[/zn/]

Trading EJ was the dumbest fucking decision in years. Maybe he wasn’t Shula’s guy but he cost Rams next to nothing this year and the sink hole he left just sunk our season.

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.

[actionjack]

You gents are a bit over the top on the sky is falling.

Yes the defense is a work in progress at best, and the offense is struggling to compensate but a ton of football left. How many here had us making the playoffs after we lost to Green Bay last year.

We need to beat GB get to the break and get some of our starters back and beat the Raiders to be 3-3.

[azramsfan93]

You gents are a bit over the top on the sky is falling.

Let's see how you feel after next week's game.

Yes the defense is a work in progress at best

Quite charitable indeed. I had high hopes for this defense, but it is the worst in the league after 4 games.

31st in points against
32nd in rushing defense
31st in opposing passer rating
31st in total defense

Pathetic. Those are "sky is falling" statistics.

and the offense is struggling to compensate but a ton of football left. How many here had us making the playoffs after we lost to Green Bay.

The "high powered" Rams offense is 20th in yards, 22nd in points, and only average 88 yards a game rushing. I can forgive much of that due to missing 2 pro bowl WRs and 2 missing starting interior OL, but that unit cannot carry the team as currently structured.

We need to beat GB get to the break and get some of our starters back and beat the Raiders to be 3-3.

We can only hope. The Packers open as 3.5 point favorites on the road.

[Elvis]

If the D. doesn't turn it around Shula is gonna be McVay's Larry Marmie.

Might be worth noting Sean Desai is on the Rams staff...

[actionjack]

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 highly doubt that is why he was traded. Did the Rams try to remove a distraction before it possibly became one, possibly. Rams typically try to right by the player. Right now it wasnt a good reason. if they knew they were moving on from him they should have spent draft capital at the position.

[actionjack]

If the D. doesn't turn it around Shula is gonna be McVay's Larry Marmie.

Might be worth noting Sean Desai is on the Rams staff...

Again why is the defense supposed to any good? IMO we see the AD and Jones affect.

DL- talented but very young. How has Kobie done without AD next to him.

LB- terrible

CB- Durant terrible, White- trying but coming back from injury. Witherspoon playing is all you need to know about the DB room.

Safety- Kitchens looks lost going to take time. Lake serviceable, Curl havent seen what the hype is about yet.


Now we knew this time defense wasnt going to take some time, just werent counting on the offense dealing with 4 major injuries. Our offense is good but is also a work in progress right now. Like PARAM said, defense really only gave up 17 points despite the issues. If Offense finishes a couple drives we arent having this convo. The good news we have our kicker.

So play better overall against GB at home and get a win. We are so due for a couple defensive TO's...

[azramsfan93]

Again why is the defense supposed to any good?

You are certainly agreeing with those of us saying that the defense sucks. It seems your argument is "of course they do! Why would you expect them to be any good?" Do you have any posts where you predicted that the defense would be the worst in the NFL? Maybe you do. I don't remember, but that doesn't mean anything.

Our offense is good but is also a work in progress right now.

Our offense is decidedly below average right now. What can you point to in the 1st 4 games that supports they are good? Not finishing in the red zone is a sign of a poor offense. The Rams were 4th in the NFL last year in red zone TD percentage. Not this year.

So play better overall against GB at home and get a win. We are so due for a couple defensive TO's...

Below average offense, horrible defense, but hey - at least we have a kicker now!

I expect we are going to get our butts kicked by Green Bay. Poor matchup:

Green Bay offense - #3 overall, #2 rushing attack
Rams defense - #31 overall, #32 rushing defense

I hope I am wrong, but at least I won't be disappointed.

[actionjack]

You are certainly agreeing with those of us saying that the defense sucks. It seems your argument is "of course they do! Why would you expect them to be any good?" Do you have any posts where you predicted that the defense would be the worst in the NFL? Maybe you do. I don't remember, but that doesn't mean anything.



Our offense is decidedly below average right now. What can you point to in the 1st 4 games that supports they are good? Not finishing in the red zone is a sign of a poor offense. The Rams were 4th in the NFL last year in red zone TD percentage. Not this year.



Below average offense, horrible defense, but hey - at least we have a kicker now!

I expect we are going to get our butts kicked by Green Bay. Poor matchup:

Green Bay offense - #3 overall, #2 rushing attack
Rams defense - #31 overall, #32 rushing defense

I hope I am wrong, but at least I won't be disappointed.

My argument and me included is we underestimated the impact of losing AD (and Jones to lesser extent) on the defense. The young DL has showed signs but clearly lack experience to play consistent snap in snap out. Also not having Darius Williams has also been an issue with a thin group at corner.

Your stats bear this out, but we are only 4 games into a 17 game tilt and with the teams we played not all that surprising.

As far as the offense IMO they have been solid/good so far. Again missing two pro bowl WR's and two very good lineman. We scored 24 against the Lions on the road, 27 against the niners, laid an egg as a team vs Cards and scored 18 against the Bears.

Obviously should have been more points against the Bears, but penalties, missed blocks overall execution is off right now. Hmmmm missing 5 starters if you include Higs.

I agree GB isnt a great match-up, but where the Niners, and Detroit great either? If the Rams can manage to win the turnover battle I see a very tight game, you think they will be blown out, I dont see it but this whole NFL season league wide has been crazy. The Rams have to execute better that is for sure.

It will interesting if there are any defensive changes and a change at TE this week.

[Elvis]

Maybe "we" underestimated the loss and impact of AD but it's the coaching staff's job not to and to have a plan. If they thought the defense could/would be good without Jones and that's why they traded him, they need to be right. That's on them.

But it's early and i'm not gonna start drawing any broad conclusion just yet.

Though it's certainly not looking good...

[actionjack]

Maybe "we" underestimated the loss and impact of AD but it's the coaching staff's job not to and to have a plan. If they thought the defense could/would be good without Jones and that's why they traded him, they need to be right. That's on them.

But it's early and i'm not gonna start drawing any broad conclusion just yet.

Though it's certainly not looking good...

It makes no sense to move off of Jones. Havent heard where he was an issue at all, you would think Jourdan would have reported on it if he was....

Not saying Jones would fix everything, but cant imagine he wouldnt be providing more thump than what we have seen. So far our DL isnt doing its part either.