We're Rams fans so there is naturally going to be a level of complaint as if we were losing these games. I expect that.
But the truth is that we're fine tuning a new offense and defense, and getting better along the way. Also, I'll note right off the bat that I think the Sammy complaints are premature. They didn't have an offseason together and I don't expect a fully synched Goff to Watkins expectation is realistic until after the bye week.
The Great1) Run blocking. To average over 5 ypc without a 40 yarder thrown in there against a solid defense is a great sign.
2) Special Teams ... I sometimes forget how good Fassel is.
3) AD beginning to make more plays.
The Good4) Tanzel Smart is tenacious and consistent. I knew he was a good kid, but I truly did not expect him to play THIS well.
5) The TD to Everett ... that was really really quick cognition by two great athletes to make that happen.
6) Targeting Sammy downfield.
7) Playing more physical than a really physical team.
8) Barron playing really well.
9) Brockers sacks and pressures.
10) Ebukam with quality reps.
11) Every successful tackle of Fournette. Kid is a monster. I remember his freshman year at LSU, thinking "Man if he gains 20 lbs he's not going to be able to be a RB" ... and he gained 25 ... and still runs a 4.5 flat. Freak.
12) Consistent pressure and how many? 5 sacks?
The Bad13) Why is Kupp not catching punts? Pharoh can't catch either.
14) Webster seems to get dinged a lot.
15) Can we not tackle Marquis Lee?
16) Quinn with the penalties ... I hate the suplex penalty as Fournette is a monster, but the whistle had definitely sounded. Im not as upset with his play as most are, I think he's creating quality pressure, but he has 3 offsides now. I have no idea what that's about.
17) Missing Higbee 3 times? Dang.
18) Sammy rounding his route off on the deep ball (I am not concerned with the jump ball, everyone miss times a jump now and again) ... took a bad angle IMO. Fixable when they know each other better.
19) How do we not fall on one of those fumbles?
20) Hey can we identify a guy like Calais Campbell earlier and adjust for him?
21) I don't like seeing Whitworth get beat more than once.
I don't have an Ugly section.
College games this weekend were pretty good ... lots of upsets.
College22) I'm kind of lost on CBs this year besides McFadden and Adonis Alexander on V tech ... anyone have some guys I need to be looking at for 1st and 3rd round? I have mostly guys I would consider 3rd-4th rounders ... and Im looking for second round talent that drops to the third.
23) I'm getting more inclined to look at Defensive Linemen ... seems to be deep and rich in talent. Could get another Tanzel Smart this year or better. Lorenzo Neal Jr. on Purdue is looming over many others for Nose Tackle and is not trending high right now. Poona Ford on Texas is another I think not getting enough attention. Everyone knows Viti Vea .. but if he lasts till the late 20s (where we'll be picking) I think you have to take him.
24) Finally got my best look at Darnold in the Utah game. For me this was his "I'm pro ready" statement. Let's pray that the 9ers don't wind up with him.
25) The following draft ... 2019 ... I believe will be the "next step" for WRs.
N'Keal Harry of AZst and quite a few others should change the height/weight/speed/talent bar.
Thoughts and comments welcome as always