December 24, 2025 • 31 mins
Camryn Irwin, D'Marco Farr, and Stu Jackson sit down for an episode of Between the Horns to discuss the NFL playoff picture, reactions to Thursday night's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, previewing Monday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons and more.
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Speaker 1 (00:10):
Welcome to the Christmas Eve edition of Between the Horns.
Kerner went alongside my good friends DeMarco far and Stu Jackson,
and a little bit of some blustery weather, so we
hope you are staying safe out there and nice and
dry here in Los Angeles.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
You guys make it okay this morning.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
I was born and raised in the Midwest. I know
how to drive in the rain. I was in good shape.
Speaker 4 (00:27):
There you go, let's trouble with you that cut me off?
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Well again.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
This is brought to you by your Southern California toilet dealers. Guys,
we are coming off the loss of the Seattle Seahawks,
There's no question about it. It has been a tough week.
I don't think I've recovered, have either of you?
Speaker 4 (00:43):
Oh yeah, way on to Atlanta.
Speaker 5 (00:46):
It makes when you lose a tough game like that,
especially a division game to them up there, it makes
football watching tough. But once you get past the weekend,
I mean, everybody's got their problems and this is not
over by a long shot. Like the season ended in Seattle.
It just made your journey a little bit tougher. And
this is still a very good football team with a
great quarterback. So it stinks, but you have to get
(01:10):
over it quick because you got two left before you
start the postseason.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
You know, if there's one thing I learned about the
NFL in the short time I've been here, just over
one week, a lot can change, and a lot has
changed for Los Angeles Rams in terms of what the
playoff out or the playoff outlook can look like. Right,
you go from first in the NFC to six. But
one thing that hasn't changed for me is that I
don't think this is the sixth best team in the NFC,
(01:35):
let alone the NFL. This is still a top tier team.
You look at the four losses, three of which were
against teams currently leading their divisions, two against divisional rivals
on short weeks. You think about those Thursday night football matchups,
and then you also think about the strength of victory
for this Los Angeles Rams team.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
It's number one in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Have your confidence wavered whatsoever with this team?
Speaker 4 (01:58):
None? Whatsoever?
Speaker 3 (01:59):
Yeah, only because in the times that they've had setbacks,
they've figured out a way to make adjustments. Whether it
was when Puka got hurt in the shift of thirteen personnel,
whether it's you know, changing personnel on special teams to
try to get the you know, field goal operation back
on track, or you know, more recently the case of
(02:20):
you know, changing the direct the leadership direction in that phase. Like,
no matter what it's been throughout the season, after losses
or in wake of you know, schematic or personnel adjustments,
the team has found a way to get back on track.
And so maybe it's just the overarching those over arching
adjustments and that overarching adaptability overall. But I think that's
(02:41):
what gives me confidence more than anything, because I mean,
unfortunately it's not the first time they dealt with a
setback like this, but they've shown they can respond to
it before.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
Yeah, and if you even think just back to last year,
if we were sitting at this point at eleven and four,
I mean, I think we would have all been praising
what was taking place with the Rams.
Speaker 5 (03:00):
If you would have handed me like a beginning of
the year, we'll give you eleven wins and then this
happens and you already made the playoffs, I would definitely
take this.
Speaker 4 (03:08):
So this is an enviable position.
Speaker 5 (03:10):
It just like I said, it hurts because you lost
to Seattle up there, and it was emotional, But I
don't think Seattle left thinking, Okay, we got the Rams.
They still have to worry about the Rams as much
as you have to worry about them, and there's a
lot of football left to play and you may see
them again.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
And understandably, I feel like there were some frustrations coming
out of Thursday night for a multitude of reasons.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
And you can, without question.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
Make a multitude of arguments, but to coach mcvay's point,
you can't make excuses. So I asked the both of you,
from looking at our own execution, what do you feel
like really could have shifted that game back towards our
favor that was within our control?
Speaker 5 (03:46):
H gosh, take away the punt return number one. I mean,
I thought that was a killer because they were absolutely dead.
You did, you had them, the crowd was out of it,
and then that punt return gave them life and then
just kept the ball rowing offensively. I thought there was
some second and six stuff, second and medium stuff down
the stretch that did not work out, got stuffed or whatever,
and that turned into six or third and oh my god,
(04:08):
you're on the road bear trap time and like snowballed
from you. There defensively, you've got to hold up your
end of the bargain. Seattle scored fast, They scored early,
right out of the gate, and then they scored again
on a fifty five yarder to open the second half.
So there's some things that you probably want back there.
(04:29):
But I thought you made enough plays to win the game.
But give Seattle credit for hanging around and then making
more plays than you at the end. And they did
everything they could to protect Sam Darnold. They really did early.
I mean, I've never seen a team go away from
their quarterback so much, maybe with the exception of Carolina,
but that's different. But when they needed him most, he
stepped up big. So tip of the cap to him.
(04:49):
But I thought you made more than enough plays to win.
They just made one more than you did.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
The three and outs, especially by the offense late. I mean,
there were, like you mentioned. I mean, i'd point to
the pun return as well, but I mean there are
things that you could point to, really in all three
phases where just for whatever reason, there was a drop
off in execution that you know, didn't quite allow things
to go the rams way, even though obviously the offense,
you know, gave them a chance.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
There toward the end as we look ahead.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
Of course, the Atlanta Falcons playing on Monday Night football
on this holiday week. I also want to provide some
encouragement because and I don't think you have to look
much further than the man leading the charge. Sean McVay
so impressed with his postgame presser as well as the
Coach McVay show when he sat down with JB. Long,
truly representing not only great leadership, but just competitive grit.
(05:38):
What have you taken from his response this week?
Speaker 5 (05:40):
Wow, he's really good at this. Yeah, I mean just
the whole thing when you think about it. He's a
great coach, he's a brilliant play caller. He can speak
to anyone regardless of where you are, veteran or rookie.
And he's pretty good in the media afterwards when you
know that he see them and he wants to say
(06:01):
a lot, but it's not going to do any good,
So let me give you this and then you know,
let me cool off a little bit.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
But he's fantastic.
Speaker 5 (06:08):
That's the reason outside of Stafford that you feel so confident,
especially coming off this loss. When he says, I feel
sorry for who we have up next. I think he
means it, and that's the way he coaches, and that's
the stuff you like as a player and as a
broadcaster watching. So I believe him when he said, like,
we're going to get better, We're going to lean into this.
He's never going to shy away from it. That's exactly
(06:29):
what you need coming off a Thursday night heartbreaker like this.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
I would say the eagerness to just him talking about
how excited he was to really get back in the
building and work alongside players and coaches to get this
thing back on track, Like you could sell just from
the tone in that response and several responses really from
postgame on, just like how much of a sense of
urgency he has to get this thing right. And that's
(06:54):
the thing that I'm most looking forward to seeing as
they progress through this week.
Speaker 5 (06:57):
It reminded me like a high school for a hot minute,
if he could have to pull the team out and
had them practice right there. That's one of the moments
like he was like, let me be professional, but the
guy was fired up.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
Yeah, I'm having flashbacks.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
A couple quotes that have really stood out to me
this week, again coming from the coach.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
McVeagh show.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
If you haven't had a chance to watch it, I'm
going to encourage you to do so again with JB.
Long this week, I was fired up, ready to run
through a wall, and coach McVay oftentimes gets to this
entire fan base to that point, but setbacks are setups
for a comebacks. That's one of his go tos, his favorites.
But he also discussed our scars will strengthen us and
it always, it always rings true, especially when you consider
(07:34):
just adversity and how much it can strengthen you. He
also talked about not being the victims coming out of
this week, and I love that he said anyone anywhere
doesn't matter from a playoff perspective, He'll take anybody on.
Speaker 5 (07:46):
You know, I've been trying to say that because when
people don't see you on Thursdays and then they want
to ask you questions and it's been two or three
days and they go back to, hey, what happened during
that two point conversion? You ever seen anything like that?
Speaker 4 (07:58):
No? Never, But that's not the reason they lost. Well,
who do I blame?
Speaker 5 (08:02):
Will blame the rams, you know, don't blame the rafts,
don't blame anybody else. Blame the Rams, then I agree
with them. You're not victims. You had plenty of chances
after that to win the football game. That's what I mean.
Tip your cap to Seattle. They're good. It's a learning
I guess deal for you from here on out. When
you get into I guess the do or die days.
(08:23):
These are the players that will keep you from winning
or keep you moving towards your goal. So take it
as a lesson and move forward. You're not a victim.
Nothing happened to you. You just lost a football game.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Also really cool too, when you think about the last
ot loss that the Rams had, after which they went
on a six game win streak. Just for those wondering,
might as well start counting them now. From here to
taking home the Lombardy would require six more. All right,
guys to.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
Stop.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
I know, I look too far down the bath. I apologize.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
Let's talk a little bit about consistency though, because that's
another area where I feel like the Rams want to improve,
specifically in the fourth quarter. Do you feel like there
is a phase that it really started to show up
or is there a pattern there for the Rams?
Speaker 4 (09:14):
Gosh, I mean, that's a hard one.
Speaker 5 (09:17):
I do think You played right into Seattle's advantage right
when it started to snowball, and like you had it.
Speaker 4 (09:25):
You you had it for most of the game, and
you took the crowd out of it.
Speaker 5 (09:27):
You ran the football, I thought more effectively than what
was on the page. You ran it thirty nine times.
That's a whole lot of people sitting on their hands
hoping they get the ball back. But once it started
to snowball, you could not get the control back. And
that's something I guess you could, you know, attach on
to the fourth quarter and Sam Darnold coming alive. Look,
(09:48):
I think outside of Kobe Turner, I think you met
you need some more interior pass rush. I think your
edge guys are there. Both guys made the Pro Bowl.
So there's just a few plays here or there that
you wish you could have had back. But for the
most part, I think you have a good group that
can rush, You have a good group that can cover.
(10:10):
Versus Seattle, this is wild. You can say that might
be the matchup where you would favor the corner, the
Rams corners versus that quarterback. It's not gonna happen that often.
And I thought they played great for the most part.
It's just a few plays here or there that you've
got to tighten up and get off the field. Here's
one that really drove everybody crazy that no one's really
talking about. Remember that third and sixteen play where they
(10:30):
picked up seventeen on a draw. Cannot happen. That stuff
cannot happen. That this defense, this team is much better
than that, But you can't give them free chances.
Speaker 4 (10:41):
That was right before the two minute.
Speaker 5 (10:42):
If you get the ball back there, you may have
a chance to extend the lead and you know, kill
the Seahawks right there. So those little moments you've got
to be better at. But for the most part, I
think you've got enough to win.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Yeah, So I was gonna say just containing those explosives especially,
I mean, they did a good job of that really
up until the fourth quarter. But like you mentioned, that
drawplay on third and sixteen that went for seventeen, some
of the explosive pass plays like that was probably the
biggest aberration for me in terms of, you know, the consistency,
consistency that they had shown through the game before, you know,
things kind of unrabbled a little bit.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
A little bit of a tough week as well, from
the top down. Some changes being made in the special
teams leadership. Chase Blackburn released this week as a special
teams coordinator and Ben Weika, now the special teams coordinator,
has some history over at Denver, but also history elsewhere.
Speaker 4 (11:34):
DeMarco, Yeah, he's a army guy, very discipline. I've talked
to him, I shouk.
Speaker 5 (11:40):
I've never really had a conversation with him, but you
can tell the guy walks with a purpose. He intimidates
me from afar, So I mean that can only help
a group like the third phase of this of this
football team. That's like you said, you just lost a
special teams coach. Hopefully that will get everyone's at ten.
(12:00):
But punt return a mess field goal. It is what
it is. It probably had to happen. But from this
point on, you hope with a coaching change, like you said,
there'll be more attention to detail than ever before. And
we went about three weeks without talking about teams that much.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
Hopefully we can get back to that, but it is
what it is.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
How quick of a response can you see?
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Man?
Speaker 5 (12:22):
You know I've been part of teams that have fired
coaches mid season, and it does you get that dead
cat bounce.
Speaker 4 (12:30):
It really does suck as a player.
Speaker 5 (12:31):
And I'll say this, and I'll be candid when your
play gets someone fired, because it's not Chase Blackburn that's kicking.
Speaker 4 (12:38):
It's not Chase Blackburn that's covering. That's you, guys.
Speaker 5 (12:41):
So at some point as a player, when you realize
that you cost someone their job, maybe you might want
to just focus.
Speaker 4 (12:49):
A little bit more.
Speaker 5 (12:50):
This week, I hear, regardless of who's at the top,
you know, barking out the orders.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
All right, well let's move to a little bit more positivity.
The Rams offense to be firing still on all cylinders,
especially with Matthew Stafford throwing the ball. I mean, this
guy now over four thousand passing yards, forty touchdowns. I mean,
it seems as if his MVP worthy year just continues
to climb. One of the things I noted though, he's
(13:17):
been phenomenal against the Blitz. Just in the last month alone,
he's had twenty six touchdowns, one interception against the Blitz.
Blitz eighty seven point one passer grade. The next closest
Caleb Williams with fourteen against the Blitz. And I say
this because Atlanta second highest blitz rate in the NFL
coming up this week. How much of a difference could
(13:37):
Stafford be in this one?
Speaker 4 (13:38):
I'm gonst stop talking, go ahead, man.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
He could be a huge difference maker. I mean, obviously
just because of the MVP level that he's playing at,
but you know, also just the total command that he
has and how open the playbook is for him and
the play calling head coach and Sean McVay. I mean,
it helps that he's got a run game that's really
supporting him and that opens things up, you know, from
a play action standpoint, which he's also been really great
(14:03):
at this year. But the way he's playing like that,
that's very much going to be a big keap Monday night,
especially if Atlanta sticks with that aggressive approach.
Speaker 5 (14:13):
I think I love this stuff in between the plays,
and it's the stuff that goes on between defense and quarterback.
When there is trash talk directed towards him or somebody
else on his team, he is the first to jump
in there and he is not afraid to bark back,
and you've got to respect that. And not only just
bark back, he's coming after you and moving the football,
and then once he makes a play on you, he's
(14:34):
gonna stare you down that stuff. I love when your quarterback,
for all intents and purposes, is the toughest guy on
your roster. Now you may not knock you out, but
he'll knock you out with this, with this pinpoint passing.
And I can't believe we went through half the show
and didn't say Pooka yet.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Well he was just.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
The next one potential offensive player of the year question mark.
Speaker 5 (14:55):
Okay, so you guys know I like comic books. Have
you ever seen ghost Rider? This motorcycle do that's riding?
That's on fire. That's what he looked like in Seattle.
I swear every time he caught it across the middle.
And I said this and Isaac and Tory, I love
you guys. I've seen those guys cut up defenses. And
one's in the Hall of Fame, one's about to go
into the Hall of Fame. It's never looked like that.
(15:18):
Most people want to hit Tory and want to hit Isaac.
No one wanted to come close to hitting Puka. I mean,
he was absolutely on fire. So I don't know what
that garners. Hopefully it garners a trophy, which all that matters.
But you know, he is an absolute weapon and he's
on one. That's something you need to feed moving forward.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
Well, DeMarco, I'm glad you mentioned the name Isaac Bruce
because Pukakua is in very familiar territory with Isaac Bruce
one hundred and sixty five plus receiving yards in three
straight games. The last to do it was Isaac Bruce.
The only two to do it Nikua and Isaac Bruce,
and it was all the way back.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
In nineteen ninety five. That's just how good he's become.
Speaker 5 (16:02):
See, this is the difference between the distraction and colorful.
When you play like that, you're colorful.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
Okay, Well, one other area of focus we ought to
talk about Davante Adams. We were without him in a Seattle.
I've noticed you could feel his absence for me. Obviously
it was late game, but more so is actually on
our second and third drive we go what seventy five
just around eighty plus yards and we walk away with
two field goals versus not having that red zone threat.
(16:32):
Where did you see DeVante adams absence and how did
you feel about knat Momfield stepping in momfield?
Speaker 5 (16:37):
I thought is athletic, even his incompletions are like whoa
did you see that? You know, like try that again,
but definitely around the red zone, just everywhere on the field.
Davante's an issue and he's a problem that every defense
must solve. And even on some touchdown passes. And this
is so funny, like going back to when Parkinson caught one.
Instead of going to give high five to Colby Parkinson
(17:00):
who just caught the touchdown, Sean McVay sprinted to DeVante
Adams and said, that was because of you, because the
attention they're giving you that got that guy open. So
not having him on the field advantage anybody else playing
the Rams When he's out there, he's one of the best.
So but I thought, Mumfield, I thought Xavier Smith came
up big. I thought a lot of people came up
(17:22):
big trying to cover up for the fact that you
didn't have Davante. But you would rather have him on
the field than just about anybody else out there.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
Well, how about Terrence Ferguson too, And you should have
had what two touchdowns last week? And I thought he
should have pretty well in the red zone too, especially
not having DeVante in that phase.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Well, let's flip it defensively, A lot of questions just
around pass rush rush are we getting home? Obviously Sam Donald,
he had been uncomfortable against the Rams. What was your
grade of the pass rush against Sam Donald?
Speaker 5 (17:51):
You know, it's funny, like, okay, So if you look
at who made the Pro Bowl, you got two edge guys.
So how do you get around two guys that could
possibly knock your quarterback down. We'll get the ball out
of your hands as fast as possible. So that was
their game plan. Run run, run, run, throw the ball
out quick. By the time you're getting to your first
pass rush move, you're in pursuit trying to wear you
(18:14):
down that way. I think the pass rush is there
if you can get them to hold it, or if
you can get them in favorable situations and then get
off the field. Like I said, there's no way any
offense in the world should be able to pick up
a third and sixteen, but they did. That's a defensive error.
But if you do and you rush the passer. I
think this is why I don't think Seattle wanted to
test those edge guys.
Speaker 4 (18:35):
I really don't.
Speaker 5 (18:36):
I think that Jared Verse is a hammer. It's not
very pretty what he does. It's just very effective, which
is pick your tackle up and throw them into your
quarterback and the other guy is a file at knife.
So yeah, I think the pass rush is there. It's
just that game. Can you get them to hold it
long enough so you can get to them and if not,
(18:56):
you're going to be chasing ghost half the game.
Speaker 4 (18:58):
But if you do, I believe you have enough rush
to get.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
There, because they were using quite a bit of motion
and misdirection screen passes to really try to beat that
edge pressure. Right like that first drive the screen pass
to Kenth Walker, I think it was right like they're
trying to get the really fast.
Speaker 5 (19:13):
I mean, I mean when you turn on the tape,
it's it may not be in the counting stats, you know,
like sacks and pressures, and he's got a ton of those,
but when you watch Jared Vers go to work on
a tackle, it's brutal, it really is. And I think
he's knocked three of them out. I'm not kidding, Like
that's how physical it is. And you can only imagine
(19:34):
what that looks like as a quarterback when you're dropping
back to pass. So I think you have enough. I
think the Pro Bowl says it. It's just one of
those things you have to get off the field when
possible so you can save yourself for the fourth quarter.
Speaker 1 (19:48):
What about Kobe Turner, I feel like maybe a new
phase of his game has potentially been unlocked, just his
athleticism dropping back and coming away with that pick versus Seattle.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
Have you seen him do something like that before? Azy?
Speaker 5 (20:00):
Okay, so I gave Aiden Hutchinson all kinds of props
for catching that that bullet from Matthew Stafford. You've been surpassed.
That's a big fella going backwards right. Oh no, bobble,
let's go yes, sir, big fellows or athletes too.
Speaker 4 (20:16):
Yeah, he's having a heck of a year.
Speaker 1 (20:17):
Man.
Speaker 4 (20:17):
I cannot believe he didn't get a Pro Bowl nod.
Speaker 5 (20:19):
Yeah, he has been fantastic run and pass obviously, and
now you can catch too.
Speaker 4 (20:24):
So yeah, what else can you do? Yep?
Speaker 1 (20:26):
Uh and five and a half stacks over the last
five games for Kobe Turner another piece of the defense.
This one has been missing. The team has gone three
and two since not having Quentin Lake. I mean, can
it be tomorrow? When is the return of q? Can
we get them back? Because it could be the difference
maker for the secondary.
Speaker 3 (20:44):
Well, last time Sean McVay spoke about q he made
it sound like it was maybe more likely that a
playoff return was in the cards for Quintin. But you know,
we'll see if he says any different, if you know,
when he gets asked about it this week, potentially, But
you know, I think Josh Wallace has done pretty well.
I mean, again, there's no replacing and but as well
(21:06):
as he has played, there's no replacing a Quinton Lake
with the level of preparation he has for every game
and just the level of experience that he has. You know,
you and I have talked about this to Marco, like
the amount of reps that he's gotten over the years
is part of the reason that's made him into the
player he is today. And so whenever that experience does
come back, I think the Rams will very much welcome
(21:28):
it because, again, especially with the versatility he has, being
able to play on the back end, being able to
play at star you know, being able to communicate and
work in tandem with Nate Landman in the middle of
that defense. It's something that I think they've you know,
at times, definitely missed.
Speaker 4 (21:42):
Super high football. IQ.
Speaker 5 (21:44):
Yeah, that's only going to help one thing for Josh Wallace.
Just run through the line. Just I mean, the Rams scored.
Speaker 4 (21:54):
Blake Korm says, thank you all.
Speaker 5 (21:55):
Take the rushing touchdown, but run through the line, just
just saying I gotcha.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
Let's talk some matchups with the Atlanta Falcons. First and foremost,
how in the world do you contain Bijon Robinson.
Speaker 4 (22:10):
Easier said than done.
Speaker 5 (22:12):
Well, look, it's do what you've been doing against the
run for the most part, with the exception of that
last fifty five yarder, which was a great your missile
ligne to begin with and then he hit it. But
for the most part, you've done a great job against
the run. So it's all eleven. Everyone has to do
their job and then pursue like crazy. He's really really good,
(22:32):
but so was McCaffrey, so was Sa Kuan, so was
you know, such and such Jonathan Taylor, so is everybody.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
So you have to be in your gaps.
Speaker 5 (22:43):
You still have that going for you, and then you
have to make tackles. That's the one thing that drove
me nuts and drives every coach nuts, is when you've
got it dialed up perfect and they break tackles, so
he's one of the best tackle breakers, So you have
to be on your p's and q's. I'm sure the
extra rest is going to help you step to contact.
Not just flounder, but you have to be able to tackle,
(23:04):
but all eleven too.
Speaker 4 (23:04):
The ball.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
Yeah, you think about what Bijon's been able to do
over two thousand scrimmage yards, just the third player in
Atlanta history to surpass that mark. We have rookies to
going on both sides with t Ferg and then James Pierce.
You think about that trade that took place before the draft,
and James Pierce has come up big.
Speaker 2 (23:23):
For them, Big T.
Speaker 5 (23:24):
I think he may have the team record for touchdowns
called back Tee Ferg Right, I think he may be close.
He's made some plays and he's only gotten credit for
like half of them.
Speaker 4 (23:34):
But you can see the talent there.
Speaker 5 (23:37):
You can see what he does to a defense and
when they go thirteen, depending on who you are and
depending on who's hot that day, he's the guy that
could really really change a game plan for you because
there's only so much you can game plan for, and
it may come as soon as Monday night, depending on
who's out there for the Rams, because I'm sure Rahie
(23:57):
Morris is not gonna let Pooka Nakua just run up
and down the field on him.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
I'm sure he's going to have something.
Speaker 5 (24:02):
And like you said, they're going to be blitz happy
and blitz crazy if you take one part of Seattle's
game plan. This is either by game plan or just
their demeanor was they were trying to put Stafford on
his butt hard. So that would be I guess, akin
to what Rahie Morris is known for, you know, throwing
as many rocks as he can at the quarterback and
(24:23):
see if he can get the knockdowns. So t ferg
on those one on ones, those matchup nightmares. It's got
to become a nightmare on Monday Night.
Speaker 3 (24:30):
It's remarkable how many of his catches this season have
gone for over twenty yards. I mean, I'd have to
go back and look, but it feels like he's averaging
something like twenty twenty five yards a catch with the
involvement that he's had. It's pretty telling too. I think
you know, I was looking at the snapcounts from last week.
That was the most he's played in a game to
this point. Which I think speaks to his growth and
development and how much the coaches trust him at this point.
(24:53):
You know, obviously when Tyler Higbee was healthy, that was
factoring into I'm sure like his involvement, but and you know,
actually being a red zones target, like we mentioned with
Devonte Adams being you know, unavailable, it's been he's been
really important and he'll be really important again here Monday night.
Speaker 1 (25:09):
I think so much familiarity between these two teams. I
mean everywhere you look, whether it's Raheem, you got Zak Robinson,
also cousins and of course coach McVeigh go all the
way back as well. How much does that familiarity kind
of change the connection and preparation.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
Does it change it at all?
Speaker 5 (25:26):
Well, this is funny. This is as teacher student. So
you would hope that they bought.
Speaker 2 (25:32):
Have very fair point, right, You would hope that.
Speaker 5 (25:35):
You know, you, you would change your calls because I'm
sure he's going to tell you like if you see
this is going to be that you know, so there's
going to be some carryover on both sides. There'll be
some some plays like I'll give you for instance, I
told you about that Detroit play with Angeloni when he
calls out the screen and then Hutchinson picks it off.
Speaker 4 (25:52):
There's going to be.
Speaker 5 (25:53):
Some of that going on where you know where the
ball is going based on what the call was just made. So, uh,
the thing that it is. It may it may be
a trap, that's the thing, but it's always going to
be fun. But I still think the Rams are the
better football team and if they do bring their a
game like I said, and make the plays at the end,
(26:14):
you should be able to beat Atlanta no matter what
type of game this turns out to be.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
Well, we have our own little chess piece as well,
right Nate Landman making his return to Atlanta. He played
his first three seasons there. Now we'll have him with
the Los Angeles Rams for a handful of years.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
There you go.
Speaker 1 (26:27):
It's pretty good, right, absolutely, without question. A couple nods
to Pro bowlers you already mentioned, two of which Jared
Verse of course, and Byron Young. Jared Verse going two
of two in his first two seasons. The other two
Stafford and Nikoa. Feels like no brainers between those two.
So congratulations to all of the Pro bowlers with the
Los Angeles Rams, guys, let's close out, the show your
(26:49):
keys to victory. What is it going to take to
take down the Falcons on Monday Night football? And of
course try start climbing our way back up those higher
seeds in the NFC.
Speaker 4 (27:00):
When the balls out, pick it up handed to the ref.
Speaker 2 (27:02):
No, I don't think.
Speaker 4 (27:07):
Uh, you know what I would.
Speaker 5 (27:08):
I'll say, close out games or finished games the way
you start them and play like you've already sees momentum.
I mean that's that's old coach speak, but I think
it applies right now. So uh, if the defense finishes
like they start, uh, they'll have a better chance to
win in the game. And uh, when you have a
game in hand, and this goes without saying, you can
never relax versus anyone not saying the Rams relax. I
(27:30):
went in the coast mode. But it's never over until
it's over. I think we've learned that less than three
times this year. So I hope that from this point on,
when you have a chance to knock a team out,
you go ahead and finish him off and finish the
football game.
Speaker 3 (27:45):
I was gonna say, I think it comes down to you,
like we talked about it earlier, containing Jon Robinson for
one you you you contain him and and you limit
that run game that gets you into more known pass
passing downs and situations which a lows the pass rushed off.
And then if you can accomplish those things, you just
gotta be sticky in coverage to prevent explosives to guys
(28:06):
like Kyle Pitts, Drake London, or even Jon in the
passing game. But it almost feels a little bit similar
to the Seahawks last week in terms of I think
a similar game plan, at least defensively maybe, and you
should see a win Monday night.
Speaker 4 (28:22):
What do you think to market? I'm right there with you.
Pets is scary. He is.
Speaker 5 (28:26):
You think his numbers should be better, but he's not
a guy you can just sleep on. And Drake London,
like the name scares you and then the game goes
with it. So another big receiver that can give you
problems if you don't get to the quarterback.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
As a final topic, bar too, you talked about just
the eagerness you saw from coach mcphay. He also said,
we want to be aggressive without being reckless. What does
that look like? How does that show up on Monday
night football?
Speaker 4 (28:51):
Wow? Aggressive without being reckless. How can we put that
into words?
Speaker 1 (28:55):
Is that on the offensive side, is that on the
defensive side. He was even referring to every phase, even teams.
Speaker 5 (29:00):
The first thing that comes to mind is this postgame
press conference. There you go like how not to go
nuts when you want to? But same thing, you know,
you have to play the defense called resist the urge
to gamble and just go play your game and trust
that it's going to be enough, you know what I mean. Yeah,
but every now and then I'll Kobe Turner. Every now
(29:21):
and then you're gonna have to step beyond and step
it up a notch to you know, to help your
team win. So I think that's what it is, not
violating what the team needs you to be while playing
all out at the same time, if that makes any sense.
Speaker 3 (29:35):
I think too about the fourth down mentality over the
last few games especially, I mean, that's been something whether
it's been fourth and short, fourth and five, whatever it
may be, like, that's been such a tone Those have
been such tone setting decisions for the offense, and I
think has had a you know, a ripple effect that
that's something that I could see as like fitting that
bill where it's like being aggressive without being reckless, because
(29:57):
it's clearly paid off for that offense. Paid off for
the offense and help them a ton.
Speaker 1 (30:02):
Yeah, the Rams are sitting atop the NFL in terms
of fourth down conversions. To your point, it's definitely been
a bright spot for them. One last flower to give out.
Sean McVay currently looking for his one hundredth career when
it could come Monday Night against the Falcons. And this
is what's wild. You think of the company he keeps.
He has not hit forty years old. There have only
(30:23):
been two to get to one hundred career wins, and
that's including the playoffs under the age of forty. And
that's Curly Lambeau and George Hallis talk about some great
company to keep. I mean, Sean fine, number one hundred.
Let's go celebrate in Sofi Stadium here in just a
few short days.
Speaker 2 (30:41):
How about that?
Speaker 4 (30:42):
Unbelievable?
Speaker 5 (30:44):
Just two names, like not just names, but like the names,
and here you are. It's hard, like we said, to
recognize greatness when it's in front of you. I bet
all he's thinking about is Monday night. But that's a
hell of a list.
Speaker 4 (30:55):
To be on.
Speaker 1 (30:55):
Yep, all right, guys, this has been wonderful. Happy Holidays,
and happy Holidays to all of you you as well.
This has been between the Horns presented by your Southern
California Toyota dealers. We hope you guys have a merry
Christmas and please stay safe you're in Los Angeles, and
of course root for your Los Angeles Rams come Monday
night
Welcome to the Christmas Eve edition of Between the Horns.
Kerner went alongside my good friends DeMarco far and Stu Jackson,
and a little bit of some blustery weather, so we
hope you are staying safe out there and nice and
dry here in Los Angeles.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
You guys make it okay this morning.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
I was born and raised in the Midwest. I know
how to drive in the rain. I was in good shape.
Speaker 4 (00:27):
There you go, let's trouble with you that cut me off?
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Well again.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
This is brought to you by your Southern California toilet dealers. Guys,
we are coming off the loss of the Seattle Seahawks,
There's no question about it. It has been a tough week.
I don't think I've recovered, have either of you?
Speaker 4 (00:43):
Oh yeah, way on to Atlanta.
Speaker 5 (00:46):
It makes when you lose a tough game like that,
especially a division game to them up there, it makes
football watching tough. But once you get past the weekend,
I mean, everybody's got their problems and this is not
over by a long shot. Like the season ended in Seattle.
It just made your journey a little bit tougher. And
this is still a very good football team with a
great quarterback. So it stinks, but you have to get
(01:10):
over it quick because you got two left before you
start the postseason.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
You know, if there's one thing I learned about the
NFL in the short time I've been here, just over
one week, a lot can change, and a lot has
changed for Los Angeles Rams in terms of what the
playoff out or the playoff outlook can look like. Right,
you go from first in the NFC to six. But
one thing that hasn't changed for me is that I
don't think this is the sixth best team in the NFC,
(01:35):
let alone the NFL. This is still a top tier team.
You look at the four losses, three of which were
against teams currently leading their divisions, two against divisional rivals
on short weeks. You think about those Thursday night football matchups,
and then you also think about the strength of victory
for this Los Angeles Rams team.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
It's number one in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Have your confidence wavered whatsoever with this team?
Speaker 4 (01:58):
None? Whatsoever?
Speaker 3 (01:59):
Yeah, only because in the times that they've had setbacks,
they've figured out a way to make adjustments. Whether it
was when Puka got hurt in the shift of thirteen personnel,
whether it's you know, changing personnel on special teams to
try to get the you know, field goal operation back
on track, or you know, more recently the case of
(02:20):
you know, changing the direct the leadership direction in that phase. Like,
no matter what it's been throughout the season, after losses
or in wake of you know, schematic or personnel adjustments,
the team has found a way to get back on track.
And so maybe it's just the overarching those over arching
adjustments and that overarching adaptability overall. But I think that's
(02:41):
what gives me confidence more than anything, because I mean,
unfortunately it's not the first time they dealt with a
setback like this, but they've shown they can respond to
it before.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
Yeah, and if you even think just back to last year,
if we were sitting at this point at eleven and four,
I mean, I think we would have all been praising
what was taking place with the Rams.
Speaker 5 (03:00):
If you would have handed me like a beginning of
the year, we'll give you eleven wins and then this
happens and you already made the playoffs, I would definitely
take this.
Speaker 4 (03:08):
So this is an enviable position.
Speaker 5 (03:10):
It just like I said, it hurts because you lost
to Seattle up there, and it was emotional, But I
don't think Seattle left thinking, Okay, we got the Rams.
They still have to worry about the Rams as much
as you have to worry about them, and there's a
lot of football left to play and you may see
them again.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
And understandably, I feel like there were some frustrations coming
out of Thursday night for a multitude of reasons.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
And you can, without question.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
Make a multitude of arguments, but to coach mcvay's point,
you can't make excuses. So I asked the both of you,
from looking at our own execution, what do you feel
like really could have shifted that game back towards our
favor that was within our control?
Speaker 5 (03:46):
H gosh, take away the punt return number one. I mean,
I thought that was a killer because they were absolutely dead.
You did, you had them, the crowd was out of it,
and then that punt return gave them life and then
just kept the ball rowing offensively. I thought there was
some second and six stuff, second and medium stuff down
the stretch that did not work out, got stuffed or whatever,
and that turned into six or third and oh my god,
(04:08):
you're on the road bear trap time and like snowballed
from you. There defensively, you've got to hold up your
end of the bargain. Seattle scored fast, They scored early,
right out of the gate, and then they scored again
on a fifty five yarder to open the second half.
So there's some things that you probably want back there.
(04:29):
But I thought you made enough plays to win the game.
But give Seattle credit for hanging around and then making
more plays than you at the end. And they did
everything they could to protect Sam Darnold. They really did early.
I mean, I've never seen a team go away from
their quarterback so much, maybe with the exception of Carolina,
but that's different. But when they needed him most, he
stepped up big. So tip of the cap to him.
(04:49):
But I thought you made more than enough plays to win.
They just made one more than you did.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
The three and outs, especially by the offense late. I mean,
there were, like you mentioned. I mean, i'd point to
the pun return as well, but I mean there are
things that you could point to, really in all three
phases where just for whatever reason, there was a drop
off in execution that you know, didn't quite allow things
to go the rams way, even though obviously the offense,
you know, gave them a chance.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
There toward the end as we look ahead.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
Of course, the Atlanta Falcons playing on Monday Night football
on this holiday week. I also want to provide some
encouragement because and I don't think you have to look
much further than the man leading the charge. Sean McVay
so impressed with his postgame presser as well as the
Coach McVay show when he sat down with JB. Long,
truly representing not only great leadership, but just competitive grit.
(05:38):
What have you taken from his response this week?
Speaker 5 (05:40):
Wow, he's really good at this. Yeah, I mean just
the whole thing when you think about it. He's a
great coach, he's a brilliant play caller. He can speak
to anyone regardless of where you are, veteran or rookie.
And he's pretty good in the media afterwards when you
know that he see them and he wants to say
(06:01):
a lot, but it's not going to do any good,
So let me give you this and then you know,
let me cool off a little bit.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
But he's fantastic.
Speaker 5 (06:08):
That's the reason outside of Stafford that you feel so confident,
especially coming off this loss. When he says, I feel
sorry for who we have up next. I think he
means it, and that's the way he coaches, and that's
the stuff you like as a player and as a
broadcaster watching. So I believe him when he said, like,
we're going to get better, We're going to lean into this.
He's never going to shy away from it. That's exactly
(06:29):
what you need coming off a Thursday night heartbreaker like this.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
I would say the eagerness to just him talking about
how excited he was to really get back in the
building and work alongside players and coaches to get this
thing back on track, Like you could sell just from
the tone in that response and several responses really from
postgame on, just like how much of a sense of
urgency he has to get this thing right. And that's
(06:54):
the thing that I'm most looking forward to seeing as
they progress through this week.
Speaker 5 (06:57):
It reminded me like a high school for a hot minute,
if he could have to pull the team out and
had them practice right there. That's one of the moments
like he was like, let me be professional, but the
guy was fired up.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
Yeah, I'm having flashbacks.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
A couple quotes that have really stood out to me
this week, again coming from the coach.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
McVeagh show.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
If you haven't had a chance to watch it, I'm
going to encourage you to do so again with JB.
Long this week, I was fired up, ready to run
through a wall, and coach McVay oftentimes gets to this
entire fan base to that point, but setbacks are setups
for a comebacks. That's one of his go tos, his favorites.
But he also discussed our scars will strengthen us and
it always, it always rings true, especially when you consider
(07:34):
just adversity and how much it can strengthen you. He
also talked about not being the victims coming out of
this week, and I love that he said anyone anywhere
doesn't matter from a playoff perspective, He'll take anybody on.
Speaker 5 (07:46):
You know, I've been trying to say that because when
people don't see you on Thursdays and then they want
to ask you questions and it's been two or three
days and they go back to, hey, what happened during
that two point conversion? You ever seen anything like that?
Speaker 4 (07:58):
No? Never, But that's not the reason they lost. Well,
who do I blame?
Speaker 5 (08:02):
Will blame the rams, you know, don't blame the rafts,
don't blame anybody else. Blame the Rams, then I agree
with them. You're not victims. You had plenty of chances
after that to win the football game. That's what I mean.
Tip your cap to Seattle. They're good. It's a learning
I guess deal for you from here on out. When
you get into I guess the do or die days.
(08:23):
These are the players that will keep you from winning
or keep you moving towards your goal. So take it
as a lesson and move forward. You're not a victim.
Nothing happened to you. You just lost a football game.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Also really cool too, when you think about the last
ot loss that the Rams had, after which they went
on a six game win streak. Just for those wondering,
might as well start counting them now. From here to
taking home the Lombardy would require six more. All right,
guys to.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
Stop.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
I know, I look too far down the bath. I apologize.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
Let's talk a little bit about consistency though, because that's
another area where I feel like the Rams want to improve,
specifically in the fourth quarter. Do you feel like there
is a phase that it really started to show up
or is there a pattern there for the Rams?
Speaker 4 (09:14):
Gosh, I mean, that's a hard one.
Speaker 5 (09:17):
I do think You played right into Seattle's advantage right
when it started to snowball, and like you had it.
Speaker 4 (09:25):
You you had it for most of the game, and
you took the crowd out of it.
Speaker 5 (09:27):
You ran the football, I thought more effectively than what
was on the page. You ran it thirty nine times.
That's a whole lot of people sitting on their hands
hoping they get the ball back. But once it started
to snowball, you could not get the control back. And
that's something I guess you could, you know, attach on
to the fourth quarter and Sam Darnold coming alive. Look,
(09:48):
I think outside of Kobe Turner, I think you met
you need some more interior pass rush. I think your
edge guys are there. Both guys made the Pro Bowl.
So there's just a few plays here or there that
you wish you could have had back. But for the
most part, I think you have a good group that
can rush, You have a good group that can cover.
(10:10):
Versus Seattle, this is wild. You can say that might
be the matchup where you would favor the corner, the
Rams corners versus that quarterback. It's not gonna happen that often.
And I thought they played great for the most part.
It's just a few plays here or there that you've
got to tighten up and get off the field. Here's
one that really drove everybody crazy that no one's really
talking about. Remember that third and sixteen play where they
(10:30):
picked up seventeen on a draw. Cannot happen. That stuff
cannot happen. That this defense, this team is much better
than that, But you can't give them free chances.
Speaker 4 (10:41):
That was right before the two minute.
Speaker 5 (10:42):
If you get the ball back there, you may have
a chance to extend the lead and you know, kill
the Seahawks right there. So those little moments you've got
to be better at. But for the most part, I
think you've got enough to win.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Yeah, So I was gonna say just containing those explosives especially,
I mean, they did a good job of that really
up until the fourth quarter. But like you mentioned, that
drawplay on third and sixteen that went for seventeen, some
of the explosive pass plays like that was probably the
biggest aberration for me in terms of, you know, the consistency,
consistency that they had shown through the game before, you know,
things kind of unrabbled a little bit.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
A little bit of a tough week as well, from
the top down. Some changes being made in the special
teams leadership. Chase Blackburn released this week as a special
teams coordinator and Ben Weika, now the special teams coordinator,
has some history over at Denver, but also history elsewhere.
Speaker 4 (11:34):
DeMarco, Yeah, he's a army guy, very discipline. I've talked
to him, I shouk.
Speaker 5 (11:40):
I've never really had a conversation with him, but you
can tell the guy walks with a purpose. He intimidates
me from afar, So I mean that can only help
a group like the third phase of this of this
football team. That's like you said, you just lost a
special teams coach. Hopefully that will get everyone's at ten.
(12:00):
But punt return a mess field goal. It is what
it is. It probably had to happen. But from this
point on, you hope with a coaching change, like you said,
there'll be more attention to detail than ever before. And
we went about three weeks without talking about teams that much.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
Hopefully we can get back to that, but it is
what it is.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
How quick of a response can you see?
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Man?
Speaker 5 (12:22):
You know I've been part of teams that have fired
coaches mid season, and it does you get that dead
cat bounce.
Speaker 4 (12:30):
It really does suck as a player.
Speaker 5 (12:31):
And I'll say this, and I'll be candid when your
play gets someone fired, because it's not Chase Blackburn that's kicking.
Speaker 4 (12:38):
It's not Chase Blackburn that's covering. That's you, guys.
Speaker 5 (12:41):
So at some point as a player, when you realize
that you cost someone their job, maybe you might want
to just focus.
Speaker 4 (12:49):
A little bit more.
Speaker 5 (12:50):
This week, I hear, regardless of who's at the top,
you know, barking out the orders.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
All right, well let's move to a little bit more positivity.
The Rams offense to be firing still on all cylinders,
especially with Matthew Stafford throwing the ball. I mean, this
guy now over four thousand passing yards, forty touchdowns. I mean,
it seems as if his MVP worthy year just continues
to climb. One of the things I noted though, he's
(13:17):
been phenomenal against the Blitz. Just in the last month alone,
he's had twenty six touchdowns, one interception against the Blitz.
Blitz eighty seven point one passer grade. The next closest
Caleb Williams with fourteen against the Blitz. And I say
this because Atlanta second highest blitz rate in the NFL
coming up this week. How much of a difference could
(13:37):
Stafford be in this one?
Speaker 4 (13:38):
I'm gonst stop talking, go ahead, man.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
He could be a huge difference maker. I mean, obviously
just because of the MVP level that he's playing at,
but you know, also just the total command that he
has and how open the playbook is for him and
the play calling head coach and Sean McVay. I mean,
it helps that he's got a run game that's really
supporting him and that opens things up, you know, from
a play action standpoint, which he's also been really great
(14:03):
at this year. But the way he's playing like that,
that's very much going to be a big keap Monday night,
especially if Atlanta sticks with that aggressive approach.
Speaker 5 (14:13):
I think I love this stuff in between the plays,
and it's the stuff that goes on between defense and quarterback.
When there is trash talk directed towards him or somebody
else on his team, he is the first to jump
in there and he is not afraid to bark back,
and you've got to respect that. And not only just
bark back, he's coming after you and moving the football,
and then once he makes a play on you, he's
(14:34):
gonna stare you down that stuff. I love when your quarterback,
for all intents and purposes, is the toughest guy on
your roster. Now you may not knock you out, but
he'll knock you out with this, with this pinpoint passing.
And I can't believe we went through half the show
and didn't say Pooka yet.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Well he was just.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
The next one potential offensive player of the year question mark.
Speaker 5 (14:55):
Okay, so you guys know I like comic books. Have
you ever seen ghost Rider? This motorcycle do that's riding?
That's on fire. That's what he looked like in Seattle.
I swear every time he caught it across the middle.
And I said this and Isaac and Tory, I love
you guys. I've seen those guys cut up defenses. And
one's in the Hall of Fame, one's about to go
into the Hall of Fame. It's never looked like that.
(15:18):
Most people want to hit Tory and want to hit Isaac.
No one wanted to come close to hitting Puka. I mean,
he was absolutely on fire. So I don't know what
that garners. Hopefully it garners a trophy, which all that matters.
But you know, he is an absolute weapon and he's
on one. That's something you need to feed moving forward.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
Well, DeMarco, I'm glad you mentioned the name Isaac Bruce
because Pukakua is in very familiar territory with Isaac Bruce
one hundred and sixty five plus receiving yards in three
straight games. The last to do it was Isaac Bruce.
The only two to do it Nikua and Isaac Bruce,
and it was all the way back.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
In nineteen ninety five. That's just how good he's become.
Speaker 5 (16:02):
See, this is the difference between the distraction and colorful.
When you play like that, you're colorful.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
Okay, Well, one other area of focus we ought to
talk about Davante Adams. We were without him in a Seattle.
I've noticed you could feel his absence for me. Obviously
it was late game, but more so is actually on
our second and third drive we go what seventy five
just around eighty plus yards and we walk away with
two field goals versus not having that red zone threat.
(16:32):
Where did you see DeVante adams absence and how did
you feel about knat Momfield stepping in momfield?
Speaker 5 (16:37):
I thought is athletic, even his incompletions are like whoa
did you see that? You know, like try that again,
but definitely around the red zone, just everywhere on the field.
Davante's an issue and he's a problem that every defense
must solve. And even on some touchdown passes. And this
is so funny, like going back to when Parkinson caught one.
Instead of going to give high five to Colby Parkinson
(17:00):
who just caught the touchdown, Sean McVay sprinted to DeVante
Adams and said, that was because of you, because the
attention they're giving you that got that guy open. So
not having him on the field advantage anybody else playing
the Rams When he's out there, he's one of the best.
So but I thought, Mumfield, I thought Xavier Smith came
up big. I thought a lot of people came up
(17:22):
big trying to cover up for the fact that you
didn't have Davante. But you would rather have him on
the field than just about anybody else out there.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
Well, how about Terrence Ferguson too, And you should have
had what two touchdowns last week? And I thought he
should have pretty well in the red zone too, especially
not having DeVante in that phase.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Well, let's flip it defensively, A lot of questions just
around pass rush rush are we getting home? Obviously Sam Donald,
he had been uncomfortable against the Rams. What was your
grade of the pass rush against Sam Donald?
Speaker 5 (17:51):
You know, it's funny, like, okay, So if you look
at who made the Pro Bowl, you got two edge guys.
So how do you get around two guys that could
possibly knock your quarterback down. We'll get the ball out
of your hands as fast as possible. So that was
their game plan. Run run, run, run, throw the ball
out quick. By the time you're getting to your first
pass rush move, you're in pursuit trying to wear you
(18:14):
down that way. I think the pass rush is there
if you can get them to hold it, or if
you can get them in favorable situations and then get
off the field. Like I said, there's no way any
offense in the world should be able to pick up
a third and sixteen, but they did. That's a defensive error.
But if you do and you rush the passer. I
think this is why I don't think Seattle wanted to
test those edge guys.
Speaker 4 (18:35):
I really don't.
Speaker 5 (18:36):
I think that Jared Verse is a hammer. It's not
very pretty what he does. It's just very effective, which
is pick your tackle up and throw them into your
quarterback and the other guy is a file at knife.
So yeah, I think the pass rush is there. It's
just that game. Can you get them to hold it
long enough so you can get to them and if not,
(18:56):
you're going to be chasing ghost half the game.
Speaker 4 (18:58):
But if you do, I believe you have enough rush
to get.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
There, because they were using quite a bit of motion
and misdirection screen passes to really try to beat that
edge pressure. Right like that first drive the screen pass
to Kenth Walker, I think it was right like they're
trying to get the really fast.
Speaker 5 (19:13):
I mean, I mean when you turn on the tape,
it's it may not be in the counting stats, you know,
like sacks and pressures, and he's got a ton of those,
but when you watch Jared Vers go to work on
a tackle, it's brutal, it really is. And I think
he's knocked three of them out. I'm not kidding, Like
that's how physical it is. And you can only imagine
(19:34):
what that looks like as a quarterback when you're dropping
back to pass. So I think you have enough. I
think the Pro Bowl says it. It's just one of
those things you have to get off the field when
possible so you can save yourself for the fourth quarter.
Speaker 1 (19:48):
What about Kobe Turner, I feel like maybe a new
phase of his game has potentially been unlocked, just his
athleticism dropping back and coming away with that pick versus Seattle.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
Have you seen him do something like that before? Azy?
Speaker 5 (20:00):
Okay, so I gave Aiden Hutchinson all kinds of props
for catching that that bullet from Matthew Stafford. You've been surpassed.
That's a big fella going backwards right. Oh no, bobble,
let's go yes, sir, big fellows or athletes too.
Speaker 4 (20:16):
Yeah, he's having a heck of a year.
Speaker 1 (20:17):
Man.
Speaker 4 (20:17):
I cannot believe he didn't get a Pro Bowl nod.
Speaker 5 (20:19):
Yeah, he has been fantastic run and pass obviously, and
now you can catch too.
Speaker 4 (20:24):
So yeah, what else can you do? Yep?
Speaker 1 (20:26):
Uh and five and a half stacks over the last
five games for Kobe Turner another piece of the defense.
This one has been missing. The team has gone three
and two since not having Quentin Lake. I mean, can
it be tomorrow? When is the return of q? Can
we get them back? Because it could be the difference
maker for the secondary.
Speaker 3 (20:44):
Well, last time Sean McVay spoke about q he made
it sound like it was maybe more likely that a
playoff return was in the cards for Quintin. But you know,
we'll see if he says any different, if you know,
when he gets asked about it this week, potentially, But
you know, I think Josh Wallace has done pretty well.
I mean, again, there's no replacing and but as well
(21:06):
as he has played, there's no replacing a Quinton Lake
with the level of preparation he has for every game
and just the level of experience that he has. You know,
you and I have talked about this to Marco, like
the amount of reps that he's gotten over the years
is part of the reason that's made him into the
player he is today. And so whenever that experience does
come back, I think the Rams will very much welcome
(21:28):
it because, again, especially with the versatility he has, being
able to play on the back end, being able to
play at star you know, being able to communicate and
work in tandem with Nate Landman in the middle of
that defense. It's something that I think they've you know,
at times, definitely missed.
Speaker 4 (21:42):
Super high football. IQ.
Speaker 5 (21:44):
Yeah, that's only going to help one thing for Josh Wallace.
Just run through the line. Just I mean, the Rams scored.
Speaker 4 (21:54):
Blake Korm says, thank you all.
Speaker 5 (21:55):
Take the rushing touchdown, but run through the line, just
just saying I gotcha.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
Let's talk some matchups with the Atlanta Falcons. First and foremost,
how in the world do you contain Bijon Robinson.
Speaker 4 (22:10):
Easier said than done.
Speaker 5 (22:12):
Well, look, it's do what you've been doing against the
run for the most part, with the exception of that
last fifty five yarder, which was a great your missile
ligne to begin with and then he hit it. But
for the most part, you've done a great job against
the run. So it's all eleven. Everyone has to do
their job and then pursue like crazy. He's really really good,
(22:32):
but so was McCaffrey, so was Sa Kuan, so was
you know, such and such Jonathan Taylor, so is everybody.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
So you have to be in your gaps.
Speaker 5 (22:43):
You still have that going for you, and then you
have to make tackles. That's the one thing that drove
me nuts and drives every coach nuts, is when you've
got it dialed up perfect and they break tackles, so
he's one of the best tackle breakers, So you have
to be on your p's and q's. I'm sure the
extra rest is going to help you step to contact.
Not just flounder, but you have to be able to tackle,
(23:04):
but all eleven too.
Speaker 4 (23:04):
The ball.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
Yeah, you think about what Bijon's been able to do
over two thousand scrimmage yards, just the third player in
Atlanta history to surpass that mark. We have rookies to
going on both sides with t Ferg and then James Pierce.
You think about that trade that took place before the draft,
and James Pierce has come up big.
Speaker 2 (23:23):
For them, Big T.
Speaker 5 (23:24):
I think he may have the team record for touchdowns
called back Tee Ferg Right, I think he may be close.
He's made some plays and he's only gotten credit for
like half of them.
Speaker 4 (23:34):
But you can see the talent there.
Speaker 5 (23:37):
You can see what he does to a defense and
when they go thirteen, depending on who you are and
depending on who's hot that day, he's the guy that
could really really change a game plan for you because
there's only so much you can game plan for, and
it may come as soon as Monday night, depending on
who's out there for the Rams, because I'm sure Rahie
(23:57):
Morris is not gonna let Pooka Nakua just run up
and down the field on him.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
I'm sure he's going to have something.
Speaker 5 (24:02):
And like you said, they're going to be blitz happy
and blitz crazy if you take one part of Seattle's
game plan. This is either by game plan or just
their demeanor was they were trying to put Stafford on
his butt hard. So that would be I guess, akin
to what Rahie Morris is known for, you know, throwing
as many rocks as he can at the quarterback and
(24:23):
see if he can get the knockdowns. So t ferg
on those one on ones, those matchup nightmares. It's got
to become a nightmare on Monday Night.
Speaker 3 (24:30):
It's remarkable how many of his catches this season have
gone for over twenty yards. I mean, I'd have to
go back and look, but it feels like he's averaging
something like twenty twenty five yards a catch with the
involvement that he's had. It's pretty telling too. I think
you know, I was looking at the snapcounts from last week.
That was the most he's played in a game to
this point. Which I think speaks to his growth and
development and how much the coaches trust him at this point.
(24:53):
You know, obviously when Tyler Higbee was healthy, that was
factoring into I'm sure like his involvement, but and you know,
actually being a red zones target, like we mentioned with
Devonte Adams being you know, unavailable, it's been he's been
really important and he'll be really important again here Monday night.
Speaker 1 (25:09):
I think so much familiarity between these two teams. I
mean everywhere you look, whether it's Raheem, you got Zak Robinson,
also cousins and of course coach McVeigh go all the
way back as well. How much does that familiarity kind
of change the connection and preparation.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
Does it change it at all?
Speaker 5 (25:26):
Well, this is funny. This is as teacher student. So
you would hope that they bought.
Speaker 2 (25:32):
Have very fair point, right, You would hope that.
Speaker 5 (25:35):
You know, you, you would change your calls because I'm
sure he's going to tell you like if you see
this is going to be that you know, so there's
going to be some carryover on both sides. There'll be
some some plays like I'll give you for instance, I
told you about that Detroit play with Angeloni when he
calls out the screen and then Hutchinson picks it off.
Speaker 4 (25:52):
There's going to be.
Speaker 5 (25:53):
Some of that going on where you know where the
ball is going based on what the call was just made. So, uh,
the thing that it is. It may it may be
a trap, that's the thing, but it's always going to
be fun. But I still think the Rams are the
better football team and if they do bring their a
game like I said, and make the plays at the end,
(26:14):
you should be able to beat Atlanta no matter what
type of game this turns out to be.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
Well, we have our own little chess piece as well,
right Nate Landman making his return to Atlanta. He played
his first three seasons there. Now we'll have him with
the Los Angeles Rams for a handful of years.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
There you go.
Speaker 1 (26:27):
It's pretty good, right, absolutely, without question. A couple nods
to Pro bowlers you already mentioned, two of which Jared
Verse of course, and Byron Young. Jared Verse going two
of two in his first two seasons. The other two
Stafford and Nikoa. Feels like no brainers between those two.
So congratulations to all of the Pro bowlers with the
Los Angeles Rams, guys, let's close out, the show your
(26:49):
keys to victory. What is it going to take to
take down the Falcons on Monday Night football? And of
course try start climbing our way back up those higher
seeds in the NFC.
Speaker 4 (27:00):
When the balls out, pick it up handed to the ref.
Speaker 2 (27:02):
No, I don't think.
Speaker 4 (27:07):
Uh, you know what I would.
Speaker 5 (27:08):
I'll say, close out games or finished games the way
you start them and play like you've already sees momentum.
I mean that's that's old coach speak, but I think
it applies right now. So uh, if the defense finishes
like they start, uh, they'll have a better chance to
win in the game. And uh, when you have a
game in hand, and this goes without saying, you can
never relax versus anyone not saying the Rams relax. I
(27:30):
went in the coast mode. But it's never over until
it's over. I think we've learned that less than three
times this year. So I hope that from this point on,
when you have a chance to knock a team out,
you go ahead and finish him off and finish the
football game.
Speaker 3 (27:45):
I was gonna say, I think it comes down to you,
like we talked about it earlier, containing Jon Robinson for
one you you you contain him and and you limit
that run game that gets you into more known pass
passing downs and situations which a lows the pass rushed off.
And then if you can accomplish those things, you just
gotta be sticky in coverage to prevent explosives to guys
(28:06):
like Kyle Pitts, Drake London, or even Jon in the
passing game. But it almost feels a little bit similar
to the Seahawks last week in terms of I think
a similar game plan, at least defensively maybe, and you
should see a win Monday night.
Speaker 4 (28:22):
What do you think to market? I'm right there with you.
Pets is scary. He is.
Speaker 5 (28:26):
You think his numbers should be better, but he's not
a guy you can just sleep on. And Drake London,
like the name scares you and then the game goes
with it. So another big receiver that can give you
problems if you don't get to the quarterback.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
As a final topic, bar too, you talked about just
the eagerness you saw from coach mcphay. He also said,
we want to be aggressive without being reckless. What does
that look like? How does that show up on Monday
night football?
Speaker 4 (28:51):
Wow? Aggressive without being reckless. How can we put that
into words?
Speaker 1 (28:55):
Is that on the offensive side, is that on the
defensive side. He was even referring to every phase, even teams.
Speaker 5 (29:00):
The first thing that comes to mind is this postgame
press conference. There you go like how not to go
nuts when you want to? But same thing, you know,
you have to play the defense called resist the urge
to gamble and just go play your game and trust
that it's going to be enough, you know what I mean. Yeah,
but every now and then I'll Kobe Turner. Every now
(29:21):
and then you're gonna have to step beyond and step
it up a notch to you know, to help your
team win. So I think that's what it is, not
violating what the team needs you to be while playing
all out at the same time, if that makes any sense.
Speaker 3 (29:35):
I think too about the fourth down mentality over the
last few games especially, I mean, that's been something whether
it's been fourth and short, fourth and five, whatever it
may be, like, that's been such a tone Those have
been such tone setting decisions for the offense, and I
think has had a you know, a ripple effect that
that's something that I could see as like fitting that
bill where it's like being aggressive without being reckless, because
(29:57):
it's clearly paid off for that offense. Paid off for
the offense and help them a ton.
Speaker 1 (30:02):
Yeah, the Rams are sitting atop the NFL in terms
of fourth down conversions. To your point, it's definitely been
a bright spot for them. One last flower to give out.
Sean McVay currently looking for his one hundredth career when
it could come Monday Night against the Falcons. And this
is what's wild. You think of the company he keeps.
He has not hit forty years old. There have only
(30:23):
been two to get to one hundred career wins, and
that's including the playoffs under the age of forty. And
that's Curly Lambeau and George Hallis talk about some great
company to keep. I mean, Sean fine, number one hundred.
Let's go celebrate in Sofi Stadium here in just a
few short days.
Speaker 2 (30:41):
How about that?
Speaker 4 (30:42):
Unbelievable?
Speaker 5 (30:44):
Just two names, like not just names, but like the names,
and here you are. It's hard, like we said, to
recognize greatness when it's in front of you. I bet
all he's thinking about is Monday night. But that's a
hell of a list.
Speaker 4 (30:55):
To be on.
Speaker 1 (30:55):
Yep, all right, guys, this has been wonderful. Happy Holidays,
and happy Holidays to all of you you as well.
This has been between the Horns presented by your Southern
California Toyota dealers. We hope you guys have a merry
Christmas and please stay safe you're in Los Angeles, and
of course root for your Los Angeles Rams come Monday
night
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