[safer]

I'm proud of our guys. We had a third string LT trying to block an all-pro DE; had a 3rd string center the 2nd half (who played VERY well); lost Avila and Puka by half-time; and started our 2nd string RT who played the whole game; NOT to mention our two starting OT's didn't play at all!
We finally went to play action passing mid way thru the 3rd quarter.
Honestly, I didn't expect us to win tonight, but was leery of how well they could attack our young D. Don't understand why Reeder is starting because he just doesn't have any speed.
Outside of our rookie corner completely blowing his coverage, I would give our D an A- for their very first real game playing together.
Verse did impact the game. I watched Fiske and thought Shula wasn't using him to his strengths. He had him playing "man up" on an excellent O line and I thought we should have been running more games inside.

[ramman2999]

Damn the Aron Donald troll video was tough. That was tough seeing that from our hall of famer. I must say I’ve been there before. Good meal football. Probably after Puka he was like I’m out.

[Dare]

The Rams gave the Lions all they could handle. Had McVay kicked the FG early in the game instead of going for a long 4th down the Rams win the game in regulation. I warned about chasing points and it came back to roost once again like many early games last year. That is a huge fault of McVay is he gets caught up and loses perspective.

The Defense played outstanding all things considered. They kept attacking all game long which I fully applaud. Shula is as aggressive as I felt he would be. Overall this was a very good firt game for a young team with big time adversity due to injury.

Just like I told my friends last year that just get to the playoffs and that is one game elimination tournament. This team is on a good track if they can get some guys healthy. No reason they can't beat a limited Cardinal team next week.

Week three going against the Niners I feel they will have both Jackson and Havenstein back. Hopefully Avila as well.

The only injury that may linger will be Puka unless Noteboom and Avila are worse than thought.

Noteboom was playing well overall until he got hurt. That perhaps is the biggest issue with Joe. If Noteboom can play against the Niners I think he will. McClendon held up well overall as even Havenstein struggles against top competition. It wouldn't surprise me if he keeps the start or if Havenstein comes back next week he could start at LT if Joe is still ailing.

The Rams lost but this young team played well overall and seem to be on the right track.

[ramsman34]

AD clearly is not coming back. Our DL heck entire D is a work in progress. But they can play. If the O can’t keep them off the field and can’t get leads that force other teams to abandon the run, they will get worn down. This was the first game against as presumptive SB contender and without a number of our starters. And we took them to OT. Had chances to win. One down. Movin on to AZ. Hopefully. We handle that team and are a lot healthier for SF.

[ramsman34]

Neither McClendon nor Havs can handle LT. Not athletic enough. Boom can’t stay out of the trainer's room. It will be either Arcuri or someone not yet know at LT against the cards and he will need help. We are ok with J Jax and Limmer but that LT spot is an issue.

[Zen_Ronin]

[Dare]

Yeah but McClendon spent time practicing at LT in TC so he would probably be a better option than Arcuri at this point. McClendon has heavy feet so I'm surprised they look at him as a potential long term starter at RT.

Blake Larson has potential but is at least a year away from being ready. Unless they sign a FA this week or Noteboom can play they are going to have to play Arcuri with probably Larson at swing. If Joe can't play this week then Arcuri will have to start one more week with Larson probably playing swing OT.

Jackson's suspension has really screwed the pooch these two games.

[ramsman34]

Yep A Jax effed his team. He’d better make up for it with stellar play once he’s back.
McClendon is a nice back up RT. Heavy feet/not athletic is spot on. Tough to put him at LT even with reps there. I hope we get to see our real OL against SF and if Avila is out, Limmer seems to be able to hang at C.

[ramman2999]

Good point. I didn’t even think about the missed fg opportunity. Seems like we got a good kicker.

[ramman2999]

It’s as simple as this.

With a healthy OL and Puka NaKua we are a Super Bowl contender.

Without Puka we are a playoff team.

I just don’t think teams can stop us with Puka and Kupp.

Is this the same knee that Puka hurt in the scrimmage in training camp???

Looked like it was a bad cut.

Also what happened to Blake Corrnum? No usage.

We can score with anyone. I like Verse and Fiske.