3rd Time's a charm: Is it on Shula?

[PARAM]

In the last 6 years, the Rams have faced a division rival 3 times. McVay is 3-0 in those matchups. This will be the 4th. Adjustments must be made. Tendencies altered. And it wouldn't hurt, if a little luck shone through. This time it will be with a third different DC. And it seems at first glance, that the difference in those previous game 3's was defense and special teams.

Against Seattle in 2020, the offense didn't exactly light it up. The defensive play was excellent. 5 sacks (but they also had 5 sacks in each of the previous 2 games). There was that play by D Will, after Metcalf was going off on the sidelines having just one target and no receptions through 23 minutes of the first half, he jumped a WR screen and took it to the house. Our first TD of the game and extending our lead from 3 to 10. Then midway through the 4th quarter, leading by 10 we punted and DJ Reed returned it 8 yards before fumbling the ball at the 36. Our offense took advantage and 4 plays later it was 30-13 with less than 5 minutes remaining.

Against Arizona in 2021, the offense scored 2 TDs in the first half but the story was the Ram's defense. They limited the Cardinals to minus 1 yard over their first 5 possessions and took an ill-advised throw by Murray in for a pick 6. After a Rams TD on the first drive of the second half made it 28-0, Arizona scored 10 points on their next two possessions but the Rams offense countered with 2 FGs of their own and it was all she wrote. Sweet revenge on a team that dominated the Rams in week 4 for their first loss of the season, racking up 465 yards and 37 points. The second game, a 30-20 Rams win, saw Arizona gain 447 yards. But that wild card game was a defensive gem. IMO, Kyler Murray was never right after that embarrassing loss. He missed 3 games over his first three seasons having put up 17 games (of 46) with a 100.0 or better QB rating but missed 26 games over the next 4 while compiling 11 games (of 41) with a 100 or better rating. Now it's assumed he's done in the desert.

Against San Francisco in 2021, after giving up 784 yards, 58 points in the first two meetings, including blowing a 17-3 lead in the second game, we overcame a 17-7 deficit to win 20-17 and go to the Superbowl. With the game tied at 7, we missed a long FG giving them the ball at their 44, which they promptly turned into a 10-7 lead. Then in the 3rd, after turning the ball over on downs at the SF 42, they went 58 yards to go up 17-7. But the defense stiffened. They allowed a total of 38 yards over the next 3 SF possessions, while the Rams scored 13 points on a 60 yard TD drive and two FG drives (48 and 49 yards each). And then AD did what AD always did....make a play at the end.

So, that's why I put this game on Shula, his D and the STs. Sure, Stafford hasn't had that signature 4 TD game in these playoffs and we'll need a good showing from our offense, but we're going to need a stellar effort from that D and a solid game from our STs. Here's hoping McVay makes some solid adjustments to put up points from the jump.

 

[snackdaddy]

Shula has one thing going in his favor. He's facing Sam Darnold. Sam's got a tendency to make mistakes in big games. They've been asking him to be a game manager lately. He's done his job. But if the Rams offense finds its rhythm he's gonna have to do more. Something he's struggled with in big games.

 

[HitStick]

Shula has one thing going in his favor. He's facing Sam Darnold. Sam's got a tendency to make mistakes in big games. They've been asking him to be a game manager lately. He's done his job. But if the Rams offense finds its rhythm he's gonna have to do more. Something he's struggled with in big games.

I’m not buying that, That’s the narrative on him after his Minnesota debacle, but in arguably the biggest game of his career (for the one seed) he rose to the occasion. I do think he may be the weakest link on that offense, but he’s not Kirk Cousins. He’s only been “game managing” because that’s all he’s had to do. He hasn’t had to take over because a majority of their games were not even close.

 

[PhillyRam]

In the last 6 years, the Rams have faced a division rival 3 times. McVay is 3-0 in those matchups. This will be the 4th. Adjustments must be made. Tendencies altered. And it wouldn't hurt, if a little luck shone through. This time it will be with a third different DC. And it seems at first glance, that the difference in those previous game 3's was defense and special teams.

Against Seattle in 2020, the offense didn't exactly light it up. The defensive play was excellent. 5 sacks (but they also had 5 sacks in each of the previous 2 games). There was that play by D Will, after Metcalf was going off on the sidelines having just one target and no receptions through 23 minutes of the first half, he jumped a WR screen and took it to the house. Our first TD of the game and extending our lead from 3 to 10. Then midway through the 4th quarter, leading by 10 we punted and DJ Reed returned it 8 yards before fumbling the ball at the 36. Our offense took advantage and 4 plays later it was 30-13 with less than 5 minutes remaining.

Against Arizona in 2021, the offense scored 2 TDs in the first half but the story was the Ram's defense. They limited the Cardinals to minus 1 yard over their first 5 possessions and took an ill-advised throw by Murray in for a pick 6. After a Rams TD on the first drive of the second half made it 28-0, Arizona scored 10 points on their next two possessions but the Rams offense countered with 2 FGs of their own and it was all she wrote. Sweet revenge on a team that dominated the Rams in week 4 for their first loss of the season, racking up 465 yards and 37 points. The second game, a 30-20 Rams win, saw Arizona gain 447 yards. But that wild card game was a defensive gem. IMO, Kyler Murray was never right after that embarrassing loss. He missed 3 games over his first three seasons having put up 17 games (of 46) with a 100.0 or better QB rating but missed 26 games over the next 4 while compiling 11 games (of 41) with a 100 or better rating. Now it's assumed he's done in the desert.

Against San Francisco in 2021, after giving up 784 yards, 58 points in the first two meetings, including blowing a 17-3 lead in the second game, we overcame a 17-7 deficit to win 20-17 and go to the Superbowl. With the game tied at 7, we missed a long FG giving them the ball at their 44, which they promptly turned into a 10-7 lead. Then in the 3rd, after turning the ball over on downs at the SF 42, they went 58 yards to go up 17-7. But the defense stiffened. They allowed a total of 38 yards over the next 3 SF possessions, while the Rams scored 13 points on a 60 yard TD drive and two FG drives (48 and 49 yards each). And then AD did what AD always did....make a play at the end.

So, that's why I put this game on Shula, his D and the STs. Sure, Stafford hasn't had that signature 4 TD game in these playoffs and we'll need a good showing from our offense, but we're going to need a stellar effort from that D and a solid game from our STs. Here's hoping McVay makes some solid adjustments to put up points from the jump.

I think "The Lake Effect" will come into play. I believe he was hurt in the first match up. He missed the rematch. He was rusty in Carolina. He played very well last week. I think with him, McCready, and even Josh Wallace, who missed games down the stretch, will make a difference this time around.

 

[dieterbrock]

I’m not buying that, That’s the narrative on him after his Minnesota debacle, but in arguably the biggest game of his career (for the one seed) he rose to the occasion. I do think he may be the weakest link on that offense, but he’s not Kirk Cousins. He’s only been “game managing” because that’s all he’s had to do. He hasn’t had to take over because a majority of their games were not even close.

Darnold has been the poster child for "game manager" in the last 2 games vs San Fran, 320 yards combined with just 1 TD pass. Very efficient, high comp %, no turnovers. Stayed out of the way in the Champ game when Walker ate

 

[PARAM]

Darnold has been the poster child for "game manager" in the last 2 games vs San Fran, 320 yards combined with just 1 TD pass. Very efficient, high comp %, no turnovers. Stayed out of the way in the Champ game when Walker ate

Producing 13 points, is not "rising to the occasion" IMO. San Francisco had 9 first downs, 173 total yards. It was 10-3 at halftime and the final was 13-3. As you said, the RBs ate.......180 yards / 181 yards passing.....39 rush attempts to 26 pass attempts. On third down, Seattle went 6 for 13....they ran 5 times (2 FD) and passed 6 times (5 of 6, 3 FD), Darnold scrambled for a first on another, threw an incompletion on yet another but was bailed out by DPI. I'm not seeing some "redeeming" performance. What I do see is protection. As you said, managing the game.

In the playoff game, 17 pass attempts for 124 yards? 175 yards on the ground. Come on man. Of course it can be noted they were protecting his injury. He went 7 of 12 for 68 yards in the first half and the score was 24-6. 4 offensive TDs in the game, 3 on the ground. He threw 5 passes in the second half. Not seeing this redeeming performance.

 

[HitStick]

Producing 13 points, is not "rising to the occasion" IMO. San Francisco had 9 first downs, 173 total yards. It was 10-3 at halftime and the final was 13-3. As you said, the RBs ate.......180 yards / 181 yards passing.....39 rush attempts to 26 pass attempts. On third down, Seattle went 6 for 13....they ran 5 times (2 FD) and passed 6 times (5 of 6, 3 FD), Darnold scrambled for a first on another, threw an incompletion on yet another but was bailed out by DPI. I'm not seeing some "redeeming" performance. What I do see is protection. As you said, managing the game.

In the playoff game, 17 pass attempts for 124 yards? 175 yards on the ground. Come on man. Of course it can be noted they were protecting his injury. He went 7 of 12 for 68 yards in the first half and the score was 24-6. 4 offensive TDs in the game, 3 on the ground. He threw 5 passes in the second half. Not seeing this redeeming performance.

Yet Stafford is not a game manager after completing 47% of his pass 0/0 and a fumble? Now, I obviously know MVP would never be considered a game manager, but the point is the same, We can’t look at one game. Darnold wasn’t NEEDED to throw for 400 and multiple TDs. Just like we didn’t need a 4 TD performance from Stafford to win.

 

[PARAM]

Yet Stafford is not a game manager after completing 47% of his pass 0/0 and a fumble? Now, I obviously know MVP would never be considered a game manager, but the point is the same, We can’t look at one game. Darnold wasn’t NEEDED to throw for 400 and multiple TDs. Just like we didn’t need a 4 TD performance from Stafford to win.

If anybody suggests Stafford is a game manager or has been asked to be a game manager in any one game, the discussion is over because it's a ludicrous statement. Now I know you're not actually saying that. But with respect to Darnold, we weren't talking about 1 game.....we were talking about the last two games he's played.

Furthermore.....

There have been some who suggest since the 4 pick Rams game, despite "almost winning", he's been converted to a game manager. I think he was being protected as they knew they'd need him in the postseason, much like Kyren was protected for the postseason and now he's carrying the ball 80% of the time. Clearly, Seahawks management knows "almost winning" isn't winning. Here's the tale of the tape.

Darnold prior to the 4 pick Rams game
9 GP (7-2) 251.3 yds/g 17 TD 6 Int 116.5 rating 4 FumLost

vs the Rams:
1 GP (0-1) 279 yards 0 TD 4 Int 45.5 rating

the last 7 regular season games:
7 GP (7-0) 215.3 yds/g 8 TD 4 Int 91.2 rating 2 FumLost

Plus the 12 of 17, 124 yd 1 TD game vs SF in the postseason.

The generous part of that analysis is seperating the Rams game from all the others. But is that right?

If you split the season 9G / 8G and include the Rams game, here are his numbers of those last 8:

8 GP (7-1) 223.3 yds/g 8 TD 8 Int 83.2 rating 2 FL

If you add the SF to those 8 and split it 9/9 his numbers are:

9 GP (8-1) 212.2 yds/g 9 TD 8 Int 84.9 rating 2 FL

What happened to Darnold. Explain that for me, if you care to.

 

[majrleaged]

I’m not buying that, That’s the narrative on him after his Minnesota debacle, but in arguably the biggest game of his career (for the one seed) he rose to the occasion. I do think he may be the weakest link on that offense, but he’s not Kirk Cousins. He’s only been “game managing” because that’s all he’s had to do. He hasn’t had to take over because a majority of their games were not even close.

If you call throwing what should have been the game sealing INT inside the 5 or throwing the ball off the helmet on a 2 point conversion that failed until the refs gave them a score they didn't deserve, coming thru, well OKAYYY.

 

[dieterbrock]

Yet Stafford is not a game manager after completing 47% of his pass 0/0 and a fumble? Now, I obviously know MVP would never be considered a game manager, but the point is the same, We can’t look at one game. Darnold wasn’t NEEDED to throw for 400 and multiple TDs. Just like we didn’t need a 4 TD performance from Stafford to win.

Moving the goal posts much?
Darnold’s mission against the 49ers? Don’t fuck it up, don’t take chances. 13 points in the battle for the 1 seed was just enough to seal the victory while the defense did the heavy lifting.
That’s a game manager.
Stafford? Not a game manager, McVay puts the ball in his hands every game and says go win this one for us.
Alas, the game manager title isn’t even a bad thing. An effective one keeps the ball away from the gunslinger and can easily be part of a victory.