[Elvis]

Looks like we're going with the yellow pants:

[Elvis]

[Elvis]

Some Mike Siver (who now covers the Niners)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/wh ... r-AA1mRMNb

That brings us back to the Rams — and Shanahan’s fiercest coaching rival. Yes, Shanahan’s 49ers had won nine consecutive regular-season games against McVay’s Rams until last Sunday’s meaningless (to S.F.) 21-20 defeat at Levi’s in which both teams rested their star quarterbacks and other key starters.

However, we all remember what happened in the one matchup that really mattered: The Rams came from behind to capture a 20-17 victory in the 2021 NFC Championship Game, setting up that confetti-drenched celebration two weeks later.

Shanahan is the sport’s shrewdest offensive strategist, but McVay is right there on the rung behind him, and he’s dialing it up masterfully in 2023 — with the help of new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, another Shanahan prodigy.

Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, a former head coach who has attracted interest for four current openings, is one of Shanahan’s best friends and most potent adversaries. L.A.’s defense still has Aaron Donald, but other than the great defensive tackle, Morris has made it work this season with a bunch of no-names.

Stafford shredded the Niners’ secondary in San Francisco’s 30-23 victory at SoFi in September, and the Rams — perceived to be in rebuilding mode — have since gotten much, much better. They have two exceptional receivers in Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp and rookie sensation Puka Nacua and a menacing power running game featuring second-year halfback Kyren Williams, the NFL’s third-leading rusher.

Since their bye week, the Rams are 7-1, the lone defeat having come against the Ravens, on the road, in overtime. They may not be better than the 49ers, but they’re a real threat — and as they filed off the field last Sunday, most people in both Levi’s locker rooms fully anticipated a rematch, either in the divisional round or (if the Packers win Sunday) the NFC Championship Game.

The man with the power to prevent all that grew up in Novato, wears a Honolulu Blue jersey and will have 65,000 raucous Motowners cheering their hearts out for him Sunday night, displaying how much they want and appreciate him.

If you want the Niners to have an easier divisional-round path, you might want to join in.

[ramsman34]

This is a stat I did not know and makes me feel a little less concerned about the Lions O. Some excerpts from an article in the Athletic Titled “Why each NFC team will win the Super Bowl and why the won’t”.

https://theathletic.com/5193190/2024/01 ... ed_article

Note: Its behind a paywall.

Lions - Why they won’t

“Because the offense has failed to show up against good teams. The Lions have averaged just more than 20 points per game against playoff teams this year. They managed more than 22 points against a playoff team just once in six tries, and that came back in Week 4 against the Packers. They’ve failed to find the offensive explosion against the best of the best this year, and if that doesn’t change, they won’t be able to keep up with the likes of the 49ers and Cowboys.”

And I’ll add, or the Rams.

The reason they gave that we “would” was the offense with K Will and all the players as currently constituted. That we wouldn’t? Special Teams.

Also, Detroit DC A. Glenn played a lot of zone (he really prefers man) against the Vikings (similar offense to the Rams) as they had more than one legit receiving threat. Well the Rams have 4 if you include Higbee.

[69RamFan]

This is a stat I did not know and makes me feel a little less concerned about the Lions O. Some excerpts from an article in the Athletic Titled “Why each NFC team will win the Super Bowl and why the won’t”.

https://theathletic.com/5193190/2024/01 ... ed_article

Note: Its behind a paywall.

Lions - Why they won’t

“Because the offense has failed to show up against good teams. The Lions have averaged just more than 20 points per game against playoff teams this year. They managed more than 22 points against a playoff team just once in six tries, and that came back in Week 4 against the Packers. They’ve failed to find the offensive explosion against the best of the best this year, and if that doesn’t change, they won’t be able to keep up with the likes of the 49ers and Cowboys.”

And I’ll add, or the Rams.

The reason they gave that we “would” was the offense with K Will and all the players as currently constituted. That we wouldn’t? Special Teams.

Also, Detroit DC A. Glenn played a lot of zone (he really prefers man) against the Vikings (similar offense to the Rams) as they had more than one legit receiving threat. Well the Rams have 4 if you include Higbee.

actually, we have a total of six great to good skill players,

you need to include:

WR/Tutu going over the top & RB/Williams coming out of the backfield in screens plays.

[69RamFan]

I would love to see in some 10PG, like on 2nd and 5 downs,

for the RAMs to use a 10PG, 4/WR & 1/RB.

Have Williams to stay in to pick up blitz,

and leaked out to the flats if there is no blitz.

Then how in the hell are they going to try and stop,

Kupp, Puka, DRob & Tutu? Especially the Lions weak secondary, Scary!!!!

Then if they show corner blitz, screen to Williams.

[69RamFan]

ABC: Local News!!!

[FMulder]

I think defensively both Jones and the safeties need to really step up. I like Jones, but whenever I’ve seen him blitz up the gut he seems to get picked up pretty well. He needs to get home if/when he blitzes. He also is going to have to really shutdown YAC when the RBs are receivers. Same with the 2 safeties not blowing their assignments (as I’ve seen a lot more than I’d like to previously!). Kendrick has not met a double move he hasn’t bitten on. Would love to see a well-timed route jumped by a DB

Offensively, play the controlled game we’ve been seeing from them post bye. Mixes of runs, WR screens, and intermediate patterns. I’d love for them to take at least 2 shots downfield, whether it be Tutu or someone else. The chances for big plays will be there but they can’t force it. I’d like to see them run out of shotgun more. I’m hoping for a new wrinkle from McVay at some point.

Bonus prediction-some type of trick play by the Rams on ST (fake punt). I know that sounds counterintuitive given the terrible performance of the STs, but think about the level of surprise if they do it and make it work.

As some have said, they are playing with house money. Don’t finish the game with a bunch of “would haves and could haves”. Finally, unless it is deep in their own territory or the distance is too great, I’d like to see them go for any 4th downs under 5 yds to go. I know you risk giving Det shorter fields and/or momentum, but the potential benefits from converting are big.

[ramsman34]

The Rams have been running frequently out of pistol with K Will directly behind Staff - There’s no strong run side in that formation, especially using motion, so no “tell”. And they run play action, as well as drop back out of it. It will be fascinating to see how MCV has schemed up this team.

[ramsman34]

69. Didn’t forget about Tutu. He’s just not getting snaps lately. I agree they should give him some Sunday. Lions have No answers for him. 10 personnel is risky but the threat of jet action, screens, draws etc are also available spread like that. I just hope they don’t line up in empty much. Motioning to it would be fine though.