ball than any team in the National Football League.
Right like the Rams current defensive too deep I counted
this morning, has six players drafted in the top one hundred.
Three of them are rookies.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
Yeah right.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
One additional one came from waivers just before this season.
The Green Bay Packers have six first round and four
second round players on defense. Right, they've gone the other direction.
They're saying, we're going to be organic and ground up
on offense, and then we're going to invest in our
defense with our draft picks. So yes, the best football
for Chris Schule in this defense is certainly ahead. They're
(16:37):
learning on the job. Darius Williams might be their best
corner I hope he debuts this week, and I hope
it looks different because it could put some things back
in order. I think they're asking like one level too
much from a lot of individual pieces right now. On
defense either, yeah, either asking them to be stars when
they're starters, asking them to be starters when they're reserved,
asking them to play a different position than maybe it
(16:59):
was envisioned to be. Like, all of those dynamics are happening, right.
Speaker 3 (17:02):
Yeah, this is what you got and who you are.
And but the thing is, I am happy they're going
through it because they're going to be better for it,
especially the guys that remain. When you go through situations
like this, you learn and you learn and you learn
it to get better. They'll be better by the end
of the year. They really will. And that pass us,
like I said, is good now. And I could watch
Jared Fisk play or not Jordy Fisk, Jared Vers plays.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
I like that.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
Let's say Jared Fisk ye. I could watch those two
run stunts all day long, because it seems like they
have this otherworldly sense of each other. They know where
the other one's going to be. That is just poetry,
that's ballet to me and watching Jared Verse rush the
passer and how physical he is, and reminding myself this
is his first time through. Imagine what it's going to
look like after an offseason when he learns the game
(17:46):
and it slows down for him.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
I don't disagree with anything you just said. I just
on behalf of all of us who love rams football
in this team and the audience watching. It's got to
happen sooner rather than later before it's too late. Right,
you got to grow up. The margin twenty twenty four
is getting really thin, and I know we're gonna move on,
but let me just tack on because we've ignored the
third phase so far and I get it, But like,
let me shout out special teams in the year of
(18:08):
a year growth they've made so far. Like again, we're
searching for silver linings and we've highlighted some of them,
but the drastic improvement in the kicking game, I think
is one thing to highlight here as well. CARDI yeah,
funning covering, I mean, like big return. It stinks that
last week's most consequential play might have been the Bear's
punt that sort of right turn at the eight yard line.
(18:30):
But the Rams won They're won and only game because
of how well they performed on special teams, and look
from where they were last year. I don't think we
can kind of do a state of the Rams at
the quarter pole and not point out good on you,
Chase Blackburning Company.
Speaker 1 (18:46):
The learning curve is steep on the defensive side of
the ball. Three sacks against the Bears a seven total
on the season, so nearly half of that coming from
just a game ago. Darius Williams, you mentioned the name
he could potentially see time this week. How might that
change the complexion of the secondary?
Speaker 3 (19:02):
You know, I can't wait to see him go. We
didn't see a ton of him. So if it's the
same guy that left here and then came back, then yeah,
that would be your shut down guy. That would give
you a better weapon against receivers that are, you know,
having their way with guys. So yeah, the more corners
you can have, the better. So be it. You've got
(19:23):
a great pass rush. I would assume this week when
you're facing guys like Jordan Love and they're good against
the Blitz, you're gonna bring more than what they can block,
which means you're gonna try to make him throw it quick.
So your corners are gonna have to tackle that's Darius Williams.
They're gonna have to cover in short areas. That should
be Darius Williams. But I haven't seen him do it.
But I'm hoping that guy is still there.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
If he's healthy, he helps immensely. If he's healthy, he's
probably your best corner. And I think again, he puts
a lot of things in order in that back end.
So I don't know how it's gonna look. I have
a suspicion that it's as close to the way the
Rams drew it up defensively as we've seen since training camp.
When Darien Kendrick went down on the first.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
Day, Larelle Murchison also back at practice to somebody else
to keep an eye.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
Out for Lazarus broke his arm and he's back.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
If only we all healed back gun.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
Yes, and the Rams do need a little more interior
pass rush, no doubt.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
Shout out to Kobe Turner. I think he the part
of Aaron that rubbed off on him. He's playing like
eighty five percent of the snaps. He never comes off
the field. I respect that, So if he had a
little more help in the middle to help him get
that interior rush with those edge guys. Now you got.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
Something, especially because you just faced a Chicago team that
was having a world of trouble running the football and
the next thing you know, DeAndre Swift is unstoppable. We
all know that can't happen against the Packers. Like the
Packers their offense balance diverse. They can beat you multiple ways.
You have to take at least half of their attack.
And this goes back to the Darius Williams Darius Williams question.
(20:50):
If the Rams are getting healthier in their secondary and
the Packers are getting more injured on their receiving core,
maybe that balances the scales.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
Turner to your point, fifty total snaps and I believe
one of those touchdowns from Swift was actually when Turner
was off.
Speaker 3 (21:03):
Off the field.
Speaker 1 (21:04):
Wow field. Okay, let's dig into the Packers and this
opponent breakdown. Packers coming off all lost to Minnesota twenty
nine to thirty one. Minnesota looks really solid and this
will be the one hundredth meeting all time between the
Packers and the Rams. Jordan Love it was a lot
of good and maybe not a lot of good. All
(21:24):
at the same time, he had a career high and
two aspects passing yards with three hundred and eighty nine,
but also interceptions with three against Minnesota. This is just
his second game of the season. What can you expect
from him in terms of this offense. You talked about
it some quick quick shots, but what else.
Speaker 3 (21:42):
I remember, like way back when quarterbacks set through for
like three fifty and up usually lost.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Yeah, yours signed your game circumstances.
Speaker 3 (21:50):
They had to gun it every single time.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
That's kind of how it was for him last week,
exactly yours.
Speaker 3 (21:54):
My my thing this week for I guess the Rams
defense watching the Minnesota tape is ff follow floors, do
what he did. He sent the house after Love Love
is coming back. He's still not as mobile, you know.
So he made him get on the move and made
him uncomfortable a lot more than he liked. And it worked.
Three picks and they were absolutely dominating that game. So
(22:16):
that's the one thing I would say coming out of Chicago,
with the way the defense is set up now, the
personnel you have, I would expect a lot more dogs
and stunts out of this defense. Twist the lineup, don't
give offensive lines a dead run at your second level,
help them out with some stunts and just make them
think a little bit. And if it's in the passing game,
you may get after Love. He's not as mobile as
he used to and you've got some really athletic ins
(22:38):
and some fast guys on the field.
Speaker 2 (22:39):
See I was going to say, of all the opponents
the Rams could have drawn this week, the Packers are
on the short list for the ones I would have
liked to have seen the least because of their opposing
head coach and play caller, who the Rams have yet
to beat. Maybe getting them out of Lambeau will help.
I mean, that could be the biggest thing, right, I'm
sick of going there and trudging home from the frozen tundra.
End to feed shifting.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
Nice shifting the sea and Green Bay. So far, Yeah,
it can help.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
But kind of what I just said, like, they can
shorten the game on you, and they can squeeze you
at the running game. They can beat you with their
receivers if you take them away. They can eviscerate you
with their tight end. One of their tight ends had
a great game against the Rams last year. So they
just have a lot of different ways to beat you offensively,
and given the state of the Rams defense, that's extremely
(23:26):
concerning going into Sunday, and that's why the opportunity that
got away last week in Chicago still stings.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
So where do you set your focus? Then? In terms
do you defending the run, defending the pass? You drop?
What think you had fifty four total attempts versus Minnesota?
I mean where do you set your focus?
Speaker 3 (23:43):
Well, what have you been saying for years? You earned
the right the rest of the passer, and you do
that by stopping the run. So that would be job one.
If they run up and down the field on you've
got no chance. So definitely, first emphasis is making them
one dimensional, forcing the game back onto love shoulders, and
then get after him. I was gonna say, hopefully you'll
have benefit of crowd noise. You are at home, this
(24:04):
is your turf, this is your track. Your guys should
feel comfortable getting after a quarterback.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Chief says have never been to Sofi Stadium. They're one
of a small handful of teams that are yet to
play in Englewood, and I think they are ready for
the moment. Yes, I hate to disappointment in that regard.
I'll be curious to see what they're what they've got
at receiver. Jaden Reid has become a true number one
for them, and he's a dangerous run thread as well.
I think he leads all receivers in rushing yards this
(24:29):
season without Christian Watkins. That may help the Rams cause.
And we'll see about Romeo Dobbs, who as of today
we're sitting here on a Thursday, I think mispractice today
for a personal reason, so that might impact the answer
to my question. But you can never go wrong with
stopping the run. I would just like to see the
Rams take the football, goes, score an opening drive touchdown
for the first time in the first quarter of the season,
(24:51):
and maybe dictate some circumstances to the floor and to
eleven the Packers.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
Well, we did get a chance to see Karen Williams
score his seventh straight rushing a touchdown. It is currently
leading the NFL. You talked about it. Just keep going there,
even if it is one dimensional until they stop it.
Why not go that.
Speaker 3 (25:07):
Direction single handedly saving the reputation of Notre Dame running backs.
Speaker 2 (25:13):
How about his past pro too.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
Dude, he is so willing. He's becoming one of my
favorite guys, and I know we have on there. Why
isn't Blake Korum playing well?
Speaker 2 (25:23):
Just say, Kyen, you tackled out one go ahead?
Speaker 3 (25:25):
Yeah, we're talking about it now. Why do you need him?
Kyen Williams is bawling right now. I don't know how
much you thought your third running back was going to
get in the game. Anyway. This is not college and
they're not running the wishbone. You know, only one back
at the time. Guys, you know.
Speaker 2 (25:43):
You pay your insurance premiums right, Yes? Is that the
most fun check that you write? No, but when you
file a claim, aren't you glad so happy?
Speaker 3 (25:52):
Yes? I see where you're going. But I mean, look,
if the running game wasn't where it needs to be
or it's failing you and I you don't you're not
ranked as high as you would like running the football.
I get that. But it's not like Kiren hasn't been effective.
He's scoring. He's totally That's what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
So look, if the frustration is spending third round draft
capital on a player who's only seen eight snaps of
offense in garbage time at Arizona, that I get. I
get that, But if the thought is that he's somehow
going to elevate speaking of Korum, the Rams chances of
winning by taking snaps away from Kiren or even Ronnie Rivers,
who's been superb as well. No, that's a no for me.
(26:31):
In fact, the last thing I think the Rams need
right now in their offensive huddle is another fresh face.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
Yeah, that's true.
Speaker 2 (26:38):
The reason they're coming off a loss is because of
quite literally one pass protection breakdown. It wasn't a running back,
but if Montees sweat doesn't get to Stafford, I think
we're talking a much different dynamic here today. So I'm
not if and when you need Blake Korm he's going
to be ready, He's going to be great. You're going
to be glad that you drafted him. I just hope
that day is far off in the future.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
Nine different offensive line men have seen a start, just
to give some context to that pass pro and the
challenges there. So again, offensive line a little bit of
a struggle. Yeah, we'll see what they can put together.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
But in truth, don't beat a tight end as a
professional defensive end, you are fired. I have to say
that if a tight end blocks you in pass pro
and you don't win, your fired.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
I don't think that was the design.
Speaker 3 (27:19):
No, definitely, I'm just had to put that out there.
Speaker 1 (27:21):
Yes, let's talk a little Packers secondary. There might be
some space for us to actually throw the ball downfield.
What have you seen from the Packers secondary? Have either
of you?
Speaker 3 (27:33):
I think every secondary is vulnerable with today's NFL. The
Packers aren't any different from any other team. You know,
if you can avoid the pass rush and they do
bring it, and like I said, it's weird. Turn it
on the green Bay video. Tell me if you catch
this and you see them lining up in a four
to three, it's strange.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
Joe Berry and green Bay.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
Yeah, they are traditional three to four teams, have been forever.
Some of their best players throughout history have been in
the three four Outside linebackers to four to three, so
tougher to run against, but easier to pick up. If
you're Matthew Stafford and I think that if McVeigh would
pick which front he'd like to play against, it would
be a four to three. It fits his eleven personne.
Speaker 2 (28:12):
What does it remind you of? Is there a comp
a recent comp in Rams opponent history that the four to.
Speaker 3 (28:17):
Three you just saw it in Chicago. There's gonna be
a lot of carryover. I mean there's cover four, cover two,
rush for with stunts, maybe bring five. That's the same
thing you've just practiced against. So there'll be some great
carryover from Chicago. So, like I said, just execute better
you had Chicago. You can do the same thing against
(28:38):
this defense.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
It's a great pickup by you on the four three.
One of the last keys for me generating takeaways because
when you look at Green Bay, they're currently leading the league.
They have twelve opponent turnovers, eight of eight interceptions and
one guy has just been demonstrative. He has four interceptions
in the last four games alone, and that's McKenny on
the back end. When was the last time you saw
(28:59):
some to do that.
Speaker 2 (29:01):
I can't remember another Giant who got out of New York.
Speaker 3 (29:04):
Yeah, wow, unreal. Winning isn't complicated? People complicated? Yes?
Speaker 1 (29:14):
And on the other side, for the Rams, just one interception?
Where can they generate takeaways? How does it happen?
Speaker 3 (29:22):
You know, it's it's weird. I hate going into games,
either as a player or as doing this saying the
defense needs to take the ball away because of how
hard it is to do. I'd say, be ready for
tips and overthrows. If you watch the tape with Jordan
Love versus Minnesota, he was throwing high a lot, everything
went over, So there will be opportunities for tips and overthrows.
(29:46):
Be ready for those. If we called them baskets, we
didn't count them as picks as players for fun, but
they are interceptions. If you have to dive and catch one,
so be it. But stepping in front of one, asking
the guy to step out of his comfort zone and
be like a shutdown corner not gonna happen. So that
or rushing the passer and knocking the ball out, or
getting the ball out on a rushing play, that stuff
(30:06):
has to happen if it's on the deck, if you
get it out, it's got to be rams football. So
I think that's more of effort than saying, hey, we
need more takeaways.
Speaker 2 (30:15):
Keys for me are getting back to situational mastery because
I don't think you can necessarily count on Jordan Love
throwing you three this week. I'm guessing he's going to
shore that up. Cut down on penalty, something you can control,
especially in your secondary ball. Security impacts the turnover margin
the same way. Can you be letter perfect in clock
(30:36):
and time out management. This week, I think you'll need
to be Can you nail your fourth down decisions? Can
you capitalize in the kicking game or the Packers have
actually had some real problems this year, or even better yet,
don't kick it at all unless it's an extra point.
Those are all sorts of things that I'm looking for
in terms of again, there's a narrow path to victory
against a very good opponent. But this is one the
Rams got to get. It's got to be two and
(30:57):
three going in to buy.
Speaker 3 (30:59):
And Matthew Stafford has ahead right right he does. There's
a helmet on his head, so if the defense hits
him in the head, that should be Oh, I'm sorry.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
I see where you're going.
Speaker 3 (31:08):
Just where helmet head tap?
Speaker 1 (31:11):
Okay, yeah, no, I like it. We got your keys?
Do you have any last keys going into this matchup?
Mine was the takeaways? So what do you have?
Speaker 3 (31:19):
Uh? You know, I think when did he I think
that was coming back from Arizona. It was man in
the mirror time and they responded versus San Franz. They
got to win. I don't mind going right back to that.
And I know it's cliche to say like, okay, we're
going to start the season over from this point here.
That's yadiya dada. But you can forget all that, man,
this team is good enough to win and they're not
(31:42):
as bad as one in three says. I really believe that.
So go out and play. Go out and play your
best game at home in so far, and get this
ship turned around. Get a winning week, not a losing week,
and start a streak.
Speaker 2 (31:57):
Ship with a p ship with a piece.
Speaker 3 (32:01):
I want to make sure we get that out. Or
either way you want to take.
Speaker 2 (32:05):
It, I'm with you. I don't think this group has
come within an Ethan Evans kickoff of its best football yet.
I just hope that they can get there while it
still matters, because the difference between a win going into
the by and a loss, as we all know, is stark.
But I also looked at the Green Bay Packers and
last year's experience as a model for what's still possible.
(32:26):
Remember going to Green Bay last year, they were dead
in the water. They couldn't score a touchdown, they couldn't
get points early in games. There were rumblings about Jordan Love.
Now he's got paid and they've been a rocket ship
ever since. Finally you get these guys at your place.
Let's go, same script, just flip it.
Speaker 3 (32:45):
I know Sean ain't quitting.
Speaker 1 (32:49):
A week away from the bye, a win away from
the bye. And there's one thing I know for sure,
and it's that I'm glad I have you two in
my huddle. So thanks so much for joining us on
between the horns for this week. Five is presented by
our Southern California to our dealers Cameron or When DeMarco
far and JB. Long. We can't wait to see you
in sofa on Sunday
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