Turf Show Times - 2018 NFL Playoffs: Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falconshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2018-01-12T13:09:33-06:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/stream/166014432018-01-12T13:09:33-06:002018-01-12T13:09:33-06:00Turf Show Radio, S9E25
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<img alt="NFL: JAN 06 NFC Wild Card - Falcons at Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3-RAtivveiOhDoxVgPcTXEDPqJ8=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58307353/904031444.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Welp. That’ll do it.</p> <div id="QHicAd"><iframe src="https://percolate.blogtalkradio.com/offsiteplayer?hostId=145236&episodeId=10517475&referrer=twitter" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 180px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<p id="mi2jZF">(Apple News readers will need to <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/turf-show-times/2018/01/12/season-9-episode-25-everything-that-has-a-beginning-has-an-end">head to the show page</a> to listen to the episode; you can find <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fturf-show-times%2Fid687044403" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">the show in iTunes</a> too)</p>
<p id="aCHtyl">On the final episode of <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/turf-show-radio?_ga=2.87384664.1182072587.1515724032-1335762877.1514772090">Turf Show Radio</a> for the 2017 season, Joe (<a href="https://twitter.com/3k_">@3k_</a>) and I (<a href="https://twitter.com/MightyOrMisone">@MightyOrMisone</a>) recap all things 2017 <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>. </p>
<p id="FCwH9x">The Rams season ended Saturday to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>. We discussed the game and what went wrong, and then we look ahead to what’s next for the young Rams. What changes should we expect. <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/8/16863478/los-angeles-rams-2018-free-agents-agency-lamarcus-joyner-sammy-watkins-trumaine-johnson">Who is a must to be brought back from the upcoming free agents</a>? It should be an interesting <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-los-angeles-rams-offseason?_ga=2.87384664.1182072587.1515724032-1335762877.1514772090">offseason</a>, one during which the Rams have a lot of decisions to make with their roster.</p>
<p id="LaW5Cu">We also look at the individual season performances of certain players and highlight how big of an impact they had when you consider that they missed about a total of two and a half games from HC Sean McVay either pulling guys in a blowout or sitting them in <span>Week 17</span>. </p>
<p id="sVZq5H">For example, RB <span>Todd Gurley</span> — realistically — could have had an additional 400 yards from scrimmage and another two to four touchdowns had he played all of the time he missed. </p>
<p id="h8DPQi">Overall, it was a good season for the young Rams and their young head coach. But now it is time to look forward to the offseason. So we discuss <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-nfl-free-agency?_ga=2.98946526.1182072587.1515724032-1335762877.1514772090">free agency</a>, college’s top players (<a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/10/16873270/2018-nfl-draft-big-board-top-50-college-football-scouting-josh-rosen-baker-mayfield-los-angeles-rams">also can be found on my 2018 Top 50 Big Board</a>) and the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-nfl-draft?_ga=2.98946526.1182072587.1515724032-1335762877.1514772090">2018 NFL Draft</a>. </p>
<p id="tCEfOs">It’s been a fun season with lots of memories and some long overdue success, but now it’s time to get ready to move on to bigger and better things to prep for an even more successful 2018 season. </p>
<p id="4eisQq">Thank you all for listening and following us so closely this season, and I leave you with these memories....</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/12/16883220/los-angeles-rams-podcast-turf-show-radio-s9e25-atlanta-falcons-playoffs-recap-wild-card-nfl-draftmisone2018-01-09T10:29:38-06:002018-01-09T10:29:38-06:00Rams-Falcons: 2nd down, second guessing
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<img alt="Wild Card Round - Atlanta Falcons v Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TcLyyzCfLA3s_juL_silwKdEbNo=/0x0:5226x3484/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58260803/901981464.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It was a remarkable run...</p> <p id="07mCJi">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>’ miracle 2017 season came to a disappointing end losing to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> 26-13 in the Wildcard Game before 70,000 raucous fans in the Coliseum.</p>
<p id="05pQqt">The key factor in the loss—the turnovers.</p>
<h2 id="7coRbP">Special teams miscues</h2>
<p id="vSZLIl">Head Coach Dan Quinn of the Falcons was the former defensive coordinator of the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>. In order for the Rams to slow down the Falcons’ copycat Seahawk defense, the Rams offense has to be on the field chewing up clock.</p>
<p id="a4FCBQ">In this game, the Rams’ turnovers gifted the Falcons offense more opportunities to be on the field invariably leading to points on the board in Atlanta’s favor. The Rams’ defense did a remarkable job in keeping it to just six points on two field goals, but the offense continued to sputter in the first half.</p>
<p id="7DbGN6">In trying to get back into the game, the Rams got away from their gameplan which got them into the playoffs—running the ball with RB <span>Todd Gurley</span>. </p>
<p id="jFPRo3">Even though the Rams were only down 13-10 at halftime, the defense showed the wear from being out on the field too long. The first evidence of fatigue is missing easy tackles. The Falcons opened up the second half with a long drive for a touchdown which was almost exclusively accomplished through the ground game aided by missed tackles. The series covered 76 yards, consuming 8 minutes off the clock and midway through the 3rd quarter, Rams fans sensed the team was in trouble.</p>
<p id="lHq9qM">Down 26-13 the Rams battled back into the game and almost made a comeback. But on 4th down at the goaline with just a little over 2:00 minutes to play in the game, the Rams came up short. </p>
<p id="T7bWLt">Ram fans then made that slow walk to the exits.</p>
<h2 id="YDY7AQ">Focus on the future</h2>
<p id="A3RiGQ">It’s more important to think about the positive things that have occurred through the course of the season rather then this last game. </p>
<p id="ESzxMj">The Rams have built a good foundation—they’re back. The future looks good.</p>
<p id="0V95dM">A lot of things are going to happen between now and when the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-los-angeles-rams-regular-season?_ga=2.29674621.315682161.1514918409-1335762877.1514772090">2018 regular season</a> begins: <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-nfl-free-agency?_ga=2.53386346.315682161.1514918409-1335762877.1514772090">free agency</a>, the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-nfl-draft?_ga=2.53386346.315682161.1514918409-1335762877.1514772090">2018 NFL Draft</a>, trades, etc. The staff at TST will be there every step of the way in 2018 bringing Rams fans all things Rams as they march towards <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> LIII. </p>
<p id="xUpLme">Knowing the guys at Turf as the most hard working and dedicated loyalists, we will continue to give you, the reader, up-to-the-minute insight about our favorite football team year round. </p>
<p id="XRt7Pt">So as we go through the process of saying goodbye to 2017, keep the good memories alive. </p>
<p id="wUmPMg">We know there will be ups and downs along the way to a Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl Championship; nevertheless, we are bound together by a something that can’t be explained to just anyone, living deep inside of us, through good times and bad:</p>
<h1 id="EChGdD">GO RAMS!</h1>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/9/16863480/los-angeles-rams-atlanta-falcons-recap-summary-2nd-down-second-guessinggo rams2018-01-08T14:45:02-06:002018-01-08T14:45:02-06:00Rams-Falcons: Expected/unexpected
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<img alt="Wild Card Round - Atlanta Falcons v Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qbwtXy8F8lz16SCSKbrUNUiR25Q=/1x0:3088x2058/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58250735/902017404.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The upstart LA Rams failed to put it all together against the Atlanta Falcons this past Sunday, surprising fans with a mix of strong and disappointing performances.</p> <p id="FnFT5N"><a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> fans were feeling pretty good going into the postseason. Playing with essentially house money, the expectations were so low going into the season that the whatever happened on Sunday, the LA Rams weren’t even supposed to be there. </p>
<p id="D1bi23">However, the loss still stings. Things could have shaken out a lot differently if key mistakes didn’t happen. Let’s take a look at the expected and unexpected aspects to the game:</p>
<h4 id="a7cmgh">Expected: WR <span>Robert Woods</span> played like a #1 wideout </h4>
<p id="dU0fWZ">All of the big offensive names for the Rams (RB <span>Todd Gurley</span>, QB <span>Jared Goff</span>, and WR <span>Cooper Kupp</span>) showed up on Sunday, putting up repectable numbers and placed the Rams in position to win the game. However, Robert Woods kept up his impressive bid as the top wideout on the Rams offensive roster with 142 yards on 9 receptions. Many in the sports media laughed at the free agent signing of Robert Woods, balking at the five-year 39 million dollar contract for a guy who was a possession receiver at best. Well, Coach McVay and the Rams’ front office obviously saw something different in Woods and he proved them correct once again against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>. In the 4th quarter, Woods saved the Rams on 3rd and 15 with an amazing grab that energized the crowd, placing hope that a comeback was still possible. That being stated, that unnecessary roughness call on Woods was a brutal setback.</p>
<h4 id="CBeq8E">Unexpected: Special Teams errors kept the offense off the field</h4>
<p id="Q3PiS7">Those two turnovers by WR <span>Pharoh Cooper</span> in the first half were devastating. Cooper’s misread on a punt return gave the Falcons prime field position, leading to an easy field goal. In the second quarter, Cooper fumbled a kickoff that lead to a Falcons touchdown. Beyond just the points that came from these mistakes, which decided the game in some respects, the Rams’ defense were on the field for too much time in the first half that they were gassed by the end of the game. Even though the Rams ended up with more total yards, their time of possession was 22:25 to Atlanta’s 37:35. To me, this aspect defined the trajectory of the game. </p>
<h4 id="3nvHXy">Expected: Jared Goff was hot and cold in a high pressure setting</h4>
<p id="MJfWWO">As I sat in the end zone, there were many Rams’ drives where we were behind the offense, watching pass plays evolve in front of us. It was exciting to see QB Jared Goff go through his progressions, especially when he found an open Cooper Kupp or Sammy Watkins. But when the Rams needed a break of good fortune, Goff lobbed an ball into the turf that made you drop your head in bewilderment. However, what I loved about Goff’s performance was that he kept slinging it. His throw to TE <span>Tyler Higbee</span>, while it did get overturned, was still a remarkable throw that proved that Goff wasn’t going to shrink in the moment. I’ll say it again: Jared Goff is going to be a great franchise QB for the Rams and this is just the beginning.</p>
<h4 id="FiUtbe">Unexpected: the Rams’ defense didn’t force any turnovers</h4>
<p id="twXeCx">Although it’s not fair, the Rams needed the defense to bail them out during this game with a clutch turnover that would give the Rams’ defense some prime field position. This didn't happen, of course, and the Rams only ended up with 13 points. QB <span>Matt Ryan</span> threw the ball 30 times, but most of the time he was pretty surgical, opting for conservative throws over the middle. The fact that Larmarcus Joyner, <span>Trumaine Johnson</span>, and John Johnson did not get any interceptions reminded me how sink or swim the defense has been this year. It’s dangerous to rely on points from the defense and special teams, but the Rams were collecting points like seashells this season, making it look easy. On Sunday, however, the Rams’ defense appeared tired and undermanned. Yet, the Rams’ D still showed flashes of greatness (<span>Aaron Donald</span> and <span>Robert Quinn</span> were on the field after all). Looking at it a different way, the defense held the Falcons below the Rams scoring average, which would have advanced the Rams to the next round if there were able to pull that off. But alas, it was not in the cards.</p>
<h4 id="OtQji3">Expected: the B-list stars shined during the game</h4>
<p id="Wm3bcu">It’s not shocking to see famous people at Los Angeles sporting events, so when Rob Lowe, Rebel Wilson, and Danny Trejo pumped up the crowd, it was just another day in La La Land. But this was different than a Lakers game. No Leo, Denzel, or Jack. To most people in America, most of the celebrities were on that “who is that again?” list. I did enjoy Tone Loc doing “Wild Thing” during commercial break, even when he changed the line to “Ram Thing.” Ok, so <em>part of me </em>loved it, the other part felt embarrassed for him. The sound for Snoop Dogg was pretty terrible, but it was great to see him with his Rams gear. I’ve always been a big fan of Snoop, so it’s nice to see him as an ambassador for the team.</p>
<h4 id="7RGaIX">Unexpected: I did not drink as much beer as I thought during the game</h4>
<p id="ouVDMA">Maybe because I feel like a sucker for drinking a 14 dollar can of Bud Light, but I came out of the game a lot more sober than I wanted to be. And I didn’t want to miss any of the action waiting in the crazy-long beer lines (for Bud Light of all things!!!) Shout out to the 20 dollar bucket of cookies from Cathy’s Cookies -- they do God’s work.</p>
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<p id="2N3cQZ">The most unexpected aspect to me is that the Rams lost the game. I really thought they were going to put it together in the second half, but the Falcon’s defense wasn't having it. This is a povotal time for the Los Angeles Rams — are they going to become the Cincinnati <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals, </a>constantly get into the playoffs, only to lose in the first game? Or are they destined for something more exciting? I, for one, am expecting great things next year from the LA Rams. </p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/8/16863870/los-angeles-rams-atlanta-falcons-recap-takeaways-expected-unexpectedJoey The Jerk2018-01-08T11:55:02-06:002018-01-08T11:55:02-06:00Rams-Falcons: Rookie report
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<img alt="NFL: NFC Wild Card-Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TYcp1txj6-unCxLHywqVACX9LMs=/0x0:5172x3448/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58246141/usa_today_10528383.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After the magical season and getting back into contention, the Rams excellent rookie class concludes a strong year.</p> <p id="6LKpPN">Sadly, the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> season came to a close Saturday night. Facing off against the defending NFC Champion <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>, the Rams battled after uncharacteristic special teams miscues but <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/6/16859440/los-angeles-rams-atlanta-falcons-recap-sean-mcvay-wild-card-loss">ultimately fell short, 26-13</a>. </p>
<p id="oH4bfS">While the rookie season ends for class without a first round pick, the first McVay era rookies have provided a solid foundation from the get-go, helping the Rams turnaround from the worst scoring team to the best in the NFL. </p>
<h4 id="TwZsG9">WR <span>Cooper Kupp</span>
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<p id="ZOJKoc">Cooper Kupp played like a veteran in his first playoff game. Targeted 13 times, Kupp scored the lone touchdown for the Rams along with accumulating 8 catches and 69 yards. Kupp figures to be a long term fixture in the slot for the Rams.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/JaredGoff16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaredGoff16</a> drops it perfectly to <a href="https://twitter.com/CooperKupp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CooperKupp</a> for the TD! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LARams?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LARams</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLPlayoffs</a> <a href="https://t.co/CPzUqJ9300">pic.twitter.com/CPzUqJ9300</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/949832120800747522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a>
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<h4 id="dpioqf">S <span>John Johnson III</span>
</h4>
<p id="19V57s">Rookie safety John Johnson was solid in his playoff debut as well. Earning six total tackles while helping limit the Falcons to a 3.2 ypc average, Johnson played well for a rookie in his playoff debut. While Lamarcus Joyner and <span>Trumaine Johnson</span> head towards free agency, Johnson is certain to come back next year as a fixture in the secondary.</p>
<h4 id="DRVwJJ">TE <span>Gerald Everett</span>
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<p id="WaKxlO">The Rams first pick in the 2017 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, the tight end from South Alabama was targeted twice. Everett’s role is only likely to grow as he split time with <span>Tyler Higbee</span> this season. Look for Everett to be a bigger part of the offense next season as fans hope he can be the <span>Jordan Reed</span> for Sean McVay.</p>
<h4 id="cM6WEA">OLB <span>Samson Ebukam</span>
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<p id="zTfsZr">The collegiate teammate of Kupp, Samson Ebukam came to the Rams as a raw but athletic player. With Robert Quinn closing the season strong, Ebukam saw limited snaps down the stretch. Expect Ebukam to battle for a starting spot next season with <span>Connor Barwin</span> heading towards free agency and Robert Quinn’s status being unknown for next season. </p>
<h4 id="HsupM3">Overall</h4>
<p id="2odqZD">Enough can’t be said about this rookie class. There was plenty of talent for the present and promising glimpses of the future. As the Rams look forward to building off an unexpected and extremely successful season, let’s be thankful and proud of the team we cheer for from old man <span>Andrew Whitworth</span> to youngins like Samson Ebukam. </p>
<p id="n80MCH">Most importantly, Go RAMS!</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/8/16861588/la-rams-atlanta-falcons-rookie-report-cooper-kupp-gerald-everett-samson-ebukam-john-johnsonElijah Kim2018-01-07T13:14:54-06:002018-01-07T13:14:54-06:00Rams-Falcons: Lessons Learned
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<img alt="Wild Card Round - Atlanta Falcons v Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pJIb4T-zzA2bQpWKAx3yWIGUimI=/0x0:4735x3157/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58236851/902016126.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Welp. That sucked. </p> <h4 id="mBPVsv">The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> are seasoned and the real deal</h4>
<p id="55HezJ">Despite the field conditions and Ed Hochuli and his big dumb muscles, the Atlanta Falcons executed plays throughout four quarters. </p>
<p id="rbvGC6">Both teams were struggling with the new turf that was laid down just for this game. But it was the Falcons who managed to put drives together before QB <span>Matt Ryan</span> and company switched to longer cleats. </p>
<p id="VrS7x9">The best part of the Falcons offense is obviously QB Matt Ryan and the passing game. But the Falcons were able to seamlessly switch gears in their offense. RB’s Devonta Freeman and <span>Tevin Coleman</span> to chip away at the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> run-defense. Both backs averaged less than 4 yards-per-carry, but their runs were long enough to keep drives alive. </p>
<h4 id="FaEKek">Rams mistakes were costly</h4>
<p id="J8drO6">The Rams made two turnovers throughout the game, but they proved to be the most costly. The Falcons gained favorable starting spots following the turnovers and ultimately constructed scoring drives. </p>
<p id="Zs0x1z">The first turnover was—in my opinion—the only turnover you can really blame on the Rams. When the punt was coming down, the return team should have had better awareness of the ball. Cooper was waiving off the ball to let it bounce. But the ball came down off the foot, making it a free ball. It was a clumsy mistake to say the least. </p>
<p id="x6zrju">But the turnovers weren’t limited to fumbles. Goff and the offense made too many mistakes with dropped passes, fumbles, and stuffed runs. Gurley had a couple of big runs, and the rest of the game he was being met at or behind the line of scrimmage and fighting for extra yards. </p>
<p id="EJUite"><strong>The defense was the most reliable unit on Saturday night</strong></p>
<p id="XrKcsi">Normally, it’s the offense doing the brunt work while the defense makes sure the offense’s work isn’t for naught. </p>
<p id="XgQKvD">But on Saturday night, the defense was tasked with holding onto the game while QB <span>Jared Goff</span> and the Rams played catch-up. The Falcons offense finished near the bottom 10 in the league for overall offense, but in the last month leading to the postseason, the Falcons offense played good enough to just get by. </p>
<p id="tBkhGx">They didn’t light up the scoreboard because they didn’t need to. The defense was holding the Rams offense all night. Ryan and company took their time orchestrating drives and their small cuts added up. </p>
<h4 id="szTl9L">There is still a silver lining in all of this</h4>
<p id="ym2nvu">Yeah, it sucks to get knocked out of the playoffs in the first round, especially at home. But this is a young Rams team that—offensively—put up virtually the same statistical performance. A few mistakes taken away, and you have a different ball game. </p>
<p id="oZUjfe">Sean McVay finished his first year with a winning record, a division title, and a playoff berth. That’s a lifetime achievement in Jeff Fisher years. </p>
<p id="ngwkEN">It only goes up from here. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/7/16860414/los-angeles-rams-atlanta-falcons-recap-lessons-learned-wild-card-playoffsTG252018-01-07T10:53:54-06:002018-01-07T10:53:54-06:00Rams-Falcons: PFF game notes
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<img alt="NFL: NFC Wild Card-Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ts3oF8ylCthRORieBbb9mt1WjAk=/0x0:4072x2715/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58235851/usa_today_10528426.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s the PFF perspective on the Rams Wild Card loss</p> <p id="isIq54">Here are Pro Football Focus’ notes on the Los Angeles 26-13 <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> Wild Card loss to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>.</p>
<p id="CjtmQH">Their Rams-specific Twitter account (<a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_LARams">@PFF_LARams</a>) is the best place to find PFF intel on current Rams.</p>
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<p id="yiv6433084392yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1515342563611_2701"><strong>Wild Card Rams Offensive Stats:</strong></p>
<p id="ZkjYwh">Wide receiver <span>Robert Woods</span> capped off his inaugural season with the Rams catching nine of his 14 targets for 142 yards and a wide receiver rating of 97.9. He finished Saturday’s contest with an overall game grade of 82.5, which would have been even higher had he not been flagged two plays in a row. Six of his eight targets came against PFF’s 12th highest graded cornerback, Desmond Trufant. Woods caught six of those for 108 of his yards, including 27 after the catch. With his performance in the playoffs, Woods has the fourth highest wide receiver rating in the league among receivers with at least 82 targets with his 118.4 on 94 targets, as well as, eighth in average yards gained per route run at 2.28 yards on 405 routes ran.</p>
<p id="wfupNw">Left Guard Rodger Saffold finished Saturday’s wild card game as the highest graded offensive lineman for the Rams with his 80.0. He was responsible for two quarterback pressures for his second straight week after allowing one or less for five straight weeks heading into Week 16. Saffold’s 78.3 run blocking grade was the highest on the Rams’ offensive line, while Gurley averaged 11.7 yards when running to the right of Saffold on seven carries. The 2017 season saw Saffold earn his highest graded season as an NFL pro at 84.9, seventh highest among all guards. He especially stood out in the run blocking game where he had the third highest run blocking grade at 87.9. From week 11 through the wild card game, Saffold was tied for 10th fewest quarterback pressures allowed with seven and owned the 13th highest pass blocking efficiency at 97.9.</p>
<p id="5cQYDE">Running back <span>Todd Gurley</span> was solid in the run game against the Falcons with his 82.2 running game grade, though his 27.0 receiving game grade brought his overall game grade to a 73.3. For the fifth time in six games, including the wild card game, Gurley was able to force at least three missed tackles in the run game and gain at least 50 yards after contact. Over that same span, Gurley finishes as PFF’s number two running back in terms of elusive rating at 82.6. His 22 forced missed tackles in the run game were tied for first, while his 11 in the passing game were second. In the passing game, Gurley was targeted eight times, but could only haul in four of them for his third lowest yardage output at 10 yards. After dropping only two passes all season, Gurley dropped three in the wild card game to bring his season total to five. Despite that, Gurley currently sits as the highest graded running back with his 91.8, and is second in receiving grade at an elite (90.0+) 90.1.</p>
<p id="a5kuxx">Quarterback Jared Goff’s first playoff game saw him finish with an overall game grade of 73.9. Goff was under pressure on 31.3 percent of his drop backs against Atlanta, where he went just four of 12 for 57 yards and a passer rating of 49.7 while being sacked three times. When kept clean Goff was able to complete 20 of his 33 attempts for 202 yards, one touchdown, and a passer rating of 88.2 (he had three passes dropped by receivers when no pressure was present). Much has been the same throughout the season where Goff owns the fourth highest passer rating when facing no pressure at 109.8 and has thrown 3,039 of his 4,063 total yards. After his less than stellar rookie season (45.6 season grade), Goff finishes 2017 with an overall grade of 80.2, 17th among quarterbacks and owns the second highest quarterback rating when throwing the ball in 2.5 seconds or less at 109.8.</p>
<p id="xlHBpC">Veteran left tackle <span>Andrew Whitworth</span> had a game to forget against the Falcons on Saturday, finishing as the lowest graded player on the Rams’ team at 36.8. He gave up a season high six quarterback pressures, five of which were quarterback hurries. In his first nine games as a Ram, Whitworth had five such games where he didn’t allow a single quarterback pressure, something he has not done since Week 10 of the season against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>. With his game against the Falcons, Whitworth drops down to his lowest grade since the 2008 season where he finished with a 76.1, as compared to his 79.4 this season (20th among tackles). Overall, the offensive line saw five more pass blocking snaps in 2017 than they did in all of 2016. They surrendered 22 less quarterback pressures this season (165 vs. 187) while decreasing quarterback sacks by 10 (20 vs. 30) and increasing their pass blocking efficiency from 75.1 in 2016 to 78.5 in 2017.</p>
<p id="sZzlnJ"><strong>Wild Card Rams Defensive Stats: </strong></p>
<p id="dSd1mm">Interior defender <span>Aaron Donald</span> has outdone himself, yet again, for his performance against the Falcons. After setting a new career single-game high in quarterback pressures with 10 this season (he did it twice), Donald generated 11 on Saturday and set a new bar. His 10 pressures in the first half tied a PFF record for most first half quarterback pressures, though he had 10 less pass-rushing snaps than JJ Watt had in 2014. He finished the game as the highest graded Rams player with his 97.8. He also became only the second player in the last 10 years to generate 100 or more quarterback pressures in a season with his 102 he now has. On top of his pass-rushing abilities, Donald notched three defensive stops against the Falcons for an 83.8 run defense grade. Donald finishes the season with a pass-rush productivity of 15.4 on 517 pass-rush snaps, while the next closest interior defender (<span>Geno Atkins</span>) sits at 11.8 on 468 pass-rush snaps. For the season, Donald finishes with his highest grade in his career with an absurd 99.5, including a 99.9 pass-rush grade.</p>
<p id="xRKQNx">Cornerback Troy Hill played a total of 35 coverage snaps against the Falcons, seeing five targets. He allowed zero catches on those five targets while breaking up two of them, both against Mohamed Sanu. He earned an overall game grade of 91.7, the highest grade of his career. On top of his performance in the passing game, Hill added four defensive stops, three of which were in the run game. Hill now has the fourth highest amount of stops among cornerbacks since taking over for Webster in Week 14 with 10. In that same span, no cornerback has seen as many targets as Hill has with his 35. He has allowed 16 of those to be caught for 211 yards, one touchdown, and a passer rating of 74.8. Hill finishes the 2017 with the highest grade of his career at 78.4.</p>
<p id="nZYYJH">After interior defender <span>Michael Brockers</span> went out for the rest of the game, teammate <span>Morgan Fox</span> came in and stepped up, finishing the game with an overall grade of 78.3 (fifth highest on the team). He generated two quarterback pressures while adding a career high the defensive stops. That brings his total over the last two weeks to four quarterback pressures and five defensive stops, both would be career highs had he not even played a single snap before then. Fox’s 376 snaps played this year were 301 more snaps than he played in his rookie season in 2016. He was able to produce sixteen quarterback pressures and 16 defensive stops. His 6.7 pass-rush productivity ranked 14th among 44 second-year interior defenders.</p>
<p id="hLTbIu">Safety Lamarcus Joyner finished Saturday’s playoff game with an overall grade of 77.5. He played in 33 coverage snaps, though was only targeted once. The lone target came against All-Pro <span>Julio Jones</span>, who caught it for 12 yards (five after the catch). Adding to his solid coverage game, Joyner recorded two defensive stops. On 439 coverage snaps, that was only the 13th catch allowed all season by Joyner. His pass rating when targeted currently ranks fourth among safeties with at least 437 snaps played at 34.1. Meanwhile, he allowed a measly 0.36 yards gained per coverage snap on his 439, 12th highest on the season. As of now, Joyner is PFF’s third highest graded safety with his 90.3 season grade, while his 92.2 coverage grade ranks second to only <span>Harrison Smith</span> of the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>.</p>
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<p id="7SDxJt">Cornerback Trumaine Johnson played his first career game against Julio Jones on Saturday and was asked to shadow him across the game. Johnson saw four targets against Jones, allowing all four to be caught for 55 yards, 27 of which came on a single catch. His other lone target came against running back <span>Devonta Freeman</span>, which went for three yards, his lone defensive stop. He finished Saturday’s game with an overall grade of 75.4. On the season, Johnson saw a career high in targets with 94 (ninth most), while allowing the second lowest catch percentage in his coverage at 59.6, though the 814 yards allowed were 152 more than his previous career high. Speaking of career highs, Johnson set a new career high in passes defended with the nine he recorded in 2017, on his way to allowing a passer rating of 82.5 into his coverage. After two straight seasons with an overall grade above 80.0, Johnson finished 2017 with an overall grade of 75.2.</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/7/16860144/los-angeles-rams-atlanta-falcons-recap-grades-pro-football-focus-game-notes-wild-cardSean Wilkinson2018-01-07T07:00:04-06:002018-01-07T07:00:04-06:00To Dubs: We Made It
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<img alt="NFL: NFC Wild Card-Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/88vVl5aRkwxtPDQWj4FVy-vRuU0=/0x49:4776x3233/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58233881/usa_today_10528017.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Playoffs? 2018?</p> <p id="Br6sPy">At the beginning of this year, nobody thought we’d make it (except the Professor, who had us going 16-0). </p>
<p id="6wJOeS">It happens. We were leary of 5 years of Jeff Fisher. McVay had an incredible season, one that no one ever thought was possible. Nobody saw an NFC West division crown coming. Let’s recap:</p>
<p id="BL3vql">We lamented signing <span>Robert Woods</span> to such a huge contract. We are were wrong.</p>
<p id="aw4UQ3">We thought <span>Todd Gurley</span> was turning <em>into </em>a bust. We are were wrong.</p>
<p id="0w7XYe">We thought <span>Jared Goff</span> <em>was</em> a bust. We were wrong.</p>
<p id="TsmCO8">We thought the Week 15 Seattle game was <em>it.</em><em><strong> </strong></em><strong>We smoked them.</strong> Needless to say, it wasn’t.</p>
<p id="MdXVk0">Let’s all give a shout out to Frank ‘Dubs’ Dobozy. He was an eternal optimist, which didn’t exactly mesh well with a lot of us writing at TST during the Fisher era. Watching the game, I couldn’t help but think about the weekly big play differential. It wouldn’t have looked pretty, but he would have fought for the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> until the end.</p>
<p id="dRV1Ob">It might not have turned out for our favor, but if anyone is still rooting for us, it’s you. Win or lose...this one’s for you <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/5/15/11678330/frank-dobozy-1959-2016">Frank</a>.</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/7/16859482/los-angeles-rams-superfan-frank-dubs-playoffsEric Nagel2018-01-06T22:37:28-06:002018-01-06T22:37:28-06:00Los Angeles Rams 13, Atlanta Falcons 26: Closure
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<img alt="Wild Card Round - Atlanta Falcons v Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zCPoyTbkVhm8kCWaHFPq-YYn9H0=/0x0:3833x2555/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58233751/902007156.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams hang their helmets for the season, but shouldn’t hang their heads.</p> <p id="fIxqrq">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> season ended tonight, but it wasn’t a failure. It hurts. A Lot. But we as fans haven’t been in a position to feel this way for nearly 15 years.</p>
<p id="Cgjqpf">The suck is real, but the Rams gave us more this season than we could ever have hoped for last August.</p>
<p id="9ahncV">For perspective:</p>
<ul>
<li id="7cOAgO">Everyone expected a 6-10 season. They won 11.</li>
<li id="XNrEE1">
<span>Jared Goff</span> entered the season labeled as a bust by many. He ended it as the most efficient passer in the NFL.</li>
<li id="6sbIqF">
<span>Todd Gurley</span> went from sophomore slump to MVP candidate</li>
<li id="upI9Ys">Sean McVay had growing pains, but showed he was the right hire.</li>
</ul>
<p id="n9aC7a">Yes, tonight was painful. But it was also fun. Fun football in January.... what a concept. Something that the Rams are primed to repeat moving forward - which is exciting.</p>
<p id="FhrLTu">We will move forward into the doldrums of the NFL offseason, but let us not forget the success that was the 2017 Los Angeles Rams.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/6/16859440/los-angeles-rams-atlanta-falcons-recap-sean-mcvay-wild-card-lossSean Wilkinson