[Dare]

Add me to those that would love to see Smith used as a WR. He's got excellent deep speed. But route running in this offense is an art. It's probably why he hasn't been a major factor as a WR. It's why it's taken Tutu so long to develop. Route option/combinations that must be read the same as Stafford is IMO a major issue for a lot of young WRs entering into this offense.

That said, the evolution of this young roster is very encouraging. These guys are going to get better as the season goes on.

The problem with White IMO is he goes off-script too often. It was a problem with Ramsey, but he had the speed and athleticism lacking in White to compensate.

The bottom line is that the coaching staff will have a major impact on how this season turns out. They started with a very talented bunch of presumed starters but way too many of them are now dealing with injuries. This is when the quality of a coaching staff is truly challenged. I like this group McVay has and it's why I expect this season to begin to turn around.

IMO the key missing pieces are Kupp, Avila and Nacua. Get those guys back and this offense will roll. Lake and Curl are looking like an outstanding safety tandem. Durant is showing that Morris gave up on him way too early something I found really irritating after each costly mistake by DK.

With Williams possibly returning to SCB, Witherspoon and Durant outside the CB situation looks a lot better going into Thursday's matchup. Don't get me wrong about the SCB position. It's probably the hardest CB position to play and Williams played well there when he first started out.

[Elvis]

Rams depth of target against the Raiders was basically zero, did not attack deep or even mid range almost at all.

With all the blitzing we're likely to see against MN, expect more of the same...

[Elvis]

Estimated injury report:

[ramsman34]

Rams depth of target against the Raiders was basically zero, did not attack deep or even mid range almost at all.

With all the blitzing we're likely to see against MN, expect more of the same...

I wonder if we see more 12P and any 5-7 step drops having only 3 route runners with the back possibly running blitz protect to release as the emergency check down outlet??

[actionjack]

Rams depth of target against the Raiders was basically zero, did not attack deep or even mid range almost at all.

With all the blitzing we're likely to see against MN, expect more of the same...

The Rams startling ineptitude on offense against the Raiders was shocking. Not sure I have watched a game where the Rams didnt even take 20 yard shots down the field. I mean get respecting Maxx but I thought I was watching vintage Bill Walsh without the success.

Rams have to be light years better in 3 days against an aggressive Vikings, not feeling great about it. This past Sundays game plan was odd and ineffective. We must at min. run the ball more effectively and hope to get some play action off of it.

To add to my point, the Raiders have given up the following point totals

22, 23, 36, 16, 34 and 32. We scored 20 points while benefiting from 4 turnovers

Better get that Kicking game back in gear too.

[Rams1PlateSince1976]

Tarkenton doesn't still play for the Vikings does he?

[Rams1PlateSince1976]

Just did a search. Francis retired. No sweat. Rams win.

[RAMMAN76]

Tarkenton doesn't still play for the Vikings does he?

[RAMMAN76]

1978 RAMS vs VIKINGS

[ramsman34]

The Rams startling ineptitude on offense against the Raiders was shocking. Not sure I have watched a game where the Rams didnt even take 20 yard shots down the field. I mean get respecting Maxx but I thought I was watching vintage Bill Walsh without the success.

Rams have to be light years better in 3 days against an aggressive Vikings, not feeling great about it. This past Sundays game plan was odd and ineffective. We must at min. run the ball more effectively and hope to get some play action off of it.

To add to my point, the Raiders have given up the following point totals

22, 23, 36, 16, 34 and 32. We scored 20 points while benefiting from 4 turnovers

Better get that Kicking game back in gear too.

Watching Bucs v Ravens. Our team looks slow and inept compared to aggressive, creative offenses. I do not have the best feeling about Thursday for our offense.