2017 vs 2018 Rams (semi-light)

2017 Defense: Rams defense had 2 mediocre outside corners; watching the Saints game, you can see how they schemed great--they had to with TruJo and #21.

2018 Defense: 2 premier corners, plus another inside pass rush threat may allow us to dominate and take the risks necessary to have a 13- or 14-2 season; yes, losing Quinn is not good on 3rd down, but we won't be dependent on scheme, but great players. The 3-4 needs to have the myster of who will rush off the edge---and we didn't have that year. Teams may run at them, like they tried agains the 1999 Rams, but it will different with Suh in there.

2017 Offense: Gurley was like Faulk (wow, see the Saints game 1st half). He helps 'control' the game by being an awesome outlet--and his speed and cuts made quite a few first downs at key moments.. Then of course the O line silently dominated too. Goff managed well, and made consistently great short throws, and enough darts when he needed to. I still say he will be as good as Brees. Ha, who said in 2003 that Brees would do anything? The offense clearly set the tempo so that the defense could 'hold the serve'.

2018 Offense: More of the same, except now GOff will start taking risks because he knows the system (1988 Everett vs 1987 EVerett is the basis of that). Cook will be at 4-7 catches a game, not like 2-4 watkins receptions a game. I do wonder if the O line can do the same thing---with out injury, I guess so.

Strong Side LB in the 3-4: beating TEs and RBs:
Kevin Greene was awesome at beating TEs and RBs, and good enough against Right tackles; some OLBs master being able to dominate and trick TEs and RBs; while watching the 1987-1988 Saints I noticed that Ricky Jackson beat a lot of TEs and RBs for sacks or hurries/pressures----he didn't beat OTs much. I think that is what Wade has in mind with Samson Ebukam (on the strong side like Jackson)---the mystery of never knowing if he will rush or drop into covereage is what will make him effective. Samson is smart, good rush skills and can drop in coverage---is he tough/mean enough?... we will find out. If Obo or the others (Longacre, draftees) can be decent to good, then we may have an incredible defense this year. Samson is perfect for the strong side in every way.

Whitworth better not get hurt. I expect his play to drop a bit....be real about that (see the last 4-5 games of 2017)