[ziggy]

It was tiring. Started the day at 4am from my place close to SOFI. Arrived to about 100 friends at 5am at SOFI. Energy was great. ABC-7 news was there and RAM HOUSE was rocking in spite of the cold and time.

Got on the road on the first buses (that on was posted on Instagram and other Rams social accounts) at 6a. They asked if we wanted the schedule pit stop at Indio at around 10a... bus unanimous voted NO. So we kept on trucking. Tequila shots and tacos were being offered by new friends during the trip. Time flew quick.

Arrived in Glendale just after 1p (local time, so there was a time change tacked on top of the 5.5 hr drive.). State Farm has a HUGE tailgate field with live music that was pretty darn good, but they don't allow outside alcohol. Fortunately, there are adjacent lots where RWO and DieHardRams both set up significant tailgates. I partook of both! Rams was a strong showing.

Finally walked through the 'official' StateFarm tailgate section. That's where I realized it was gonna be a more 50/50 field than a Rams take over. But, honestly, the Vikings fans were sporting and vibe was very competitive, but always in fun and in good spirits. Did not run into ANY heckling or belittling.

Ran into a handful of Cardinal fans and they were big time Rams/LA supporter. In general, the wildfires definitely bought us a lot of sympathy and brotherly love for our situation. Everyone was VERY gracious, accommodating, and really just looking to make State Farm Rams House as much as possible. I mean just incredible.

Just caffeinated myself and pumped myself up for the game. Was already pumped when I spotted AD on the side line. I felt good going into this game. No fear. Based on their demeanor, same for the Rams. Rachel Platten came in with a lot of cheese by singing "Fight Song"-- but I have to admit it got me a little bit thinking about LA and those impacted by the fire. They announced Xhibit and Warren G as game entertainment-- that felt right.

Game started off on FIRE and Rams fans were in it from the jump. Honestly, Vikings and fans never had a chance in this game. Only spark came on that Stafford not fumble. Away fans were chit chattering about that for the next half hour...

Caught a golf cart to whiz me back to the busses and hopped on a bus at 9:45p. Passed out several hours into the drive. Vibe on the bus was excited, but everyone there was tired (so like a quiet red-eye flight environment)... got home at 3a. I actually got a good 5 hrs and am feeling decently okay this morning. LOL.

1000% I would do this again, but just know its a 20-22 hr roller coaster ride and will take a lot out of you. But gonna be a top 10 Rams memory for me for sure.

Final note, I did have a handful of wishy washy friends that backed out when they found out the bus schedule (announced that busses leave at 5:30a and return at 4a.). Talking to others, lots of fans bailed because of that. I still had a blast pushing myself to do it anyway. And all those wishy washy friends had tons of FOMO throughout my adventure.

[Elvis]

That's awesome, thanks for the write up. Pretty sure a younger me would've done it but who knows. I'm impressed...

[actionjack]

It was tiring. Started the day at 4am from my place close to SOFI. Arrived to about 100 friends at 5am at SOFI. Energy was great. ABC-7 news was there and RAM HOUSE was rocking in spite of the cold and time.

Got on the road on the first buses (that on was posted on Instagram and other Rams social accounts) at 6a. They asked if we wanted the schedule pit stop at Indio at around 10a... bus unanimous voted NO. So we kept on trucking. Tequila shots and tacos were being offered by new friends during the trip. Time flew quick.

Arrived in Glendale just after 1p (local time, so there was a time change tacked on top of the 5.5 hr drive.). State Farm has a HUGE tailgate field with live music that was pretty darn good, but they don't allow outside alcohol. Fortunately, there are adjacent lots where RWO and DieHardRams both set up significant tailgates. I partook of both! Rams was a strong showing.

Finally walked through the 'official' StateFarm tailgate section. That's where I realized it was gonna be a more 50/50 field than a Rams take over. But, honestly, the Vikings fans were sporting and vibe was very competitive, but always in fun and in good spirits. Did not run into ANY heckling or belittling.

Ran into a handful of Cardinal fans and they were big time Rams/LA supporter. In general, the wildfires definitely bought us a lot of sympathy and brotherly love for our situation. Everyone was VERY gracious, accommodating, and really just looking to make State Farm Rams House as much as possible. I mean just incredible.

Just caffeinated myself and pumped myself up for the game. Was already pumped when I spotted AD on the side line. I felt good going into this game. No fear. Based on their demeanor, same for the Rams. Rachel Platten came in with a lot of cheese by singing "Fight Song"-- but I have to admit it got me a little bit thinking about LA and those impacted by the fire. They announced Xhibit and Warren G as game entertainment-- that felt right.

Game started off on FIRE and Rams fans were in it from the jump. Honestly, Vikings and fans never had a chance in this game. Only spark came on that Stafford not fumble. Away fans were chit chattering about that for the next half hour...

Caught a golf cart to whiz me back to the busses and hopped on a bus at 9:45p. Passed out several hours into the drive. Vibe on the bus was excited, but everyone there was tired (so like a quiet red-eye flight environment)... got home at 3a. I actually got a good 5 hrs and am feeling decently okay this morning. LOL.

1000% I would do this again, but just know its a 20-22 hr roller coaster ride and will take a lot out of you. But gonna be a top 10 Rams memory for me for sure.

Final note, I did have a handful of wishy washy friends that backed out when they found out the bus schedule (announced that busses leave at 5:30a and return at 4a.). Talking to others, lots of fans bailed because of that. I still had a blast pushing myself to do it anyway. And all those wishy washy friends had tons of FOMO throughout my adventure.

Great great stuff, felt like I was there Ziggy

[ramsman34]

Well, while basking in the afterglow of last night, we start to turn our attention to the Eagles. I am of the persuasion that the NFL, especially in the playoffs, is about matchups. This is what concerns me about the Eagles. We are on the road and weather could play a factor. Our D front is undersized and did not match up well against the Eagles OL in either run D or pass rush last time. And this has been a concern against all the bigger/better OLs faced this year. The run D is not great at lane integrity when facing elite/elusive backs. Barkley torched this D earlier. RPOs/running QBs have been an issue all season. Stafford will get shaky fast if the pressure is too quick and consistent. MCV bails on the run if the Rams trail by 10+

Now, will any/all of these things present on Sunday?? No one knows. But the Rams will need masterful game plans and execute them at the highest level to offset some of their inherent matchup weaknesses on both sides of the ball.

Frankly, I think the ride ends in Philly. They are just a really bad match up. But, that’s why they play the games. There will be mistakes and possibly turnovers that can be capitalized on. STs can play a factor.

I will be rooting like mad. But I won’t be surprised or devastated if they lose. This is a very difficult game and matchup. Frankly, it is/will be the hardest matchup unless we see the Ravens in the SB.

JMO.

[actionjack]

Yes Big RIG!!!

[Elvis]

That's amazing. I was guessing he had a partially collapsed lung or something like that, incredible if he's back for the Eagles...

[WaddyWasWideOpen]

while Id sure love to see a LA W, I dont see it happening. I credit SM for getting something out of this offense the last 2 months. Because all they have is MS and Puka. And MS must be protected or they have nothing. Kupp is doing nothing. Higbee hurt as usual. KW is solid, but nothing special. All the backups never seem to make any impact. In a league where offense is everything, you need more than just 1 true threat.

[69RamFan]

while Id sure love to see a LA W, I dont see it happening. I credit SM for getting something out of this offense the last 2 months. Because all they have is MS and Puka. And MS must be protected or they have nothing. Kupp is doing nothing. Higbee hurt as usual. KW is solid, but nothing special. All the backups never seem to make any impact. In a league where offense is everything, you need more than just 1 true threat.

Another Debbie Downer!!!

[actionjack]

One other tidbit. If you listen to Aikman enough you will hear him give hints about stuff going on with the team they announce.

1. Darnold and Vikings were reeling from the loss to Detroit
2. Stafford was injured/banged up, explains play the last few games.

[ziggy]

while Id sure love to see a LA W, I dont see it happening. I credit SM for getting something out of this offense the last 2 months. Because all they have is MS and Puka…

What game did you watch? Agree Eagles are not the Vikings, but check the stat line again, everybody caught balls… KWill gets TDs and 1st downs. Kupp is sneaking back in also.