Turf Show Times - 2017 Week 1: LA Rams Vs. Indianapolis Coltshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2017-09-15T10:20:21-05:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/stream/160159552017-09-15T10:20:21-05:002017-09-15T10:20:21-05:00Week 2 Sean McVay Approval Poll
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<p>How did the Week 1 demolition of the Indianapolis Colts effect your view of the Rams Head Coach?</p> <p id="bPiJZd">Sean McVay couldn’t have asked for a better start to his head coaching career. Heading into the season, fans expressed optimism about the Rookie head coach, with a whopping 98% expressing either a neutral or positive view of McVay.</p>
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<p id="YDiYbY">McVay affirmed that support as his <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> absolutely destroyed the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> in Week 1 at the Coliseum, 46-9. The offense, defense, and special teams all played magnificently and showed that the Rams may not be the SOSAR of old.</p>
<p id="Q3umuw">In addition to having his team prepared for the Colts, McVay also played a part in ending the holdout of star DT <span>Aaron Donald</span> - whose impact is impossible to overstate for this Rams team.</p>
<p id="c8MeLY">Personally, I’ve been impressed by the 31 year old McVay. He is living up to the ‘genius’ moniker that many experts have placed on him and has shown the ability to maintain his composure - and his team’s focus - through controversy.</p>
<p id="zAXVfr">But my opinion doesn’t matter here... your’s does. What do you think Rams fans? How is the Rookie doing?</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/15/16314522/los-angeles-rams-indianapolis-colts-recap-sean-mcvay-approval-poll-week-2-2017Sean Wilkinson2017-09-15T09:25:35-05:002017-09-15T09:25:35-05:002017 Rams Rookie Report: Regular Season Week 1
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<p>The rookies shined in their regular season debuts for the Rams. </p> <p id="rJxrAP">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> took care of business in their regular season debut against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. With a new regime in place focused on revamping the offensive attack and tweaking the defense, the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/11/16285654/los-angeles-rams-indianapolis-colts-recap-reaction">Rams truly impressed in week one, dominating the Colts from the get-go, 46-9</a>. </p>
<p id="VNrMjH">Confidence is at a sky high and Rams fans can not only feel more positive about the team now, but can also feel very positive about the future of the team as many young rookies shined. </p>
<h4 id="GU88nI"><span>Cooper Kupp</span></h4>
<p id="Tkz6u9">What a first meaningful game for the Rams rookie, Cooper Kupp. Many have raved about his ball skills, route running, and YAC ability which were all on display as he was the leading receiver for the game with four catches for 76 yards and a touchdown.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">VIDEO: Every target for rookie WR Cooper Kupp making his NFL debut. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LARams?src=hash">#LARams</a> <br><br>6 targets, 4 catches, 76 yards, TD <a href="https://t.co/NPBmM2TLOY">pic.twitter.com/NPBmM2TLOY</a></p>— PirateLife Football (@PirateLifeFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PirateLifeFF/status/907094877409878016">September 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="8uSrsw">Kupp was able to translate his spectacular (but short) preseason. Look for him to continue to be Goff’s safety valve and essential <span>Jamison Crowder</span> role (remember his breakout year last year?).</p>
<h4 id="6bODz3"><span>Gerald Everett</span></h4>
<p id="HrdAzR">The Rams first pick of the 2017 Draft was the tight end, Gerald Everett. Everett had only <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/12/16297452/la-rams-indianapolis-colts-recap-snap-counts-playing-time-breakdown">29 snaps but had nearly half the snaps that Tyler Higbee got</a>. However, Everett did make his lone target count. Look for his role to grow as the season goes on.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gerald Everett with the acumen to realize he wasn’t touched and so he got up and ran for more <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rams?src=hash">#Rams</a>: <a href="https://t.co/Z4vplMjrUm">pic.twitter.com/Z4vplMjrUm</a></p>— Josh Webb-Thomson (@FightOnTwist) <a href="https://twitter.com/FightOnTwist/status/906985085978632193">September 10, 2017</a>
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<h4 id="PG5E9A">The Other Offensive Guys</h4>
<p id="xtyr1S"><span>Justin Davis</span> got a little bit of run and one lone carry. Likely, Davis will not receive much playing time. <span>Josh Reynolds</span> played in 17 snaps but failed to draw a target. Reynolds may be a bit limited as a deep threat/situational player until he continues to develop his route tree but the top two guys are definitely making plays already.</p>
<h4 id="Iq1HTZ"><span>Tanzel Smart</span></h4>
<p id="A9b77m">With Aaron Donald just back with the team but not in uniform, Tanzel Smart got the nod in the base defense. Smart played in 29 or 58% of the defensive snaps and was a consistent player plugging up the gaps.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"That's Tanzel Smart, the 6th round draft pick out of Tulane." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLWave?src=hash">#NFLWave</a> <a href="https://t.co/su7qJzZwR0">pic.twitter.com/su7qJzZwR0</a></p>— Fear the Wave (@FearTheWaveBlog) <a href="https://twitter.com/FearTheWaveBlog/status/906987686908461056">September 10, 2017</a>
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<h4 id="l3FyzY"><span>Samson Ebukam</span></h4>
<p id="Jd67aS">While Ebukam was hobbled in the preseason with some soft tissue issues, he rallied to play 14 snaps of defense and 22 snaps of special teams where he put his athleticism to work. Ebukam finished the game with three total tackles and will likely play this season as a situational pass rusher and special teams ace.</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/15/16307324/la-rams-2017-rookie-report-regular-season-week-1-cooper-kuppElijah Kim2017-09-12T18:22:45-05:002017-09-12T18:22:45-05:00I Watched Rams Game With Die-Hard Colts Fan, Actor Drew Powell
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<p>What was it like to watch the 46-9 Rams-Colts game from the losing side? Joey texted with a long-time Colts fan and star of <em>Gotham</em> during the game to find out. </p> <p id="cxR8UL">I’ve known <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0694100/">actor Drew Powell</a> for a handful of years, back when he was acting in one-act plays and short films with my friends. He’s a good dude from Indiana and a hardcore <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> fan. </p>
<p id="XwowMv">Anyway, Drew got a rad role in the Fox show <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3749900/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_4">Gotham</a>, and now he lives in New York City. Most recently, he had to get ripped because he became a swamp zombie bad guy named Solomon Grundy. It’s a pretty fun show -- you should watch it. Season 4 starts soon!</p>
<p id="Umnw0i">Since my <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> were playing his Colts, we decided to text each other during the game. We got drunk.</p>
<p id="1Ji7WC"><strong>Drew Powell</strong>: Go Horse!</p>
<p id="5DdSXa"><strong>Joey Aucoin</strong>: Oh boy. You’re pumped for this game. </p>
<p id="Y1JzKj"><strong>DP:</strong> This game is going to be terrible, unless Goff has ridiculously improved.</p>
<p id="rVyjLM"><strong>JA: </strong>You’ve been reading my dream journal.</p>
<p id="cMo2Rk"><strong>DP:</strong> Got my Colts gear on. Watching the game from a bar in Brooklyn.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/4GJKRd2fwv">pic.twitter.com/4GJKRd2fwv</a></p>— Drew Powell (@thedrewpowell) <a href="https://twitter.com/thedrewpowell/status/907421605890019328">September 12, 2017</a>
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<p id="gUWaBT"><strong>JA:</strong> I’m at <a href="http://www.tombergins.com/">Tom Bergin’s</a>. Nothing says a football game like Irish food!</p>
<p id="IYdKC6"><strong>DP:</strong> I miss that place.</p>
<p id="yEICIB"><strong>JA: </strong>So, when Gotham ends, or if it ends, are you gonna move back to LA?</p>
<p id="VJtUWg"><strong>DP:</strong> Who knows. All about the jobs, brother.</p>
<p id="B3VRsd"><strong>JA</strong>: Not a lot of acting jobs in Indiana, huh?</p>
<p id="JjXp9h"><strong>DP</strong>: Not until they make Hoosier 2: Revenge of the Picket Fence!</p>
<p id="U0WRJJ"><strong>JA: </strong>Do you get to go to many Colts games?</p>
<p id="ejR0UH"><strong>DP</strong>: I’m guest of the Colts for their home opener next week, actually.</p>
<p id="eAaI7U"><strong>JA:</strong> Dude, being a bad guy on a TV show has its perks.</p>
<p id="Kc6StS"><strong>DP:</strong> It does. And I talk a lot about the Colts on Twitter and stuff, so they invited me. I’m pretty excited about it. </p>
<p id="ctuRkm"><strong>JA:</strong> Is this where your friendship with QB <span>Andrew Luck</span> begins?</p>
<p id="l7azZQ"><strong>DP:</strong> We both wear the same jersey to games. We both had torn labrums. We’re gonna be buds.</p>
<p id="knKOCr"><strong>JA:</strong> Well, he’ll have a lot of time to hang on the sidelines because he’s not playing week 2. (no response from Drew) He’s probably out for the season and they just don’t know it yet. (no response from Drew) When you’re invited as a guest of an NFL team, what’s your access like?</p>
<p id="sQY28S"><strong>DP:</strong> Who knows, man. Upper Deck? I’ll sell hot dogs. I don’t care.</p>
<p id="Ihj5PB"><strong>JA:</strong> Who moves the rope in Indianapolis? John Cougar Mellencamp?</p>
<p id="LNNyyM"><strong>DP</strong>: Mike Epps.</p>
<p id="RvAX1W"><strong>JA:</strong> Ooh, that’s a nice Mount Rushmore of Indiana celebs. Who else? Letterman, Larry Bird.</p>
<p id="z0orOK"><strong>DP:</strong> The “shieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet” dude from The Wire.</p>
<p id="MhfKyH"><strong>JA</strong>: Indiana is rad. OK. The Cooper Kupp show is about to begin! Kickoff!</p>
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<p id="lJFYtt"><strong>JA:</strong> Did they sign you? The Colts have some spots open. What position you want?</p>
<p id="tPu8qJ"><strong>DP:</strong> I’ve got my eye on fullback.</p>
<p id="SPH5FD"><strong>JA:</strong> Sweet. Every photo of you on Instagram is of you lifting heavy ropes or something equally exhausting. Your role on Gotham has kind of turned you into a fullback!</p>
<p id="Y1ThX7"><strong>DP: </strong>Yeah, man. I had 7 weeks to get like this with a lot of highly trained trainers.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gotham?src=hash">#Gotham</a> Season 4 = Beast Mode <a href="https://twitter.com/Gotham">@Gotham</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Grundy?src=hash">#Grundy</a> <a href="https://t.co/6GVBwDVQrt">pic.twitter.com/6GVBwDVQrt</a></p>— Drew Powell (@thedrewpowell) <a href="https://twitter.com/thedrewpowell/status/906631619565572097">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="2d03qe"><strong>DP: </strong>Go Horse!</p>
<p id="EefxZg"><strong>JA</strong>: You have to stop with the Go Horse. It doesn’t even make sense. Can’t you say Go Horses! It’s just one horse. </p>
<p id="NQgs49"><strong>DP:</strong> Go Horse!</p>
<p id="oh6J6r"><strong>JA:</strong> Walked into that one.</p>
<p id="GqK13y"><em>After the first series and the Rams kick a field goal... </em></p>
<p id="zkRSi4"><strong>JA:</strong> That was fine. Goff looked OK.</p>
<p id="gA3cEW"><strong>DP</strong>: I just want Gore to get like 30 touches today.</p>
<p id="6b1ZAR"><strong>JA:</strong> Why? Because he’s so old that this might be his last game?</p>
<p id="Tdsj5k"><em> RB </em><span><em>Frank Gore</em></span><em> runs for two yards</em></p>
<p id="f2OkSr"><strong>JA</strong>: I’ll take 30 touches of this.</p>
<p id="DjKWOj"><em> CB </em><span><em>Trumaine Johnson</em></span><em> gets a pick 6.</em></p>
<p id="BvZfiM"><strong> DP</strong>: F*********************K</p>
<p id="S96Xdi"><strong>JA:</strong> Tolzien is so bad that maybe that’s good for Luck’s injury. Because no team in their right mind would start this guy if they knew Luck was going to miss serious time. This guy can’t play.</p>
<p id="bT343f"><strong>DP</strong>: How many games has Goff won again?</p>
<p id="0jleiO"><strong>JA</strong>: He just needed Cooper Kupp. He and Goff are like Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.</p>
<p id="QLpXjy"><strong>DP:</strong> <span>Jared Goff</span> as Meg Ryan makes sense.</p>
<p id="qo8bN5"><em> Cooper Kupp Catches his touchdown pass</em></p>
<p id="s7g7OZ"><strong>DP:</strong> I’m going to break this TV on this bar.</p>
<p id="mZ68zz"><strong>JA:</strong> If you hurt your shoulder, you and Luck will have stuff to bond about next week!</p>
<p id="0xeksW"><strong>DP:</strong> We’re making Kupp look like an All-Pro</p>
<p id="7KvzFx"><strong>JA</strong>: What are you drinking over there? Indiana is gonna get wasted tonight.</p>
<p id="abhRsM"><strong>DP:</strong> Whiskey.</p>
<p id="mjEbub"><strong>JA</strong>: I’m gonna get a Bloody Mary. This is fun.</p>
<p id="U2t20z"><strong>DP:</strong> This is the opposite of fun.</p>
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<p id="Qxive9"><strong>DP</strong>: I’ve been forced to up the dose.</p>
<p id="XWt07c"><strong>JA</strong>: So, most Colts fans live and die on this team. Like, you guys are taking this really hard?</p>
<p id="LrEe9c"><strong>DP:</strong> What, like punching walls?</p>
<p id="i2q6qm"><strong>JA:</strong> Sports fans in LA aren’t really wall punchers. We go to gastropubs when we’re angry.</p>
<p id="q78EFB"><em>The score is 37-3 in the third quarter</em> </p>
<p id="fxfSHT"><strong>DP:</strong> Seriously, I’m gonna break the TV on this bar.</p>
<p id="EqbHEW"><strong>JA</strong>: Is it more frustrating that the Colts are playing so bad or that the Rams is having their best game in years against them?</p>
<p id="oZgVZt"><strong>DP</strong>: When is Luck coming back again?</p>
<p id="GtpHxy"><strong>JA:</strong> Dude, I’m worried about your QB situation. </p>
<p id="Jug9Ji"><strong>DP</strong>: I’m going home. I don’t want the video of me breaking the TV to go viral.</p>
<p id="4xU6S8"><strong>JA</strong>: Ah, the actor’s life. Go Horse?</p>
<p id="N74y8p"><strong>DP</strong>: Always Go Horse.</p>
<p id="yj0KUu"><a href="https://www.fox.com/gotham/"><em>Season Four of Gotham</em></a><em> premieres on Thursday, September 21, 8/7c. </em></p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/12/16298154/drew-powell-gotham-indianapolis-colts-fan-los-angeles-ramsJoey The Jerk2017-09-12T17:00:02-05:002017-09-12T17:00:02-05:00Rams-Colts: Report Card Looks Good
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<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Anytime you win a game by 35 points, you’re bound to grade out well</p> <h3 id="Nm9VZ2">Quarterbacks</h3>
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<p id="tYtnNZ"><span>Jared Goff</span> lands himself a great grade for not throwing any turnover worthy throws, cracking 300 yards passing for the first time, and getting his first NFL win. He looked confident, in command, and for the most part was very accurate and decisive. This is what we all hoped for when Sean McVay signed the dotted line. </p>
<h3 id="yPwhd9">Running Backs</h3>
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<p id="9PoEPD">The RB’s didn’t do much of anything great on Sunday. <span>Todd Gurley</span> once again managed a paltry 2.1 YPC, with 40 total rushing yards. <span>Malcolm Brown</span> hardly did any better totaling 16 rushing yards. The RB’s saving grace is the performance Gurley had through the air, where he snagged five receptions for 56 yards. Outside of that, this running game is going to need a ton of work.</p>
<h3 id="nzbjXK">Wide Receivers</h3>
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<p id="TsQQ4p"><span>Cooper Kupp</span>, <span>Sammy Watkins</span>, and <span>Robert Woods</span> all had catches of over 20 yards. The group combined for 12 receptions, 187 yards, and one TD. Watkins looks to be fully integrated into the offense, and looks like an extremely dangerous weapon. Robert Woods seems to be exactly what the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> hoped he would be: a strong-handed intermediate WR with savvy route running skills. And the rookie phenom Cooper Kupp? Well, he had the best day of the bunch, securing three beautiful grabs, one of which went for a TD. </p>
<h3 id="uyOZIC">Tight Ends</h3>
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<p id="jAzJjL">Rookie TE <span>Gerald Everett</span> continues to make plays, and though he didn’t have many chances, he shined on a catch that netted 39 yards and was an explosive play to set the Rams up in scoring position. <span>Tyler Higbee</span> chipped in with two receptions for 17 yards, and new TE <span>Derek Carrier</span> also registered one reception for 12 yards.</p>
<h3 id="YpNYre">Offensive Line</h3>
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<p id="5w22Lr">If I remember correctly, Jared Goff was sacked once and hit twice. In terms of pass pro, I’m not sure if this group could have done any better. The line was solid for basically the entire game though there was one slip-up that comes to mind off a tackle/end stunt that left Jamon <span>Brown</span> in a daze, allowing a pressure and a holding penalty. The running game was abysmal, as lead-back Todd Gurley averaged 2.1 YPC, and things didn’t fare much better with the rest of the ground game. </p>
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<h3 id="k3ABPy">Defensive Line</h3>
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<p id="ikH8c8">Somehow, someway, it’s 2017, and <span>Frank Gore</span> is still giving the Rams fits. Sure, he only had 42 rushing yards, but it came on 4.2 YPC, and the Rams DL can’t allow that with a QB as incompetent as Scott Tolzein. Tyrunn Walker played great, and registered a sack, as did <span>Ethan Westbrooks</span> who had a fantastic game. The best defensive line performance of the day goes to NT <span>Michael Brockers</span> who had five tackles on the day, and looks primed for a big year.</p>
<h3 id="fZsVv7">Linebackers</h3>
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<p id="1c3J4p">The OLB’s fared much better than the ILB’s in week one. <span>Robert Quinn</span> looked effective off the edge and notched his first sack of the season. Backup Matt Longacre also registered a sack in the game. As for Alec Ogeltree and <span>Mark Barron</span>, they both need to be better. Tree is already piling up the missed tackles, and both got burned consecutively by <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> TE <span>Jack Doyle</span>, which ultimately lead to a Indianapolis scoring drive. Backup Cory Littleton also got some game time, and actually forced a fumble and safety.</p>
<h3 id="Astgly">Defensive Backs</h3>
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<p id="DepHhf">Anytime your secondary scores two TD’s, you’ve done a great job. <span>Trumaine Johnson</span> had one FF, one FR, one INT, one TD, and allowed only two receptions for 25 yards. <span>Lamarcus Joyner</span> allowed one reception, had a beautiful pass deflection, and his own pick-six to boot. Both look primed for great seasons in the secondary. Nickel CB <span>Nickell Robey-Coleman</span> also would have chipped in with his own pick-six if not for a face-mask penalty by Colts WR Donte Moncrief. The bus drivers are off to a great start.</p>
<h3 id="vDu5ZJ">Special Teams</h3>
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<p id="EPDokR"><span>Johnny Hekker</span>, who recently signed a contract extension, had five punts for a 43.6-yard average. The Colts netted zero punt return yards, resulting in an elite day for the punting unit as a whole. As for kicking, GZ went three-for-three on FG’s, and five-for-five on XP’s. Great day for both, and for long snapper <span>Jake McQuaide</span> as well.</p>
<h3 id="PJo4vm">Coaching</h3>
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<p id="lG3dQl">The Rams for once, did not play down to their competition. That ladies and gents, is how we know for sure that Jeff Fisher is out of power. Maybe the only place to knock the coaching staff (which is questionable regardless) is the seven penalties for 50 yards that the Rams racked up, but still. These guys were prepared with a great game-plan, and it’s evident that this is a new team with far superior coaching.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/12/16297690/la-rams-indianapolis-colts-recap-report-card-jared-goff-cooper-kuppSosa Kremenjas2017-09-12T15:15:14-05:002017-09-12T15:15:14-05:00Rams-Colts: Snap Counts
<figure>
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Yuitmx79JxChdO1lr1nSl4GjnQo=/0x0:4176x2784/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56643465/usa_today_10273657.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams | Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here’s how the playing time looked for Week 1</p> <p id="tP96UH"><em>Note: I’ll update the snap counts in </em><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RO1_ses4gv_TgE5bVSlfqFvQcUTHr1IR01zvz-jAmm0/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>
<p id="jtSaDT">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> dominated the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> in <span>Week 1</span>, winning 49-6. Let’s look at who got the PT.</p>
<h4 id="JBLisB">Offense</h4>
<div id="nRrBiD"><div data-anthem-component="table:646989"></div></div>
<p id="AZvDQI">A bit of a skew here with some of the starters getting some rest late. QB <span>Jared Goff</span>, LT <span>Andrew Whitworth</span> and C <span>John Sullivan</span> all gave up snaps they wouldn’t have otherwise had this not been a blowout. Will be interesting to see the next time we see C <span>Austin Blythe</span>, LT <span>Darrell Williams</span> or QB <span>Sean Mannion</span> in action.</p>
<p id="7ujtvR">Otherwise, we set the bar at wide receiver, tight end and running back. Yes, the late game action changed things, but bar set nonetheless.</p>
<p id="CKzKl8">One other bar set? WR <span>Tavon Austin</span> got 7 snaps at just a 10.77% rate.</p>
<h4 id="dE55K7">Defense</h4>
<div id="pBXe2p"><div data-anthem-component="table:647005"></div></div>
<p id="WBUm4P">Interesting that OLB <span>Robert Quinn</span> was the selectee to come off for nickel snaps.</p>
<p id="z1C0rR">And hard to buy too much into the hardness of these numbers given the score and the rotation in the second half, but still great to see the NFL debuts of so many rookies.</p>
<p id="JgjzLZ">Have to think <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/9/16281060/la-rams-aaron-donald-ends-holdout">the return of</a> DE <span>Aaron Donald</span> will affect numbers of front with a trickle-down effect.</p>
<h4 id="9hfEyG">Special Teams</h4>
<div id="rUu4XM"><div data-anthem-component="table:647030"></div></div>
<p id="VOgglP">Eight core players topped the 50% mark:</p>
<ul>
<li id="F9UFUX">LB <span>Cory Littleton</span>
</li>
<li id="NI6ebx">S <span>Cody Davis</span>
</li>
<li id="95GM1O">ILB <span>Bryce Hager</span>
</li>
<li id="nA51GZ">S <span>John Johnson</span>
</li>
<li id="9y5Xpl">RB <span>Malcolm Brown</span>
</li>
<li id="aCKOXe">OLB <span>Samson Ebukam</span>
</li>
<li id="OvgECc">CB <span>Blake Countess</span>
</li>
<li id="vqSIZw">TE <span>Derek Carrier</span>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="zW9GzI">Only Johnson was a core member of special teams during the preseason, though Ebukam was hurt and Carrier wasn’t on the team. So much for correlation there.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/12/16297452/la-rams-indianapolis-colts-recap-snap-counts-playing-time-breakdown3k2017-09-12T11:14:58-05:002017-09-12T11:14:58-05:00Turf Show Radio S9E9: 46-9
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<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZaRnM0HQJShelGkdz2D-GrvpFOk=/0x0:3528x2352/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56637883/usa_today_10273751.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Week one is in the books. Misone and 3k cover everything about the Rams’ hot start atop the NFC West standings.</p> <div id="jSVmUS"><iframe src="https://percolate.blogtalkradio.com/offsiteplayer?hostId=145236&episodeId=10266103&referrer=twitter" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 180px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<p id="oB86Jl">(Apple News readers will need to head to <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/turf-show-times/2017/09/12/tsr-season-9-episode-9-week-1-review-week-2-preview">the show page</a> to listen to the episode; you can <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/turf-show-times/id687044403">find the show in iTunes too</a>)</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="MFs3tH">
<p id="KbiXjM">Wuz uuuuuuuuuuuuup!?!?</p>
<p id="FvFVL1">That's how every <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> fan probably entered work Monday morning after watching the Rams dominate the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> on Sunday. On this week’s show, Joe (<a href="https://twitter.com/3k_">@3k_</a>) and I (<a href="https://twitter.com/MightyOrMisone">@MightyOrMisone</a>) discuss <span>the 46-9 thumping</span> and highlight all the keys to the game.</p>
<p id="1BQG8l">We start off discussing Rams QB Jared Goff. Goff had easily his best game of his career, and in all actuality he had a better game than the bulk of QB's that played week one of the 2017 season. We covered what he looked good doing, things that could use some work, and his poise in the pocket.</p>
<p id="iSr7Zi">Anytime you talk Goff you have to follow that up with offensive line play and receiver, right? Well it doesn't matter if that's right because that's what we did. We reviewed the line play and talked about OG <span>Jamon Brown</span> grading out by PFF as the best offensive linemen in the game. Who saw that coming? It's also mentioned; is this line that greatly improved, or was the Colts pass rush just that bad? So many questions so little time, but we got to them all. </p>
<p id="x2ucyd">When going over the receiver play, I mention how terrible rookie WR <span>Cooper Kupp</span> looked. That drop was atrocious and mind boggling. We need a third round redo...<em>BEING TOTALLY SERIOUS</em>. New addition WR <span>Sammy Watkins</span> looked really good to have only been around for a month. He went a perfect five-for-five on his targets for 58 yards. Goff did an amazing job trusting his receivers on numerous throws</p>
<p id="HVu9Up">Joe and I sat on different ends the table in regards to Goff really pushing the ball down field. Joe says he didn't push it enough and didn't throw into enough tight windows. I on the other hand say he went six-for-seven on throws over 15 yards and made quite a few tight window throws, and he didn't even throw the ball 30 times making it a lot on that scale. It made for an interesting discussion but lead perfectly into the next topic.</p>
<p id="4k8oRP">How did HC Sean McVay fare?</p>
<p id="pUqjfV">McVay came out guns blazing. Joe makes the excellent point that he still hasn't had a moment where you say, oh yeah, he is a rookie head coach. His poise and composure as well, as his knowledge of the game and play calling, has really shined bright so far through the preseason and week one. And he's rumored to have played a key role in the return of All-Pro DT <span>Aaron Donald</span>. </p>
<p id="DTvb9v">We then look ahead to some amazing opportunities for the Rams and their rookie HC as the schedule stiffens quite a bit compared to week one. Rams fans should find out sooner than later what kind of team they're dealing with this year. </p>
<p id="rZsWKV">An interesting fact filled show with lots of excitement and caution, but even more fun. Tune in as we go over a lot in this hour. And you definitely will not want to miss the discussion on RB <span>Todd Gurley</span> and why two-year olds with Gatorade and laptops are always a recipe for failure. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/12/16294648/la-rams-podcast-turf-show-radio-s9e9-indianpolis-colts-jared-goff-sean-mcvay-todd-gurleymisone2017-09-12T10:04:24-05:002017-09-12T10:04:24-05:002017 NFC West Round-Up: Week 1
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<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DB_QoM7q811_p9e7RF9eIxEK4R4=/0x0:2796x1864/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56636195/usa_today_10273662.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Don’t look now, but the Rams are alone at the top of the standings for now.</p> <p id="Wkpuwa">If the season ended today, the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> would be the winner of the NFC West. Unfortunately for the Rams, the season is just beginning with 15 more opportunities for success or failure. </p>
<div id="Krw8W1">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/30pr2GWFLi">pic.twitter.com/30pr2GWFLi</a></p>— Brandon Bate (@NoPlanB_) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoPlanB_/status/907046471786274816">September 11, 2017</a>
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<h4 id="IK229b">Los Angeles Rams</h4>
<p id="uxw8yw">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/11/16285654/los-angeles-rams-indianapolis-colts-recap-reaction">Rams won against the shorthanded</a> <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. While many were expecting a victory, the Rams came through scoring in a myriad of ways (two pick-six interceptions, rushing touchdown, passing touchdown, safety). The defense also obviously clamped down very hard on the Colts, essentially deflating Pagano’s squad from the get-go.</p>
<p id="CVU1VB">In fact, the Rams were so dominant, Coach Pagano mistakenly forgot who they played.</p>
<div id="3jnopN">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This just summed up Chuck Pagano in the postgame presser. He said they got their "ass" kicked by the "49ers."</p>— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeWellsNFL/status/907022007501340673">September 10, 2017</a>
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<p id="f1qMI4">Up next for the Rams are the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a>, which will be an interesting matchup as Coach Sean McVay came from the Washington franchise after developing <span>Kirk Cousins</span>.</p>
<h4 id="xuGRQQ"><a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a></h4>
<p id="byguec">Arizona suffered a surprising loss to the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>. While the Cardinals started strong in the game, Detroit rallied behind <span>Matthew Stafford</span> (4 TD’s) and <span>Golden Tate</span> (100+ yards). The biggest blow however wasn’t the game. <span>David Johnson</span> <a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20672326/arizona-cardinals-running-back-david-johnson-expected-miss-week-2-wrist-injury">left with a wrist injury and is expected to miss significant time</a>. </p>
<div id="ZaluVj">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">As <a href="https://twitter.com/mortreport">@mortreport</a> has said since Sunday, it could be 2-4 weeks for David Johnson, 3-4 months still possible. Depends on doctor recommendations.</p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/907316501342031872">September 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="fdvNA8">Arizona will look to get on track against the Andrew Luck-less Colts in Week 2. <span>Carson Palmer</span> must improve from his three interception game and give Coach Bruce Arians a chance.</p>
<h4 id="oF39R7"><a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a></h4>
<p id="oZ96d0">The 49ers definitely battled hard against the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> but couldn’t muster enough offense to give themselves a real chance. While the defense impressed holding <span>Cam Newton</span> and company to less than 300 yards of offense, the 49ers could only muster 217 yards for themselves. Sadly, the injury bug also bit San Francisco as well.</p>
<div id="WmtfJm">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash">#49ers</a> rookie LB Reuben Foster had a high-ankle sprain, based on the preliminary diagnosis, per sources. More tests coming. Will miss time</p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/907282380834123776">September 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="VnrOS5">Next week, the 49ers will travel to Seattle in a likely defensive battle.</p>
<h4 id="3acGB7"><a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a></h4>
<p id="vvEI7B">The Seattle Seahawks actually kept their game with the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> very close until a long touchdown connection between <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> and <span>Jordy Nelson</span> dampened the mood. Much was made of the Seahawks weakness along their offensive line and the problem was even more exposed with George Fant’s season ending injury.</p>
<div id="7iFTMF">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Seahawks">@Seahawks</a> first snap of the 2017 season went like this. The more things change, the more things stay the same <a href="https://t.co/vLxwJTPL4N">pic.twitter.com/vLxwJTPL4N</a></p>— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/907286052624355328">September 11, 2017</a>
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<div id="cbGQq4">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ladies and Gentemen....your 2017 <a href="https://twitter.com/Seahawks">@Seahawks</a> Offensive Line. <a href="https://t.co/M4pAzN6kF1">pic.twitter.com/M4pAzN6kF1</a></p>— Dick Fain (@dickfain) <a href="https://twitter.com/dickfain/status/906992818295529473">September 10, 2017</a>
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<p id="qOJY3O">The Packers defense applied significant pressure and had a big impact on <span>Russell Wilson</span> and the run game. While it is still a very limited sample size, the Seahawks will have to do something about their OL if they want to be true contenders.</p>
<p id="MIwIBt">As mentioned above, the Seahawks host the 49ers which may give their offense a much needed boost.</p>
<p id="w8oEUk"></p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/12/16291822/la-rams-nfc-west-recap-week-1-first-placeElijah Kim2017-09-11T19:31:33-05:002017-09-11T19:31:33-05:00Rams-Colts: 2nd Down, Second Guessing
<figure>
<img alt="Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WXOIbknneEqtpBRCHimHI1y3-nY=/0x0:3528x2352/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56628763/usa_today_10273749.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp | Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Well that’s what Rams fans have been waiting for!</p> <h3 id="5nBLpu">Takeaways </h3>
<p id="5OdcHD"><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> QB <span>Scott Tolzien</span> is not Colts QB <span>Andrew Luck</span>. The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> defense came to play. Rams QB <span>Jared Goff</span> was efficient, and the Rams have found their go-to guy in WR <span>Cooper Kupp</span>.</p>
<p id="fkveGl">What happened this Sunday in the 46-9 whooping of the Colts proved only one thing—the Colts stink. However, Ram fans have been waiting for our team to perform at this level for years and could only imagine it under Jeff Fisher. </p>
<p id="zH8Qbb">Sean McVay — congrats on your first win as a head coach. You’re officially undefeated. Keep the streak alive. </p>
<h3 id="BENX53">Offense</h3>
<p id="4qJ15h">Goff was efficient. </p>
<p id="LjB8CK">He was by no means outstanding, but he did manage the game well as to down and distance. His throws were accurate and the receivers, WR <span>Sammy Watkins</span>, WR <span>Robert Woods</span>, TE <span>Gerald Everett</span> and Kupp, made the catches...something Rams fans are unaccustomed to seeing.</p>
<p id="DEHWl3">When a QB gets as much time as Goff did Sunday, he should be accurate. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, because it was the Colts’ defense the Rams were playing against.</p>
<p id="OdO7Tr">The Rams offensive line did their job, protecting Jared. He went through his progressions, made his reads and a a result the Rams offense scored points for a change. Enough points to secure a Jumbo Jack with a purchase of a large drink if you present your game ticket to Jack in the Box.</p>
<p id="FBLSQn">Fan favorite Kupp, the Rams player of the game, had the best rookie performance ever for a Los Angeles Rams WR. He was something to see. He bobbled one, maintained his concentration and then hauled it in for big gainer. He topped that with a move down the middle for a catch in the end zone and touchdown. Then, already having a great day, made an unbelievable grap in the air, coming down with a toss just inside the out of bounds marker on the right hash mark.</p>
<p id="f03FFl">Goff has found his go-to guy, and Cooper Kupp is for real.</p>
<p id="gR3lgJ">The run game stunk. Observing the product, there were times when the offensive line looked like they just don’t know how to block. How can it be that if a defensive player is sitting in front of your face, he is allowed to shoot the gap and get into the backfield or plug line of scrimmage for a stuff, especially if you have the advantage by having the snap count? Put your head on head, your body in front of the d-lineman and go forward—it’s not that tough.</p>
<p id="sVVQz1">Nevertheless, it’s also easy for the casual observer to just blame the Rams O-line for lack of run production; however, when this game was out of reach, McVay kept the O-line starters in and <span>Malcolm Brown</span> was the RB. His average at the end of the game was not much better than RB <span>Todd Gurley</span>, but when Brown hit the same holes as Gurley was, he was picking up 3-4 yards a carry contrasted to Gurley getting 2 or 1 yards and a pound of dust. It wasn’t until Brown and the Rams reached the goalline that Brown’s stats took a nosedive. Stats can sometimes be misleading when you have so few carries.</p>
<p id="7UeYnX">After review it is clear that Gurley is just not hitting the hole the way a RB is taught to do. </p>
<p id="itvNJ3"><em>Run to the hole and don’t think about it! </em></p>
<p id="JK8ab9">There is no question that once Gurley gets through the first level, he is a beast at the second and third levels. The problem? He’s not getting past the first level to make the plays Rams fans saw in 2015. This may be a problem which is squarely on Gurley.</p>
<p id="Fk91Vg">On the other hand, Gurley can catch the ball out the backfield. On a few checkdowns, he found himself in the second level with some space. Gurley was a trip up away from breaking it, which is why replacing him isn’t the answer either. </p>
<p id="gMSQpM">On those runs on which Gurley did pick up yardage, the Rams got called for penalties. So it’s hard to say if Gurley was a complete bust in this game or the line blew it on designed plays to get Gurley outside and into the second level.</p>
<p id="Wwc84G">I’m leaning on Gurley because of what I observed when Brown was in the game with the starting O-line. Mt expectations are also set by Gurley being picked 10th overall in the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015-nfl-draft?_ga=2.86107096.1983551252.1504973906-377593340.1504243224">2015 NFL Draft</a> and his ROY performance of 2015.</p>
<p id="2ltQTM">McVay recognized the lack of production in the run game, as well as those aggravating penalties as areas for improvement during his post game press conference. McVay wasn’t seeing anything different then those that attended the game saw for themselves. At one point, a promising drive for Rams offense went south fast after getting five penalties in six plays.</p>
<p id="0MviYv">Unnecessary penalties will kill you, especially illegal procedure for false starts. It’s even worse If your team has a promising drive going or are in the red zone. Bad teams make these mistakes. Good teams don’t. That can be the difference between being a Super Bowl contender or a pretender. </p>
<p id="088WT9">All an offensive lineman has to do is pay attention in the huddle and if you forget the snap count in what must feel like an eternity walking to the line scrimmage, <em>don’t move until the lineman next to you does. </em>Maybe Rams fans are asking too much of the O-lineman. After all, we tolerated <span>Greg Robinson</span> for what seemed like an eternity. </p>
<p id="z8jP16">Expect the Rams to correct this immediately as their opponents aren’t going to be the Colts every week.</p>
<p id="algYoP">Nonetheless, the Rams offense came to life having been dead under Fisher. So give credit to Sean McVay and the entire offensive staff for making the Rams offense look good for a change.</p>
<h3 id="x8bNbG">Defense</h3>
<p id="ueduVn">How does one criticize the defense after this performance under Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillps’ tutelage? The Rams defensive line was able to put pressure on Tolzien even without Aaron Donald. Tolzien was a complete nightmare in the pocket and the Rams defense did it to him. </p>
<p id="hffzHN">The Rams picked off two passes and went right down the sideline for TDs. CBs <span>Trumaine Johnson</span> and <span>Lamarcus Joyner</span> made it look easy and if you like defense that was fun to watch. </p>
<p id="2dxF5Q">It’s one thing to get a turnover, but when you get a TD <em>on the turnover</em> the opposing team’s look of shell shock is hysterically funny. In this game the Colts knew the one thing they could not afford to do was have Tolzien make a bad read and throw an INT. </p>
<p id="KzX49Y">Tolzen not only made the bad read, he made bad throws which went for INT’s touchdown scores. Game over.</p>
<p id="F0zVwn">Credit Wade Phillips, the d-line and the entire defense for getting the job done, BIG TIME. </p>
<h3 id="Ru5e9d">Special Teams</h3>
<p id="oGF00m">If you’re being paid 31 million dollars to run back punts, although technically listed on the roster as a WR—don’t screw it up. </p>
<p id="FfQMv7"><span>Tavon Austin</span> couldn’t make up his mind as to whether he was going to “fair catch” a punt as he was flapping his arms like a bird, or run the punt back. During this moment of deep concentration, (like trying to chew gum and walk at the same time) he muffed the ball leading to a turnover for the Colts.</p>
<p id="JqYd4L">To make it simple, even though I’m not being paid 31 million dollars, if you have any doubts as to whether to catch a punted ball or run it back—JUST FAIR CATCH IT! This will be fully appreciated by Rams fans relieving us of unnecessary anxious moments, allow the offense do its job, give the defense some much needed rest.</p>
<p id="pHZM63">Other then that, the special teams played well. P <span>Johnny Hekker</span> put the ball down deep in the Colts territory as usual, which he is why he is premier punter in the game. And, when called upon K <span>Greg Zuerlein</span> made his FG and X-points. I only mention the extra points because believe it or not, not only did Colts K Adam Vinateri miss a chip shot FG, he botched an extra point. Maybe it’s time, Adam, to seriously give some thought to retirement. You don’t want to screw up your HOF career.</p>
<h3 id="IgBBsW">What Should the Rams Take Away From the Trouncing of the Colts</h3>
<p id="hWFeEO">Face it, Rams fans. The beat down of the Colts is over.</p>
<p id="Ijw0HK">The Colts stink. They have always stunk on defense and are nothing less than pathetic on offense without Luck at QB. </p>
<p id="SlMoml">Couple that with Head Coach Chuck Pagano, who didn’t even know he was playing the Rams at his post game press conference demonstrating why he is lousy coach that should have been fired three years ago when Irsay had the chance. It was not only stupid. It was insulting to compare the Rams to any Niners team!!!</p>
<p id="mgM48N">Maybe he could find a job working for his close friend, Bruce Arians at Arizona. Ram fans would really like that move.</p>
<p id="HSEgXZ">Throw this game away. Work on the run game. Stop the dumb penalties.</p>
<p id="FJL484">Week 2 is approaching...</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/11/16290530/los-angeles-rams-indianapolis-colts-2nd-down-second-guessinggo rams