Turf Show Times - 2016 Week 9: LA Rams Vs. Carolina Panthershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2016-11-15T12:50:35-06:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/stream/132612612016-11-15T12:50:35-06:002016-11-15T12:50:35-06:00Did Week 9 Crowd Force Rams To Start Goff?
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<img alt="The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_o9TR909VymRMxob-i6Dh3dyyrQ=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51847497/590477310.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams are going from Case Keenum to Jared Goff...is it because of the fans?</p> <p id="fG08es">In Week 9, the Los Angeles Rams came out of the bye to lose at home to the Carolina Panthers, 10-13.</p>
<p id="Slm35D">Throughout the second half, the home crowd chanted for rookie QB Jared Goff to supplant season-long starting QB Case Keenum and even threw in the ultimate troll chant with “Tebow” to make their displeasure with the state of the Rams’ offense heard.</p>
<p id="It8lZj">Well, perhaps not heard by everyone.</p>
<p id="Q96Y7u"><a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13549640/la-rams-carolina-panthers-recap-post-game-jeff-fisher-case-keenum-jared-goff">Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher said the following after the game</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="v7Wswe">The fans expect production and execution and points. I totally get that. I’ve been through that before. I totally understand their position on that. I honestly didn’t hear them root for [QB Jared Goff].</p></blockquote>
<p id="VsGran">That may be true. It may be true that throughout that second half, Fisher was so focused enough on his in-game managerial responsibilities that he tuned out the crowd. It’s impossible though, and I mean this beyond just that post-game question, that he was able to ignore in the days after just like anyone watching that game on TV couldn’t ignore them.</p>
<p id="FWgx3m">It’s fair to wonder how deeply throughout the Coliseum and into the halls of the franchise offices the echoes rang that day. The Rams hit the road for Week 10 so Sunday will be the first time the team comes back to the Coliseum, the first time they’ll have to face another hostile home crowd.</p>
<p id="cQNFCR">Had Case Keenum led the offense out on to the field and put up anything close to what we saw against the Jets, it wouldn’t have taken two punts to rile up the crowd.</p>
<p id="7jdZFC">I’m not saying Jeff Fisher made the call to start Goff over Keenum solely because of this. I’m not saying he was told to.</p>
<p id="ckb96v">I’m saying nobody, NOBODY, would have wanted to make a Rams fans base exhausted by the league’s worst scoring offense and 31st-ranked offense in yards, exhausted by 13 years of avoiding a winning season even more upset with more Keenum-led Fisherball.</p>
<p id="7X09j6">Goff at least gives them an escape. A reprieve.</p>
<p id="4K667e">Now it’s up to him and the team he’ll lead on Sunday to see how long that reprieve will last.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/15/13640264/la-rams-jared-goff-case-keenum-jeff-fisher-home-crowd3k2016-11-09T15:15:29-06:002016-11-09T15:15:29-06:00Rams Film Room Review: Week 9 vs Carolina Panthers
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<img alt="Carolina Panthers v Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xJ5F31kalfqH7QOM1kiQARI_ALs=/0x71:3676x2522/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51759055/621522586.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A bye week didn’t stop the Rams from being the Rams. </p> <p id="7twisF">This was make-or-break week for the Rams. They had a bye week, they had home field advantage and they had to get a win to keep any playoff hopes alive. Advantages and incentives in all, the Rams still fell short to the Panthers on Sunday. The scoreboard indicated a close game, but the Rams did not score a touchdown until the final minute of the game, leaving them without any time to regain possession and score again for the win. </p>
<h1 id="BB0viM">Rams Offense vs Panthers Defense</h1>
<p id="Njswz5">The Rams broke their touchdown-less streak that nearly lasted two full games, but it was still an abysmal offensive performance. On third down, the Rams converted less than a third of the time, leading them to lose the time of possession battle by about ten minutes. The Panthers offense wasn’t particularly terrifying, but they were able to sustain and finish drives much better than the Rams were. </p>
<p id="pi345H">For whatever reason, Todd Gurley finished with just sixteen total touches (twelve carries, four receptions). He’s not having an encouraging season, but he’s still the most talented player on the offense and he flashed that ability on Sunday. Despite the flashes, offensive coordinator Rob Boras refused to feed Gurley, instead forcing Case Keenum to throw nearly 50 passes <em>again</em>. </p>
<p id="YqotRE"><em>Game Notes: </em></p>
<ul>
<li id="KFxQZp"><em>Rams rolled with more man-blocking concepts than usual. Still played a fair amount of zone, but it was more of a balanced approach than we’ve seen all season. </em></li>
<li id="yyKUzO"><em>Tyler Higbee saw more action than normal, but only ended up actually catching one of his targets. </em></li>
<li id="UJEgPj"><em>Case Keenum has zero ability to throw down field, both in terms of talent and in terms of decision making. </em></li>
<li id="FCg6IH"><em>Kenny Britt was lazy when blocking in the run game and it severely hurt a handful of potentially game-breaking runs. </em></li>
<li id="uQWDji"><em>The Panthers don’t have great edge rushers, but Greg Robinson and Rob Havenstein made them look great. Carolina got constant edge pressure. </em></li>
</ul>
<h4 id="l5vUQO">Offensive Lethargy and Incompetence</h4>
<p id="6we89c">It’s impossible to quantify, but energy can be sensed in the way a team plays. The Oakland Raiders, for example, have an electric offense that is exciting to watch not only because of the talent, but because the talent is constantly firing on all cylinders. There’s an element to the Raiders offense that can’t be seen, only felt. The Rams lack that quality entirely. </p>
<p id="EAKYiI">The Rams are on the far end of the spectrum. The offensive line seldom plays through the whistle, the skill players can be seen going through the motions, and there is a total absence of explosive plays. Lifeless is the only word that comes to mind. </p>
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<p id="hy5PBZ">Lifelessness is not the Rams only plague. On top of their lack of fire, the Rams offense is largely incompetent, starting with quarterback Case Keenum. There is an overwhelming amount of simple throws that he does not make in every game and it hinders the offense. The third down play above displays both lethargy and incompetence. </p>
<p id="UBU8H1">Keenum drops back and stares down Brian Quick running a deep curl route. The staring down is not an issue on this play, seeing as the Panthers are going straight man-to-man coverage, so the cornerback is going to be watching the receiver, not the quarterback. Keenum gets to the top of his drop and goes to throw, but places the ball short of Quick, forcing Quick to sprint back to the ball and make a diving catch. </p>
<p id="ZHlKPI">Quick makes a nice grab—credit where credit is due—but he fails to continue the play afterwards. Instead of immediately hopping up off the ground, Quick slowly picks himself up and starts to stumble toward the first down line. Before he can fully stand up, a Panthers defender knocks Quick back down and denies Quick of a first down. </p>
<p id="eXeB7c">If the Rams either 1) played competent football or 2) played with enthusiasm and urgency, this third down would have been converted. Instead, the Rams let the play go to waste and killed their drive that was working deep into Panthers territory. </p>
<h4 id="hyM2pH">At Least Give Todd Gurley a Chance</h4>
<p id="c9B0BT">Todd Gurley has not been able to spring any game-changing runs this season. Last year, Gurley still had issues in generating an efficient rushing attack, but he counterbalanced that inefficiency with insane, electric runs that changed the course of the game and forced defenses to respect him. Gurley has not done that this season. </p>
<p id="ZXr7rb">Part of that is on Gurley, of course. He simply does not look as explosive and fast. At the same time, the offensive line has done a miserable job of setting up big plays for him, and they failed egregiously at doing so on Sunday. </p>
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<p id="tKXnfk">There is no reason for center Tim Barnes (#61) and left tackle Greg Robinson (#73) to both be attacking linebacker Luke Kuechly (#59). More than likely, it was Barnes’s responsibility to climb to the second level and get to Kuechly. That is an extremely difficult block for him to make, but it’s fair to think that <em>maybe </em>Barnes could have gotten there and slowed down Kuechly just enough. </p>
<p id="rkwdcR">Robinson, on the other hand, needed to be swinging out to the perimeter. If Robinson got out in space and at least ggot in the way of the safety that came down to tackle Gurley, Gurley then had a chance to sift through the mess and break off a big run. We’ve seen Gurley do that before, and this play could have been a chance to see it again. But Gurley was failed by those around him. </p>
<h1 id="kVavoN">Rams Defense vs Panthers Offense</h1>
<p id="Mjslfx">Despite an abysmal performance from the offense, the Rams defense played a good game. The bye week allowed them to get a few key players back to full health and properly prepare for the Panthers offense. Had the Rams offense played a halfway decent game, the Rams could have easily won this game. Alas, the Rams offense failed again and wasted a stingy performance from the defense. </p>
<p id="smiMdI"><em>Game Notes</em></p>
<ul>
<li id="VQzbg9"><em>Aaron Donald played out of his mind. We all know how transcendent he is, but this particular game was one of the best performances of his career. </em></li>
<li id="qknWIe"><em>Having a healthy Trumaine Johnson was key. He did a good job of forcing tough throws and defended passes in his area; a presence that was dearly missed when Johnson was injured. </em></li>
<li id="S2ghd1"><em>The linebackers are starting to figure it out. They still have too many plays where they are a second too late, but progress is being made, especially with Mark Barron. </em></li>
<li id="SaraQI"><em>T.J. McDonald had issues covering Greg Olsen. </em></li>
<li id="VoUhmm"><em>Cam Newton was missing reads at an abnormal rate and he misfired a few more times than usual. The Rams defense was good, but they benefited some from an unusually ineffective performance by Newton. </em></li>
<li id="eSHeUW"><em>The Rams employed some “bear” front looks (center and both guards covered by a defender) and had success in doing so. </em></li>
</ul>
<h4 id="otN4WP">Michael Brockers is Essential</h4>
<p id="yadDwd">When the Rams were without Michael Brockers, their run defense was not the same. Dominique Easley and Cam Thomas filled in for Brockers and played relatively well, but they could not replicate the dominance of Brockers. While Brockers does not get the attention that Aaron Donald does, Brockers is as vital to the scheme and defense as Donald. </p>
<p id="bA0bHp">Brockers controls the line of scrimmage. He alone dictates where run plays go. When matched up with a single blocker, Brockers moves said blocker wherever he pleases, and Brockers holds his ground against double teams. As most 1-techs are, Brockers is vastly under appreciated, but he is a dominant player whose impact was felt on Sunday. </p>
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<p id="5Pxqpx">Brockers single-handedly ruined every gap on this play. At the start of the play, Brockers barrels into the left guard and resets the line of scrimmage, forcing the guard to step back. With the guard on the defensive, Brockers has already ruined the backside A-gap (between center and guard) and B-gap (between guard and tackle) before the ball is in the running back’s hands. </p>
<p id="I96WA9">Brockers never stops driving his legs. Even as Jonathan Stewart receives the hand off, Brockers is fighting through the blocker and forcing himself into Stewart’s immediate vicinity. Stewart has no choice but to bounce the play wide and figure it out from there. Unfortunately, the rest of the Rams defense was not able to capitalize on Brockers’ excellent play, but that dim the light on just how impactful Brockers can be by himself. </p>
<h4 id="lUJfUG">Panthers Tipping the Run and Still Executing Successfully</h4>
<p id="NGj6cq">Overall, the Panthers did not run the ball with overwhelming success. The Panthers only accrued 59 yards on 25 carries, and the Rams were able to stop four of those 25 plays in the backfield. That being said, the Panthers rushing offense still had moments of success, especially when working quarterback Cam Newton into the mix. </p>
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<p id="QwLz6i">When the Panthers wanted to use Newton in the running game, they let the Rams know. They cleared the box and forced the Rams defense to beat the option game. By pushing three receivers as far away from the formation as possible, the Panthers created a scenario that nullified defenders that were not in the box, and gave themselves an 8-vs-6 advantage in the box. </p>
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<p id="BWA28O">Here is the actual play from a different angle. The Rams lost this play before the ball was snapped simply because they were outnumbered. A superhuman effort from Aaron Donald could have still stopped the play, but to count on Donald being <em>that</em> guy on every single snap is unwise. </p>
<p id="2y3upc">With a two man advantage in the box, Newton ran right at the Rams defense and picked up six yards, which was more than he needed to convert for a first down. </p>
<h1 id="CUyeLQ">Conclusions</h1>
<p id="KJQc46">Both teams played an ugly game. Neither offense had an inspiring performance, and the overall feeling of the game was like two amateur fighters swinging aimlessly at each other until the other tripped and fell down. The Rams tripped and fell down. </p>
<p id="JGN6QR">Jeff Fisher is irrefutably in trouble. He has been for a while now, but sitting at 3-5 with a road game coming up is not where the Rams want to be, and that is largely Fisher’s fault. The end appears to be nigh. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/9/13572330/la-rams-film-room-review-carolina-panthers-recapQBKlass2016-11-07T21:09:42-06:002016-11-07T21:09:42-06:00Rams HC Fisher Finds New Excuses For Old Problems
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UiJ9ZEBkkWR0oHYvKQs3aLrovmk=/0x16:2700x1816/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51728019/usa_today_9659603.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s what Fisher had to say after the Rams’ 10-13 loss in Week 9.</p> <h3 id="XL9z8G">Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher</h3>
<p id="IgFytR"><strong>(Opening remarks)</strong></p>
<p id="PzCB0s">“When you lose consecutively like we did there’s always a point of emphasis, or a focus that goes in, to see what’s going on. Obviously, as a staff today, as we looked at the tape, some things came up that were – I guess I’m stating the obvious with respect to them – but ten points in the last two weeks offensively is not going to get it done. That’s by and large the biggest issue that we’re facing right now, is our lack of ability to score points. Then of course, on the other side of the ball, on defense, we’ve had one turnover in the last three weeks. When you only get one turnover, it’s hard to turn the ball over to your offense. We’re not playing particularly well on third down defensively, so we’re not getting the additional drives or the opportunities for big plays. We all see it and I think the biggest challenge for us offensively is running the football. (RB) Todd’s (Gurley) not getting enough carries, our passing numbers were skewed. But if you’re realistic, we’ve had a lot of two-minute snaps the last two weeks. Those people that are saying that we are throwing it almost 50 times a game and running it 20 or 25, well 15 or so of those plays in each one of the last two games have been in two-minute, at the end. We’re doing whatever we can to try and win games, it’s just not happening.</p>
<p id="SOlQBy">“We put it in perspective for the players. Players understand. As we told them, we need to flip the switch, we’re in the second half of the season. Our goal, like anybody else in the league right now, is to compete and contend for the division. That starts with a potential win, a great week of preparation rather, and then a win here at New York (Jets). From a health stand point, we’re good – I think we’re better than most teams right now. I may have mentioned to you after the game, but we started the same 22 players yesterday that we basically started in the opener. That’s encouraging and we’re just going to keep working at it, get them back, and have a good week – got a long trip and go out and should we put one together. But understanding that the only change you have to put together is to score points – we need to do that.”</p>
<p id="5bnlVL"><strong>(On where things are at with the quarterback situation)</strong></p>
<p id="J8cLLW">“Case (Keenum) is starting.”</p>
<p id="BFiOpr"><strong>(On what specifically is QB Jared Goff missing in order to become the starter quarterback)</strong></p>
<p id="Tbrrv8">“Jared is improving. I keep saying that as you guys keep asking the questions, he’s improving. But, Case right now, especially against this defense, give us our best chance. It’s an extremely complicated defense, and they can pressure the quarterback, they can do anything they want to do. They’re very, very talented. Our focus is this week against the Jets, and Case will be under center.”</p>
<p id="HO4Mgd"><strong>(On what specifically is Goff improving on, and what has he not mastered in order to give him enough confidence to insert him as the starter)</strong></p>
<p id="fopVTk">“I’ve been saying from day one, we’re going to play him when the time is right, and when he’s ready. With each passing week, he’s getting better and better. He’s better understanding, he recognizes things, he’s prepared, he understands the challenges week-to-week. There was a moment yesterday when Case came out. He had an extreme contusion to his non-throwing hand, and there was a chance – we didn’t know on the sideline – but there was a potential chance for a fracture. So, I said, ‘Jared, get warmed up. Get ready to go.’ He goes, ‘Coach, I’m ready.’ I said, ‘I know you are. Let’s see where Case’s forearm is, and we’ll go from there.’ Then, it was determined that is was just a contusion and not a fracture. But, that’s his mindset. I know everybody wants to talk about it, and that’s the big question. Again, he’s going to play. Whether it’s the following week, or the following week, or what have you, it’s eventually going to happen. The big picture, as I keep saying, this is about making sure that he’s ready to go out there and be sharp, and give us a chance to win. The quarterback position is not easy – Andy Dalton, (Philip) Rivers, Jay Cutler, (Drew) Brees, (Andrew) Luck, Cam Newton, (Ben) Roethlisberger, (Joe) Flacco, and (Aaron) Rodgers, that’s a good list – That’s an impressive list of quarterbacks. The one thing they have in common – two things rather – other than being really, really good quarterbacks, a number of them have rings, is right now, their records are .500 or worse. So, that shows you how hard it is to play at the quarterback position. We’re taking our time, we’re being patient, and when we feel it’s the right time, he’ll be under center.”</p>
<p id="ODgkch"><strong>(On if there will be a tipping point to when Goff will start) OR (On if Goff will be the starter if the team falls out of playoff contention)</strong></p>
<p id="vZwz2s">“I don’t think the playoff contention is fair to the football team, so we’ll see. Our expectations are we’re going to stay in it, so we’ll see. I’m not ruling out the possibility that he’ll make a playoff run for us as well. But for right now, Case is starting and we’re going to New York.”</p>
<p id="lTGaF7"><strong>(On if the challenge to incorporate RB Todd Gurley in the run game was harder than he had anticipated coming into the season)</strong></p>
<p id="rMJn9i">“Yeah, good question. It’s been a much greater challenge. Defenses are saying, ‘Don’t let Gurley or Tavon beat you and put the ball down the field.’ We’ve got to do a better job, we recognize that. Todd’s number of carries the last few weeks are not what we would like. I think they’re 15, 14, and 12. Those numbers need to get up in the 20s. Again, they’re offset a little bit by our third-down stuff, in addition to the two-minute snaps. But, his touches and his numbers need to increase significantly. That’s what we discussed, and what we’re working on right now offensively.”</p>
<p id="mGpBEk"><strong>(On why RB Benny Cunningham is better suited for the two-minute offense than Gurley)</strong></p>
<p id="P5Q8Zd">“There’s nothing that Todd doesn’t give us in two-minutes, and there’s nothing that Todd can’t do on third down. We have a tandem, we have one, two, we’ve got Todd on first and second down, because we have so much trust in Benny on the third down stuff. Again, Benny can make plays, because you’ve seen him make plays. That’s kind of how we deploy our personnel. Todd was in on some third down reps, but when we go to two-minute, or we’re in the third-and-long, or something like that, Benny is the back that gives us the opportunity. Todd understands everything. It’s just a matter of – I don’t want to say not committing to Todd – but, Todd is going to need a break. He needs a break every once in a while, and basically our philosophy going in, that’s how we’ve been since Benny has been productive for us, that Benny has been our third down guy and two-minute, and Todd has been our bell cow during the other series.”</p>
<p id="tI2Bap"><strong>(On how he would evaluate the offensive line’s performance)</strong></p>
<p id="heApjH">“We gave up four sacks and that’s not good – although, this defense sacked (Cardinals QB) Carson Palmer eight times the week before. So, there were some good things in the game. There were a couple mistakes, a couple holding penalties, but we’re healthy and we’re progressing. Our offensive struggles are related to the entire team – you can’t blame it all on the offensive line, we had five drops yesterday, we dropped a touchdown pass you can’t blame that on the offensive line. You catch the touchdown pass and you’re lucky to kick a 55-yard field goal, the game’s different, we win and our offensive line played pretty good against one of the better defensive fronts in the league. I think you have to be realistic and keep things in perspective.”</p>
<p id="YqLLdm"><strong>(On if not having an official determination on his future makes him uncomfortable)</strong></p>
<p id="MxuxMp">“No, I’m not uncomfortable at all. I’m uncomfortable because I didn’t expect to be three-and-whatever we are, okay, but I’m not uncomfortable at all. I never look over my shoulder, we’re moving on. (Rams Owner/Chairman) Stan (Kroenke) and I are on the same page, he understands what we’ve been through, he’s as disappointed as I am at the losses – two three-points and a seven-point in the last three games. He understands that we’re competitive and we’re doing everything we possibly can to get this turned around.”</p>
<p id="i8aKco"><strong>(On if he has to keep an eye on how the defense is doing mentally to make sure they don’t start to get frustrated)</strong></p>
<p id="LOpRI8">“What we’re going to do, we’re going to get the defense to help the offense on the practice field, that’s how you handle that. The defense gave up 31 points three weeks ago in Detroit – or three games ago. Every week there’s a different challenge. I thought, in the game defensively, it was one of our better efforts. I thought the game-planning was outstanding, the coaches did an outstanding job, the players responded, we got everybody back, we didn’t get the turnovers, but we bottled up a very, very explosive offense and held them to 13 points. If you’re a defensive guy, the 13 points was too much because we didn’t win the football game. The attitudes are different on both sides of the ball. But, no, I’m not concerned about the defense, they played really hard, they played smart, they played fast, they played physical – there was a lot of contact in the game. We just have to make sure that that becomes our standard.”</p>
<p id="IBIoPh"><strong>(On what he thought of the 10 penalties on Sunday)</strong></p>
<p id="nPbr5S">“We did have 10. The two on special teams, I disagreed with. The holding penalty on (DE) Eugene (Sims) on the reverse, I really completely disagreed with it. The same thing with (RB) Chase’s (Reynolds) penalty on the punt return, I didn’t agree with that, either. We had the two defensive offsides. The last penalty, which was on the onside kick, you can scratch that, that was just kind of one of those things that happens. But the holding penalties, the defensive offsides and then the DPI (defensive pass interference) – the DPI shouldn’t happen – (DB) Lamarcus (Joyner) should have played the ball better. Yeah, statistically, we had 10, I would acknowledge maybe six of them.”</p>
<p id="sbNLPN"><strong>(On CB E.J. Gaines’ status)</strong></p>
<p id="4Zo7BQ">“Oh, he’s fine. Yeah, he’s fine.”</p>
<p id="Sbtsc8"><strong>(On if the penalties, the drops and the inconsistencies are a matter of coaching or personnel and how he addresses it)</strong></p>
<p id="0gVbM6">“It’s hard to talk in general terms about it. For example, we’re behind in the game and their best asset on defense is rushing the passer and (T) Rob (Havenstein) gives up an inside move – he’s been playing well the whole game – gives up and inside move and grabs to make sure the quarterback is not hit. That’s not an athletic-ability deficiency at the right tackle, it’s just one of those things that happens. You have to look at each one of those penalties, in particular, to come to conclusion on that. Nonetheless, the penalties, we had two defensive offsides, (DT) Cam (Thomas) and (DE) Rob (Quinn) just were drawn offsides, they shouldn’t be drawn offsides – they should never be drawn offsides at home – but they were trying to rush the passer. Again, the special teams penalties, I disagreed with. We don’t allow those things to happen on the practice field, we coach them. I disagreed with a number of calls. This particular crew was the crew that did the Oakland-Tampa Bay game last week, so that’ll tell you something.”</p>
<p id="BJ7tg1"><strong>(On WR Pharoh Cooper and TE Tyler Higbee getting more integrated into the offense)</strong></p>
<p id="9TdzyV">“Yeah, ‘Higs’ made the big play – it was a great throw by Case, ‘Higs’ came up and made the big play. He needs to play better, he’s starting to figure it out now and we’ve got him involved. He needs to be better at the point of attack and he knows that. Nonetheless, he did come down with the big catch and a field position change. ‘Coop,’ he’s healthy, we worked him into the offense last week. For all intents and purposes, we’re going to continue to work him in and he’ll probably see a little bit more playing time offensively. I’m pleased with where he is right now. We just need to get the ball in his hands. Then again, I’m adding another person to the list that we need to get the ball in his hands – Gurley and Tavon. He’s a playmaker, he’s taken on his special teams responsibilities and he’s accepted them. He’ll be able, I think, you’ll see more of him. I’d like to be able to keep him up now.”</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13559608/la-rams-carolina-panthers-recap-post-game-jeff-fisher-case-keenum-jared-goff3k2016-11-07T20:19:49-06:002016-11-07T20:19:49-06:00Week 9 Recap Reaction: SOSAR and SOSAJF
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-UDDlH1fHDmMQNxdMLYZS0LO2xg=/0x153:2700x1953/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51727497/usa_today_9659603.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Fisher, in disbelief that penalties are a thing. | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Rams still suck.</p> <p id="0ahnpr">Did you really expect anything different?</p>
<p id="mIqvgw">The Los Angeles Rams are losers of four straight games. Let that sink in. Four straight. </p>
<p id="DclZgU">Head Coach Jeff Fisher is taking the Rams to <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13551218/la-rams-offense-jeff-fisher-doo-doo-brown">new lows on the offensive side of the ball</a>. The Rams are dead last in the NFL in points scored. After the coup of draft picks the Rams received for the #2 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft Washington used to select RGIII, the Rams used those precious extra picks for numerous players on the offensive side of the ball, only to get worse and worse year over year. </p>
<p id="LP3fxQ">Rookie QB Jared Goff is still a clipboard holder, not expected to play at all until the <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000735683/article/jared-goff-wont-play-until-rams-are-out-of-contention">Rams are officially eliminated from the playoff hunt</a>. How gracious is it that the NFC West decided to be awful this year? Going into the season, everyone had Arizona and Seattle primed to win at least ten games. Right now both teams would love to crack nine wins. </p>
<p id="WXZTaY">The team is still supporting QBCase Keenum, as they should. Jeff Fisher has put this franchise and Case in an untenable position. All the draft capital to select Jared Goff, only to use him as a trump card to potentially save his own job.</p>
<p id="24WGx2">That’s the head coach of our favorite team. </p>
<p id="iyAIjD">In a game which the defense holds the opponent to 244 yards and 13 points, the offense failed again. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me more than twice, then you can’t ever get fooled again.</p>
<p id="Tj0D9R">Don’t be fooled Rams Nation. Jeff Fisher must go.</p>
<p id="Pa73kD">#FireJeffFisher</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13559016/los-angeles-rams-week-9-recap-reaction-sosarElijah Kim2016-11-07T20:01:15-06:002016-11-07T20:01:15-06:00Rams HC Fisher Confirms QB Keenum Remains Starter
<figure>
<img alt="Los Angeles Rams QB Case Keenum" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c1Aayb4QcnQE4o06O7cE2OSu6QI=/0x0:2480x1653/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51727209/usa_today_9659453.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams QB Case Keenum | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The wait for rookie QB Jared Goff goes on. And on.</p> <p id="hFXZy7">Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher confirmed in his day after press conference that Case Keenum will remain the starting QB and not rookie #1 overall draft pick and backup franchise QB Jared Goff:</p>
<div id="YzP16Y">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Case is starting”<br>— Jeff Fisher</p>— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rich_Hammond/status/795793934593060867">November 8, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="9hooPI">The confirmation comes on the heels of the Rams losing to the Carolina Panthers at home, 10-13, their fourth consecutive loss. Fisher did note that Goff warmed up on the sideline at one point when Keenum suffered an injury to his non-throwing arm:</p>
<div id="HYaURH">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fisher reveals there was a moment yesterday when he told Goff to warm up because of an injury to Keenum's non-throwing arm.</p>— Joe Curley (@vcsjoecurley) <a href="https://twitter.com/vcsjoecurley/status/795794401914011648">November 8, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="HA8u73"><a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13554934/la-rams-carolina-panthers-recap-snap-counts-playing-time-breakdown">Keenum ultimately played every snap</a>.</p>
<p id="I1aY2W">The bottom line is simple. Fisher isn’t playing Goff because he doesn’t have to. The sad part for Rams fans is that <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/10/13/13269770/los-angeles-rams-jared-goff-jeff-fisher">it won’t matter if Goff plays</a>. Fisherball handicaps the position to such an extreme degree that no QB can come in and provide sufficient change. Instead, Goff simply represents something different, the greener grass if you will. Remember that it was Case Keenum who held that spot for much of last season while Nick Foles started, the same Nick Foles who himself offered that reprieve following the Sam Bradford era whose injuries offered the turnstile for hopefuls Austin Davis, Shaun Hill and Kellen Clemens.</p>
<p id="wx7Hv9">Other head coaches have made more with less.</p>
<p id="Rl4rxz"><a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13557274/los-angeles-rams-ian-rapoport-jared-goff-benchec-until-eliminated-from-playoff">NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Rams won’t make a change at quarterback until the team is out of playoff contention</a>, something that likely won’t happen mathematically for several games given how flat the league standings are this season. Fisher suggested that report is not true:</p>
<div id="mrMQjN">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jeff Fisher says the popular hypothesis that Goff won't play unless the Rams are out of the playoff race is inaccurate.</p>— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) <a href="https://twitter.com/gregbeacham/status/795795020682915840">November 8, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="qqKTV1">Of course his suggestion doesn’t mean much as he has routinely lied to the media and fans in his public remarks with no regard for the idea that they deserve any better.</p>
<p id="Wg82hF">The Rams will hit the road in Week 10 to take on the 3-6 New York Jets. </p>
<p id="5MDEb2">We’ll have the full remarks from the presser up shortly.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13558906/la-rams-head-coach-jeff-fisher-confirms-case-keenum-starter-jared-goff3k2016-11-07T19:43:33-06:002016-11-07T19:43:33-06:00Rams-Panthers Playing Time Breakdown
<figure>
<img alt="Los Angeles Rams QB Case Keenum" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OlUBzGfLg7sOngUt8MDNEHn_yYg=/0x0:3664x2443/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51727065/621523974.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams QB Case Keenum | Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here’s how the Rams doled out the playing time in Week 9.</p> <p id="mRN6Pp"><em>Note: I’ll update the snap counts in </em><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WwLxtQLOaAZtzzit0-Yw6kvFQwCM8kcc1lS_RlKrHS4/edit?usp=sharing"><em>this spreadsheet</em></a><em> all season including the first tab tracking the season totals. While I’ll paste individual game PT in each week’s recap, I’ll likely refer to the season totals moving forward from that link. So uh, peep it.</em></p>
<h3 id="YL0v4j">Offense</h3>
<div id="kPX891"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>POS</th>
<th>Off</th>
<th>Off%</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rodger Saffold</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Robinson</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rob Havenstein</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cody Wichmann</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Case Keenum</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim Barnes</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kenny Britt</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>60</td>
<td>88.24%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lance Kendricks</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>79.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tavon Austin</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>77.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Quick</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>73.53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Todd Gurley</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>63.24%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Higbee</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>45.59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Benny Cunningham</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>36.76%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pharoh Cooper</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>19.12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cory Harkey</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>5.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Malcolm Brown</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Thomas</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Donnal</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bradley Marquez</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1.47%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="9ByCUH">Some quirky usages on offense in Week 9 for the 2016 Los Angeles Rams.</p>
<p id="AAxHIy">RB Just Todd Gurley came in slightly below average while RB Benny Cunningham posted a season high. It’s the third game in a row in which Cunningham has set a new season high for playing time. The confusing part is that <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13549640/la-rams-carolina-panthers-recap-post-game-jeff-fisher-case-keenum-jared-goff">Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher explained that Gurley sat out the final drive of the game because Cunningham is in fact the Rams’ two-minute back</a>. More to come on that this week, but I’m not sure I can even begin to understand that.</p>
<p id="6pCMns">WR Brian Quick also continued a trend of setting season-high playing time rates, he for the fourth game in a row. Kenny Britt and Tavon Austin hit around their season averages while Pharoh Cooper finally logged some significant time on offense.</p>
<p id="jfXUMs">At tight end, Lance Kendricks hit a season low while rookie Tyler Higbee logged his second-highest play rate logging his third catch of the season, a 31-yard gain.</p>
<h3 id="8BHuE7">Defense</h3>
<div id="QUml8E"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>POS</th>
<th>Def</th>
<th>Def%</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T.J. McDonald</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maurice Alexander</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Barron</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trumaine Johnson</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alec Ogletree</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>E.J. Gaines</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>58</td>
<td>90.63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Donald</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>81.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamarcus Joyner</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>71.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Hayes</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>39</td>
<td>60.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Quinn</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>59.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Thomas</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>43.75%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dominique Easley</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>42.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eugene Sims</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>40.63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethan Westbrooks</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>39.06%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Brockers</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>31.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Forrest</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>20.31%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Troy Hill</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>12.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cody Davis</td>
<td>FS</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>6.25%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="LjDD49">The rotation on the defensive line was nearly back to normal. With DE Robert Quinn back to full playable health, the only line member who wasn’t a full go was perhaps Michael Brockers. Brock’s usage has been all over the place with various injury issues this season. I’d expect him to hit above the 1/3rd mark if he’s fully healthy though. If he goes through this week’s injury report unlisted, perhaps he’ll prove that next week on the road against the Jets.</p>
<h3 id="DMoVS7">Special Teams</h3>
<div id="emoF9N">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>POS</th>
<th>ST</th>
<th>ST%</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cody Davis</td>
<td>FS</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>84.62%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chase Reynolds</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>84.62%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cory Harkey</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>73.08%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bradley Marquez</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>65.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Forrest</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>61.54%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryce Hager</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>61.54%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cory Littleton</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>61.54%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eugene Sims</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>50.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Troy Hill</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>42.31%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Benny Cunningham</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>38.46%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Malcolm Brown</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>38.46%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake McQuaide</td>
<td>LS</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>34.62%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Johnny Hekker</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>34.62%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Thomas</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>30.77%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Demetrius Rhaney</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>30.77%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T.J. McDonald</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>26.92%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Zuerlein</td>
<td>K</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>26.92%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marqui Christian</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>26.92%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tavon Austin</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>23.08%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maurice Alexander</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>19.23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Donald</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>19.23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethan Westbrooks</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>19.23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rodger Saffold</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>15.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Robinson</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>15.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rob Havenstein</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>15.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cody Wichmann</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>15.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Donnal</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>15.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>E.J. Gaines</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>15.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Quinn</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>15.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Thomas</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>15.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Barron</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>7.69%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kenny Britt</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3.85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Quick</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3.85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trumaine Johnson</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3.85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Brockers</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3.85%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p id="qY43rX">Random thing to consider for the offseason: <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/4/18/11456222/los-angeles-rams-chase-reynolds-re-sign-contract">the Rams re-signed RB Chase Reynolds on a one-year deal for 2016</a>. Every game for him is a special teams audition for a re-up.</p>
<p id="EOIcNt">Is he earning one to this point so far in 2016?</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="psCWo1">
<p id="4dsFOG">As always, drop your observations on the playing time from this week as well as anything you’re seeing from the season snaps.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13554934/la-rams-carolina-panthers-recap-snap-counts-playing-time-breakdown3k2016-11-07T12:54:05-06:002016-11-07T12:54:05-06:00Game Balls! I mean.... Blame Game!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r6Gj-Atw0CghDqBpm8sk0E8FBU0=/0x0:1836x1224/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51720433/usa-today-9659228.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Let's put a spin on this.....</p> <p>Maybe it's because I just wrote the weekly Jeff Fisher approval poll, maybe it's because I'm just fed up with his bullshit.... but I'm about to hijack this shiznit.</p>
<p>You're a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> fan. That's why you're here. Time for you to pick the best attribute of your favorite team's head coach!</p>
<h3>Door #1 - <u><a target="_blank" href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/10/18/13323400/la-rams-penalties-jeff-fisher-culture-change">Culture Change</a></u>
</h3>
<p>In their first offseason in LA since the relocation, Jeff Fisher made it known that cutting down on penalties as a priority.</p>
<p>How's that working out?</p>
<h3>Door #2 - <u><a target="_blank" href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13551218/la-rams-offense-jeff-fisher-doo-doo-brown">Improving the Offense</a></u>
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<p>Yeah.... I don't even know where to start. You can blame the WRs, the OL, <span>Case Keenum</span>.... it doesn't matter. It's a systemic issue.</p>
<h3>Door #3 - <u><a target="_blank" href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/8/16/12499968/los-angeles-rams-training-camp-jeff-fisher-jared-goff-progress-e-j-gaines-healthy">Coach-Speak</a></u>
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<p>Man this dude knows how to get the media drinking his kool-ade.</p>
<p>Is this better than the dark days when the Rams were averaging 3 wins per year? Absolutely. But it's not nearly good enough to warrant the type of job security Fisher has.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13553184/los-angeles-rams-carolina-panthers-recap-game-balls-best-excuse-jeff-fisherSean Wilkinson2016-11-07T09:32:49-06:002016-11-07T09:32:49-06:00Rams-Panthers: Perspective Recap
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams WR Brian Quick" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ijBSpZWkOe8_Y05dzuYq15Usrys=/0x0:2480x1653/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51716183/usa_today_9659331.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams WR Brian Quick | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After starting 3-1, the 2016 Los Angeles Rams are now on a four-game losing streak. Here’s the outlook coming out of Week 9.</p> <p id="oWzyI3">From 3-1 to 3-5. The 2016 Los Angeles Rams are serving up a hot platter of #Fisherball in Year 1 in Los Angeles.</p>
<p id="yfPpFZ">Following yesterday’s 10-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers, here’s what the Rams are looking at coming out of Week 9.</p>
<h3 id="BgcNGe">Injuries</h3>
<p id="SOtnwY">The Rams continue to remain one of the healthiest teams in the league. The only notable injury yesterday was CB Lamarcus Joyner going down temporarily with an abdominal injury. He returned to the field in the second half.</p>
<p id="msF36q"><a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/4/13527852/la-rams-carolina-panthers-preview-final-injury-report">The Rams went into Week 9 with just five players on the injury report</a>. Of those five, <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/6/13542284/rams-panthers-inactives-g-jamon-brown-wr-nelson-spruce-de-longacre-out">only G Jamon Brown and WR Nelson Spruce were on the inactives on Sunday</a>. Barring any injuries that any Rams played through on Sunday, we could be looking at a very, very thin injury report on Wednesday.</p>
<h3 id="ZmDFcN">Performance Issues</h3>
<p id="vbNSga">I could repeat most of <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/10/24/13380094/la-rams-new-york-giants-recap-perspective">what I said after the perspective recap coming out of the loss in London in Week 7</a>. Right now, I think it just suffices to point to the offense as a whole in Year 5 under Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher and paint the whole thing with a broad brush.</p>
<p id="C0C5xt">It is very bad. And it is hard to win football games consistently when your offense as a whole is very bad.</p>
<h3 id="XS1KpH">Standings</h3>
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<img alt="2016 NFC West Standings - Week 9" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qAsFartDy_WU1-d1svFsqiHbvjo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7422709/2016_NFC_West_Standings___Week_9.JPG">
<figcaption>2016 NFC West Standings - Week 9</figcaption>
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<p id="AUQb19">Seattle will take on the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football tonight. Arizona was on the bye this week. And San Francisco was doused by the New Orleans Saints yesterday.</p>
<p id="KQvCt4">It’s an otherwise open division were the Rams not on the back of this losing streak.</p>
<p id="0aeffk">As for the conference playoff seeding, here’s how things are shaping up:</p>
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<img alt="2016 NFC Playoff Standings - Week 9" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/N6vPc70ePgIf7AqHERqtC1udnQw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7422711/2016_NFC_Playoff_Standings___Week_9.JPG">
<figcaption>2016 NFC Playoff Standings - Week 9</figcaption>
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<p id="bxtOwj">This is a wildly mediocre year for the NFL (cue the discussion on declining NFL ratings...). Last year after Week 8, six division leaders had at least 6 wins. This year, it’s half that many.</p>
<p id="qUw3gu">The playoff race is going to be nuts this year if this holds up for another week or two. Which of course means that if the Rams can turn the tide on this losing streak, there’s still going to be a path to the postseason.</p>
<p id="IDOrwV">No, seriously. The path to #7and9bullshit could well keep the 2016 Los Angeles Rams in the playoff mix.</p>
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<p id="Di2WPv">Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand here we are. From 3-1 to 3-5. Three of the next four on the road.</p>
<p id="fXIFYi">There’s a good chance we come out of November looking less than mediocre, but I’m not sure the opposite should be the goal we’re shooting for in Year 5.</p>
<p id="PwgBIL">And maybe that’s the problem with the perspective regarding the Rams in the first place.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/11/7/13549884/la-rams-carolina-panthers-recap-perspective3k