December 17, 2025 • 40 mins
J.B. Long, D'Marco Farr, and Camryn Irwin sit down for an episode of Between The Horns to discuss the keys to winning against the Seattle Seahawks, the importance of revitalizing the pass rush moving forward, and the strategic advantages to home-field games.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
Welcome to Between the Horns, presented by your Southern California
toilet dealers. Kimerner went alongside JV. Long and DeMarco far
the Los Angeles Rams picking up the big win over
the Detroit Lions as they get set for a massive
Thursday night football showdown with the Seattle Seahawks Division on
the line, potentially the conference on the line. Guys, it
doesn't get much bigger and much better than this. Are
(00:27):
we just gonna revel in this moment for.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
A little bit. Yeah, I mean, I hope it gets
a little bit bigger and better. But I mean this is, like,
like you said, the most important two weeks of this
football season. You got through one versus Detroit that just
refused to go away, and you got another one in
Seattle with a team that feels the same way. They
think that this is their year. So this is tough.
But I like what the Rams keep saying about themselves.
(00:50):
They are built for this and they are playing some
of their best ball on both sides right now, so
this might be the best time for the matchup. It's
a short week, but it is what it is. Gotta
come hard down the hard road.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
My two favorite things in sports have become the NFL playoffs.
Just the win or go home dynamic is irreplaceable, but
very very close. One B is this time of year
where you have a couple games left on your runway
and you can game out not only your own team's path,
but you can scoreboard, watch and feel you know, those
playoff simulators in real time. This is unbelievable and DeMarco
(01:28):
has I have not ever been a part of really
a chase for a one seed or the opportunity to
be a one seed, and especially since we revamp this
playoff format, I can't I still can't wrap my mind
around how valuable it is to be the one seed,
Like this is a prize worth straining for. Forget the
Seahawks and what that all matters. That's just a rivalry
game onto itself that we'll talk about.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
But is it real?
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Is it true that if you are the one seed
you only have to win one home game to then
host the NFC Championship game? Like, even as I say
that it doesn't feel real.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
It's true. First hand knowledge had of.
Speaker 3 (02:03):
My follow up is you guys were both on the
field this Sunday. I'm up in the booth and I
got these noisecam Yeah, how raucous was that? And is
that not an environment and a home field advantage worth replicating?
Speaker 2 (02:15):
In January, that was one of the loudest like home environments,
just football environments, that I've been in a long time.
I mean, it was right at the proper moments, at moments,
and it was deafening. I thought it was awesome by
you guys to lay out and let the crowd kind
of bleed in because they were doing their part. It
was great. They were up for big plays, they were
(02:36):
up for third downs. When the game kind of got
away from the rams, they willed them back into it.
So that environment was absolutely outstanding. But here's the thing.
It's only going to get louder and bigger from here
if you keep winning.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
How about when Dan Campbell in a trailing position has
to burn a time out on offense.
Speaker 5 (02:54):
Oh, it's amazing, and.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
I emphasized in a trailing position, because if he has
that third time out, the end of that game plays
out differently. So game ball to the home crowd at
SOFI Stadium to rip away one of those timeouts before
crunch time from the opposing head.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Coach, we go absolutely game.
Speaker 5 (03:08):
Ball without question.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
And I will say too, I have double in ears
on game days. I legitimately heading into the third quarter
and even more so into the fourth quarter, I took
out my double in ears because I just wanted to
immerse myself and just soak it all in. It was
one of the best game day environments my fifth season
with the Rams, and it was top tier, maybe top
three that I've experienced. The noise level was superb, Your
(03:31):
call was amazing. I love that you got a chance.
Even as a fan not sitting in the stands, you
really had quite the understanding of what is being built
and the community and the team that is being built.
It was just a thing of beauty. And I will
also say I had some insider insight. Some of my
stage managers were actually in the tunnel just leading up
as the guys are getting ready to come onto the field,
(03:53):
and one of the things they said is, we've never
seen this team this hyped before they were ready to go,
and we can, of course, we can dig into the performance.
Speaker 5 (04:01):
In the first half.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
However, that tells me a lot as we are heading
into the late stages of December football and of course
the playoff run.
Speaker 5 (04:09):
But that one definitely means.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
It meant a little bit more, especially just considering the context.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
I love that when they always felt like a pent
up bowl just opened the door so we can get out.
And that's the way it felt. When Stafford came out
and did that little twitch. You just kind of know
when he's feeling like that, everybody else is going with him. So, yeah,
that's the environment you want to be in.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
I'm still stuck on this. If the Rams are the
one seed, all they have to do is beat the
lowest remaining seed at Sofi Stadium to host the NFC
Championship games. That's true for the right to go play
Super Bowl in Santa Clara.
Speaker 4 (04:43):
Yes, man, this is special.
Speaker 5 (04:45):
There's a lot at stake here.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
This in You got a lot at stake. This is
the thing you got to keep your mind when all
about your are losing theirs. It's on Seattle. But you're right,
I'll tell you man, it's a luxury to go into
the post season with that week off. Now, I told
you the other side of that is when you do
match up with someone, they're guaranteed to be good, maybe
even as good as you are. That's the downside. But
(05:09):
you get the benefit of rest when you know and
you've got it locked up. It's not that you hit
cruise control, but you can hit cruise control and watch
everybody out go play the Hunger Games. It helps. I mean,
it really does. It's the one seed in the NFL.
Like you said, it's everything if you have designs on
becoming champion.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
You talked to Quintin Lake after that win Sunday.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Yeah, you know, Funny saw him right in the locker
room and first thing, hou's the arms? Great? How are
you feeling about this? Everybody's you fork right or getting
ready for Seattle? He goes, I'll see you in January. Perfect.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
I mean that playoff ticket means more to him than
I think anyone else. He knows he gets to play
again this season. Now he does nowhere he doesn't know
the opponent, but like just punching that ticket, which no
one's taking for granted, but what we all thought it
was coming right.
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Yeah, now that it's official, he has something to aim for. Man,
that's awesome.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
God, that's so important.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
Yes, DeVante Adams has a bad wheel, like Tyler Higbee,
not back yet, and so get this roster in its
best form to January. Maybe with an extra week off.
Speaker 5 (06:13):
That's even more critical.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
I mean, and you're indoors at home, that's true, Like
this could be the last bad weather game you play.
Speaker 4 (06:20):
You got to go in the red at least one
more time, and it could.
Speaker 5 (06:23):
Be raining in Seattle.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Let me knock on Seattle, Seattle, Seattle, Thursday, Thursday.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
You've got a team that can go from down ten
to up ten like that? Can you do that at
Soldier Field in Chicago? Can you do that at lambeau
Field in Green Bay?
Speaker 4 (06:39):
Maybe? Maybe not? You can do that in your own.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Part, definitely. You can do that here in a.
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Near climate controlled environment. That can happen because of what
you're capable of offering.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Can you take us to Seattle? He's getting me.
Speaker 3 (06:48):
See, it's about doubling down on the magnitude because the
loser of this game, the loser of this game in
all likelihood, is going to be a road wildcards.
Speaker 5 (07:00):
Yep, without question.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
You know I love that you put that out there.
I really do. And I'm sure that's being conveyed or
you probably don't even need to tell the guys, but
all you know from here, and I just remember, if
you just keep winning, great things are gonna happen, you
know what I mean. If you keep searching for your
best football game, good things will happen. This team is
very very good, possibly great. The one thing I think
(07:24):
that could creep in is, like you said, is the
outside end. So that's what I mean. I'm joking, but
I'm not. It's you got to go focus on Seattle.
That is going to be a fight to the finish.
And you know they feel the same way we do.
You know up there they feel like they've got a
shout at it too. That's the problem when you get
to this part of the season, when there's, like you said,
four or five vultures out there, all gunning for the
(07:44):
same spot, it ain't over.
Speaker 4 (07:46):
Did their head coach have a baby this week?
Speaker 2 (07:49):
No, no, no, no.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
That's not that I'm aware of.
Speaker 5 (07:52):
That's a pretty big transaction too. I loved it. The
Rams put it out this morning.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
So congratulations to Sean and Ronica Christian Alexander McVay as
actually been delivered what.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
It's a great nickname, sure or Aaron one or the
other Colby Colby.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Guys, Let's look a little bit to Detroit because what
we can garner from this last week and also prepare
us for Seattle. So one of the things that stood
out to me was just the amount of balance. And
we've seen it throughout the season. But we talk about
Matthew Stafford and even the MVP campaign that he.
Speaker 5 (08:26):
Has been on.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
But I think what's really impressed me the most throughout
this season is he's found different evolutions and different ways
to win. And I think this last week was a
great example, and he might have to find a different
evolution even now against Seattle on this Thursday night football.
Of course, considering whether Davante's out there or not.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
That's that's a good point, it really is. And uh,
you know, I just I think of how he went
down and if he makes it back for Thursday, my
respect for him is here. It would go to there
because I know a hamstrings can be but there are
guys that can step up in his stead, and you
can split that up into three guys. He's got speed
to burn that sounds like two too. He's very physical
(09:05):
in the run game. Well that could be Jaywitz and
if you need somebody to rout you up. I'm ready
to see more of Mumfield. There's just no place to
put him in the offense because you've got two great
receivers out there. But you saw that incompletion, how athletic
he is, you see him in practice, you know there's
there's more there. So there are guys that can step up.
And like you said, with innovation and growing the offense,
(09:27):
I look at it more as people and and who's
doing it. Kobe Parkinson is on a whole new level,
completely different guy from last year. He's an absolute weapon
in this in this offense, it's it's a weapon that
you have to game plan for. It's not something that oh,
we'll just worry about the tight end on game. They
will take care of that. No, you're gonna have to
draw stuff up and figure out who's on him because
if he catches it in the open field versus a
(09:48):
smaller safety or whatnot, you've got issues that might not
this week. Have small safety that might not apply this week.
But I'm just saying Detroit in.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
The secondary, I will see the biggest contrast week to week.
I love when you do the video game analogy. What's
the what's the final stage, the boss mode, the final boss,
the final boss. Yes, yes, let's face it. Going back
to last week, against that Detroit defense with DeVante matthew
is playing.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
The opening level with a cheat code.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Oh okay, yeah, now you go to the final round
and the cheat code is probably taking off the table.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
You're gonna have to earn it. Yeah, you're gonna have to.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Miss of the first offensive day of the season.
Speaker 4 (10:25):
Anybody remember what it was.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
I believe it was the Seahawks. That's right. Yes, Uh,
they're smart, they're good. They they have an edge. I
think they have a lot of edge because of who
the middle linebacker is. It means a lot more to him.
They're good, period, and they go to a different level
when they see you right now or they did, so
you're gonna have to match that energy. I don't think
you're gonna get guys Scott free to the quarterback going forward,
and I don't think you're gonna get wide open space
(10:49):
like you have. You're gonna have to go through or
drag people, you know what I mean to make it happen.
That's just how it looked, and that's just the complexion
of this game.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
You know that Colby can set a single season Rams
tight end record for receiving touchdowns.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
What's the record?
Speaker 5 (11:04):
He's six right now. Yeah, six since Week ten.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
In Seattle against his former team.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Anyways, I would not be surprised by that. I wouldn't
be surprised if he did. I guess I'm a little
surprised about how much better he's gotten from year one
to year two. It could be a position change and
you're playing him where he likes to be played and
he's given it to you. But whatever it is, he
has become a thing, a weapon for Matthew status.
Speaker 3 (11:30):
I don't even think. I don't even think. I start
with the receiving numbers walking. I think the way the
Rams are running the rock right now is the most
important dimension going into Thursday night, and I think the
tiight ends are a big part of that.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
I absolutely love watching. I would hate to play against
Davis Allen. He's the type of dude that I would
fight or talk trash too, because he don't mind hitting you.
He loves to block when they motion him in and
he runs up on the inside linebacker. That's not an
h BAC a guy that doesn't want to hit. He's
a former defensive end who likes to use his head.
(12:05):
He likes to block, and the O line is doing
a great job behind him, and the running backs are
doing a great job reading their keys and getting out
and breaking off some long runs. I'm with you, man,
like it's not just a passing game. As a defense,
you have to commit that eighth guy to the box.
If not, the Rams are really good at running at
(12:26):
and exploiting light boxes. And if once you do, it
opens you up for everything else. So this offense is
diversified and it just keeps you on your heels constantly
as a defense.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Except McDonald and the Seahawks don't play by those rules.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
This is true. When you can get after people with
four it makes defense a lot easier, and they did.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
I will say I watched the Colts matchup versus the
Seahawks yesterday and one of the things that stood out
is the Colts did have some success kind of hitting
some of those exterior gaps, so that might be a
point of success. And also just thinking about Blake corm
some of the moves he made. He actually two massive
explosive runs against Detroit. Where you're going, man, he found
beautiful edge, a little side step and then on the exterior,
I'm going he could be a weapon. Not to mention,
(13:04):
we got to give Blake corm a little bit of love.
Third straight game now with seventy or more yards, four
touchdowns in that span. We talk so much about Kien
Williams and Kien Williams, and rightly so, obviously coming off
another one thousand yard season now his third consecutive. But
that run game the Titans, it's all emerging together. Let's
talk a little bit more about one titand though t
ferg and you talked to Les Sneed yesterday about it.
(13:27):
He could have what two massive explosive plays go his
direction against Detroit that didn't quite connect. Is this the
game that he can really differentiate himself.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
It's a much more difficult matchup When you talk about
replacing Davonte Adams. I think he's a component of it. Yea,
Like they really trust the apprentice, like Canate Momfield, I'm
telling you, is one to watch. Everyone in this building
says that the Day three pick has a lot of
similarities with Devonte Adams of future Hall of Famer, which
is hard to believe. But I will say the only
silver lining of DeVante missing any time is he's already
(13:59):
playing career low snap count, so you're already diversified enough
in your personnel groupings where you know you platune him
in and out. And I think on a down to
down basis, the Rams could be okay. Not Wilby could
be okay. I just don't know when the field gets
short and you're going up against this defense, I don't
know how that plays. Because you've been the most improved
(14:20):
red zone offense in the game because of Davante Adams
and because of this newfound tight end identity. Now these
last couple of weeks, it's not just been Davonte here.
Three tight ends there. How do you solve for it?
We've seen Pooka in the mix now, and Colby Parkinson
said that that's their fourteen personnel look right like Puka
(14:41):
is an honorary tight end. And when you see the
attention that he draws, just like Amen Ross Saint Brown
out of a backfield position that Kyen Williams can just
sloalo them through untouched for an easy walk in touchdown.
Seattle's not going to give you that. But I do
think as a one week replacement value for a Davonte
cheek coo, I think the Rams have more in their
(15:02):
toolkit than anyone would have expected.
Speaker 4 (15:04):
This time of year.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
I totally agree, totally, one percent agree. I think running
the football with Puka in there is going to be
something to pay attention to. We said this before the
game by Lander Barci. Puka's gonna get it at some point,
so I think he's gonna become more of a weapon.
But these running backs and the way they're doing it,
it's funny how you have a one to two punch.
(15:28):
There's no labels anymore, there's no starter, They're the same.
It's just one guy goes out before the other. They
used to make sense. It used to be.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Even if I'm seeing him from like two hundred yards away, Yeah,
it's like if it's bright yellow cleats, okay, that's Kiren,
and if it's the black old school cleats, that's Blake,
same thing. What happened to that? I can't even tell
him apart any binocular.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
I'm so mad. I did not know this that Sonic
and Knuckles were somebody you guys were talking about Detroit's
running in Montgomery. It actually fits these two, you know
what I mean, They're the same. They're little rolling balls
of books. But either way, just moving the ball up
the field. Like you said, the way they're blocking, especially
with thirteen or fourteen personnel, the way they're going to
(16:09):
get guys and everybody committing to blocking in the run game.
As a defense, you have no choice but to commit
the extra guy. And that's what they're waiting on. That's
what Stafford is waiting on. As soon as he see
you creeping, the ball goes out beyond you. It seems
like magic. It's not. It's just that's the effect of
a good running game.
Speaker 3 (16:28):
The explosives are definitely worth highlighting and celebrating because it
was the narrative of the offseason. Can the Rams go
from the least explosive running game in the league to
actually threatening some defenses with their ground game? So the
fact that both Kyen and Blake are doing that is
worthy of discussion. But to me, the most important thing
that happened Sunday against the Lines and has happened all
(16:48):
season is first down and ten.
Speaker 4 (16:51):
You get six.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Because if you give this quarterback and this staff offensively
second down and.
Speaker 4 (16:57):
Four, you're dead.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
It's over.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
It's over. But Seattle didn't give that up. Go look
at the second down distances against Seattle in the previous game.
That wasn't happening.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
That's respect.
Speaker 5 (17:09):
Yes, it is one other area. You guys talked about explosives,
and it's something just to note. I noticed.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
I went back and looked at some of Puka's numbers,
even from a season ago, because he ripped off massive
chunks against the Lions thirty nine, thirty seven, thirty six,
and twenty to.
Speaker 5 (17:26):
A career high one eighty one.
Speaker 1 (17:27):
And I know we can gush over Puka Dikua time
and time again, but he's actually upped by a yard
per catch his average over last season's over Pukka.
Speaker 4 (17:37):
Let's spend five to ten minutes talking about poo. He
deserves it.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
Why is why is he not the consensus offensive player
of the year right now?
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Jackson Smith and Jigba, Well.
Speaker 4 (17:46):
Let's change that.
Speaker 5 (17:47):
Yeah, I was gonna say we can do that Thursday night.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
That's the only problem that when you when you look
for Puka, the only thing that's above him is that name.
And this is funny. We talked about or you and
I talked about the bat middle linebacker. Well there's a
batlet for who's the best, and you get to see
both of them coming up soon. Puka is unreal. He
is playing on a different level. Uh, he's a fighter
(18:09):
pilot right now. And I would say feed that. I
would I feed that because I don't think there's a
guy that he can't route up. I don't think there's
a corner or safety that wants to tackle him in
the open field. And you said this before, and I
love how you put it. I would see how many
times you want to tackle pook Kakoula. I am down
for that.
Speaker 3 (18:29):
On a short week to a ground twelve or fourteen times.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
I love that. Yes, I would take that.
Speaker 3 (18:35):
I will say, though, the the player in the slot
for Seattle is about six inches and thirty.
Speaker 4 (18:42):
Pounds bigger than the one last week for Detroit.
Speaker 2 (18:45):
This is true.
Speaker 4 (18:45):
So it's a different animal.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
This is true. Yeah, even more is a big, big fella.
But I mean, like I said, with guys like him
when he's on a heater, when he's on one feed that.
Speaker 3 (18:55):
Are you old enough to remember three trips ago to
Seattle when nobody knew who Pookinakoula was?
Speaker 5 (19:00):
First game?
Speaker 2 (19:01):
But yes, I do remember, Yes.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
The opening week of twenty three that was the Pukinakua game,
but also undercard that was the two two at Well game.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
Yeah, biggest catch of last week or this Sunday was
too too unbelievable. Yes, come on, biggest catches in the fourth.
Speaker 3 (19:16):
Come on, I saw have backspasms just watching them.
Speaker 4 (19:19):
How did he do that? How did he go down
and get that?
Speaker 2 (19:22):
No idea what I'm glad he did. Yes.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
I don't know if the conditions are going to allow
for this to be a two two out well game.
But what I love about the twenty twenty five Rams
is the two.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
Two outwell story.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
Like I get people who are upset because you wrote
them a nice check, but like when you wrote them
a nice check, you didn't have DeVante Adams yet, you
didn't have Kanate Momfield yet, Like those steps came later.
If anyone saw three tight end packages coming when they
signed two too out, well, let me know.
Speaker 4 (19:48):
So that's a letter.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Like the fact that they've been one of, if not
the best offenses in the league and too Too only
has a handful of catches. Maybe that's you know, you
don't love the cap management or whatever, but who cares
about that in December? Like that is a healthy sign.
And if Davante misses a snap or a game or
a month whatever, it is thank goodness to tow out
(20:10):
well is fresh and ready to go.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
I was gonna say, maybe that's this week is the
reason we have two two in a sense, and I want.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
That for two two, But I also want it to
be raining so hard that two two is just parked
in the garage. Yeah, and this is a you know,
three yards and a splashy cloud of dust type of game.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
You know, we've given out a lot of flowers already
on this show, But I feel like we need to
also look to the defensive side of the ball. Because
the second half adjustments was superb. I will also question
the fact that we stopped the run in the first half.
It felt as if it was mission accomplished. And maybe
my question is did it actually set up the perfect
adjustment coming out of the second half. Some might look
(20:45):
at it and go, oh man, our defense little wavering
in the first, but I'm not sure that was necessarily
the case.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
Uh okay, maybe not you. Maybe you remember the old
days with the TVs and the antennas and when you
got the blurry screen.
Speaker 5 (20:56):
Bunny ears, come on now.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
Bunny ears. Sometimes all it took was a little and
everything starts to work again. That's your adjustment. The calls
didn't change, You just played them better. You played them
more discipline. If they ask you to do X, Y
and Z, don't gamble, you know what I mean? Because
every receiver, especially from here on out, is lethal everybody.
So if you're gambling, if you're trying to be a star,
(21:19):
or if you're not getting enough pressure, which is another thing,
you've got to turn that up. And I'm so glad,
and I don't want to say proud, but the effort
that Kobe Turner put in towards the end of that
game to take it up a notch. When you know,
we said this on the air, that was vintage Jared Goff.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
That was an interior pressure game and there was none
of it for one half.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
If you didn't start to knock him around, he was
gonna fullay you and not stop. So those two guys
are Kobe Turner Braden Fisk bringing it up the gut
and then the edge starting to come around. That changed
the game in the passing game. But you have to
generate more pressure. I think we know what this defense
is and how it's gonna tru Did we talk a
(22:01):
lot about the front. The front has got to lead
this football team. Stopping the rum is great. You have
to earn the right to rush a passer, and when
you do, you've got to take advantage of it.
Speaker 3 (22:10):
I'm trying to remember being in the family living room
and turning the dial from channel two to like channel
thirty six. Ye, how long you had to wait for
the antenna up on the roof to make that? I
need the Rams adjustments to be faster than the intent
on the roof.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
Fair enough?
Speaker 4 (22:26):
Does that make sense?
Speaker 2 (22:27):
Fair enough?
Speaker 3 (22:28):
I know our listeners and our watchers have been on us,
and I think rightly so for many, many weeks about this.
Something's changed, something's different. It's not the way it used
to be at the end of last year. On the
front end of this season, just the organic four man
win now pressures, they've not been there. And I know
that everyone's been rightly concerned about do the Rams have
(22:50):
enough in the secondary to be a championship defense? And
for a half against Detroit it it'd be a hard
time to make the case that the answer to.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
That was yes.
Speaker 3 (22:59):
But if you want to protect your corners, Jared Goff
needs to be uncomfortable. And if you want to protect
your corners, Sam Darnald needs to feel what he felt
the last time three times he played the Rams Thursday
Night Football with the Vikings wild Card with the Vikings.
At so far with the Seahawks, it's been a minute.
It's been a minute since he or any other quarterback
(23:20):
has felt that way. And I Detroit's got a great
offensive line, especially tackles.
Speaker 4 (23:26):
Right that pair of tackles, they're good. That's as good
as you'll see tim of the cap.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
They're very good. Lot of them.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
Seattle and healthy, pretty good at tackle too. If you
got to do extra things to generate that pressure, you
could be in trouble.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
You can, especially against Jared Goff and even against Donald,
against anybody. And I'm right there with you. The way
Jared Verst ended the football game, I have to point
this out. This was on the fourth and five the PI,
the Emmanuel Forbes call, which is still driving me crazy. Rough,
still driving me crazy. But just go back and watch
what Jared Verse does to Decker on that play. Absolutely
(24:03):
bull rush picks him up, drops him on Jared Goff.
Jared Goff bounced off a helmet his hand on that play.
That is vintage Verse. Now start the game that way,
you know what I mean that that right there up
in Seattle against Sam Donald will bring out the bad
Sam Donald early.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Well, And that's what I was just about to transition
and pivot to because with Sam Donald, we know it's
been round well, we'll call this round three. We'll think
back to Minnesota, because fine, not it's a little more fun.
How much of a different competition could this be in
round three? Just considering Sam Donald, they've been off to
some slow starts. How can we take advantage of what
we've seen from them in even recent weeks.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
I'm arguing with him about the do theory. I'm a
big fan of the do theory, Like if you're playing
bad against certain opponents, at some point, you're due for
a good one. So that's three in a row against
Sam Donald. There was a time when he came through
here when he played for the Jets, that he looked
like a Pro Bowl quarterback, even better and all pro.
I still think that guy exists, and human nature says,
(25:01):
you're gonna get tired of getting your butt kicked by
the same guy, or maybe you're not. We'll see. So
I'm expecting the great guy until you can take it
out of him. If you do and he starts throwing
it to you. Then, albeit, but I'm expecting him to
take this down to the wire just like we saw
in Detroit or versus Detroit.
Speaker 3 (25:18):
First of all, I think Sam Donald is one of
the most likable, like easiest to root for opponents in
the sport. So like, I don't I don't want to
be sitting here bad mouthing Sam Donald. Like, go ask
a Seahawks fan, how are you feeling about your quarterback
right now? How does it feel to have a championship
team and the most turnover prone quarterback in the league
getting set to host the team that's given him the
most fits since since he last played the Rams five touchdowns,
(25:45):
five picks, eight sax, three fumbles. Now they've won four
of those games. They've beaten all four opponents not named
the Los Angeles Rams. But if you think it's comfortable
right now at Lumenfield in Seattle, having just defeated the
Colts without scoring a touchdown, you make.
Speaker 1 (26:01):
A great point because there are some differences right with Seattle.
They have had those lower offenses. They've won four straight
Rams three and one in that time period. There was
no two to the last time we played them, Like
you mentioned, potentially no Adams or Lake. You also think
about the difference for them they returned their starting center
as of last week, as well as a different look
(26:22):
for our special teams. You think back to the last
time we faced Seattle and that could be one of
the biggest difference makers for Los Angeles Rams facing them
for the second time this year.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
That guy scares me. What was that field goal here
that he missed?
Speaker 4 (26:33):
Sixty one?
Speaker 1 (26:34):
Sixty one and he made a fifty yarder to win
over the Colts.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
Sixty one yards used to be like a miracle. No way,
he had done it. Start the celebrate, had done it
at so far that's that's wow. He's such a well,
yes he is currently the league.
Speaker 1 (26:48):
Yeah, he just had six field goals. I think he's
got one hundred and fifty three points leading.
Speaker 5 (26:51):
The league right now.
Speaker 2 (26:53):
I would never let go of a strong leg kicker
because of that right there, especially if he's accurate and
he's like you said, he's a guy that no matter
where you line up from, he's scary. So don't let
it come down to that. But the other side, the
kicking game from the Rams, when's the last time we
spent five minutes on it. Maybe since the three techniques
(27:15):
showed up, Jake mcquaide showed up, that whole battery has
gotten better, and now you're focused on what you should
be focused on, offense, defense win in football games.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
See, I would argue, I'm like, go ahead, Jason Myers,
score as many field goals as you want, as long
as you're not kicking pats.
Speaker 3 (27:29):
I think that's right. I think the team kicking threes
on Thursday is probably going to lose. And I mean
to go back to the defensive conversation for a second.
They rose the occasion, they made plays, and I think
at times we've seen be it Forbes, be it d Will,
be it Akella Witherspoon, like we've seen flashes of what
it's going to take to get to the super Bowl.
(27:51):
But when Akell is a healthy scratch pregame and you're
pulling your punting team off the field on fourth and
eight to go for it early in that game like that,
that kind of tells you the state of affairs.
Speaker 2 (28:03):
Now.
Speaker 3 (28:04):
That may have been unique to that matchup and the
firepower of Detroit, but that's the dynamic we're living in
right now.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
But didn't you like that because it was obvious what
was necessary and there was no doubt. On the other side,
some other coaches might have punted it back to Jared
Goff and been down two scores, three scorers before you realize, oh,
now I have to turn it up. He realized early
what type of game this was totally, I mean immediately
that was awesome at least.
Speaker 3 (28:30):
Yes, And because you know we're playing Cooper Cup this week,
we used to, you know, have fun on air. When
it's third down for the Rams, it's third down and
Cup now it's puka. And when it's fourth down for
the Rams, it's fourth down in Puka because you get
the ball to that dude, I don't care if it's
fourth and two, fourth and five, fourth and eight.
Speaker 2 (28:45):
He's gonna find a way, no doubt, yes, sir.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
And so again, I don't know what the conditions are
going to be, the weather in this defense, completely different animal.
I don't think you need to go out planning for
this to be a shootout like we were against the
Detroit Lions. But to Cameron's question about you know, is
three going to be enough? Like I think it all
stitches together. No, you need sevens.
Speaker 1 (29:07):
See, and I think in regards to the rain too.
As much as that Carolina loss was painful, maybe that
was the best preparation in terms of whether and getting
accustomed to it that you could have heading into Seattle.
Speaker 3 (29:18):
So to go back to that Carolina game, But as
frustrating as it was to have Goff fallane you, as
I think you described earlier the show, at least it
happened quickly.
Speaker 2 (29:28):
True.
Speaker 3 (29:29):
Where the Rams historically get into deep waters is when
they're getting squeezed, when the other team is sitting on
the football, the game's getting short, they're not getting.
Speaker 2 (29:36):
Their play opportunities.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
And that's what Carolina did to them. That's what the
forty nine ers, when they've had success against the Rams,
have done to them. Do I love the amen ros
Saint Brown like weaving through your defense for fifty plus?
Speaker 2 (29:49):
No?
Speaker 3 (29:49):
Do I love Aiden Hutchinson, you know, picking off Stafford,
and well I did love him getting hawked down by.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
Man.
Speaker 3 (29:58):
But if you're going to make those mistakes, at least
it wasn't death by a thousand paper cuts. It was
one play touchdown, get it back in the hands of
Stafford and go do damage and go keep up right,
like just just play the tennis match as it is,
and I think this matters Thursday because right now Seattle
is not running the ball well enough to play the
(30:19):
Carolina style. Maybe they will on Thursday. I know it's
a focal point for them. But I jotted down their
first nine runs against Indy three yards first, so they're
coming out of the gate. Here's your design run game.
They net three yards, Like, that's just one example of
where they are relative where the rams are right now.
(30:39):
And so if this becomes an imposure, will battle the
elements a gritty type of game.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
Who do you like.
Speaker 2 (30:47):
Sonic and Knuckles are version of Sonic and Knuckles. Yeah,
I'm stealing that. I'm taking that back.
Speaker 1 (30:52):
Yeah, guys, Before we get to the our keys to Victor,
I feel like we just need to give a brief
overview of the playoff picture. And I actually Jory hirsh Our,
lovely producer, joked with me this week saying, JB, you
have probably been looking at the playoff picture since week.
Speaker 5 (31:05):
Three and designing it.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
So I've been scratching it out on cards for the
last two straight weeks, figuring out exactly where we're going
to be. But just in terms of some of the
schedules and who we might face off remaining schedules. What
are you looking to in terms of the playoff picture.
Speaker 3 (31:20):
Well, you know what's great about being the one is
you don't have to play the playoff simulator game.
Speaker 5 (31:24):
That is also true.
Speaker 4 (31:26):
It's a fun exercise, makes the math easy.
Speaker 3 (31:28):
Yes, But when you know that your three wins away
from being the one, you don't need a plug in
any other results.
Speaker 5 (31:33):
That's fair.
Speaker 1 (31:33):
But when you look around too, you think about Seattle's
remaining path. They have us, they have Carolina, who, by
the way, is in a must win position. They face
the box this week it or excuse me, next week? Yeah,
this week and then week eighteen. They have San Francisco,
San Francisco to close out. You look at a few
of the others too, one of the hardest pass the Bears.
They've got Green Bay, San Francisco, Detroit. There's a few
(31:55):
that need all three to really get to that twelve
wins spot.
Speaker 5 (31:59):
It's kind of a tough path, no doubt.
Speaker 4 (32:00):
Man, How does that Micah injury huge?
Speaker 2 (32:03):
Oh my god, he made that defense special, He really did.
He's a math changer. That's a big injury for them.
Speaker 3 (32:10):
You know, I kind of changed my tune on that
whole Chicago thing. I thought for a while their previous matchup,
I was like, yeah, I know the Bears have the
better record, but Green Bay's probably the opponent that you
fear more. So you know, root for Caleb and the
Bears now because they are ten and four, and because
of the Mica thing, I think I'm back on the Okay,
(32:31):
let green Bay give you a little.
Speaker 4 (32:33):
Bit of margin.
Speaker 3 (32:33):
Here's the other dimension that I haven't mentioned yet, which
is Green Bay or sorry, Chicago.
Speaker 4 (32:37):
Still has San Francisco.
Speaker 3 (32:38):
Yes, so not that anyone could be more motivated in
professional football. I want to respect what Sundays are in
the league, but I want the most desperate, motivated Chicago
Bears team possible. Yeah, to be going to Santa Clara
in week seventeen. So if they're coming off, you know,
a loss against Green Bay, I think that'll be the reality.
Speaker 5 (32:58):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (32:58):
And for San Francisco, they've got Indy, they've got Grandfather
Rivers and then the Bears in Seattle.
Speaker 2 (33:04):
Wow, he's a grandfather, Dang.
Speaker 5 (33:06):
I know. That's so cool though, what a story that is.
Speaker 1 (33:09):
Schil is a beautiful story and a great press conference
by him.
Speaker 5 (33:12):
Wow, keys to victory, Fellas DeMarco. I'll start with you, Oh.
Speaker 2 (33:16):
My god, defense, I guess start start the game the
way you finished it versus Detroit, and just keep doing
what you're doing stopping the run. I just love the
interior depth. We've been saying that all year, the way
you're playing box getting off blocks. Nate Lanman has played terrific,
and not just in the passing game, in the run game.
I'm glad you mentioned Omar Space earlier. He's been an
(33:36):
absolute hammer. Now it doesn't show up in accountable stats,
but you've got to take on blocks with the proper
shoulder to send the ball where you need it to
go into your help. And he hasn't really missed a
beat there. Uh So start there. The one thing that
you could rev up is pass rush. When you do
earn the right to rush the pastor and get after him,
(33:57):
don't waste your reps. The worst thing in the world
is when you waste reps and give them data. When
you come off with something clean and it's there, but
the ball gets out or they pick up a first down.
Now they've seen it. Now they've talked about it, and
it kind of negates your advantage. So when you do
have ops to get off the field, you gotta get off,
especially against Sam Donald. If you do and you keep
(34:19):
turning this back over to the Matthew Stafford in this run game,
you have a chance to control it up there and
take the crowd out. Take the crowd out of the game,
and I think that's most important.
Speaker 3 (34:27):
All Right, you didn't take yourself there, So I'm going
to take you to them because I know you well enough.
Anyone remember who was the most vocal in their support
of Sam Darnald after his four giveaway game.
Speaker 2 (34:37):
That's so fun. Oh yeah, they're a middle linebacker.
Speaker 4 (34:40):
Ernest Jones.
Speaker 2 (34:41):
Ernest Jones, Yes, So.
Speaker 3 (34:43):
I mean we talked about Colby going back to the
Pacific Northwest Puna Ford. I mean, my goodness, Warmer Seahawk,
this is a huge matchup for him to kind of
bend this game back on Sam Donald. But the green
dot linebacker battle, not just in terms of this game,
but who's getting postseason accolades DeMarco.
Speaker 2 (35:00):
Far down to the wire. Like you said, there's an
inside backer battle, there's a receiver battle, and there's a
lot at stake for both teams. But that in particular,
is going to be fun. That is going to be
a play made on every single drive by those two guys.
May the best man win.
Speaker 3 (35:18):
And we talk about two guys maybe most likely to
generate an extra possession.
Speaker 2 (35:23):
Yeah, yep, he has five picks. Nate Landman has done
the Landman punch. You know, it's about time for another one.
That would be a game changer. Like you said, diet
touchdowns aren't gonna work. That's field goals. Getting the ball
out certainly will. That will change everything. Diet touchdowns.
Speaker 4 (35:42):
Yeah, that's so good.
Speaker 5 (35:43):
And to your point too, JB. That that type of competition.
Speaker 1 (35:47):
I always think back I was a volleyball player and
you do outside versus outside like best on best and
for whoever got the starting role, and it was.
Speaker 5 (35:53):
Like practice week of competition.
Speaker 1 (35:55):
Like as an athlete, those are the type of competitions
that you live and die for.
Speaker 5 (36:01):
Like that gives me goosebumps.
Speaker 1 (36:02):
It's gonna be incredible to watch some of these supreme
athletes go ahead to head.
Speaker 2 (36:06):
Okay, one more thing before we go. I believe I
one hundred percent believe this. I think some guys are
happier not playing in games like this and still being
great play. I really do. Some guys are just they're
happier being great on teams that aren't going anywhere because
all they have to do is play well and say
look at me. It takes special group of people, a
(36:29):
really good team, a great team, or a potential great
one that wants to be in environments like this because
everybody's watching and there's a lot at stake, you know
what I mean, Like there's think about it. If you
come up on the losing end of this.
Speaker 5 (36:41):
Bad there's more to lose when there's more at.
Speaker 2 (36:43):
Stake, Exactly. Some people don't.
Speaker 5 (36:46):
Rise to the challenge. And I think we got them all.
Speaker 2 (36:48):
I think we do. I think, And it starts with
the starts from the top, the coaching staff down. We
mentioned that earlier. I think they they're ready for this
because they've planned for it, if that makes any sense.
They're not shot by going up to Seattle and having
this on the line. This ain't a fun story like
the Bears. Oh wow, look at Caleb Williams. He's actually
don't know. They planned for this. They planned to be
(37:09):
in environments like this. So I think you've got enough
of those guys on this football team that you can
take it up and do battle with anybody, so they're
not going to blink. Now, you just have to go
up there and play well. I think that's the most
important thing.
Speaker 3 (37:20):
I think this is the second of second of three
meetings between the Seahawks and the Rams this year.
Speaker 2 (37:25):
I I agree.
Speaker 3 (37:27):
I think this one de terms where that third game
is going to be played.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (37:30):
But I think we're going to see this again in January.
Speaker 2 (37:33):
Don't you got a feeling?
Speaker 4 (37:34):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (37:36):
I want to circle back to something we kind of
left on the shelf recapping the win over Seattle earlier
this season, which was the Rams didn't get to a
lot of their stuff, Like it wasn't a productive day offensively,
and credit the Seahawks for everything they did because they're
beautifully built to thwart what the Rams love to do.
But because of those four takeaways, it was a lot
(37:56):
of like short field specialty situation stuff. And I would
like to think that what was a month ago, some
of the preferred plays, some of the preferred answers to
the looks that the Rams have are still dry powder
for this game. Is there any truth to that potential
dynamic that like there's a corner or multiple corners of
(38:17):
the play sheet that Lafleur and they.
Speaker 4 (38:19):
Had that they just didn't get to.
Speaker 2 (38:22):
I would bet that you're right. I do know. When
you turn the ball over and the fields are shorter
than you think and you're playing scramble ball, there's only
so many things you can call. But if you're able
to start your game plan, yeah, everything's gonna look different
and you have answers.
Speaker 3 (38:37):
Offensively, only twelve first downs, not even two hundred and
fifty yards, only twenty two minutes of possession.
Speaker 4 (38:42):
In a game that you won.
Speaker 3 (38:43):
Yeah, right, right, So that's kind of the exception that
proves the rule. But I would like to think that
there's still a good corner of the game plan that
plays well.
Speaker 4 (38:50):
This week.
Speaker 3 (38:52):
I think you got to call out Rashida shaheat and
the difference he makes both in terms of the offense
and if you've watched what he's done on special teams.
He is an X factor that matters, I think in
this game, in addition to all their star personnel on defense.
Speaker 2 (39:04):
So yeah, I put a body on him, yes, sir, put.
Speaker 4 (39:07):
A body on them.
Speaker 2 (39:08):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (39:08):
I will give you my key to victory, which is
I would love to see the Rams score a touchdown
on the first drive. And I say this because Seattle
has not allowed a touchdown on the first drive in
thirteen consecutive games. So I would love to see the
Rams just punch him in the mouth to get things started,
and then I'll go back. I want to see Jason
Myers kicking some field goals. Kick six, I don't care,
go for it. Get those numbers past one fifty three.
(39:31):
That's fine by me, as long as he's not kicking pats.
Any final thoughts before we get out of here.
Speaker 2 (39:37):
Let's get it. It's gonna be fun, Yes, sir, the
first down here you go win, first down, win, first down, win,
first down.
Speaker 1 (39:45):
I will let you guys know it's been wonderful to
have you here with between the horns presented by your
Southern California Dealers for JV.
Speaker 5 (39:51):
Long DeMarco far I'm Cameron.
Speaker 1 (39:52):
Irwin, and I cannot wait to see the new member
on special teams, Christian Alexander. I think maybe a little
extra roster appearance we can away for Thursday night football.
Speaker 5 (40:01):
Be sure to be loud and cheering from wherever you are.
Speaker 1 (40:13):
M hm.
Welcome to Between the Horns, presented by your Southern California
toilet dealers. Kimerner went alongside JV. Long and DeMarco far
the Los Angeles Rams picking up the big win over
the Detroit Lions as they get set for a massive
Thursday night football showdown with the Seattle Seahawks Division on
the line, potentially the conference on the line. Guys, it
doesn't get much bigger and much better than this. Are
(00:27):
we just gonna revel in this moment for.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
A little bit. Yeah, I mean, I hope it gets
a little bit bigger and better. But I mean this is, like,
like you said, the most important two weeks of this
football season. You got through one versus Detroit that just
refused to go away, and you got another one in
Seattle with a team that feels the same way. They
think that this is their year. So this is tough.
But I like what the Rams keep saying about themselves.
(00:50):
They are built for this and they are playing some
of their best ball on both sides right now, so
this might be the best time for the matchup. It's
a short week, but it is what it is. Gotta
come hard down the hard road.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
My two favorite things in sports have become the NFL playoffs.
Just the win or go home dynamic is irreplaceable, but
very very close. One B is this time of year
where you have a couple games left on your runway
and you can game out not only your own team's path,
but you can scoreboard, watch and feel you know, those
playoff simulators in real time. This is unbelievable and DeMarco
(01:28):
has I have not ever been a part of really
a chase for a one seed or the opportunity to
be a one seed, and especially since we revamp this
playoff format, I can't I still can't wrap my mind
around how valuable it is to be the one seed,
Like this is a prize worth straining for. Forget the
Seahawks and what that all matters. That's just a rivalry
game onto itself that we'll talk about.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
But is it real?
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Is it true that if you are the one seed
you only have to win one home game to then
host the NFC Championship game? Like, even as I say
that it doesn't feel real.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
It's true. First hand knowledge had of.
Speaker 3 (02:03):
My follow up is you guys were both on the
field this Sunday. I'm up in the booth and I
got these noisecam Yeah, how raucous was that? And is
that not an environment and a home field advantage worth replicating?
Speaker 2 (02:15):
In January, that was one of the loudest like home environments,
just football environments, that I've been in a long time.
I mean, it was right at the proper moments, at moments,
and it was deafening. I thought it was awesome by
you guys to lay out and let the crowd kind
of bleed in because they were doing their part. It
was great. They were up for big plays, they were
(02:36):
up for third downs. When the game kind of got
away from the rams, they willed them back into it.
So that environment was absolutely outstanding. But here's the thing.
It's only going to get louder and bigger from here
if you keep winning.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
How about when Dan Campbell in a trailing position has
to burn a time out on offense.
Speaker 5 (02:54):
Oh, it's amazing, and.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
I emphasized in a trailing position, because if he has
that third time out, the end of that game plays
out differently. So game ball to the home crowd at
SOFI Stadium to rip away one of those timeouts before
crunch time from the opposing head.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Coach, we go absolutely game.
Speaker 5 (03:08):
Ball without question.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
And I will say too, I have double in ears
on game days. I legitimately heading into the third quarter
and even more so into the fourth quarter, I took
out my double in ears because I just wanted to
immerse myself and just soak it all in. It was
one of the best game day environments my fifth season
with the Rams, and it was top tier, maybe top
three that I've experienced. The noise level was superb, Your
(03:31):
call was amazing. I love that you got a chance.
Even as a fan not sitting in the stands, you
really had quite the understanding of what is being built
and the community and the team that is being built.
It was just a thing of beauty. And I will
also say I had some insider insight. Some of my
stage managers were actually in the tunnel just leading up
as the guys are getting ready to come onto the field,
(03:53):
and one of the things they said is, we've never
seen this team this hyped before they were ready to go,
and we can, of course, we can dig into the performance.
Speaker 5 (04:01):
In the first half.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
However, that tells me a lot as we are heading
into the late stages of December football and of course
the playoff run.
Speaker 5 (04:09):
But that one definitely means.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
It meant a little bit more, especially just considering the context.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
I love that when they always felt like a pent
up bowl just opened the door so we can get out.
And that's the way it felt. When Stafford came out
and did that little twitch. You just kind of know
when he's feeling like that, everybody else is going with him. So, yeah,
that's the environment you want to be in.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
I'm still stuck on this. If the Rams are the
one seed, all they have to do is beat the
lowest remaining seed at Sofi Stadium to host the NFC
Championship games. That's true for the right to go play
Super Bowl in Santa Clara.
Speaker 4 (04:43):
Yes, man, this is special.
Speaker 5 (04:45):
There's a lot at stake here.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
This in You got a lot at stake. This is
the thing you got to keep your mind when all
about your are losing theirs. It's on Seattle. But you're right,
I'll tell you man, it's a luxury to go into
the post season with that week off. Now, I told
you the other side of that is when you do
match up with someone, they're guaranteed to be good, maybe
even as good as you are. That's the downside. But
(05:09):
you get the benefit of rest when you know and
you've got it locked up. It's not that you hit
cruise control, but you can hit cruise control and watch
everybody out go play the Hunger Games. It helps. I mean,
it really does. It's the one seed in the NFL.
Like you said, it's everything if you have designs on
becoming champion.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
You talked to Quintin Lake after that win Sunday.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Yeah, you know, Funny saw him right in the locker
room and first thing, hou's the arms? Great? How are
you feeling about this? Everybody's you fork right or getting
ready for Seattle? He goes, I'll see you in January. Perfect.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
I mean that playoff ticket means more to him than
I think anyone else. He knows he gets to play
again this season. Now he does nowhere he doesn't know
the opponent, but like just punching that ticket, which no
one's taking for granted, but what we all thought it
was coming right.
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Yeah, now that it's official, he has something to aim for. Man,
that's awesome.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
God, that's so important.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
Yes, DeVante Adams has a bad wheel, like Tyler Higbee,
not back yet, and so get this roster in its
best form to January. Maybe with an extra week off.
Speaker 5 (06:13):
That's even more critical.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
I mean, and you're indoors at home, that's true, Like
this could be the last bad weather game you play.
Speaker 4 (06:20):
You got to go in the red at least one
more time, and it could.
Speaker 5 (06:23):
Be raining in Seattle.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Let me knock on Seattle, Seattle, Seattle, Thursday, Thursday.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
You've got a team that can go from down ten
to up ten like that? Can you do that at
Soldier Field in Chicago? Can you do that at lambeau
Field in Green Bay?
Speaker 4 (06:39):
Maybe? Maybe not? You can do that in your own.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Part, definitely. You can do that here in a.
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Near climate controlled environment. That can happen because of what
you're capable of offering.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Can you take us to Seattle? He's getting me.
Speaker 3 (06:48):
See, it's about doubling down on the magnitude because the
loser of this game, the loser of this game in
all likelihood, is going to be a road wildcards.
Speaker 5 (07:00):
Yep, without question.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
You know I love that you put that out there.
I really do. And I'm sure that's being conveyed or
you probably don't even need to tell the guys, but
all you know from here, and I just remember, if
you just keep winning, great things are gonna happen, you
know what I mean. If you keep searching for your
best football game, good things will happen. This team is
very very good, possibly great. The one thing I think
(07:24):
that could creep in is, like you said, is the
outside end. So that's what I mean. I'm joking, but
I'm not. It's you got to go focus on Seattle.
That is going to be a fight to the finish.
And you know they feel the same way we do.
You know up there they feel like they've got a
shout at it too. That's the problem when you get
to this part of the season, when there's, like you said,
four or five vultures out there, all gunning for the
(07:44):
same spot, it ain't over.
Speaker 4 (07:46):
Did their head coach have a baby this week?
Speaker 2 (07:49):
No, no, no, no.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
That's not that I'm aware of.
Speaker 5 (07:52):
That's a pretty big transaction too. I loved it. The
Rams put it out this morning.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
So congratulations to Sean and Ronica Christian Alexander McVay as
actually been delivered what.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
It's a great nickname, sure or Aaron one or the
other Colby Colby.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Guys, Let's look a little bit to Detroit because what
we can garner from this last week and also prepare
us for Seattle. So one of the things that stood
out to me was just the amount of balance. And
we've seen it throughout the season. But we talk about
Matthew Stafford and even the MVP campaign that he.
Speaker 5 (08:26):
Has been on.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
But I think what's really impressed me the most throughout
this season is he's found different evolutions and different ways
to win. And I think this last week was a
great example, and he might have to find a different
evolution even now against Seattle on this Thursday night football.
Of course, considering whether Davante's out there or not.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
That's that's a good point, it really is. And uh,
you know, I just I think of how he went
down and if he makes it back for Thursday, my
respect for him is here. It would go to there
because I know a hamstrings can be but there are
guys that can step up in his stead, and you
can split that up into three guys. He's got speed
to burn that sounds like two too. He's very physical
(09:05):
in the run game. Well that could be Jaywitz and
if you need somebody to rout you up. I'm ready
to see more of Mumfield. There's just no place to
put him in the offense because you've got two great
receivers out there. But you saw that incompletion, how athletic
he is, you see him in practice, you know there's
there's more there. So there are guys that can step up.
And like you said, with innovation and growing the offense,
(09:27):
I look at it more as people and and who's
doing it. Kobe Parkinson is on a whole new level,
completely different guy from last year. He's an absolute weapon
in this in this offense, it's it's a weapon that
you have to game plan for. It's not something that oh,
we'll just worry about the tight end on game. They
will take care of that. No, you're gonna have to
draw stuff up and figure out who's on him because
if he catches it in the open field versus a
(09:48):
smaller safety or whatnot, you've got issues that might not
this week. Have small safety that might not apply this week.
But I'm just saying Detroit in.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
The secondary, I will see the biggest contrast week to week.
I love when you do the video game analogy. What's
the what's the final stage, the boss mode, the final boss,
the final boss. Yes, yes, let's face it. Going back
to last week, against that Detroit defense with DeVante matthew
is playing.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
The opening level with a cheat code.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Oh okay, yeah, now you go to the final round
and the cheat code is probably taking off the table.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
You're gonna have to earn it. Yeah, you're gonna have to.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Miss of the first offensive day of the season.
Speaker 4 (10:25):
Anybody remember what it was.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
I believe it was the Seahawks. That's right. Yes, Uh,
they're smart, they're good. They they have an edge. I
think they have a lot of edge because of who
the middle linebacker is. It means a lot more to him.
They're good, period, and they go to a different level
when they see you right now or they did, so
you're gonna have to match that energy. I don't think
you're gonna get guys Scott free to the quarterback going forward,
and I don't think you're gonna get wide open space
(10:49):
like you have. You're gonna have to go through or
drag people, you know what I mean to make it happen.
That's just how it looked, and that's just the complexion
of this game.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
You know that Colby can set a single season Rams
tight end record for receiving touchdowns.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
What's the record?
Speaker 5 (11:04):
He's six right now. Yeah, six since Week ten.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
In Seattle against his former team.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Anyways, I would not be surprised by that. I wouldn't
be surprised if he did. I guess I'm a little
surprised about how much better he's gotten from year one
to year two. It could be a position change and
you're playing him where he likes to be played and
he's given it to you. But whatever it is, he
has become a thing, a weapon for Matthew status.
Speaker 3 (11:30):
I don't even think. I don't even think. I start
with the receiving numbers walking. I think the way the
Rams are running the rock right now is the most
important dimension going into Thursday night, and I think the
tiight ends are a big part of that.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
I absolutely love watching. I would hate to play against
Davis Allen. He's the type of dude that I would
fight or talk trash too, because he don't mind hitting you.
He loves to block when they motion him in and
he runs up on the inside linebacker. That's not an
h BAC a guy that doesn't want to hit. He's
a former defensive end who likes to use his head.
(12:05):
He likes to block, and the O line is doing
a great job behind him, and the running backs are
doing a great job reading their keys and getting out
and breaking off some long runs. I'm with you, man,
like it's not just a passing game. As a defense,
you have to commit that eighth guy to the box.
If not, the Rams are really good at running at
(12:26):
and exploiting light boxes. And if once you do, it
opens you up for everything else. So this offense is
diversified and it just keeps you on your heels constantly
as a defense.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Except McDonald and the Seahawks don't play by those rules.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
This is true. When you can get after people with
four it makes defense a lot easier, and they did.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
I will say I watched the Colts matchup versus the
Seahawks yesterday and one of the things that stood out
is the Colts did have some success kind of hitting
some of those exterior gaps, so that might be a
point of success. And also just thinking about Blake corm
some of the moves he made. He actually two massive
explosive runs against Detroit. Where you're going, man, he found
beautiful edge, a little side step and then on the exterior,
I'm going he could be a weapon. Not to mention,
(13:04):
we got to give Blake corm a little bit of love.
Third straight game now with seventy or more yards, four
touchdowns in that span. We talk so much about Kien
Williams and Kien Williams, and rightly so, obviously coming off
another one thousand yard season now his third consecutive. But
that run game the Titans, it's all emerging together. Let's
talk a little bit more about one titand though t
ferg and you talked to Les Sneed yesterday about it.
(13:27):
He could have what two massive explosive plays go his
direction against Detroit that didn't quite connect. Is this the
game that he can really differentiate himself.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
It's a much more difficult matchup When you talk about
replacing Davonte Adams. I think he's a component of it. Yea,
Like they really trust the apprentice, like Canate Momfield, I'm
telling you, is one to watch. Everyone in this building
says that the Day three pick has a lot of
similarities with Devonte Adams of future Hall of Famer, which
is hard to believe. But I will say the only
silver lining of DeVante missing any time is he's already
(13:59):
playing career low snap count, so you're already diversified enough
in your personnel groupings where you know you platune him
in and out. And I think on a down to
down basis, the Rams could be okay. Not Wilby could
be okay. I just don't know when the field gets
short and you're going up against this defense, I don't
know how that plays. Because you've been the most improved
(14:20):
red zone offense in the game because of Davante Adams
and because of this newfound tight end identity. Now these
last couple of weeks, it's not just been Davonte here.
Three tight ends there. How do you solve for it?
We've seen Pooka in the mix now, and Colby Parkinson
said that that's their fourteen personnel look right like Puka
(14:41):
is an honorary tight end. And when you see the
attention that he draws, just like Amen Ross Saint Brown
out of a backfield position that Kyen Williams can just
sloalo them through untouched for an easy walk in touchdown.
Seattle's not going to give you that. But I do
think as a one week replacement value for a Davonte
cheek coo, I think the Rams have more in their
(15:02):
toolkit than anyone would have expected.
Speaker 4 (15:04):
This time of year.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
I totally agree, totally, one percent agree. I think running
the football with Puka in there is going to be
something to pay attention to. We said this before the
game by Lander Barci. Puka's gonna get it at some point,
so I think he's gonna become more of a weapon.
But these running backs and the way they're doing it,
it's funny how you have a one to two punch.
(15:28):
There's no labels anymore, there's no starter, They're the same.
It's just one guy goes out before the other. They
used to make sense. It used to be.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Even if I'm seeing him from like two hundred yards away, Yeah,
it's like if it's bright yellow cleats, okay, that's Kiren,
and if it's the black old school cleats, that's Blake,
same thing. What happened to that? I can't even tell
him apart any binocular.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
I'm so mad. I did not know this that Sonic
and Knuckles were somebody you guys were talking about Detroit's
running in Montgomery. It actually fits these two, you know
what I mean, They're the same. They're little rolling balls
of books. But either way, just moving the ball up
the field. Like you said, the way they're blocking, especially
with thirteen or fourteen personnel, the way they're going to
(16:09):
get guys and everybody committing to blocking in the run game.
As a defense, you have no choice but to commit
the extra guy. And that's what they're waiting on. That's
what Stafford is waiting on. As soon as he see
you creeping, the ball goes out beyond you. It seems
like magic. It's not. It's just that's the effect of
a good running game.
Speaker 3 (16:28):
The explosives are definitely worth highlighting and celebrating because it
was the narrative of the offseason. Can the Rams go
from the least explosive running game in the league to
actually threatening some defenses with their ground game? So the
fact that both Kyen and Blake are doing that is
worthy of discussion. But to me, the most important thing
that happened Sunday against the Lines and has happened all
(16:48):
season is first down and ten.
Speaker 4 (16:51):
You get six.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Because if you give this quarterback and this staff offensively
second down and.
Speaker 4 (16:57):
Four, you're dead.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
It's over.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
It's over. But Seattle didn't give that up. Go look
at the second down distances against Seattle in the previous game.
That wasn't happening.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
That's respect.
Speaker 5 (17:09):
Yes, it is one other area. You guys talked about explosives,
and it's something just to note. I noticed.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
I went back and looked at some of Puka's numbers,
even from a season ago, because he ripped off massive
chunks against the Lions thirty nine, thirty seven, thirty six,
and twenty to.
Speaker 5 (17:26):
A career high one eighty one.
Speaker 1 (17:27):
And I know we can gush over Puka Dikua time
and time again, but he's actually upped by a yard
per catch his average over last season's over Pukka.
Speaker 4 (17:37):
Let's spend five to ten minutes talking about poo. He
deserves it.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
Why is why is he not the consensus offensive player
of the year right now?
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Jackson Smith and Jigba, Well.
Speaker 4 (17:46):
Let's change that.
Speaker 5 (17:47):
Yeah, I was gonna say we can do that Thursday night.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
That's the only problem that when you when you look
for Puka, the only thing that's above him is that name.
And this is funny. We talked about or you and
I talked about the bat middle linebacker. Well there's a
batlet for who's the best, and you get to see
both of them coming up soon. Puka is unreal. He
is playing on a different level. Uh, he's a fighter
(18:09):
pilot right now. And I would say feed that. I
would I feed that because I don't think there's a
guy that he can't route up. I don't think there's
a corner or safety that wants to tackle him in
the open field. And you said this before, and I
love how you put it. I would see how many
times you want to tackle pook Kakoula. I am down
for that.
Speaker 3 (18:29):
On a short week to a ground twelve or fourteen times.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
I love that. Yes, I would take that.
Speaker 3 (18:35):
I will say, though, the the player in the slot
for Seattle is about six inches and thirty.
Speaker 4 (18:42):
Pounds bigger than the one last week for Detroit.
Speaker 2 (18:45):
This is true.
Speaker 4 (18:45):
So it's a different animal.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
This is true. Yeah, even more is a big, big fella.
But I mean, like I said, with guys like him
when he's on a heater, when he's on one feed that.
Speaker 3 (18:55):
Are you old enough to remember three trips ago to
Seattle when nobody knew who Pookinakoula was?
Speaker 5 (19:00):
First game?
Speaker 2 (19:01):
But yes, I do remember, Yes.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
The opening week of twenty three that was the Pukinakua game,
but also undercard that was the two two at Well game.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
Yeah, biggest catch of last week or this Sunday was
too too unbelievable. Yes, come on, biggest catches in the fourth.
Speaker 3 (19:16):
Come on, I saw have backspasms just watching them.
Speaker 4 (19:19):
How did he do that? How did he go down
and get that?
Speaker 2 (19:22):
No idea what I'm glad he did. Yes.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
I don't know if the conditions are going to allow
for this to be a two two out well game.
But what I love about the twenty twenty five Rams
is the two.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
Two outwell story.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
Like I get people who are upset because you wrote
them a nice check, but like when you wrote them
a nice check, you didn't have DeVante Adams yet, you
didn't have Kanate Momfield yet, Like those steps came later.
If anyone saw three tight end packages coming when they
signed two too out, well, let me know.
Speaker 4 (19:48):
So that's a letter.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Like the fact that they've been one of, if not
the best offenses in the league and too Too only
has a handful of catches. Maybe that's you know, you
don't love the cap management or whatever, but who cares
about that in December? Like that is a healthy sign.
And if Davante misses a snap or a game or
a month whatever, it is thank goodness to tow out
(20:10):
well is fresh and ready to go.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
I was gonna say, maybe that's this week is the
reason we have two two in a sense, and I want.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
That for two two, But I also want it to
be raining so hard that two two is just parked
in the garage. Yeah, and this is a you know,
three yards and a splashy cloud of dust type of game.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
You know, we've given out a lot of flowers already
on this show, But I feel like we need to
also look to the defensive side of the ball. Because
the second half adjustments was superb. I will also question
the fact that we stopped the run in the first half.
It felt as if it was mission accomplished. And maybe
my question is did it actually set up the perfect
adjustment coming out of the second half. Some might look
(20:45):
at it and go, oh man, our defense little wavering
in the first, but I'm not sure that was necessarily
the case.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
Uh okay, maybe not you. Maybe you remember the old
days with the TVs and the antennas and when you
got the blurry screen.
Speaker 5 (20:56):
Bunny ears, come on now.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
Bunny ears. Sometimes all it took was a little and
everything starts to work again. That's your adjustment. The calls
didn't change, You just played them better. You played them
more discipline. If they ask you to do X, Y
and Z, don't gamble, you know what I mean? Because
every receiver, especially from here on out, is lethal everybody.
So if you're gambling, if you're trying to be a star,
(21:19):
or if you're not getting enough pressure, which is another thing,
you've got to turn that up. And I'm so glad,
and I don't want to say proud, but the effort
that Kobe Turner put in towards the end of that
game to take it up a notch. When you know,
we said this on the air, that was vintage Jared Goff.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
That was an interior pressure game and there was none
of it for one half.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
If you didn't start to knock him around, he was
gonna fullay you and not stop. So those two guys
are Kobe Turner Braden Fisk bringing it up the gut
and then the edge starting to come around. That changed
the game in the passing game. But you have to
generate more pressure. I think we know what this defense
is and how it's gonna tru Did we talk a
(22:01):
lot about the front. The front has got to lead
this football team. Stopping the rum is great. You have
to earn the right to rush a passer, and when
you do, you've got to take advantage of it.
Speaker 3 (22:10):
I'm trying to remember being in the family living room
and turning the dial from channel two to like channel
thirty six. Ye, how long you had to wait for
the antenna up on the roof to make that? I
need the Rams adjustments to be faster than the intent
on the roof.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
Fair enough?
Speaker 4 (22:26):
Does that make sense?
Speaker 2 (22:27):
Fair enough?
Speaker 3 (22:28):
I know our listeners and our watchers have been on us,
and I think rightly so for many, many weeks about this.
Something's changed, something's different. It's not the way it used
to be at the end of last year. On the
front end of this season, just the organic four man
win now pressures, they've not been there. And I know
that everyone's been rightly concerned about do the Rams have
(22:50):
enough in the secondary to be a championship defense? And
for a half against Detroit it it'd be a hard
time to make the case that the answer to.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
That was yes.
Speaker 3 (22:59):
But if you want to protect your corners, Jared Goff
needs to be uncomfortable. And if you want to protect
your corners, Sam Darnald needs to feel what he felt
the last time three times he played the Rams Thursday
Night Football with the Vikings wild Card with the Vikings.
At so far with the Seahawks, it's been a minute.
It's been a minute since he or any other quarterback
(23:20):
has felt that way. And I Detroit's got a great
offensive line, especially tackles.
Speaker 4 (23:26):
Right that pair of tackles, they're good. That's as good
as you'll see tim of the cap.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
They're very good. Lot of them.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
Seattle and healthy, pretty good at tackle too. If you
got to do extra things to generate that pressure, you
could be in trouble.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
You can, especially against Jared Goff and even against Donald,
against anybody. And I'm right there with you. The way
Jared Verst ended the football game, I have to point
this out. This was on the fourth and five the PI,
the Emmanuel Forbes call, which is still driving me crazy. Rough,
still driving me crazy. But just go back and watch
what Jared Verse does to Decker on that play. Absolutely
(24:03):
bull rush picks him up, drops him on Jared Goff.
Jared Goff bounced off a helmet his hand on that play.
That is vintage Verse. Now start the game that way,
you know what I mean that that right there up
in Seattle against Sam Donald will bring out the bad
Sam Donald early.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Well, And that's what I was just about to transition
and pivot to because with Sam Donald, we know it's
been round well, we'll call this round three. We'll think
back to Minnesota, because fine, not it's a little more fun.
How much of a different competition could this be in
round three? Just considering Sam Donald, they've been off to
some slow starts. How can we take advantage of what
we've seen from them in even recent weeks.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
I'm arguing with him about the do theory. I'm a
big fan of the do theory, Like if you're playing
bad against certain opponents, at some point, you're due for
a good one. So that's three in a row against
Sam Donald. There was a time when he came through
here when he played for the Jets, that he looked
like a Pro Bowl quarterback, even better and all pro.
I still think that guy exists, and human nature says,
(25:01):
you're gonna get tired of getting your butt kicked by
the same guy, or maybe you're not. We'll see. So
I'm expecting the great guy until you can take it
out of him. If you do and he starts throwing
it to you. Then, albeit, but I'm expecting him to
take this down to the wire just like we saw
in Detroit or versus Detroit.
Speaker 3 (25:18):
First of all, I think Sam Donald is one of
the most likable, like easiest to root for opponents in
the sport. So like, I don't I don't want to
be sitting here bad mouthing Sam Donald. Like, go ask
a Seahawks fan, how are you feeling about your quarterback
right now? How does it feel to have a championship
team and the most turnover prone quarterback in the league
getting set to host the team that's given him the
most fits since since he last played the Rams five touchdowns,
(25:45):
five picks, eight sax, three fumbles. Now they've won four
of those games. They've beaten all four opponents not named
the Los Angeles Rams. But if you think it's comfortable
right now at Lumenfield in Seattle, having just defeated the
Colts without scoring a touchdown, you make.
Speaker 1 (26:01):
A great point because there are some differences right with Seattle.
They have had those lower offenses. They've won four straight
Rams three and one in that time period. There was
no two to the last time we played them, Like
you mentioned, potentially no Adams or Lake. You also think
about the difference for them they returned their starting center
as of last week, as well as a different look
(26:22):
for our special teams. You think back to the last
time we faced Seattle and that could be one of
the biggest difference makers for Los Angeles Rams facing them
for the second time this year.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
That guy scares me. What was that field goal here
that he missed?
Speaker 4 (26:33):
Sixty one?
Speaker 1 (26:34):
Sixty one and he made a fifty yarder to win
over the Colts.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
Sixty one yards used to be like a miracle. No way,
he had done it. Start the celebrate, had done it
at so far that's that's wow. He's such a well,
yes he is currently the league.
Speaker 1 (26:48):
Yeah, he just had six field goals. I think he's
got one hundred and fifty three points leading.
Speaker 5 (26:51):
The league right now.
Speaker 2 (26:53):
I would never let go of a strong leg kicker
because of that right there, especially if he's accurate and
he's like you said, he's a guy that no matter
where you line up from, he's scary. So don't let
it come down to that. But the other side, the
kicking game from the Rams, when's the last time we
spent five minutes on it. Maybe since the three techniques
(27:15):
showed up, Jake mcquaide showed up, that whole battery has
gotten better, and now you're focused on what you should
be focused on, offense, defense win in football games.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
See, I would argue, I'm like, go ahead, Jason Myers,
score as many field goals as you want, as long
as you're not kicking pats.
Speaker 3 (27:29):
I think that's right. I think the team kicking threes
on Thursday is probably going to lose. And I mean
to go back to the defensive conversation for a second.
They rose the occasion, they made plays, and I think
at times we've seen be it Forbes, be it d Will,
be it Akella Witherspoon, like we've seen flashes of what
it's going to take to get to the super Bowl.
(27:51):
But when Akell is a healthy scratch pregame and you're
pulling your punting team off the field on fourth and
eight to go for it early in that game like that,
that kind of tells you the state of affairs.
Speaker 2 (28:03):
Now.
Speaker 3 (28:04):
That may have been unique to that matchup and the
firepower of Detroit, but that's the dynamic we're living in
right now.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
But didn't you like that because it was obvious what
was necessary and there was no doubt. On the other side,
some other coaches might have punted it back to Jared
Goff and been down two scores, three scorers before you realize, oh,
now I have to turn it up. He realized early
what type of game this was totally, I mean immediately
that was awesome at least.
Speaker 3 (28:30):
Yes, And because you know we're playing Cooper Cup this week,
we used to, you know, have fun on air. When
it's third down for the Rams, it's third down and
Cup now it's puka. And when it's fourth down for
the Rams, it's fourth down in Puka because you get
the ball to that dude, I don't care if it's
fourth and two, fourth and five, fourth and eight.
Speaker 2 (28:45):
He's gonna find a way, no doubt, yes, sir.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
And so again, I don't know what the conditions are
going to be, the weather in this defense, completely different animal.
I don't think you need to go out planning for
this to be a shootout like we were against the
Detroit Lions. But to Cameron's question about you know, is
three going to be enough? Like I think it all
stitches together. No, you need sevens.
Speaker 1 (29:07):
See, and I think in regards to the rain too.
As much as that Carolina loss was painful, maybe that
was the best preparation in terms of whether and getting
accustomed to it that you could have heading into Seattle.
Speaker 3 (29:18):
So to go back to that Carolina game, But as
frustrating as it was to have Goff fallane you, as
I think you described earlier the show, at least it
happened quickly.
Speaker 2 (29:28):
True.
Speaker 3 (29:29):
Where the Rams historically get into deep waters is when
they're getting squeezed, when the other team is sitting on
the football, the game's getting short, they're not getting.
Speaker 2 (29:36):
Their play opportunities.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
And that's what Carolina did to them. That's what the
forty nine ers, when they've had success against the Rams,
have done to them. Do I love the amen ros
Saint Brown like weaving through your defense for fifty plus?
Speaker 2 (29:49):
No?
Speaker 3 (29:49):
Do I love Aiden Hutchinson, you know, picking off Stafford,
and well I did love him getting hawked down by.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
Man.
Speaker 3 (29:58):
But if you're going to make those mistakes, at least
it wasn't death by a thousand paper cuts. It was
one play touchdown, get it back in the hands of
Stafford and go do damage and go keep up right,
like just just play the tennis match as it is,
and I think this matters Thursday because right now Seattle
is not running the ball well enough to play the
(30:19):
Carolina style. Maybe they will on Thursday. I know it's
a focal point for them. But I jotted down their
first nine runs against Indy three yards first, so they're
coming out of the gate. Here's your design run game.
They net three yards, Like, that's just one example of
where they are relative where the rams are right now.
(30:39):
And so if this becomes an imposure, will battle the
elements a gritty type of game.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
Who do you like.
Speaker 2 (30:47):
Sonic and Knuckles are version of Sonic and Knuckles. Yeah,
I'm stealing that. I'm taking that back.
Speaker 1 (30:52):
Yeah, guys, Before we get to the our keys to Victor,
I feel like we just need to give a brief
overview of the playoff picture. And I actually Jory hirsh Our,
lovely producer, joked with me this week saying, JB, you
have probably been looking at the playoff picture since week.
Speaker 5 (31:05):
Three and designing it.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
So I've been scratching it out on cards for the
last two straight weeks, figuring out exactly where we're going
to be. But just in terms of some of the
schedules and who we might face off remaining schedules. What
are you looking to in terms of the playoff picture.
Speaker 3 (31:20):
Well, you know what's great about being the one is
you don't have to play the playoff simulator game.
Speaker 5 (31:24):
That is also true.
Speaker 4 (31:26):
It's a fun exercise, makes the math easy.
Speaker 3 (31:28):
Yes, But when you know that your three wins away
from being the one, you don't need a plug in
any other results.
Speaker 5 (31:33):
That's fair.
Speaker 1 (31:33):
But when you look around too, you think about Seattle's
remaining path. They have us, they have Carolina, who, by
the way, is in a must win position. They face
the box this week it or excuse me, next week? Yeah,
this week and then week eighteen. They have San Francisco,
San Francisco to close out. You look at a few
of the others too, one of the hardest pass the Bears.
They've got Green Bay, San Francisco, Detroit. There's a few
(31:55):
that need all three to really get to that twelve
wins spot.
Speaker 5 (31:59):
It's kind of a tough path, no doubt.
Speaker 4 (32:00):
Man, How does that Micah injury huge?
Speaker 2 (32:03):
Oh my god, he made that defense special, He really did.
He's a math changer. That's a big injury for them.
Speaker 3 (32:10):
You know, I kind of changed my tune on that
whole Chicago thing. I thought for a while their previous matchup,
I was like, yeah, I know the Bears have the
better record, but Green Bay's probably the opponent that you
fear more. So you know, root for Caleb and the
Bears now because they are ten and four, and because
of the Mica thing, I think I'm back on the Okay,
(32:31):
let green Bay give you a little.
Speaker 4 (32:33):
Bit of margin.
Speaker 3 (32:33):
Here's the other dimension that I haven't mentioned yet, which
is Green Bay or sorry, Chicago.
Speaker 4 (32:37):
Still has San Francisco.
Speaker 3 (32:38):
Yes, so not that anyone could be more motivated in
professional football. I want to respect what Sundays are in
the league, but I want the most desperate, motivated Chicago
Bears team possible. Yeah, to be going to Santa Clara
in week seventeen. So if they're coming off, you know,
a loss against Green Bay, I think that'll be the reality.
Speaker 5 (32:58):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (32:58):
And for San Francisco, they've got Indy, they've got Grandfather
Rivers and then the Bears in Seattle.
Speaker 2 (33:04):
Wow, he's a grandfather, Dang.
Speaker 5 (33:06):
I know. That's so cool though, what a story that is.
Speaker 1 (33:09):
Schil is a beautiful story and a great press conference
by him.
Speaker 5 (33:12):
Wow, keys to victory, Fellas DeMarco. I'll start with you, Oh.
Speaker 2 (33:16):
My god, defense, I guess start start the game the
way you finished it versus Detroit, and just keep doing
what you're doing stopping the run. I just love the
interior depth. We've been saying that all year, the way
you're playing box getting off blocks. Nate Lanman has played terrific,
and not just in the passing game, in the run game.
I'm glad you mentioned Omar Space earlier. He's been an
(33:36):
absolute hammer. Now it doesn't show up in accountable stats,
but you've got to take on blocks with the proper
shoulder to send the ball where you need it to
go into your help. And he hasn't really missed a
beat there. Uh So start there. The one thing that
you could rev up is pass rush. When you do
earn the right to rush the pastor and get after him,
(33:57):
don't waste your reps. The worst thing in the world
is when you waste reps and give them data. When
you come off with something clean and it's there, but
the ball gets out or they pick up a first down.
Now they've seen it. Now they've talked about it, and
it kind of negates your advantage. So when you do
have ops to get off the field, you gotta get off,
especially against Sam Donald. If you do and you keep
(34:19):
turning this back over to the Matthew Stafford in this run game,
you have a chance to control it up there and
take the crowd out. Take the crowd out of the game,
and I think that's most important.
Speaker 3 (34:27):
All Right, you didn't take yourself there, So I'm going
to take you to them because I know you well enough.
Anyone remember who was the most vocal in their support
of Sam Darnald after his four giveaway game.
Speaker 2 (34:37):
That's so fun. Oh yeah, they're a middle linebacker.
Speaker 4 (34:40):
Ernest Jones.
Speaker 2 (34:41):
Ernest Jones, Yes, So.
Speaker 3 (34:43):
I mean we talked about Colby going back to the
Pacific Northwest Puna Ford. I mean, my goodness, Warmer Seahawk,
this is a huge matchup for him to kind of
bend this game back on Sam Donald. But the green
dot linebacker battle, not just in terms of this game,
but who's getting postseason accolades DeMarco.
Speaker 2 (35:00):
Far down to the wire. Like you said, there's an
inside backer battle, there's a receiver battle, and there's a
lot at stake for both teams. But that in particular,
is going to be fun. That is going to be
a play made on every single drive by those two guys.
May the best man win.
Speaker 3 (35:18):
And we talk about two guys maybe most likely to
generate an extra possession.
Speaker 2 (35:23):
Yeah, yep, he has five picks. Nate Landman has done
the Landman punch. You know, it's about time for another one.
That would be a game changer. Like you said, diet
touchdowns aren't gonna work. That's field goals. Getting the ball
out certainly will. That will change everything. Diet touchdowns.
Speaker 4 (35:42):
Yeah, that's so good.
Speaker 5 (35:43):
And to your point too, JB. That that type of competition.
Speaker 1 (35:47):
I always think back I was a volleyball player and
you do outside versus outside like best on best and
for whoever got the starting role, and it was.
Speaker 5 (35:53):
Like practice week of competition.
Speaker 1 (35:55):
Like as an athlete, those are the type of competitions
that you live and die for.
Speaker 5 (36:01):
Like that gives me goosebumps.
Speaker 1 (36:02):
It's gonna be incredible to watch some of these supreme
athletes go ahead to head.
Speaker 2 (36:06):
Okay, one more thing before we go. I believe I
one hundred percent believe this. I think some guys are
happier not playing in games like this and still being
great play. I really do. Some guys are just they're
happier being great on teams that aren't going anywhere because
all they have to do is play well and say
look at me. It takes special group of people, a
(36:29):
really good team, a great team, or a potential great
one that wants to be in environments like this because
everybody's watching and there's a lot at stake, you know
what I mean, Like there's think about it. If you
come up on the losing end of this.
Speaker 5 (36:41):
Bad there's more to lose when there's more at.
Speaker 2 (36:43):
Stake, Exactly. Some people don't.
Speaker 5 (36:46):
Rise to the challenge. And I think we got them all.
Speaker 2 (36:48):
I think we do. I think, And it starts with
the starts from the top, the coaching staff down. We
mentioned that earlier. I think they they're ready for this
because they've planned for it, if that makes any sense.
They're not shot by going up to Seattle and having
this on the line. This ain't a fun story like
the Bears. Oh wow, look at Caleb Williams. He's actually
don't know. They planned for this. They planned to be
(37:09):
in environments like this. So I think you've got enough
of those guys on this football team that you can
take it up and do battle with anybody, so they're
not going to blink. Now, you just have to go
up there and play well. I think that's the most
important thing.
Speaker 3 (37:20):
I think this is the second of second of three
meetings between the Seahawks and the Rams this year.
Speaker 2 (37:25):
I I agree.
Speaker 3 (37:27):
I think this one de terms where that third game
is going to be played.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (37:30):
But I think we're going to see this again in January.
Speaker 2 (37:33):
Don't you got a feeling?
Speaker 4 (37:34):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (37:36):
I want to circle back to something we kind of
left on the shelf recapping the win over Seattle earlier
this season, which was the Rams didn't get to a
lot of their stuff, Like it wasn't a productive day offensively,
and credit the Seahawks for everything they did because they're
beautifully built to thwart what the Rams love to do.
But because of those four takeaways, it was a lot
(37:56):
of like short field specialty situation stuff. And I would
like to think that what was a month ago, some
of the preferred plays, some of the preferred answers to
the looks that the Rams have are still dry powder
for this game. Is there any truth to that potential
dynamic that like there's a corner or multiple corners of
(38:17):
the play sheet that Lafleur and they.
Speaker 4 (38:19):
Had that they just didn't get to.
Speaker 2 (38:22):
I would bet that you're right. I do know. When
you turn the ball over and the fields are shorter
than you think and you're playing scramble ball, there's only
so many things you can call. But if you're able
to start your game plan, yeah, everything's gonna look different
and you have answers.
Speaker 3 (38:37):
Offensively, only twelve first downs, not even two hundred and
fifty yards, only twenty two minutes of possession.
Speaker 4 (38:42):
In a game that you won.
Speaker 3 (38:43):
Yeah, right, right, So that's kind of the exception that
proves the rule. But I would like to think that
there's still a good corner of the game plan that
plays well.
Speaker 4 (38:50):
This week.
Speaker 3 (38:52):
I think you got to call out Rashida shaheat and
the difference he makes both in terms of the offense
and if you've watched what he's done on special teams.
He is an X factor that matters, I think in
this game, in addition to all their star personnel on defense.
Speaker 2 (39:04):
So yeah, I put a body on him, yes, sir, put.
Speaker 4 (39:07):
A body on them.
Speaker 2 (39:08):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (39:08):
I will give you my key to victory, which is
I would love to see the Rams score a touchdown
on the first drive. And I say this because Seattle
has not allowed a touchdown on the first drive in
thirteen consecutive games. So I would love to see the
Rams just punch him in the mouth to get things started,
and then I'll go back. I want to see Jason
Myers kicking some field goals. Kick six, I don't care,
go for it. Get those numbers past one fifty three.
(39:31):
That's fine by me, as long as he's not kicking pats.
Any final thoughts before we get out of here.
Speaker 2 (39:37):
Let's get it. It's gonna be fun, Yes, sir, the
first down here you go win, first down, win, first down, win,
first down.
Speaker 1 (39:45):
I will let you guys know it's been wonderful to
have you here with between the horns presented by your
Southern California Dealers for JV.
Speaker 5 (39:51):
Long DeMarco far I'm Cameron.
Speaker 1 (39:52):
Irwin, and I cannot wait to see the new member
on special teams, Christian Alexander. I think maybe a little
extra roster appearance we can away for Thursday night football.
Speaker 5 (40:01):
Be sure to be loud and cheering from wherever you are.
Speaker 1 (40:13):
M hm.
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