The Rams beat the Seahawks 24-21 in a pivotal NFC West game. Stafford threw for 300+ yards & 3 TDs, while Darnold had 2 TDs but also 2 costly turnovers. The Rams now have a strong lead in the division. Next. the Rams face the Falcons, and the Seahawks play the 49ers.
I like the idea of using the pass to set up the running game. Throw short to middle so it’s like a long handoff with an occasional deep ball. Then slowly ramp up the run. Pass when a run is expected and vice versa. I know it’s more complicated.
Regarding Beezo question. First thank you SJ for the note. I was calling it out on Sunday but being at the game it’s hard to see real stats etc. I was frustrated with the light box. But end result massively positive. Didn’t feel like it at the game. But that is something incredible that we have that light box and stopped the top RB effectively. 2 yards under his avg is insane. Doing it with light box amazing. I posted already but our light box with two combos of “starter” DLine (Williams/Murph then alternate JReed/Mills and bring in monster Pili) will wear down teams. With Drake taking on much bigger men to fill holes, football IQ of EJ, DLaw and Nick, it’s looking good. This isn’t the standout LOB team but collectively it’s coming together better than any of us could imagine. I love defense more than offense.
And we'll be putting that nickel defence out there again against the 13 personnel the Rams like to run. We did it in the first game and the Rams significantly underperformed against their season averages. Hopefully we protect the football and beat their asses.
I’ll be there to try my best to aid. Might not be able to speak at the family Christmas event Friday, but I’ll be there. Be nice if Hawks can give me a win for Christmas present since I’m the low man of totem pole for family gift giving received…
It would be great to be there. I really have to make the trek someday. I'm not sure I can continue to call myself a fan if I've never gone to one of their games.
To Cavmax. Re: Mills. I was calling it out to the group here while at the game. What I saw was Williams/Murphy and JReed/Mills rotation. (Side call out JReed is awesome. If people only pay attention to stats he does not stand out. But JReed just makes moves that sometimes are astounding. And that gives Jones and Thomas and Nick (oh loving me some Nick play) to make plays). Then you mix in Hall and Morris and even DLaw moved inside on plays. Thats 4 big and quick DLine guys. That means they stay fresh. And make plays in the 4th qtr. While I didn’t see any plays from Mills, splitting the line up, and interchanging those 4, gives depth and freshness. Whereas OLine won’t be as fresh. And frankly Mills going from not playing at all to 1B DLine group is big. Played more than Pili and Morris. Oh and forgot to give Pili a shout out. Imagine OLine having to block quick big guys like Big Cat, Murph & JReed, then we bring in a 335 lb Pili. Pili and JReed aren’t necessarily about making plays they are meant to take up blockers, wear them down, so EJ and Drake and Nick etc make the plays.
So Thursday’s game could be tough from an esthetics standpoint…what with the short week. Thursday night games always seem rough. As a player it appears to…suck.
Thank goodness us Seahawks fans have recent experience with wins that aren’t esthetically pleasing. I think I could handle a win over the Rams that doesn’t feature perfect play.
Do we have numbers on Robbie O’s impact on the run game? Seems like he started out well, got hurt, hasn’t been the same. SSJ noted he was a healthy scratch Sunday, in favor of special teams play. Ok. Could he also have been held out to heal a bit more for the Rams? Preseason I thought FB was supposed to unlock our run game…
Noticed more AJ and Saubert and even Brady some at FB. Could be match up but thinking maybe Oustz needs more practice. That Brady whiff (come on dude) was an Ouzts big play in preseason. “Rookie wall”?
I think Hall is being mis understood now. I’m not sure he’s expected to be the big time sacker. None of our guys are. I think Hall has potential that we’re not yet seeing. Posted below and on Sunday. On Spoons INT for example, Hall started that plays blow up. Past years he would just heads down rush. Hes now making plays that aren’t getting the stats. Just like DLaw. Hall is tall and strong. But now using his football IQ. He stretched out run plays so the backers could make plays. On Spoons INT, Hall read he wouldn’t get to QB, adjusted his rush, got in the line of the pass by shifting to the back, mess up the throw. Spoon made the play but to me it was Hall that made the play happen. Been doing these things the last few weeks. DLaw type of plays. DLaw only had 18 tackles and only 5 sacks. But we love him because he’s making plays. I’m starting to see same from Hall. Just like Coby wasn’t doing much to now a great FS, is Hall one of those steady get job done DE?
Great article...tickles my brain pan on the 'which came first? The chicken or the egg' question. Love the physics backed with math where WR's and RB's create gravity that sucks defenders in and out of the box. A Schroedinger's box where the observer can determines which comes first? And yeah, I'm in a 12 step program for metaphor addiction. Hi, my names Bob.
Mafe, Hall, Woolen, and probably Walker don't seem like they will be in the Seahawks future. Mills looked like his college tape, getting driven back on run plays and the one time he gets to pin his ears back and go he looked like he broke through pretty fast but the play was a quick hitter. I would love to see Mills and Williams as ends with Murphy at nose during a third and long...they all seem like they could win even against many double teams let alone left on an island. We are going to win. I can feel it. FTR. Begaw!
Not disagreeing but first Hall is still signed for next year. But I think with Hall maybe there’s a misconception. Maybe he’s not the sack monster but a big, strong DE that has a motor. I think Hall is learning from DLaw. This last game I saw him use football intelligence and while Spoon came down with the INT, Hall was breaking up the play to begins with. He wasn’t going to get to Rivers but he saw ball going to the back, stopped shifted, got in line of the pass. That’s football IQ. Others are not. With that, Woolen is no longer the starter. His agent likely gets him more $$$ but as the guy to come in for an injured starter, that’s big. Mafe the only one I’m ok seeing gone at this point. I’m with SJ. I think Walker blows up big if he’s in most other teams. Hate to lose that.
Mafe is a player I think the Hawks will extend at a price point commensurate with his production. He is versatile, is a capable backup and I don't think he'll receive a premium salary at a premium position. Of course, if a foolish team makes the gamble with a higher price point then adios.
Of the players you mentioned I agree but if I where going to keep one of those puppies, I think Woolen's the cutest. "Who is a good DB?" He seems to be inproving and replacing him in the draft may be difficult. On our amazing front four on defense, I'd use my first pick on adding Godzilla. A pocket crushing murders row for QB's low my (somewhat sparse) hair back! A Cortes Kennedy clone would do.
I agree with CavMax on tempo. I noticed that the Colt defense moved around alot after the Seahawks lined up for the snap, and they seemed to continually micro-adjust to better positioning against the play as the clock wound down. Especially on 3rd or 4th and short.
I definitely noticed an uptick in success when we snapped the ball quickly.
Part of this MAY be that the Colts figured out that we tend to snap late. Don't know, but it looked to me that the late snaps accompanied an unsurprised defense.
Yes! it shows, D's running around like quail in a wind tunnel to adjust and their truncated ability to make substitutions that may have optimum impact on the coming play. Fast Tempo Matters!
AI posted this yesterday 🤣😂🤣
Rams beat Seahawks 24-21
The Rams beat the Seahawks 24-21 in a pivotal NFC West game. Stafford threw for 300+ yards & 3 TDs, while Darnold had 2 TDs but also 2 costly turnovers. The Rams now have a strong lead in the division. Next. the Rams face the Falcons, and the Seahawks play the 49ers.
Generated with Al, which can make mistakes
I like the idea of using the pass to set up the running game. Throw short to middle so it’s like a long handoff with an occasional deep ball. Then slowly ramp up the run. Pass when a run is expected and vice versa. I know it’s more complicated.
For those that care and didn't see it anywhere else:
The point spread is -1.5 in favor of LA.
The O/U is 44.5
Couple this week notes. Cross out again. Two days in a row. What we all missed is that he got hurt on that game winning FG.
I think you certainly make a goos point on Hall. I am glad I am not the guy that has to make the decisions
Regarding Beezo question. First thank you SJ for the note. I was calling it out on Sunday but being at the game it’s hard to see real stats etc. I was frustrated with the light box. But end result massively positive. Didn’t feel like it at the game. But that is something incredible that we have that light box and stopped the top RB effectively. 2 yards under his avg is insane. Doing it with light box amazing. I posted already but our light box with two combos of “starter” DLine (Williams/Murph then alternate JReed/Mills and bring in monster Pili) will wear down teams. With Drake taking on much bigger men to fill holes, football IQ of EJ, DLaw and Nick, it’s looking good. This isn’t the standout LOB team but collectively it’s coming together better than any of us could imagine. I love defense more than offense.
And we'll be putting that nickel defence out there again against the 13 personnel the Rams like to run. We did it in the first game and the Rams significantly underperformed against their season averages. Hopefully we protect the football and beat their asses.
I’ll be there to try my best to aid. Might not be able to speak at the family Christmas event Friday, but I’ll be there. Be nice if Hawks can give me a win for Christmas present since I’m the low man of totem pole for family gift giving received…
It would be great to be there. I really have to make the trek someday. I'm not sure I can continue to call myself a fan if I've never gone to one of their games.
To Cavmax. Re: Mills. I was calling it out to the group here while at the game. What I saw was Williams/Murphy and JReed/Mills rotation. (Side call out JReed is awesome. If people only pay attention to stats he does not stand out. But JReed just makes moves that sometimes are astounding. And that gives Jones and Thomas and Nick (oh loving me some Nick play) to make plays). Then you mix in Hall and Morris and even DLaw moved inside on plays. Thats 4 big and quick DLine guys. That means they stay fresh. And make plays in the 4th qtr. While I didn’t see any plays from Mills, splitting the line up, and interchanging those 4, gives depth and freshness. Whereas OLine won’t be as fresh. And frankly Mills going from not playing at all to 1B DLine group is big. Played more than Pili and Morris. Oh and forgot to give Pili a shout out. Imagine OLine having to block quick big guys like Big Cat, Murph & JReed, then we bring in a 335 lb Pili. Pili and JReed aren’t necessarily about making plays they are meant to take up blockers, wear them down, so EJ and Drake and Nick etc make the plays.
So Thursday’s game could be tough from an esthetics standpoint…what with the short week. Thursday night games always seem rough. As a player it appears to…suck.
Thank goodness us Seahawks fans have recent experience with wins that aren’t esthetically pleasing. I think I could handle a win over the Rams that doesn’t feature perfect play.
Can the Seahawks exploit the Rams’ secondary? The Lions did. But let’s hope that the officiating is balanced.
https://youtu.be/qCTwsi0cSEU?si=L2Xv6bD2daVt6eZm
Do we have numbers on Robbie O’s impact on the run game? Seems like he started out well, got hurt, hasn’t been the same. SSJ noted he was a healthy scratch Sunday, in favor of special teams play. Ok. Could he also have been held out to heal a bit more for the Rams? Preseason I thought FB was supposed to unlock our run game…
We saw the Bucs run DL Vita Vea at Fullback on a TD play. Let's recall Byron played RB before switching to D.
Noticed more AJ and Saubert and even Brady some at FB. Could be match up but thinking maybe Oustz needs more practice. That Brady whiff (come on dude) was an Ouzts big play in preseason. “Rookie wall”?
Yes, excellent article. Loved your comments on Hall and Mafe. Nail on the head Joe.
I think Hall is being mis understood now. I’m not sure he’s expected to be the big time sacker. None of our guys are. I think Hall has potential that we’re not yet seeing. Posted below and on Sunday. On Spoons INT for example, Hall started that plays blow up. Past years he would just heads down rush. Hes now making plays that aren’t getting the stats. Just like DLaw. Hall is tall and strong. But now using his football IQ. He stretched out run plays so the backers could make plays. On Spoons INT, Hall read he wouldn’t get to QB, adjusted his rush, got in the line of the pass by shifting to the back, mess up the throw. Spoon made the play but to me it was Hall that made the play happen. Been doing these things the last few weeks. DLaw type of plays. DLaw only had 18 tackles and only 5 sacks. But we love him because he’s making plays. I’m starting to see same from Hall. Just like Coby wasn’t doing much to now a great FS, is Hall one of those steady get job done DE?
MM has praised Hall in a few interviews confirming what you had written previously. He is a disruptor.
Thanks Don.
Great article...tickles my brain pan on the 'which came first? The chicken or the egg' question. Love the physics backed with math where WR's and RB's create gravity that sucks defenders in and out of the box. A Schroedinger's box where the observer can determines which comes first? And yeah, I'm in a 12 step program for metaphor addiction. Hi, my names Bob.
Got to agree on that last comment, Kenneth!
Either produce, improve, or step down.
Roster space fillers undermine team confidence and are an indication of lack of available talent anywhere-to-be-found OR poor talent evaluation.
Being in a situation of lack of available talent anywhere points to previous years of poor evaluation OR very bad luck (e.g., injuries).
Mafe, Hall, Woolen, and probably Walker don't seem like they will be in the Seahawks future. Mills looked like his college tape, getting driven back on run plays and the one time he gets to pin his ears back and go he looked like he broke through pretty fast but the play was a quick hitter. I would love to see Mills and Williams as ends with Murphy at nose during a third and long...they all seem like they could win even against many double teams let alone left on an island. We are going to win. I can feel it. FTR. Begaw!
Not disagreeing but first Hall is still signed for next year. But I think with Hall maybe there’s a misconception. Maybe he’s not the sack monster but a big, strong DE that has a motor. I think Hall is learning from DLaw. This last game I saw him use football intelligence and while Spoon came down with the INT, Hall was breaking up the play to begins with. He wasn’t going to get to Rivers but he saw ball going to the back, stopped shifted, got in line of the pass. That’s football IQ. Others are not. With that, Woolen is no longer the starter. His agent likely gets him more $$$ but as the guy to come in for an injured starter, that’s big. Mafe the only one I’m ok seeing gone at this point. I’m with SJ. I think Walker blows up big if he’s in most other teams. Hate to lose that.
Mafe is a player I think the Hawks will extend at a price point commensurate with his production. He is versatile, is a capable backup and I don't think he'll receive a premium salary at a premium position. Of course, if a foolish team makes the gamble with a higher price point then adios.
Of the players you mentioned I agree but if I where going to keep one of those puppies, I think Woolen's the cutest. "Who is a good DB?" He seems to be inproving and replacing him in the draft may be difficult. On our amazing front four on defense, I'd use my first pick on adding Godzilla. A pocket crushing murders row for QB's low my (somewhat sparse) hair back! A Cortes Kennedy clone would do.
Woolen will price himself elsewhere.
And I think we’ll regret losing him more than Walker.
My gut feeling is you and Jimmy will be correct.
'blow'...
oops! My bad.
Sorry Danno!
I incorrectly credited CavMax with your comment. Apologies.
I agree with CavMax on tempo. I noticed that the Colt defense moved around alot after the Seahawks lined up for the snap, and they seemed to continually micro-adjust to better positioning against the play as the clock wound down. Especially on 3rd or 4th and short.
I definitely noticed an uptick in success when we snapped the ball quickly.
Part of this MAY be that the Colts figured out that we tend to snap late. Don't know, but it looked to me that the late snaps accompanied an unsurprised defense.
Yes! it shows, D's running around like quail in a wind tunnel to adjust and their truncated ability to make substitutions that may have optimum impact on the coming play. Fast Tempo Matters!