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Speaker 1: From Baltimore to the Big Smoke.
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Speaker 2: Welcome to Between the Horns, presented by your Southern California Toro to dealers. It's JV Long DeMarco far I'm Cameron Irwin, and we get set for week seven, a trip on the road. Yeah, fellas, do you have your neck pillows ready?
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Speaker 3: No? Can I borrow one?
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Speaker 1: Please?
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Speaker 4: Definitely packed mine in my passport this morning.
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Speaker 3: Oh no way.
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Speaker 1: So what does the trip look like when you guys?
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Speaker 5: Head out tomorrow Friday? So I'm leaving from here, going straight over to London, so I'll be out.
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Speaker 4: Of this slight detour. I'll see you there.
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Speaker 3: We'll look at you.
00:00:36
Speaker 1: See.
00:00:37
Speaker 2: I think JV's got a little bit of a longer route to get to London.
00:00:41
Speaker 1: You ready to go? Man?
00:00:42
Speaker 4: I hope, so, I hope?
00:00:44
Speaker 3: So geeked let's go.
00:00:45
Speaker 2: Well, let's take a look back. Coming off the win over Baltimore was seventeen to three. Rams now sit at four and two and they're going to face off against the Jags team also four and two. I'll tell you one thing, five and two feels a lot different than four and three as they are being for a matchup at Wimbley Stadium. Guys, it was interesting. Sean McVay sat down with you earlier this week and he said it was a strange game the.
00:01:08
Speaker 1: Way it all unfolded.
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Speaker 2: In your conversation with him, what was some of the takeaways and what were your takeaways from Baltimore?
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Speaker 5: Well, it was it was a weird game, but this is the pay League, so all that matters is the result, and you got the w. So, and you've heard me say this before, you know, winning is great deodorant. It covers up a ton of stink. So there were some things that you wish you could have got corrected. But with everything that went wrong or everything that you didn't do right, you still came out of there with a win. That's no easy thing to do. In Baltimore, I could care less who was at quarterback. So anytime you get a win versus Baltimore, you should be happy. And like you said, I agree with you one hundred percent. Five and two sounds better than four and three, but both aren't bad when you consider it's better than being the opposite, or three and four or worse than that. So you want to come out of this with a win. You want to be heading towards playing your best football. I think you're just about there. At least your defense is on the verge of becoming a top ten stop all type defense. So all I care about leaving Baltimore is getting that W.
00:02:12
Speaker 4: Yeah, defensively is a great showing, but it comes with the caveat that you're playing Cooper Rush right and Joe noteboom. So was it as good as it looked on paper? I don't know. Conversely, I think McVeigh was actually killing them on offense. I thought there was a lot of good in that film, but it's the same old issues bogging down the rams, slow starts, ball security, not finishing drives, throws off frame, off target drops. Because efficiency wise, this is a top six offense in the NFL. Scoring wise, they're pedestrian their middle of the pack, and the longer that that disconnect continues, and some of it is on the kicking game, it's not all on the offense. But until those good reps turn into big numbers on the scoreboard, yeah, it's gonna feel a little wonky when you get a win, but you don't do everything that you thought you could have offensively.
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Speaker 2: One of the other conversations that you had with him he said. Being able to win in different types of games and in different types of ways can be a strength for this team moving forward. And I want to look a little bit big picture here across the NFL.
00:03:09
Speaker 1: Are the days of.
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Speaker 2: Dropping thirty plus points weekend and week out still a reality in the league today or even in this team.
00:03:17
Speaker 4: I think that's part of why last week felt so unsatisfying. It is because you saw Houston go put forty four on that same team. Now, Baltimore got some good pieces back Defensively, they were not the same defense week over week, and the transitive property doesn't work in football, especially not in the NFL. But yeah, I think those opportunities are out there. I think there have been days whe the Rams could have and should have put up forty points. They haven't done it yet.
00:03:39
Speaker 3: Thirty points a week for everyone or just maybe not a week this team, that would be fun. I mean, it's entirely possible.
00:03:45
Speaker 4: I do.
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Speaker 5: And I think, like you said, even with everything, how wonky everything has been and how great Matthew Stafford has played, I think there's another gear they can get to, and it starts with DeVante. If you can somehow figure out that connection between Stafford and Davante, because, like we keep saying, the guy is absolutely open.
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Speaker 3: You've just missed. He's had issues with drops.
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Speaker 5: But if you can provide that part of the offense and improve that by fifty percent, you're in the red zone.
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Speaker 3: If you're in the red zone, you're in the end zone.
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Speaker 5: If you're doing that, you're setting yourself up to be, you know, rushed between Byron Young and Jared Verse. I think that's what this team is set up to do. So I think you're just about there. So besides the kicking game, I think there's just a few more things that if you can iron that out, I think maybe thirty points is something that's easily attainable.
00:04:35
Speaker 4: Do you have any theories on that Davante thing.
00:04:37
Speaker 5: About that connection? You know, I would love to go out and watch and watch them work on their route tree. If you're Sean McVay, I might even ask them to go out before the game and let's run the route tree, just so we know where everyone's going to be on certain things. But it seems like Davante he wants it and needs it here, and it's just a beat off or a beat slower than what he needs and it just kind of sl down and then you can't find the guy. But when they do connect, it's otherworldly. He can put it anywhere and this guy can grab it from out of the sun. So when that starts to connect, there is no corner, there is no defense.
00:05:11
Speaker 1: You know.
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Speaker 2: It's interesting going into this matchup too, because considering the health of Puka and Nakua, I'm wondering if this will be the game that you see that relationship and that evolution between Stafford and Adams really take life.
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Speaker 5: I loved it. That's the way I was parented. If you know we couldn't get along with our brothers, would just put us in a room and figure it out. You don't come out into your you're hugging. So yeah, I mean that's that's the downside to not having Cook Nakua. You may have to lean on that connection and figure out what's missing.
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Speaker 4: Two things I appreciate about it, they're each taking ownership, Like DeVante's like that there's more that I can do, and Matthew is like, I'm not worried about it because I know I can make these rows and I'm not giving them the best chance to succeed. So I do think there's a world where this is the Matthew to DeVante game. I also think that it could be in Jacksonville's best interest to try and take that away and make McVeigh and staff for try and beat you left handed because they don't have the top two, you know, receiving duos potentially this Sunday, and so could could there be additioned by subtraction? As far as DeVante's concerned without pooka sure, could the Rams really struggle without the best receiver in the National Football League and their secret weapon not so secret weapon on third down? Yeah, I mean this could bog down without him.
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Speaker 3: I'm concerned, you know, Pook and sneaks up on you. Now you're fired? Yeah?
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Speaker 4: But am I right? But I think it transforms, Like I think there's a potential for this to be a one off game plan that is much different than the first six have been offensively for the Rams. And so if I'm Jacksonville's defensive coaches, I am losing a lot of sleep this week. Now I'm in a better position because I don't have to deal with the hammerhead Pook and Akua. But in terms of what's coming down the pike, I don't know, there's nothing on film.
00:06:48
Speaker 1: Yeah, what about twelve?
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Speaker 2: Do you think twelve personnel could be added in a little bit more? Is this the game we'll see Terrence Ferguson m as much more?
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Speaker 3: Does it have to be in twelve? Does to yes? Yes to that? I hope So, I hope we see.
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Speaker 5: A little bit more of him, especially with Puoka being out. It's almost a one for one match when you think about what they do. But I like him going down the field in those matchups and letting Stafford develop a new receiver, a big body, a guy that can post up in the red zone or at least get you closer to closer, closer to the end zone. So absolutely, I think there's gonna be more reps for Ferguson this week.
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Speaker 4: You know, on paper, on the depth chart, the replacement is probably Jordan Whittington, right, But in terms of skill set and attributes and measurables, I wonder if there's a big slot role for t ferg If he's not yet ready to crack your tight end rotation in depth chart, why not now in a different role. But I think that's the element of surprise that Sean McVay has at his advantage as much under center drop back game as Matthew's been playing this year. They could revert back to the obj Rams and just spread them out and with let's go with Jacksonville a little young at corner and short handed at linebacker, you could really these Jags out on defense with a not a completely different look, but one that's not been in keeping with your first six games.
00:08:05
Speaker 2: All right, guys, well we've already been diving into Jacksonville, but I think we need to go back just a bit more and consider this defensive performance that we saw. It's the second time the Rams have held a team out of the end zone this season, the first being Houston, of course in week number one. What impressed you the most about that defensive performance against Baltimore?
00:08:23
Speaker 3: Oh?
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Speaker 5: How they finished again that goal line stand, pops Q Lake getting his hands on one. Finally, you know, there's a lot of things. First thing that jumps off is those edge guys in young and Verse and how they play, and just the depth you have at tackle at defensive tackle, that you could roll so many guys and throw so many different combinations and just keep you guessing on the run. They could cover every gap. They could go four down, They can go three down and still be effective whatever they throw. But I think the thing that stands out the most, because we've seen great defensive line play right possibly the best ever, the thing that stands out is linebacker play and Nate Landman and what he does and how he does it and how he goes about his business. He has been a wonderful acquisition to this defense and he is a phenomenal football player, not just the punchouts, just where he places himself and how everything is. He's such a calming influence when they switch or change, he's got it. He's got the check. The way he communicates with Chris Shula on the sideline, it's like another coach out there that's going out there to hit people. So, uh, this defense, it doesn't panic, it doesn't blink. And if they can stay on sides on third down and they have the ability to get to you, So I got it. Yeah, you saw that.
00:09:36
Speaker 4: This competition they have with each other, who's going to have the sac lead? It's it might be leading.
00:09:40
Speaker 3: To some just saying yes, everybody's a little bit eager to get there.
00:09:44
Speaker 4: Can Brandon Fisk get in on the game, please? And then let's not let the competition lead us to be in the neutral zone right anymore.
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Speaker 5: I mean, look, it's there's enough to go around. You don't have to rush to get there. But when you do have a chance to get off, and there's the funny thing, let me. I'm glad you brought this up. They played seventy five snaps last week. Okay, the defense did. Okay, I don't want to hear any complaints about you being tired. Then get off the field on third down. Then stop messing up your your third nines and setting up third and fourth jumping off.
00:10:13
Speaker 4: Of those plays had to come on the first drive in the last.
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Speaker 3: Right, go get him. That's what I'm saying.
00:10:17
Speaker 5: You have the ability to be a lockdown, go get him type defense. Just don't hurt yourself with penalties and make it easier for them. Dola's a dude. Huh Oh my god, I like that little Dolac. It's so funny. Is Omar Spate's gonna go this week?
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Speaker 3: I bet he is.
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Speaker 5: I bet he is, absolutely that little dude. If you let him play, he's gonna make every tackle. He is one of those guys. Yes, he has been a phenomenal fine for the Rams.
00:10:42
Speaker 4: I mean, I'm glad Quinton Lake finally got his interception. It's been a long time coming, it's been four years coming. But he's playing at an all pro caliber level in a contract year, and I think he's been a big ingredient not just to his individual success, but the collective success. The fact that your captains came through in that moment, I think says Lot.
00:11:00
Speaker 2: You know, I'm glad that you guys brought up the first drive for Baltimore because I was sitting at home watching this game unfold, and I'm watching Jared Verse sitting in the middle linebacker spot, sprinting to the line of scrimmage as soon as it's going. I know he got caught obviously on some of those hard counts, but I'm going, if I were Cooper Rush I was, I would be terrified. I would be shaking in my boots because I was watching it and on the TV, and I'm going, someone please provide a little extra protection for that man.
00:11:24
Speaker 3: It's the center. The center is probably scared to death.
00:11:27
Speaker 4: Don't do we even know?
00:11:28
Speaker 3: Like?
00:11:28
Speaker 4: Was that a hard counter? Did Cooper Rush? Just glitch?
00:11:30
Speaker 5: That was a hand because when they caught them all five linemen were like, Aha, we got you.
00:11:35
Speaker 3: We've been playing this. There you go.
00:11:37
Speaker 2: But in reality too, I think you saw the effect of Jared Verst, the fear effect late in that first drive because you saw once they got into Rams territory his presence really forced some of those penalties that back them up to hold them to a field goal on that first drive as well. So, I mean, the fear factor's there, it's not you don't want the penalty has been in the same thing.
00:11:56
Speaker 4: But I think this is the perfect game to just play it clean. Yeah, Like you don't have to be Godzilla this week, although we would love to see it. But like with Trevor Lawrence's running ability, just play assignment football and I think that will be enough against an offensive line right now from Zack Jackson Will it's really struggling.
00:12:13
Speaker 3: Again.
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Speaker 5: You've heard me say this production equal tolerance. I can forgive a lot if you're making plays. Yeah, and they're getting better. Like, this is the best duo in the league as far as edge guys when Byron and Young and vers are out there. So enjoy this while you can while it's still even before you pay one guy more than the other. They're actually working together and they're they're wrecking shops. So, like I said, if you get them into obvious passing situations, it's a guarantee he's going to get you or he's going.
00:12:39
Speaker 3: To get you.
00:12:39
Speaker 2: JB.
00:12:40
Speaker 1: You think the nickname bash Bros. Is going to stick? That was from Sean McVay regarding those two this week.
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Speaker 4: It's too bary eccentric.
00:12:46
Speaker 3: I think that's maguire.
00:12:49
Speaker 4: It was a good baseball reference while they're practicing at Camden Yard. So I appreciate this is the week to do it, But no, I don't think it has a geographic stainer. It is you know, yeah, baseball playoff time.
00:13:01
Speaker 5: How about the All Pros? Does that count there? That's universal? Let's do that.
00:13:05
Speaker 2: Sure, I think we will workshop it all right, just to put a bow on the defense. Nate Landman obviously picking up the single game franchise record seventeen tackles. Interesting note as well, for linebackers who have played over eighty percent of the snaps. He currently sits in the top five in the league today. That's pretty impressive, just behind Bobby Wagner. He's in good company.
00:13:28
Speaker 4: Wow, not a bad find. No, Thank you, Atlanta, Thank.
00:13:31
Speaker 2: You absolutely, let's turn our attention to the offensive side of the ball. Second half was much better than the first. Another slow star JB. You mentioned at the top of this show, just how concerned are you considering what we've been able to do in the first half, especially in the last two games.
00:13:48
Speaker 3: Yeah.
00:13:48
Speaker 4: I wouldn't say it's concern because there's so much success there. I think it's more just aggravation and like patients wearing thin, right, And I understand where our fan base is coming from, where it's like, we know the latent potential there, just put that thing in the box, like, let's tighten it down, Let's make sure we hit our opportunities. Let's not bust and protection, you know, leading to the Stafford fumble and that fourth down sack. There was a lot of good. There's so much good there that the disconnect between the way they're achieving and moving the football and the way that they're not scoring and putting teams away. You don't want to get to the midway point and still feel like you not put your best foot forward on offense.
00:14:27
Speaker 3: No doubt.
00:14:28
Speaker 5: I thought having Big Steve back at left guard was huge, And yeah, there's competition. Like I said same thing about Omar space, like there are people out behind you that really can play, so you better get back right tackle too. Warren's been great, absolutely, I would say one thing great. This is not a knock on him. I thought he played great as a right tackle. But just go ahead and be mean, man. It's okay to be nasty. If you're gonna do it, go ahead and do it. If you're gonna, like you know, come down and chip on a guy, you don't have to be nice about it.
00:14:55
Speaker 3: Don't let him know you're there. Drill him.
00:14:57
Speaker 5: You know what I'm saying. You are a right tackle in the game. I thought he played great. But having big Steve out there and just that big body, and this will be a stiff test this week in London because it's Armstead. It's another one of those long oak trees that plays defensive line.
00:15:11
Speaker 4: Yeah, you do want to be big guardy guard this.
00:15:13
Speaker 3: Absolutely Steve's have you looked at his body?
00:15:15
Speaker 5: Steve's wade is up here, which is the perfect antidote to Armstead.
00:15:19
Speaker 3: So it's good to have him back.
00:15:20
Speaker 5: And Dotson again, I thought they're playing a tough brand of ball, so if you can eliminate some of the mistakes and let these guys lean on you. I think they could wear Jacksonville out by running the football too.
00:15:32
Speaker 4: I got two things on the running backs too. It bums me out that Korum got dinged again because he has been showing a ton of pop, like if you want explosive runs, he seems to be the guy giving it to you. And then how about Kiren Williams response. I mean, I love this guy, easy to root for. Ball security. Was there two hands on the football and then his best catch I think as a ram oh yeah, schedule creation. He basically creates that touchdown for himself by making that one cheek down catch. And those are the types of plays that, in addition to everything else I said about the offense, like someone's got to just overachieve, right. It can't just be on McVeigh and lafloor to get you thirty points a game with their scheme. We know they're more than capable. Someone go out there and you know, Tiefer, you get that jet sweep, opportunity to take that thing all the way around the right side, find that pylon, don't over extend, don't make a mistake trying to do too much. But let's take it up a notch.
00:16:25
Speaker 3: Guys.
00:16:26
Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm glad that you bring up the Williams catch because not only was it a great call one but cheek equals two feet.
00:16:32
Speaker 1: I love that that was a good call. You know, you had to throw it in.
00:16:36
Speaker 4: There, but I think and they should have had pass interference on the previous reply didn't been necessary.
00:16:41
Speaker 2: But also just considering the down and distance fourth and three and he finds a shot that deep, it was really impressive and considering almost like the rebuttal to the game prior. I really like the response there from Williams. We got to dig into special teams, folks.
00:16:54
Speaker 4: I don't. We don't have to.
00:16:56
Speaker 1: How about just one question. I'll give you one, all right, all right?
00:17:00
Speaker 2: Do the Rams have a kicker issue or a special teams issue?
00:17:06
Speaker 4: They have a field goal operation issue?
00:17:08
Speaker 3: Yeah, that's fair.
00:17:09
Speaker 4: Yes, I mean, don't take anything away from the work they've done. I think on kickoff and punt, which has been better. I mean a shame to have Dolac wandering downfield because you get another takeaway on teams there. But yeah, the the kicking operation when your coach decides not to take a chip shot field goal to go up three possessions on the road. That tells you everything you need to now. Unfortunately, that's that's the state where the rams are right now. So yeah, that's and here's the thing. The clang off the right upright reverberated. But the one they made was the one that spooked me. Am I wrong, No, you're right, you're right.
00:17:44
Speaker 5: There's there's there's an issue there and it needs to be corrected.
00:17:47
Speaker 3: And I'm with you.
00:17:49
Speaker 5: It's it comes off of Carty's foot, so he has to wear it when it goes bad. But it's not just him, it's the entire operation. So and the shocking thing is it's lasted this long. You know, you go from protection and now you have a kicker that's starting to miss. So it seems like it's trending in the wrong direction, and especially when you get that sort of call, that was a big message. But like you said, you're gonna need him, You're gonna need your special teams, You're gonna need your placekicker. So let's line up and do it again. You have a bye week coming up if you have to make decisions and choices, but let's I wouldn't go ahead and say let's adopt a gung ho attitude because you were afraid to kick. I think it was that moment. I would still trust by place kicking unit and make them prove.
00:18:33
Speaker 4: Either way, at least the protection was better, right, correct, Yeah, and so maybe you need to build the confidence back up. Yes, from that standpoint, because it's the same guy you made well like twenty six in a row at the end of last season and of this year. He was NFC's Special Teams Player of the Month. I think then the last year, like Carti's got the goods. But whether it's a breakdown of confidence, whether it's a breakdown in protection that led to a breakdown, and fundamentals, it's got to change because you can only go so far with what we think is a championship caliber roster, right and not have that element in play, Like you don't want to have to make a change, but there comes a point where you got to try something else.
00:19:08
Speaker 5: True, Yeah, But like I just I think it was that moment and if you get caught in the same situation in London, I think you kick.
00:19:15
Speaker 3: I would trust it. I would. I mean, I think you have to you.
00:19:18
Speaker 4: Know what I mean it would depend to me how much Matthew's slinging it.
00:19:23
Speaker 1: Yeah, this is true, right, you guys bring up London.
00:19:27
Speaker 2: Well, it's rams first international trip since twenty nineteen and currently they are.
00:19:31
Speaker 1: Two and zero under Sean McVay.
00:19:32
Speaker 2: Internationally interesting matchup two facing off against Liam Cohen for former OC here with the Los Angeles Rams.
00:19:40
Speaker 1: Is there some continuity there?
00:19:43
Speaker 2: There's some insider knowledges these two teams face off.
00:19:46
Speaker 5: You can tell, man when you watch their offense and how they do things, It reminds me of seventeen eighteen McVeigh. He's making the defense pay for the rules, and he is a like you said, the masters of offense are early masters of defense.
00:19:59
Speaker 3: They can what you're in.
00:20:00
Speaker 5: They can manipulate you to get you to get the look they want and then make you pay for it. So the one thing you have to do and the one thing that you have in the RAMS advantage are math changers and we already mentioned them with Byron Young. They can destroy where it shows up on their offense is through their O line, so versus hitting gaps. This week, I would say you're hitting bodies. You're throwing guys into the backfield and you're trying to force us onto Trevor Lawrence and see if he can beat you with his arm. I would bet that the Rams would be able to get to Lawrence before he gets the ball off, especially with their O line and the season the Rams D line is having right now.
00:20:35
Speaker 4: I think center for Jacksonville and left tackle are the positions to watch real issue and pass protection. I don't know how much of that is Seattle's being elite defensively or how much of that is regression from the Jacksonville offense, but I think Liam got this job as much because of what he did with the running game in Tampa Bay as the Baker story and all that stuff. Like, I know the Rams have been running the gauntlet against opposing rushing games, but just because ETMA not have the credentials or the accolades or the pedigree of McCaffrey and Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley, you better bring it on first down this week because I think a real easy way to lose this game is to lose ETN and not push the game back on Trevor Lawrence's shoulders in this offensive line by falling behind and by giving up, you know, four or five yards per carry, Like that's a real recipe for disaster.
00:21:21
Speaker 5: This week, they probably think they can run it a little bit when you what Derek Henry did in the first nap.
00:21:25
Speaker 4: They've run it really well. It's fallen off just briefly, but like their body of work and even Liam's record going back to Tampa Bay says that they can absolutely do that.
00:21:34
Speaker 5: You know, this is no god. Yeah, you're gonna have to earn it. This is no gimme. They're going to try to come at you and run the football. So it's just you have you have depth of d line, you have good edge, and you have a great linebacker.
00:21:44
Speaker 3: So if you play it correctly, you should be able to stop it.
00:21:47
Speaker 4: And if you gave up thirty seven pressures the last two weeks and you see the Rams defensive front coming, what are you gonna run?
00:21:54
Speaker 2: Right, before we get any further, I just want to give a little shout out to to Stu Jackson, and he pulled a quote from Liam this week, and it was a story about Sean McVay and Liam and what Liam had.
00:22:05
Speaker 1: Learned from Sean.
00:22:06
Speaker 2: It was really interesting, saying that he had to drop every pass play right, And I think it really speaks to the coaching tree that Seawan Myfay has truly created. And I imagine there's going to be some fun, some familiarity as those two face off now this weekend.
00:22:19
Speaker 3: Can you imagine if you messed up one of those cars?
00:22:25
Speaker 4: I mean, and it wasn't the best year you'll remember. So good on Liam for going back to college and then battling his way back up through the ranks. Like you know, his talent was undeniable, But it's not like he used a you know, a rocket ship year here in Los Angeles. Not a pult to bigger things.
00:22:40
Speaker 3: Good coach.
00:22:41
Speaker 5: Yes, love everything about him, except he's trying to fight bigger coaches.
00:22:44
Speaker 4: And let's not do that before I forget. Don't let Hunter Long beat you. Don't let Johnny Munt beat you.
00:22:48
Speaker 5: Please, Johnny Mount, here we go again. Can't get rid of him like luggage stays around forever.
00:22:53
Speaker 2: Yes, let's talk a little bit about Devin Lloyd, the linebacker. It's a big loss for this team for Jacksonville been ruled out with a calf injury. How big of an advantage does this become now for the Rams just considering this guy has just been wicked for interceptions already this season.
00:23:12
Speaker 3: This one less guy to worry about. I mean, I guess it kind of evens out.
00:23:15
Speaker 5: You're gonna be missing Poka maybe so they're missing one of their best guys. But I'll say this, man on defense, they have and I said this before a spread o'corps. On defense, if the ball gets tipped or it's on the ground, they think it's theirs. This is how they live. I mean it's wild. When the ball is tipped, you'll see four guys. Their eyes get big. They get it, and they don't miss opportunities. If you give them an opportunity to take the ball away, they will. So ball security is super important.
00:23:40
Speaker 2: This week, let's talk about Trevor Lawrence. Do you feel like he is plateauing or ascending at this point?
00:23:46
Speaker 1: Now? Under Liam?
00:23:47
Speaker 4: One second before I forget, because before we leave the defense behind, do you still have Dennis Gardek recurring nightmares like I do? I do he's on Jacksonville. Just say no, I hope I didn't ruin your flight to line.
00:23:58
Speaker 3: Is that part of the McVeigh coaching tree.
00:24:00
Speaker 4: I mean it might be, Man, that guy's a Thorn and oh, it's great to have him out of the division, but now he's in Jacksonville.
00:24:05
Speaker 2: Yes, sorry, Camaron, back on, I just let's talk about Trevor Lawrence.
00:24:09
Speaker 1: Guy's towing or sending now under Liam.
00:24:12
Speaker 4: I think Jacksonville can't answer that question. That's part of the frustration, probably, right, is his inconsistency m hm, when I worry about his ability to extend plays and drives. And so that's where I got back to, like, you better be you know, rush lane integrity's a big deal this week because if his pocket is punctured and he pulls his eyes down but he moves the chains on third down, it's gonna be a long day at Wembley.
00:24:34
Speaker 5: Yeah, he can he can move, He's got some wiggle. But you do notice this on tape. He can throw it from different platforms. So he's got what you need in the passing game, and he can run the offense. But he's he's a super athlete, and it seems like he's always out to prove that on every single rep that he is the athlete that you think he is. But when he does pull it down, this is not a guy that's just running the space I'm gonna take what the defense gives me and slide here.
00:24:57
Speaker 3: No, he can wiggle, he can make.
00:24:59
Speaker 5: You miss, he can take a when you have him boxed in, he can all of a sudden outflank you with his speed and get down the field. Like you said, there is nothing worse than the quarterback that jumps out the window and picks up first downs. That's almost as bad as jumping off side on third down anyway. So here's another running quarterback that you have.
00:25:16
Speaker 1: To deal with before we get any further.
00:25:19
Speaker 2: I also feel like we have to talk about somebody who hasn't seen as much action, and I'm a little concerned going into this one. Could this be the game that he takes off? I hope not. And that is none other than Travis Hunter. He has been held in his six games, four of them for less than thirty five total yards. Are we gonna be able to keep keep those numbers consistent?
00:25:39
Speaker 1: And going?
00:25:40
Speaker 3: Here?
00:25:40
Speaker 4: If I force you to pick a lane for one game in one game only, would you play him on offense or defense?
00:25:44
Speaker 3: The defense?
00:25:45
Speaker 5: I would play him on defense? Would I would play him like Dion Sanders in Prime? He's got He's a great corner. If he steps in front of one and he picks off anybody, If he picks off Matthew Stafford, that's going back for six.
00:25:58
Speaker 3: So that's devastating.
00:25:59
Speaker 4: He joined DeVante coming off the bus and he doesn't leave him until he.
00:26:04
Speaker 3: You got him.
00:26:05
Speaker 5: I would say this is the marquee matchup you've been waiting for. Travel with Devant.
00:26:09
Speaker 4: Essentially because he is playing more on offense. He's been I think he's been better on defense statistically, but he is playing more on offense.
00:26:15
Speaker 1: So yeah, they're giving him a couple more looks at least. Uh, this is the m j D Bowl. Yeah, we gotta give him the man a little love.
00:26:22
Speaker 2: And I knew going into this as he played eight season with the Jags. I was going, who in the world is he gonna pick? Would you like to guess who he picked?
00:26:29
Speaker 3: You better pick the Rams. Come on, now, he's gonna be in the booth with us.
00:26:32
Speaker 4: His ring says Rams. Yes, last I heard, he was upset that they gave Cody Schrader his numbers.
00:26:38
Speaker 3: They can love him all they want. He's looting for us there, Yes.
00:26:42
Speaker 1: Twenty seven. He's got the rems, so fair enough.
00:26:46
Speaker 2: The keys to victory. You guys, let's let's finish this off. What are you starting with?
00:26:51
Speaker 1: JB long Uh?
00:26:55
Speaker 4: I mean, first of all, where we started. This is a massive game, like this is an even bigger game. I think I realized on Monday, and you said it, the difference between five and two and four and three, not only because of what that means for your potential fortunes, but I think because of what it gives your front offense license to do. If you're flying home at five and two with a bye and the Saints at home coming up on the trade deadline, I think you'll have a very good opportunity to maybe four toify your roster or at least make some calls attacking areas that I think can transform you from a contender to a championship favorite. I think making sure that Lawrence doesn't do damage with his feet, is there, winning that early down, pushing the game back on his shoulder so that ETN can't turn chains on you and shorten the game the way that some teams like San Francisco and Baltimore have done lately. And then how about a turnover free performance for once Rams are too deep in the season to have not played a clean game. Yet I think that opportunity is in front of them.
00:27:50
Speaker 1: I said, key to victory, he gave me keys.
00:27:52
Speaker 3: Yeah, what else?
00:27:53
Speaker 5: What they say, don't jump off size on third down? Start there? How about at least six points from your kicking game. At least six points from your kicking game. Now that could be X getting loose and breaking one and then you get the extra point. That's obviously seven, but six points. I'd love to see Cardi go out there and kick a field goal and just have a clean operation one two, boom, it's through. I mean he absolutely cuts the goalposts in half. And everything else that JB said is ultra important. But yeah, I think for confidence for everything, for where you are on the verge with it's on the lips of everyone, and your coach just put it on front street with that call on fourth down. Everybody's worried about your kicking game. The only way to get through that is to go out there and be clean, absolutely be clean on teams at least six points out of your teams, and be penalty for you there.
00:28:43
Speaker 4: You already had to suffer through a loss on your mini by like, get a victory and feel good about your fortunes at the midway point. Enjoy the flight home, rest and recover and get ready for a big, big second half of the season.
00:28:56
Speaker 2: My key to victory is going to be getting after Trevor Lawrence. Like you mentioned, trying to keep him contained last week against Seattle, sacks seven times and get this, seventeen QB hits seventeen.
00:29:07
Speaker 1: Seventeen in one game. That's a lot.
00:29:10
Speaker 4: That's there's a big test for him, right, Like if you've been peppered like that for a couple of weeks now and you know the Rams are next, you know how willing are you to live life in the pocket this week? He's capable of.
00:29:21
Speaker 3: Just coming out fast. Yeah, this could be an op.
00:29:24
Speaker 2: And not to forget here Robert Hainsey, their center is not making or he is making the trip to London, and he missed last week with the hamstrings, so that's a big one to watch in terms of the matchup. Any final thoughts before he head off to London.
00:29:39
Speaker 5: Yeah, I just I'm going to count Maurice Jones drew Jerseys over there and how many past twelve before we get out of Heathrow.
00:29:47
Speaker 4: Yes, Happy birthday to Joey Hirsh.
00:29:50
Speaker 3: Happy birthday.
00:29:51
Speaker 1: Yes, there you go. He's in the room now. You gotta love it. Happy birthday, Joey.
00:29:57
Speaker 4: No one's still watching that.
00:30:01
Speaker 1: I don't know.
00:30:01
Speaker 2: I kept it under I think like thirty five minutes, so hopefully people are still hanging on. I hope you all are able to wake up bright and early. Grab your cup of coffee, because this one's kicking off at six thirty am Pacific standards Earl Gray and join our fellows of course on ESPNLA RAMS Radio for JB Long, DeMarco Farr, I'm caer render one, thanks so much for joining us on Between the Horns, presented by your Southern California Toyota Dealer,
Speaker 1: From Baltimore to the Big Smoke.
00:00:08
Speaker 2: Welcome to Between the Horns, presented by your Southern California Toro to dealers. It's JV Long DeMarco far I'm Cameron Irwin, and we get set for week seven, a trip on the road. Yeah, fellas, do you have your neck pillows ready?
00:00:20
Speaker 3: No? Can I borrow one?
00:00:21
Speaker 1: Please?
00:00:22
Speaker 4: Definitely packed mine in my passport this morning.
00:00:25
Speaker 3: Oh no way.
00:00:26
Speaker 1: So what does the trip look like when you guys?
00:00:28
Speaker 5: Head out tomorrow Friday? So I'm leaving from here, going straight over to London, so I'll be out.
00:00:34
Speaker 4: Of this slight detour. I'll see you there.
00:00:35
Speaker 3: We'll look at you.
00:00:36
Speaker 1: See.
00:00:37
Speaker 2: I think JV's got a little bit of a longer route to get to London.
00:00:41
Speaker 1: You ready to go? Man?
00:00:42
Speaker 4: I hope, so, I hope?
00:00:44
Speaker 3: So geeked let's go.
00:00:45
Speaker 2: Well, let's take a look back. Coming off the win over Baltimore was seventeen to three. Rams now sit at four and two and they're going to face off against the Jags team also four and two. I'll tell you one thing, five and two feels a lot different than four and three as they are being for a matchup at Wimbley Stadium. Guys, it was interesting. Sean McVay sat down with you earlier this week and he said it was a strange game the.
00:01:08
Speaker 1: Way it all unfolded.
00:01:10
Speaker 2: In your conversation with him, what was some of the takeaways and what were your takeaways from Baltimore?
00:01:16
Speaker 5: Well, it was it was a weird game, but this is the pay League, so all that matters is the result, and you got the w. So, and you've heard me say this before, you know, winning is great deodorant. It covers up a ton of stink. So there were some things that you wish you could have got corrected. But with everything that went wrong or everything that you didn't do right, you still came out of there with a win. That's no easy thing to do. In Baltimore, I could care less who was at quarterback. So anytime you get a win versus Baltimore, you should be happy. And like you said, I agree with you one hundred percent. Five and two sounds better than four and three, but both aren't bad when you consider it's better than being the opposite, or three and four or worse than that. So you want to come out of this with a win. You want to be heading towards playing your best football. I think you're just about there. At least your defense is on the verge of becoming a top ten stop all type defense. So all I care about leaving Baltimore is getting that W.
00:02:12
Speaker 4: Yeah, defensively is a great showing, but it comes with the caveat that you're playing Cooper Rush right and Joe noteboom. So was it as good as it looked on paper? I don't know. Conversely, I think McVeigh was actually killing them on offense. I thought there was a lot of good in that film, but it's the same old issues bogging down the rams, slow starts, ball security, not finishing drives, throws off frame, off target drops. Because efficiency wise, this is a top six offense in the NFL. Scoring wise, they're pedestrian their middle of the pack, and the longer that that disconnect continues, and some of it is on the kicking game, it's not all on the offense. But until those good reps turn into big numbers on the scoreboard, yeah, it's gonna feel a little wonky when you get a win, but you don't do everything that you thought you could have offensively.
00:02:57
Speaker 2: One of the other conversations that you had with him he said. Being able to win in different types of games and in different types of ways can be a strength for this team moving forward. And I want to look a little bit big picture here across the NFL.
00:03:09
Speaker 1: Are the days of.
00:03:10
Speaker 2: Dropping thirty plus points weekend and week out still a reality in the league today or even in this team.
00:03:17
Speaker 4: I think that's part of why last week felt so unsatisfying. It is because you saw Houston go put forty four on that same team. Now, Baltimore got some good pieces back Defensively, they were not the same defense week over week, and the transitive property doesn't work in football, especially not in the NFL. But yeah, I think those opportunities are out there. I think there have been days whe the Rams could have and should have put up forty points. They haven't done it yet.
00:03:39
Speaker 3: Thirty points a week for everyone or just maybe not a week this team, that would be fun. I mean, it's entirely possible.
00:03:45
Speaker 4: I do.
00:03:46
Speaker 5: And I think, like you said, even with everything, how wonky everything has been and how great Matthew Stafford has played, I think there's another gear they can get to, and it starts with DeVante. If you can somehow figure out that connection between Stafford and Davante, because, like we keep saying, the guy is absolutely open.
00:04:04
Speaker 3: You've just missed. He's had issues with drops.
00:04:06
Speaker 5: But if you can provide that part of the offense and improve that by fifty percent, you're in the red zone.
00:04:14
Speaker 3: If you're in the red zone, you're in the end zone.
00:04:16
Speaker 5: If you're doing that, you're setting yourself up to be, you know, rushed between Byron Young and Jared Verse. I think that's what this team is set up to do. So I think you're just about there. So besides the kicking game, I think there's just a few more things that if you can iron that out, I think maybe thirty points is something that's easily attainable.
00:04:35
Speaker 4: Do you have any theories on that Davante thing.
00:04:37
Speaker 5: About that connection? You know, I would love to go out and watch and watch them work on their route tree. If you're Sean McVay, I might even ask them to go out before the game and let's run the route tree, just so we know where everyone's going to be on certain things. But it seems like Davante he wants it and needs it here, and it's just a beat off or a beat slower than what he needs and it just kind of sl down and then you can't find the guy. But when they do connect, it's otherworldly. He can put it anywhere and this guy can grab it from out of the sun. So when that starts to connect, there is no corner, there is no defense.
00:05:11
Speaker 1: You know.
00:05:11
Speaker 2: It's interesting going into this matchup too, because considering the health of Puka and Nakua, I'm wondering if this will be the game that you see that relationship and that evolution between Stafford and Adams really take life.
00:05:23
Speaker 5: I loved it. That's the way I was parented. If you know we couldn't get along with our brothers, would just put us in a room and figure it out. You don't come out into your you're hugging. So yeah, I mean that's that's the downside to not having Cook Nakua. You may have to lean on that connection and figure out what's missing.
00:05:38
Speaker 4: Two things I appreciate about it, they're each taking ownership, Like DeVante's like that there's more that I can do, and Matthew is like, I'm not worried about it because I know I can make these rows and I'm not giving them the best chance to succeed. So I do think there's a world where this is the Matthew to DeVante game. I also think that it could be in Jacksonville's best interest to try and take that away and make McVeigh and staff for try and beat you left handed because they don't have the top two, you know, receiving duos potentially this Sunday, and so could could there be additioned by subtraction? As far as DeVante's concerned without pooka sure, could the Rams really struggle without the best receiver in the National Football League and their secret weapon not so secret weapon on third down? Yeah, I mean this could bog down without him.
00:06:21
Speaker 3: I'm concerned, you know, Pook and sneaks up on you. Now you're fired? Yeah?
00:06:27
Speaker 4: But am I right? But I think it transforms, Like I think there's a potential for this to be a one off game plan that is much different than the first six have been offensively for the Rams. And so if I'm Jacksonville's defensive coaches, I am losing a lot of sleep this week. Now I'm in a better position because I don't have to deal with the hammerhead Pook and Akua. But in terms of what's coming down the pike, I don't know, there's nothing on film.
00:06:48
Speaker 1: Yeah, what about twelve?
00:06:50
Speaker 2: Do you think twelve personnel could be added in a little bit more? Is this the game we'll see Terrence Ferguson m as much more?
00:06:56
Speaker 3: Does it have to be in twelve? Does to yes? Yes to that? I hope So, I hope we see.
00:07:02
Speaker 5: A little bit more of him, especially with Puoka being out. It's almost a one for one match when you think about what they do. But I like him going down the field in those matchups and letting Stafford develop a new receiver, a big body, a guy that can post up in the red zone or at least get you closer to closer, closer to the end zone. So absolutely, I think there's gonna be more reps for Ferguson this week.
00:07:24
Speaker 4: You know, on paper, on the depth chart, the replacement is probably Jordan Whittington, right, But in terms of skill set and attributes and measurables, I wonder if there's a big slot role for t ferg If he's not yet ready to crack your tight end rotation in depth chart, why not now in a different role. But I think that's the element of surprise that Sean McVay has at his advantage as much under center drop back game as Matthew's been playing this year. They could revert back to the obj Rams and just spread them out and with let's go with Jacksonville a little young at corner and short handed at linebacker, you could really these Jags out on defense with a not a completely different look, but one that's not been in keeping with your first six games.
00:08:05
Speaker 2: All right, guys, well we've already been diving into Jacksonville, but I think we need to go back just a bit more and consider this defensive performance that we saw. It's the second time the Rams have held a team out of the end zone this season, the first being Houston, of course in week number one. What impressed you the most about that defensive performance against Baltimore?
00:08:23
Speaker 3: Oh?
00:08:23
Speaker 5: How they finished again that goal line stand, pops Q Lake getting his hands on one. Finally, you know, there's a lot of things. First thing that jumps off is those edge guys in young and Verse and how they play, and just the depth you have at tackle at defensive tackle, that you could roll so many guys and throw so many different combinations and just keep you guessing on the run. They could cover every gap. They could go four down, They can go three down and still be effective whatever they throw. But I think the thing that stands out the most, because we've seen great defensive line play right possibly the best ever, the thing that stands out is linebacker play and Nate Landman and what he does and how he does it and how he goes about his business. He has been a wonderful acquisition to this defense and he is a phenomenal football player, not just the punchouts, just where he places himself and how everything is. He's such a calming influence when they switch or change, he's got it. He's got the check. The way he communicates with Chris Shula on the sideline, it's like another coach out there that's going out there to hit people. So, uh, this defense, it doesn't panic, it doesn't blink. And if they can stay on sides on third down and they have the ability to get to you, So I got it. Yeah, you saw that.
00:09:36
Speaker 4: This competition they have with each other, who's going to have the sac lead? It's it might be leading.
00:09:40
Speaker 3: To some just saying yes, everybody's a little bit eager to get there.
00:09:44
Speaker 4: Can Brandon Fisk get in on the game, please? And then let's not let the competition lead us to be in the neutral zone right anymore.
00:09:51
Speaker 5: I mean, look, it's there's enough to go around. You don't have to rush to get there. But when you do have a chance to get off, and there's the funny thing, let me. I'm glad you brought this up. They played seventy five snaps last week. Okay, the defense did. Okay, I don't want to hear any complaints about you being tired. Then get off the field on third down. Then stop messing up your your third nines and setting up third and fourth jumping off.
00:10:13
Speaker 4: Of those plays had to come on the first drive in the last.
00:10:15
Speaker 3: Right, go get him. That's what I'm saying.
00:10:17
Speaker 5: You have the ability to be a lockdown, go get him type defense. Just don't hurt yourself with penalties and make it easier for them. Dola's a dude. Huh Oh my god, I like that little Dolac. It's so funny. Is Omar Spate's gonna go this week?
00:10:32
Speaker 3: I bet he is.
00:10:33
Speaker 5: I bet he is, absolutely that little dude. If you let him play, he's gonna make every tackle. He is one of those guys. Yes, he has been a phenomenal fine for the Rams.
00:10:42
Speaker 4: I mean, I'm glad Quinton Lake finally got his interception. It's been a long time coming, it's been four years coming. But he's playing at an all pro caliber level in a contract year, and I think he's been a big ingredient not just to his individual success, but the collective success. The fact that your captains came through in that moment, I think says Lot.
00:11:00
Speaker 2: You know, I'm glad that you guys brought up the first drive for Baltimore because I was sitting at home watching this game unfold, and I'm watching Jared Verse sitting in the middle linebacker spot, sprinting to the line of scrimmage as soon as it's going. I know he got caught obviously on some of those hard counts, but I'm going, if I were Cooper Rush I was, I would be terrified. I would be shaking in my boots because I was watching it and on the TV, and I'm going, someone please provide a little extra protection for that man.
00:11:24
Speaker 3: It's the center. The center is probably scared to death.
00:11:27
Speaker 4: Don't do we even know?
00:11:28
Speaker 3: Like?
00:11:28
Speaker 4: Was that a hard counter? Did Cooper Rush? Just glitch?
00:11:30
Speaker 5: That was a hand because when they caught them all five linemen were like, Aha, we got you.
00:11:35
Speaker 3: We've been playing this. There you go.
00:11:37
Speaker 2: But in reality too, I think you saw the effect of Jared Verst, the fear effect late in that first drive because you saw once they got into Rams territory his presence really forced some of those penalties that back them up to hold them to a field goal on that first drive as well. So, I mean, the fear factor's there, it's not you don't want the penalty has been in the same thing.
00:11:56
Speaker 4: But I think this is the perfect game to just play it clean. Yeah, Like you don't have to be Godzilla this week, although we would love to see it. But like with Trevor Lawrence's running ability, just play assignment football and I think that will be enough against an offensive line right now from Zack Jackson Will it's really struggling.
00:12:13
Speaker 3: Again.
00:12:13
Speaker 5: You've heard me say this production equal tolerance. I can forgive a lot if you're making plays. Yeah, and they're getting better. Like, this is the best duo in the league as far as edge guys when Byron and Young and vers are out there. So enjoy this while you can while it's still even before you pay one guy more than the other. They're actually working together and they're they're wrecking shops. So, like I said, if you get them into obvious passing situations, it's a guarantee he's going to get you or he's going.
00:12:39
Speaker 3: To get you.
00:12:39
Speaker 2: JB.
00:12:40
Speaker 1: You think the nickname bash Bros. Is going to stick? That was from Sean McVay regarding those two this week.
00:12:45
Speaker 4: It's too bary eccentric.
00:12:46
Speaker 3: I think that's maguire.
00:12:49
Speaker 4: It was a good baseball reference while they're practicing at Camden Yard. So I appreciate this is the week to do it, But no, I don't think it has a geographic stainer. It is you know, yeah, baseball playoff time.
00:13:01
Speaker 5: How about the All Pros? Does that count there? That's universal? Let's do that.
00:13:05
Speaker 2: Sure, I think we will workshop it all right, just to put a bow on the defense. Nate Landman obviously picking up the single game franchise record seventeen tackles. Interesting note as well, for linebackers who have played over eighty percent of the snaps. He currently sits in the top five in the league today. That's pretty impressive, just behind Bobby Wagner. He's in good company.
00:13:28
Speaker 4: Wow, not a bad find. No, Thank you, Atlanta, Thank.
00:13:31
Speaker 2: You absolutely, let's turn our attention to the offensive side of the ball. Second half was much better than the first. Another slow star JB. You mentioned at the top of this show, just how concerned are you considering what we've been able to do in the first half, especially in the last two games.
00:13:48
Speaker 3: Yeah.
00:13:48
Speaker 4: I wouldn't say it's concern because there's so much success there. I think it's more just aggravation and like patients wearing thin, right, And I understand where our fan base is coming from, where it's like, we know the latent potential there, just put that thing in the box, like, let's tighten it down, Let's make sure we hit our opportunities. Let's not bust and protection, you know, leading to the Stafford fumble and that fourth down sack. There was a lot of good. There's so much good there that the disconnect between the way they're achieving and moving the football and the way that they're not scoring and putting teams away. You don't want to get to the midway point and still feel like you not put your best foot forward on offense.
00:14:27
Speaker 3: No doubt.
00:14:28
Speaker 5: I thought having Big Steve back at left guard was huge, And yeah, there's competition. Like I said same thing about Omar space, like there are people out behind you that really can play, so you better get back right tackle too. Warren's been great, absolutely, I would say one thing great. This is not a knock on him. I thought he played great as a right tackle. But just go ahead and be mean, man. It's okay to be nasty. If you're gonna do it, go ahead and do it. If you're gonna, like you know, come down and chip on a guy, you don't have to be nice about it.
00:14:55
Speaker 3: Don't let him know you're there. Drill him.
00:14:57
Speaker 5: You know what I'm saying. You are a right tackle in the game. I thought he played great. But having big Steve out there and just that big body, and this will be a stiff test this week in London because it's Armstead. It's another one of those long oak trees that plays defensive line.
00:15:11
Speaker 4: Yeah, you do want to be big guardy guard this.
00:15:13
Speaker 3: Absolutely Steve's have you looked at his body?
00:15:15
Speaker 5: Steve's wade is up here, which is the perfect antidote to Armstead.
00:15:19
Speaker 3: So it's good to have him back.
00:15:20
Speaker 5: And Dotson again, I thought they're playing a tough brand of ball, so if you can eliminate some of the mistakes and let these guys lean on you. I think they could wear Jacksonville out by running the football too.
00:15:32
Speaker 4: I got two things on the running backs too. It bums me out that Korum got dinged again because he has been showing a ton of pop, like if you want explosive runs, he seems to be the guy giving it to you. And then how about Kiren Williams response. I mean, I love this guy, easy to root for. Ball security. Was there two hands on the football and then his best catch I think as a ram oh yeah, schedule creation. He basically creates that touchdown for himself by making that one cheek down catch. And those are the types of plays that, in addition to everything else I said about the offense, like someone's got to just overachieve, right. It can't just be on McVeigh and lafloor to get you thirty points a game with their scheme. We know they're more than capable. Someone go out there and you know, Tiefer, you get that jet sweep, opportunity to take that thing all the way around the right side, find that pylon, don't over extend, don't make a mistake trying to do too much. But let's take it up a notch.
00:16:25
Speaker 3: Guys.
00:16:26
Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm glad that you bring up the Williams catch because not only was it a great call one but cheek equals two feet.
00:16:32
Speaker 1: I love that that was a good call. You know, you had to throw it in.
00:16:36
Speaker 4: There, but I think and they should have had pass interference on the previous reply didn't been necessary.
00:16:41
Speaker 2: But also just considering the down and distance fourth and three and he finds a shot that deep, it was really impressive and considering almost like the rebuttal to the game prior. I really like the response there from Williams. We got to dig into special teams, folks.
00:16:54
Speaker 4: I don't. We don't have to.
00:16:56
Speaker 1: How about just one question. I'll give you one, all right, all right?
00:17:00
Speaker 2: Do the Rams have a kicker issue or a special teams issue?
00:17:06
Speaker 4: They have a field goal operation issue?
00:17:08
Speaker 3: Yeah, that's fair.
00:17:09
Speaker 4: Yes, I mean, don't take anything away from the work they've done. I think on kickoff and punt, which has been better. I mean a shame to have Dolac wandering downfield because you get another takeaway on teams there. But yeah, the the kicking operation when your coach decides not to take a chip shot field goal to go up three possessions on the road. That tells you everything you need to now. Unfortunately, that's that's the state where the rams are right now. So yeah, that's and here's the thing. The clang off the right upright reverberated. But the one they made was the one that spooked me. Am I wrong, No, you're right, you're right.
00:17:44
Speaker 5: There's there's there's an issue there and it needs to be corrected.
00:17:47
Speaker 3: And I'm with you.
00:17:49
Speaker 5: It's it comes off of Carty's foot, so he has to wear it when it goes bad. But it's not just him, it's the entire operation. So and the shocking thing is it's lasted this long. You know, you go from protection and now you have a kicker that's starting to miss. So it seems like it's trending in the wrong direction, and especially when you get that sort of call, that was a big message. But like you said, you're gonna need him, You're gonna need your special teams, You're gonna need your placekicker. So let's line up and do it again. You have a bye week coming up if you have to make decisions and choices, but let's I wouldn't go ahead and say let's adopt a gung ho attitude because you were afraid to kick. I think it was that moment. I would still trust by place kicking unit and make them prove.
00:18:33
Speaker 4: Either way, at least the protection was better, right, correct, Yeah, and so maybe you need to build the confidence back up. Yes, from that standpoint, because it's the same guy you made well like twenty six in a row at the end of last season and of this year. He was NFC's Special Teams Player of the Month. I think then the last year, like Carti's got the goods. But whether it's a breakdown of confidence, whether it's a breakdown in protection that led to a breakdown, and fundamentals, it's got to change because you can only go so far with what we think is a championship caliber roster, right and not have that element in play, Like you don't want to have to make a change, but there comes a point where you got to try something else.
00:19:08
Speaker 5: True, Yeah, But like I just I think it was that moment and if you get caught in the same situation in London, I think you kick.
00:19:15
Speaker 3: I would trust it. I would. I mean, I think you have to you.
00:19:18
Speaker 4: Know what I mean it would depend to me how much Matthew's slinging it.
00:19:23
Speaker 1: Yeah, this is true, right, you guys bring up London.
00:19:27
Speaker 2: Well, it's rams first international trip since twenty nineteen and currently they are.
00:19:31
Speaker 1: Two and zero under Sean McVay.
00:19:32
Speaker 2: Internationally interesting matchup two facing off against Liam Cohen for former OC here with the Los Angeles Rams.
00:19:40
Speaker 1: Is there some continuity there?
00:19:43
Speaker 2: There's some insider knowledges these two teams face off.
00:19:46
Speaker 5: You can tell, man when you watch their offense and how they do things, It reminds me of seventeen eighteen McVeigh. He's making the defense pay for the rules, and he is a like you said, the masters of offense are early masters of defense.
00:19:59
Speaker 3: They can what you're in.
00:20:00
Speaker 5: They can manipulate you to get you to get the look they want and then make you pay for it. So the one thing you have to do and the one thing that you have in the RAMS advantage are math changers and we already mentioned them with Byron Young. They can destroy where it shows up on their offense is through their O line, so versus hitting gaps. This week, I would say you're hitting bodies. You're throwing guys into the backfield and you're trying to force us onto Trevor Lawrence and see if he can beat you with his arm. I would bet that the Rams would be able to get to Lawrence before he gets the ball off, especially with their O line and the season the Rams D line is having right now.
00:20:35
Speaker 4: I think center for Jacksonville and left tackle are the positions to watch real issue and pass protection. I don't know how much of that is Seattle's being elite defensively or how much of that is regression from the Jacksonville offense, but I think Liam got this job as much because of what he did with the running game in Tampa Bay as the Baker story and all that stuff. Like, I know the Rams have been running the gauntlet against opposing rushing games, but just because ETMA not have the credentials or the accolades or the pedigree of McCaffrey and Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley, you better bring it on first down this week because I think a real easy way to lose this game is to lose ETN and not push the game back on Trevor Lawrence's shoulders in this offensive line by falling behind and by giving up, you know, four or five yards per carry, Like that's a real recipe for disaster.
00:21:21
Speaker 5: This week, they probably think they can run it a little bit when you what Derek Henry did in the first nap.
00:21:25
Speaker 4: They've run it really well. It's fallen off just briefly, but like their body of work and even Liam's record going back to Tampa Bay says that they can absolutely do that.
00:21:34
Speaker 5: You know, this is no god. Yeah, you're gonna have to earn it. This is no gimme. They're going to try to come at you and run the football. So it's just you have you have depth of d line, you have good edge, and you have a great linebacker.
00:21:44
Speaker 3: So if you play it correctly, you should be able to stop it.
00:21:47
Speaker 4: And if you gave up thirty seven pressures the last two weeks and you see the Rams defensive front coming, what are you gonna run?
00:21:54
Speaker 2: Right, before we get any further, I just want to give a little shout out to to Stu Jackson, and he pulled a quote from Liam this week, and it was a story about Sean McVay and Liam and what Liam had.
00:22:05
Speaker 1: Learned from Sean.
00:22:06
Speaker 2: It was really interesting, saying that he had to drop every pass play right, And I think it really speaks to the coaching tree that Seawan Myfay has truly created. And I imagine there's going to be some fun, some familiarity as those two face off now this weekend.
00:22:19
Speaker 3: Can you imagine if you messed up one of those cars?
00:22:25
Speaker 4: I mean, and it wasn't the best year you'll remember. So good on Liam for going back to college and then battling his way back up through the ranks. Like you know, his talent was undeniable, But it's not like he used a you know, a rocket ship year here in Los Angeles. Not a pult to bigger things.
00:22:40
Speaker 3: Good coach.
00:22:41
Speaker 5: Yes, love everything about him, except he's trying to fight bigger coaches.
00:22:44
Speaker 4: And let's not do that before I forget. Don't let Hunter Long beat you. Don't let Johnny Munt beat you.
00:22:48
Speaker 5: Please, Johnny Mount, here we go again. Can't get rid of him like luggage stays around forever.
00:22:53
Speaker 2: Yes, let's talk a little bit about Devin Lloyd, the linebacker. It's a big loss for this team for Jacksonville been ruled out with a calf injury. How big of an advantage does this become now for the Rams just considering this guy has just been wicked for interceptions already this season.
00:23:12
Speaker 3: This one less guy to worry about. I mean, I guess it kind of evens out.
00:23:15
Speaker 5: You're gonna be missing Poka maybe so they're missing one of their best guys. But I'll say this, man on defense, they have and I said this before a spread o'corps. On defense, if the ball gets tipped or it's on the ground, they think it's theirs. This is how they live. I mean it's wild. When the ball is tipped, you'll see four guys. Their eyes get big. They get it, and they don't miss opportunities. If you give them an opportunity to take the ball away, they will. So ball security is super important.
00:23:40
Speaker 2: This week, let's talk about Trevor Lawrence. Do you feel like he is plateauing or ascending at this point?
00:23:46
Speaker 1: Now? Under Liam?
00:23:47
Speaker 4: One second before I forget, because before we leave the defense behind, do you still have Dennis Gardek recurring nightmares like I do? I do he's on Jacksonville. Just say no, I hope I didn't ruin your flight to line.
00:23:58
Speaker 3: Is that part of the McVeigh coaching tree.
00:24:00
Speaker 4: I mean it might be, Man, that guy's a Thorn and oh, it's great to have him out of the division, but now he's in Jacksonville.
00:24:05
Speaker 2: Yes, sorry, Camaron, back on, I just let's talk about Trevor Lawrence.
00:24:09
Speaker 1: Guy's towing or sending now under Liam.
00:24:12
Speaker 4: I think Jacksonville can't answer that question. That's part of the frustration, probably, right, is his inconsistency m hm, when I worry about his ability to extend plays and drives. And so that's where I got back to, like, you better be you know, rush lane integrity's a big deal this week because if his pocket is punctured and he pulls his eyes down but he moves the chains on third down, it's gonna be a long day at Wembley.
00:24:34
Speaker 5: Yeah, he can he can move, He's got some wiggle. But you do notice this on tape. He can throw it from different platforms. So he's got what you need in the passing game, and he can run the offense. But he's he's a super athlete, and it seems like he's always out to prove that on every single rep that he is the athlete that you think he is. But when he does pull it down, this is not a guy that's just running the space I'm gonna take what the defense gives me and slide here.
00:24:57
Speaker 3: No, he can wiggle, he can make.
00:24:59
Speaker 5: You miss, he can take a when you have him boxed in, he can all of a sudden outflank you with his speed and get down the field. Like you said, there is nothing worse than the quarterback that jumps out the window and picks up first downs. That's almost as bad as jumping off side on third down anyway. So here's another running quarterback that you have.
00:25:16
Speaker 1: To deal with before we get any further.
00:25:19
Speaker 2: I also feel like we have to talk about somebody who hasn't seen as much action, and I'm a little concerned going into this one. Could this be the game that he takes off? I hope not. And that is none other than Travis Hunter. He has been held in his six games, four of them for less than thirty five total yards. Are we gonna be able to keep keep those numbers consistent?
00:25:39
Speaker 1: And going?
00:25:40
Speaker 3: Here?
00:25:40
Speaker 4: If I force you to pick a lane for one game in one game only, would you play him on offense or defense?
00:25:44
Speaker 3: The defense?
00:25:45
Speaker 5: I would play him on defense? Would I would play him like Dion Sanders in Prime? He's got He's a great corner. If he steps in front of one and he picks off anybody, If he picks off Matthew Stafford, that's going back for six.
00:25:58
Speaker 3: So that's devastating.
00:25:59
Speaker 4: He joined DeVante coming off the bus and he doesn't leave him until he.
00:26:04
Speaker 3: You got him.
00:26:05
Speaker 5: I would say this is the marquee matchup you've been waiting for. Travel with Devant.
00:26:09
Speaker 4: Essentially because he is playing more on offense. He's been I think he's been better on defense statistically, but he is playing more on offense.
00:26:15
Speaker 1: So yeah, they're giving him a couple more looks at least. Uh, this is the m j D Bowl. Yeah, we gotta give him the man a little love.
00:26:22
Speaker 2: And I knew going into this as he played eight season with the Jags. I was going, who in the world is he gonna pick? Would you like to guess who he picked?
00:26:29
Speaker 3: You better pick the Rams. Come on, now, he's gonna be in the booth with us.
00:26:32
Speaker 4: His ring says Rams. Yes, last I heard, he was upset that they gave Cody Schrader his numbers.
00:26:38
Speaker 3: They can love him all they want. He's looting for us there, Yes.
00:26:42
Speaker 1: Twenty seven. He's got the rems, so fair enough.
00:26:46
Speaker 2: The keys to victory. You guys, let's let's finish this off. What are you starting with?
00:26:51
Speaker 1: JB long Uh?
00:26:55
Speaker 4: I mean, first of all, where we started. This is a massive game, like this is an even bigger game. I think I realized on Monday, and you said it, the difference between five and two and four and three, not only because of what that means for your potential fortunes, but I think because of what it gives your front offense license to do. If you're flying home at five and two with a bye and the Saints at home coming up on the trade deadline, I think you'll have a very good opportunity to maybe four toify your roster or at least make some calls attacking areas that I think can transform you from a contender to a championship favorite. I think making sure that Lawrence doesn't do damage with his feet, is there, winning that early down, pushing the game back on his shoulder so that ETN can't turn chains on you and shorten the game the way that some teams like San Francisco and Baltimore have done lately. And then how about a turnover free performance for once Rams are too deep in the season to have not played a clean game. Yet I think that opportunity is in front of them.
00:27:50
Speaker 1: I said, key to victory, he gave me keys.
00:27:52
Speaker 3: Yeah, what else?
00:27:53
Speaker 5: What they say, don't jump off size on third down? Start there? How about at least six points from your kicking game. At least six points from your kicking game. Now that could be X getting loose and breaking one and then you get the extra point. That's obviously seven, but six points. I'd love to see Cardi go out there and kick a field goal and just have a clean operation one two, boom, it's through. I mean he absolutely cuts the goalposts in half. And everything else that JB said is ultra important. But yeah, I think for confidence for everything, for where you are on the verge with it's on the lips of everyone, and your coach just put it on front street with that call on fourth down. Everybody's worried about your kicking game. The only way to get through that is to go out there and be clean, absolutely be clean on teams at least six points out of your teams, and be penalty for you there.
00:28:43
Speaker 4: You already had to suffer through a loss on your mini by like, get a victory and feel good about your fortunes at the midway point. Enjoy the flight home, rest and recover and get ready for a big, big second half of the season.
00:28:56
Speaker 2: My key to victory is going to be getting after Trevor Lawrence. Like you mentioned, trying to keep him contained last week against Seattle, sacks seven times and get this, seventeen QB hits seventeen.
00:29:07
Speaker 1: Seventeen in one game. That's a lot.
00:29:10
Speaker 4: That's there's a big test for him, right, Like if you've been peppered like that for a couple of weeks now and you know the Rams are next, you know how willing are you to live life in the pocket this week? He's capable of.
00:29:21
Speaker 3: Just coming out fast. Yeah, this could be an op.
00:29:24
Speaker 2: And not to forget here Robert Hainsey, their center is not making or he is making the trip to London, and he missed last week with the hamstrings, so that's a big one to watch in terms of the matchup. Any final thoughts before he head off to London.
00:29:39
Speaker 5: Yeah, I just I'm going to count Maurice Jones drew Jerseys over there and how many past twelve before we get out of Heathrow.
00:29:47
Speaker 4: Yes, Happy birthday to Joey Hirsh.
00:29:50
Speaker 3: Happy birthday.
00:29:51
Speaker 1: Yes, there you go. He's in the room now. You gotta love it. Happy birthday, Joey.
00:29:57
Speaker 4: No one's still watching that.
00:30:01
Speaker 1: I don't know.
00:30:01
Speaker 2: I kept it under I think like thirty five minutes, so hopefully people are still hanging on. I hope you all are able to wake up bright and early. Grab your cup of coffee, because this one's kicking off at six thirty am Pacific standards Earl Gray and join our fellows of course on ESPNLA RAMS Radio for JB Long, DeMarco Farr, I'm caer render one, thanks so much for joining us on Between the Horns, presented by your Southern California Toyota Dealer,
