Good morning!
I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!
It feels great to be sitting here on 12/27 with our Rams sitting at 11-4 and leading the division.
Yesterday, was a special day for me, of course it is always great when the Rams win, but it was the first Ram game I was able to attend with my wife and two girls (12 and 7). Been to several games with my wife and a few buddies, but first game and win as an immediate family.
Before the game, we had to decide our attire. I have several Ram jerseys, but my oldest wanted us to match. I was good with that, so we all sported two great Ram RBs. My wife and I in the blue #28 Faulk jersey, while my youngest wore the blue #39 Jackson jersey. Given how important I though the run game would be, I thought these were excellent choices.
I always like to arrive early so I can go into the stadium when it opens at 10. After about a 15 minute wait to get into the stadium, as they really limited the gates you could enter, we walked into the stadium at about 10:20.
While standing outside I saw several Ram fans, or at least more than I have seen in previous times going to Viking-Ram games. Probably 3 or 4 #29 Eric Dickerson jerseys, a few #10 Kupp jerseys, one #5 Ramsey, one #9 Stafford, and actually one #3 Beckham. Several others with general Ram attire. That said, the Vikings, as expected, had over 99% of the crowd.
After walking around the inside the stadium for about 15 minutes, we went down close to the field to watch warm-ups. Nothing really out of the ordinary here. I think I spoke to this a little more in detail when I attended the Rams-Colts game. A few things stood out.
Watched Greg Gaines running very well. I know he had been a little banged up.
Over the year, I have read or heard a few times about Taylor Rapp and how he is all business. This was no different. 1.5 hours before game time, he had his game face on.
Then, you had the other extreme. Beckham came out, as was enjoying himself. Dancing around and even once caught a pass and threw it to a fan in the stands.
Other kind of interesting person was Terrell Burgess. Watched him and the other DBs for about 15 minutes and he had the biggest smile on his face the entire time, almost like he was listening to some comedy routine.
We are very fortunate to have Matt Gay. Pre-game, he was killing all is kicks. Made 50-55 yarders with easy, right down the middle.
After a quick snack..to our seats. We were in the 2nd level on the 15 yard line. The side where Beckham caught his TD.
This is always the interesting part, seeing what group you are going to be around and kind of seeing if there are going to be any issues. Surrounded by all Viking fans, but no issues pre-game.
I think the Vikings do a good job prior to the start of game incorporating the tradition with the new. Old Vikings from the Purple People eaters talking about the history of Vikings, and of course the annoying SKOL chant.
Rams win the toss and defer.
Great stop by Rams D and off to a good start.
Rams do exactly what they need to do and drive right down the field taking a 7-0 lead.
Liked the 4 and 1 call at midfield, and even with the Stafford fumble, got it.
Huge, huge play on the nice drive when T Howard got the tipped ball and picked it off. That really set the stage for the day.
Fast forward to half, we are up 13-3. Feeling good, but annoyed by given them the 3.
Moving to the 3rd, Stafford's next pick and the Vikings have a great 2 yard drive to make it 13-10. At this point, the crowd got into it a bit. But honestly, they were pretty quiet, quite quite during most of the first half.
The wall was set up. When Brandon caught the ball, it was set up. I am thinking holy @#$%&, he's going to take this to the house. Please don't get any flags. This really was a game changer. Like Gay, a really nice pick up to solidify this spot.
Can't complain too much, the Rams d was pretty solid all day. But hated the soft D early in the 4th allowing the Vikings to cut it too 7.
All in all, I loved the physicality of team. The OL and Michel were great and it was a total team win.
Next week, get Whit and Joe back and we should be pretty close to full strength.
Great day and awesome 15 or so minutes walking out of the stadium just beaming and not having to say a word.
GO RAMS!
