[ramsww]

I wouldn't assume that trading EJ is on Shula. I can't find it now but I did read something during the summer from EJ saying he deserved an extension given all he has put in for the organization. It's quite possible that saying that in public doghoused him with McV.

I didn’t mean to connect the two. I never bought into the “he wasn’t Shula’s guy” comments. Shula has enough baggage this year without dumping EJ on him. That was a FO decision and even dumber without a plan B. Did they really think Reeder/Roze would fill the void? Not saying EJ was a PBer or tearing it up in Nashville. Just saying we needed him badly this year and chasm left behind is swallowing this whole team.

[/zn/]

That was a FO decision and even dumber without a plan B. Did they really think Reeder/Roze would fill the void? Not saying EJ was a PBer or tearing it up in Nashville. Just saying we needed him badly this year and chasm left behind is swallowing this whole team.

Which is what makes me think that they doghoused EJ for his public comments. Making it a kneejerk, emotional decision and not a well-planned football decision.

[actionjack]

I don't think of it as him becoming a distraction so much as a kneejerk overreaction to someone perceived as not "buying in."

The fact that they didn't prepare for him leaving is one hint that this was an emotional decision not a football decision.

Maybe, Im not jumping to that conclusion. When Snead said he wouldnt be extended, the writing was on the wall.

[ramsww]

Maybe, Im not jumping to that conclusion. When Snead said he wouldnt be extended, the writing was on the wall.

I’m sure McVay has had the come to Jesus meeting with Shula. When you think about it, Shula was screwed from the get. No AD. No EJ. Did anyone see or hear anything preseason that said:

Williams is back to his CB form
White is is back to his pro bowl form
Durant just had a bad year
Reeder & Rozeboom have gotten faster
Hoecht has learned how to cover
Our safeties are top tier
Our TEs can block and catch
We have four #1 WRs

Nope. This year is exactly what we should have expected and the injuries only sped up the process. More attrition, an early exit and the “hope springs eternal” Draft to look forward to minus Stafford, Kupp, and many other journeymen. Can they turn it around? Sure. Fill up
my glass.

[Dare]

After 4 games with a bunch of rookies and 2nd year players and you give up on the DC? WOW

We don't know anymore than I can see and the weak point is slow reactions and poor anticipation which is normal for rookies and inexperienced players. The biggest bust so far is White who has a habit of breaking coverage trying to be the "star" he may no longer be. Hopefully Williams returns and brings better play to one side.

Anyone who knows football knew there likely would be issues with a new system, new players who are not only new but inexperienced. I hear people pounding the table for a switch to a 4-3 which makes no sense since they don't have the players for that. Also, a 4-3 limits how they are played as well. They ignore the fact that the Ram's have one of the highest pressure rates in the NFL.

Last year people wrote off the Rams going into their bye week which actually came later in the season. So what will people say if the Rams win the GB game making them 2-3 with 12 games left to play? This team has had an inordinate number of injuries. Doesn't that factor in?

This young team has only gotten blown out in one game. They lost to Detroit by one point, and the Bears by 6 points. People make it sound like they aren't competitive even with all the injuries. Their OL has been decimated but they still are competitive offensively even lacking both Kupp and Nacua. Corum hasn't played because he still hasn't shown he can be trusted to pickup blitzes.

My advice to people is to take a breath and wait to see who they get back after the bye week. Their one OL starter who has played every game is Dotson and he's been playing hurt. People look at the 1-3 record and claim the sky is falling. Sheesh just take a lesson from last year.