1 00:00:06,840 --> 00:00:10,520 Speaker 1: Welcome to Between the Horns, presented by your Southern California 2 00:00:10,600 --> 00:00:14,000 Speaker 1: Toyo to dealers. I'm Cakimeronner. What alongside DeMarco Farr and JB. 3 00:00:14,200 --> 00:00:16,959 Speaker 1: Long We've played a little musical chairs here today. JB 4 00:00:17,480 --> 00:00:18,040 Speaker 1: is over there. 5 00:00:18,720 --> 00:00:21,000 Speaker 2: If there's anything I've learned from like formula one, that 6 00:00:21,079 --> 00:00:24,840 Speaker 2: when you can upgrade the driver in your car, you 7 00:00:24,920 --> 00:00:27,360 Speaker 2: make that move, wow, matter at the expense of who 8 00:00:27,440 --> 00:00:28,360 Speaker 2: you have to kick out. 9 00:00:28,800 --> 00:00:30,560 Speaker 3: I see. I feel like Matthew Stafford, I got a 10 00:00:30,600 --> 00:00:32,800 Speaker 3: new left tackle. You're over there, now you're over here. 11 00:00:32,960 --> 00:00:34,240 Speaker 3: What the heck? Come on, take it. 12 00:00:35,720 --> 00:00:38,080 Speaker 1: Well, let's dig into this. It's all about the Arizona 13 00:00:38,120 --> 00:00:40,880 Speaker 1: Cardinals this week as we prepare for week number six. 14 00:00:40,960 --> 00:00:44,160 Speaker 1: But some big news hit the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, 15 00:00:44,240 --> 00:00:47,199 Speaker 1: and that is that Van Jefferson has been traded to 16 00:00:47,320 --> 00:00:50,400 Speaker 1: the Atlanta Falcons. I think before I catch your reactions 17 00:00:50,400 --> 00:00:53,159 Speaker 1: to the news, we best go to Sean mcpay and 18 00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:55,680 Speaker 1: hear what he had to say about Van jeff What. 19 00:00:55,600 --> 00:00:58,000 Speaker 4: I would say is every situation is a little bit different, 20 00:00:58,080 --> 00:01:00,240 Speaker 4: So I don't think you want to pigeonhole yourself to 21 00:01:00,320 --> 00:01:03,520 Speaker 4: saying this is, you know, the standard operating procedure, but 22 00:01:03,560 --> 00:01:06,520 Speaker 4: it was special because of who he is, the way 23 00:01:06,560 --> 00:01:10,240 Speaker 4: he's handled himself, the unique circumstances that presented himself, that 24 00:01:10,640 --> 00:01:12,240 Speaker 4: you know, you'd had some other guys that have done a. 25 00:01:12,240 --> 00:01:12,920 Speaker 3: Really good job. 26 00:01:12,959 --> 00:01:15,160 Speaker 4: You get Cooper back in the mix, and he's a 27 00:01:15,200 --> 00:01:16,240 Speaker 4: really capable player. 28 00:01:16,280 --> 00:01:16,440 Speaker 3: You know. 29 00:01:16,520 --> 00:01:17,800 Speaker 4: Even when I said to you guys the other day, 30 00:01:17,800 --> 00:01:20,319 Speaker 4: I didn't anticipate him playing two snaps, but I think 31 00:01:20,360 --> 00:01:22,960 Speaker 4: he felt like those opportunities would be better for him. 32 00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:26,480 Speaker 4: He's in the last year of his contract and and 33 00:01:26,520 --> 00:01:28,280 Speaker 4: that was something that felt like we were kind of 34 00:01:28,280 --> 00:01:30,880 Speaker 4: able to accommodate both sides. It's also a reflection of 35 00:01:30,920 --> 00:01:33,399 Speaker 4: the confidence I have in the totality of the receiver group. 36 00:01:33,440 --> 00:01:36,280 Speaker 4: There's some other guys that, you know, outside of just 37 00:01:36,480 --> 00:01:39,039 Speaker 4: you know two two and Pooka and getting Cooper back, 38 00:01:39,360 --> 00:01:40,880 Speaker 4: that have done a really nice job. 39 00:01:41,480 --> 00:01:45,040 Speaker 3: But it's you know, it's bittersweet. 40 00:01:44,480 --> 00:01:46,160 Speaker 4: You know, because I'm really happy for Van, and I 41 00:01:46,200 --> 00:01:48,440 Speaker 4: know he's excited about it, but but I love Van, 42 00:01:48,520 --> 00:01:50,880 Speaker 4: and you know, and he was a good player for us. 43 00:01:51,760 --> 00:01:54,280 Speaker 1: I think one of the biggest questions after hearing the 44 00:01:54,320 --> 00:01:56,520 Speaker 1: thoughts of Sean McVay as well as so many others 45 00:01:56,560 --> 00:01:59,240 Speaker 1: and their love, their appreciation for what Van has done 46 00:01:59,240 --> 00:02:02,320 Speaker 1: for the Los Angeles Rams. You have to beg the 47 00:02:02,400 --> 00:02:05,640 Speaker 1: question and also respect the fact that it's fair to 48 00:02:05,680 --> 00:02:08,520 Speaker 1: say this actually serves both parties. As he heads off 49 00:02:08,520 --> 00:02:09,840 Speaker 1: to the Falcons. Is that fair to Marco? 50 00:02:10,040 --> 00:02:12,200 Speaker 3: I hope? So, look, I wish the best. I hope 51 00:02:12,240 --> 00:02:14,560 Speaker 3: the best for Van Jefferson. He one of my favorite 52 00:02:14,639 --> 00:02:17,440 Speaker 3: Rams period all time, one of the greatest guys you 53 00:02:17,440 --> 00:02:19,840 Speaker 3: know that I've ever seen play this game on this 54 00:02:19,880 --> 00:02:22,280 Speaker 3: football team. So you wish him the best. But let's 55 00:02:22,320 --> 00:02:24,560 Speaker 3: just be honest. I mean, when Cooper Cup went down 56 00:02:24,639 --> 00:02:28,079 Speaker 3: and you had to field other guys to to at well, 57 00:02:28,120 --> 00:02:32,560 Speaker 3: Puka Nakua and then Van Jefferson. Eventually, when Cooper Cup 58 00:02:32,560 --> 00:02:34,360 Speaker 3: got healthy and came back to the field, one of 59 00:02:34,360 --> 00:02:36,239 Speaker 3: you guys was going to rotate to the bench. So 60 00:02:36,360 --> 00:02:40,200 Speaker 3: the competition began there. So I'll ask you, guys, can 61 00:02:40,240 --> 00:02:42,280 Speaker 3: you take Puka Nikol off the field at this point? 62 00:02:42,880 --> 00:02:45,720 Speaker 3: How about two to two? At well? Okay, well it 63 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:48,360 Speaker 3: had to be Van Jefferson, So if they have to 64 00:02:48,400 --> 00:02:50,359 Speaker 3: move on, then it is what it is. You had 65 00:02:50,400 --> 00:02:52,679 Speaker 3: your opportunities. We're going to miss him. We're going to 66 00:02:52,720 --> 00:02:55,520 Speaker 3: wish him well down the line, but this is professional ball. 67 00:02:55,639 --> 00:02:56,520 Speaker 3: Things like this happen. 68 00:02:57,800 --> 00:02:59,600 Speaker 2: You guys know this that I feel strong that Van 69 00:02:59,639 --> 00:03:02,240 Speaker 2: Jefferson is one of the nicest professional athletes I've ever 70 00:03:02,280 --> 00:03:05,160 Speaker 2: had the privilege of covering. In his short time with 71 00:03:05,240 --> 00:03:08,639 Speaker 2: the Rams, relatively speaking, he had some indelible moments. He 72 00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:11,440 Speaker 2: will always go down as having Matthew Stafford's first touchdown 73 00:03:11,480 --> 00:03:14,800 Speaker 2: reception as a RAM. One of my favorite nuggets is 74 00:03:14,840 --> 00:03:19,000 Speaker 2: that last year he caught three touchdowns from three different quarterbacks, 75 00:03:19,360 --> 00:03:21,839 Speaker 2: none of whom were named Matthew Stafford, including the game 76 00:03:21,880 --> 00:03:26,079 Speaker 2: winner from Baker Mayfield on that unforgettable night against Las Vegas. 77 00:03:26,760 --> 00:03:29,880 Speaker 2: But I think for this specific receiving room, he had 78 00:03:29,919 --> 00:03:33,400 Speaker 2: become the insurance policy. And Sean McVay kind of touched 79 00:03:33,400 --> 00:03:35,400 Speaker 2: on that yesterday by also saying, in no way did 80 00:03:35,440 --> 00:03:38,120 Speaker 2: our receiver room or our team get better by trading 81 00:03:38,200 --> 00:03:41,080 Speaker 2: Van Jefferson. But I think the twenty twenty three Rams 82 00:03:41,080 --> 00:03:45,160 Speaker 2: in context are not about maintaining their insurance premiums. They're 83 00:03:45,240 --> 00:03:47,560 Speaker 2: kind of yolo for this year, right, and if there's 84 00:03:47,560 --> 00:03:51,480 Speaker 2: an opportunity to claw back some financial resources to deploy 85 00:03:51,600 --> 00:03:54,200 Speaker 2: later this season or to roll into next season and 86 00:03:54,560 --> 00:03:58,040 Speaker 2: to make a good young man happy and give him 87 00:03:58,080 --> 00:04:00,800 Speaker 2: a chance to thrive as a professional. Then yeah, you 88 00:04:00,840 --> 00:04:03,160 Speaker 2: do it, even at the expense of maybe the competitive 89 00:04:03,160 --> 00:04:05,840 Speaker 2: greatness of this specific moment in time for this group, 90 00:04:05,880 --> 00:04:06,280 Speaker 2: and he. 91 00:04:06,200 --> 00:04:08,280 Speaker 3: May go right to the top of the charts in Atlanta. 92 00:04:08,440 --> 00:04:08,960 Speaker 3: Think about that. 93 00:04:09,000 --> 00:04:10,680 Speaker 2: You can make Desmond Rider look better. 94 00:04:10,480 --> 00:04:14,000 Speaker 3: Absolutely beat a veteran, be consistent, be that guy you 95 00:04:14,040 --> 00:04:15,600 Speaker 3: may see eighty passes a year, who knows. 96 00:04:15,680 --> 00:04:17,920 Speaker 1: Yeah, well, I'm glad that you mentioned how it serves 97 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:21,200 Speaker 1: both the Los Angeles Rams as well as Van Jefferson. 98 00:04:21,279 --> 00:04:24,080 Speaker 1: So let's head on to Matthew Stafford. I had some 99 00:04:24,120 --> 00:04:27,400 Speaker 1: fun this week as we talk about the numerous weapons 100 00:04:27,400 --> 00:04:30,600 Speaker 1: that this offense now possesses. However, I think it's fair 101 00:04:30,640 --> 00:04:32,640 Speaker 1: to say that at times, instead of weapons, we can 102 00:04:32,680 --> 00:04:35,479 Speaker 1: think of them more as tools. Now, with Cooper Cup 103 00:04:35,480 --> 00:04:38,400 Speaker 1: and his season debut just a week ago, there was 104 00:04:38,440 --> 00:04:40,640 Speaker 1: a lot of questions what will this offense look like? 105 00:04:40,800 --> 00:04:44,000 Speaker 1: So when you consider some of your quote unquote tools, 106 00:04:44,640 --> 00:04:48,640 Speaker 1: what are they building between Kiren, Cooper, Pooka and two two? 107 00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:50,760 Speaker 1: Is the picture any clear? 108 00:04:51,480 --> 00:04:54,359 Speaker 3: I think you have the offense starting to round in 109 00:04:54,400 --> 00:04:56,520 Speaker 3: the form, I liked what I saw versus Philadelphia. I 110 00:04:56,520 --> 00:05:00,160 Speaker 3: didn't like the result, but offensively, I liked what I saw. 111 00:05:00,160 --> 00:05:03,640 Speaker 3: A defense that didn't know how to cover up both 112 00:05:03,680 --> 00:05:05,680 Speaker 3: of these receivers plus two two, and they kept leaving 113 00:05:05,720 --> 00:05:08,200 Speaker 3: guys one on one, which is exactly what you expect. 114 00:05:08,720 --> 00:05:11,360 Speaker 3: So as long as you continue to improve in the 115 00:05:11,440 --> 00:05:14,200 Speaker 3: run game, Kyen Williams, and stay with it, stay with 116 00:05:14,320 --> 00:05:17,400 Speaker 3: the run game, keep those defenses honest and off balance. 117 00:05:17,480 --> 00:05:20,400 Speaker 3: I think this passing game with Matthew Stafford, who can 118 00:05:20,440 --> 00:05:24,120 Speaker 3: get it two anywhere from anywhere, from many armslot, with 119 00:05:24,240 --> 00:05:26,360 Speaker 3: receivers that can get open and win one on one, 120 00:05:26,400 --> 00:05:28,520 Speaker 3: and with a coach that knows how to get guys open, 121 00:05:28,760 --> 00:05:31,159 Speaker 3: I think you saw the embryo stage of a very 122 00:05:31,240 --> 00:05:34,719 Speaker 3: explosive offense. Hopefully it comes around this weekend versus Arizona. 123 00:05:34,839 --> 00:05:37,680 Speaker 1: Now, you mentioned Kyron and some interesting nuggets because he 124 00:05:37,720 --> 00:05:40,200 Speaker 1: had thirteen carries fifty three yards, But one of the 125 00:05:40,200 --> 00:05:43,240 Speaker 1: biggest difference for differences for Kyron in this pass game 126 00:05:43,600 --> 00:05:46,119 Speaker 1: was actually his pass blocking. He improved from the Colts 127 00:05:46,160 --> 00:05:48,240 Speaker 1: from a grade of twenty nine to four to eighty 128 00:05:48,400 --> 00:05:51,919 Speaker 1: one four. That's substantial, So even though he's maybe not 129 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:54,360 Speaker 1: seeing the same amount of production that has to speak 130 00:05:54,440 --> 00:05:56,479 Speaker 1: volumes in terms of where this offense is going. 131 00:05:56,560 --> 00:05:56,720 Speaker 5: Jab. 132 00:05:57,160 --> 00:05:59,000 Speaker 2: Yeah, I think you're getting to the same thing I am, 133 00:05:59,000 --> 00:06:01,039 Speaker 2: which is like late in POTENTI I don't mean a 134 00:06:01,040 --> 00:06:02,719 Speaker 2: pun on the question, but can I answer, like, what 135 00:06:02,760 --> 00:06:05,719 Speaker 2: are they building? Yeah, Sunday at like five pm. Because 136 00:06:05,720 --> 00:06:07,960 Speaker 2: a lot of it depends on whether they have that 137 00:06:08,040 --> 00:06:10,560 Speaker 2: complete explosive performance and they get a win to get 138 00:06:10,600 --> 00:06:13,440 Speaker 2: back to three and three against the Arizona Cardinals. We 139 00:06:13,520 --> 00:06:15,520 Speaker 2: all see that it's there. I think they probably have 140 00:06:15,600 --> 00:06:19,320 Speaker 2: their best five in place upfront as the foundation for 141 00:06:19,400 --> 00:06:22,560 Speaker 2: whatever this house is that they're building. I think for 142 00:06:22,600 --> 00:06:25,640 Speaker 2: once they're going to have the crowd and the count 143 00:06:25,640 --> 00:06:26,200 Speaker 2: in their favor. 144 00:06:26,440 --> 00:06:26,680 Speaker 3: You know. 145 00:06:26,920 --> 00:06:29,440 Speaker 2: I think the fact that they've been operating for five 146 00:06:29,480 --> 00:06:31,880 Speaker 2: weeks with a silent count against some of the most 147 00:06:31,880 --> 00:06:35,600 Speaker 2: ferocious pass rushes in the National Football League is probably 148 00:06:35,640 --> 00:06:38,680 Speaker 2: being understated. So when Matthew can get to the line 149 00:06:38,680 --> 00:06:40,760 Speaker 2: and manipulate a little bit better, they can fire off 150 00:06:40,760 --> 00:06:42,839 Speaker 2: the ball, hopefully run the ball in some more favorable 151 00:06:42,839 --> 00:06:45,760 Speaker 2: game circumstances. Yeah, I think it's all there. To put 152 00:06:45,800 --> 00:06:48,200 Speaker 2: thirty forty points on the board. But until they do it, 153 00:06:48,640 --> 00:06:51,000 Speaker 2: until they show that they can play four quarters not 154 00:06:51,080 --> 00:06:54,080 Speaker 2: just a half, I'm not ready to go there just yet. 155 00:06:54,120 --> 00:06:55,039 Speaker 2: I guess I would say. 156 00:06:55,080 --> 00:06:57,440 Speaker 3: I'm with you, But I like this start and five 157 00:06:57,480 --> 00:07:01,160 Speaker 3: offensive line, I really do, and it I think things 158 00:07:01,240 --> 00:07:03,360 Speaker 3: kind of shook out the way they were supposed to 159 00:07:03,720 --> 00:07:06,480 Speaker 3: with the way this left tackle situation looks with a 160 00:07:06,560 --> 00:07:08,720 Speaker 3: Lark Jackson coming back, and I keep saying I love 161 00:07:08,800 --> 00:07:11,560 Speaker 3: Kevin Dawson in this lineup because he is absolutely massive. 162 00:07:11,960 --> 00:07:14,720 Speaker 3: Compare that to Steve Avola. Now you've got an offensive 163 00:07:14,720 --> 00:07:17,160 Speaker 3: line that is intimidating and can come off the rock 164 00:07:17,280 --> 00:07:20,000 Speaker 3: and move people down the field, which will open up 165 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:23,400 Speaker 3: play action. So hopefully, like you said, Cooper, Cup will 166 00:07:23,400 --> 00:07:26,600 Speaker 3: be better, Pooka Nakua gets better, and two two out 167 00:07:26,640 --> 00:07:29,200 Speaker 3: Well keeps coming along. This offense has a chance to 168 00:07:29,200 --> 00:07:29,679 Speaker 3: be explosive. 169 00:07:29,680 --> 00:07:31,080 Speaker 2: I will say, I don't think it'll take more than 170 00:07:31,120 --> 00:07:33,920 Speaker 2: the seven days between Philadelphi and Arizona for nine and 171 00:07:34,040 --> 00:07:37,280 Speaker 2: ten to iron out whatever that slight disconnect was, especially 172 00:07:37,320 --> 00:07:37,920 Speaker 2: on their verticals. 173 00:07:38,080 --> 00:07:40,240 Speaker 1: Agreed well and Stafford talked about it himself, and I 174 00:07:40,240 --> 00:07:42,800 Speaker 1: think to direct quote him was something about there was 175 00:07:42,840 --> 00:07:45,840 Speaker 1: still meat left on the bone in regards to Cooper 176 00:07:45,840 --> 00:07:47,920 Speaker 1: Cup as well as Pooka Nakua and some of the 177 00:07:47,960 --> 00:07:50,640 Speaker 1: connections just from a week ago. One hundred and eighteen 178 00:07:50,680 --> 00:07:53,800 Speaker 1: receiving yards for Cooper Cup in his debut, I mean 179 00:07:53,840 --> 00:07:56,960 Speaker 1: so impressive. Even the fourteen point eight yards per reception. 180 00:07:57,040 --> 00:07:59,480 Speaker 1: I mean the numbers are staggering. We're so accustomed to 181 00:07:59,560 --> 00:08:01,680 Speaker 1: it now for Cooper Cup. But yeah, this guy's limit. 182 00:08:01,760 --> 00:08:02,760 Speaker 1: Let's get that guy in the end zone. 183 00:08:02,760 --> 00:08:04,600 Speaker 3: We can play with props, right. I I keep looking 184 00:08:04,600 --> 00:08:06,200 Speaker 3: at this football. I want to touch it, but no. 185 00:08:06,440 --> 00:08:09,080 Speaker 3: I think the one encouraging thing was watching Cooper Cup 186 00:08:09,080 --> 00:08:11,200 Speaker 3: the way you played, and you were back in the 187 00:08:11,240 --> 00:08:13,560 Speaker 3: booth for this. There was one where Matthew Stafford missed 188 00:08:13,640 --> 00:08:15,720 Speaker 3: him over his head, but I said, the most encouraging 189 00:08:15,760 --> 00:08:18,160 Speaker 3: thing about that play, even though it was incomplete, was 190 00:08:18,200 --> 00:08:21,320 Speaker 3: watching Cooper Cup throw into six gear yeah and actually 191 00:08:21,320 --> 00:08:24,240 Speaker 3: get faster, which means that hamstring is feeling better. So 192 00:08:24,720 --> 00:08:27,520 Speaker 3: whatever warts you had week one for him, he's going 193 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:29,440 Speaker 3: to be guaranteed to be better week two. 194 00:08:29,680 --> 00:08:31,720 Speaker 2: You know, margin for air is the phrase that keeps 195 00:08:31,720 --> 00:08:35,559 Speaker 2: getting tossed around press conferences and our conversations with these 196 00:08:35,640 --> 00:08:37,959 Speaker 2: Rams as coaching staff. And it's true, it's very much 197 00:08:37,960 --> 00:08:40,280 Speaker 2: the case. But if you could flip a switch and 198 00:08:40,320 --> 00:08:42,080 Speaker 2: like hit that seamball to two to two out, well, 199 00:08:42,480 --> 00:08:44,000 Speaker 2: or you just put a little bit more air under 200 00:08:44,040 --> 00:08:47,320 Speaker 2: one to Cooper cup like, we might be talking about 201 00:08:47,400 --> 00:08:50,200 Speaker 2: a different record and a different dynamic this week. But 202 00:08:50,280 --> 00:08:52,400 Speaker 2: that's okay. We said going into the Eagles game, it 203 00:08:52,400 --> 00:08:55,280 Speaker 2: was another measuring stick opportunity. You had one against San Francisco, 204 00:08:55,400 --> 00:08:58,000 Speaker 2: not there yet, had one against the Eagles, not there yet, 205 00:08:58,040 --> 00:09:00,960 Speaker 2: there are more coming. It's okay and not be there yet, 206 00:09:01,000 --> 00:09:03,360 Speaker 2: so long as, like you said, Cameron, you have everything 207 00:09:03,400 --> 00:09:05,600 Speaker 2: in your arsenal you need to get there, and in 208 00:09:05,679 --> 00:09:07,560 Speaker 2: their current phase, I think the Rams do. 209 00:09:07,920 --> 00:09:09,600 Speaker 3: Yeah, meat on the bone? Is that another way of 210 00:09:09,600 --> 00:09:10,559 Speaker 3: saying wasting food. 211 00:09:11,480 --> 00:09:13,320 Speaker 2: I've never left meat on the bone either. Yeah. 212 00:09:13,320 --> 00:09:14,080 Speaker 3: I don't know what that means. 213 00:09:14,160 --> 00:09:17,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, okay, yeah, Iono Farm, it was all stak and potatoes. Yeah, 214 00:09:17,320 --> 00:09:18,199 Speaker 1: to make sure you ate your. 215 00:09:18,160 --> 00:09:19,280 Speaker 3: Meal through and no doubt. 216 00:09:19,360 --> 00:09:23,079 Speaker 1: Yeah, Well, let's move on. I think each week it's 217 00:09:23,120 --> 00:09:26,360 Speaker 1: fair as we're two and three currently in terms of expectations, 218 00:09:26,360 --> 00:09:30,599 Speaker 1: we need to readdress this. What are the worthy expectations 219 00:09:30,679 --> 00:09:33,319 Speaker 1: of this team, and JB, I know you've been considering 220 00:09:33,400 --> 00:09:35,839 Speaker 1: kind of the playoff picture here, how do we get there? 221 00:09:37,160 --> 00:09:39,040 Speaker 2: Well, I mean I think if you take the thirty 222 00:09:39,080 --> 00:09:42,480 Speaker 2: thousand foot view, are there seven or eight more wins 223 00:09:42,880 --> 00:09:46,000 Speaker 2: on the rams schedule to get them to the postseason? 224 00:09:46,240 --> 00:09:49,240 Speaker 2: I think so, And without naming them specifically, I think 225 00:09:49,280 --> 00:09:51,160 Speaker 2: they'll have their shots. And as long as they keep 226 00:09:51,160 --> 00:09:53,240 Speaker 2: bringing these efforts to the park each week, I think 227 00:09:53,600 --> 00:09:55,760 Speaker 2: if you lock in for the long haul and you 228 00:09:55,800 --> 00:09:57,880 Speaker 2: set a course this week with win over the Arizona Cardinals, 229 00:09:57,920 --> 00:09:59,720 Speaker 2: I do think the results will take care of themselves, 230 00:09:59,720 --> 00:10:04,080 Speaker 2: because the underlying metrics say that the Rams are soldly 231 00:10:04,120 --> 00:10:06,880 Speaker 2: in that NFL middle class and they are one of 232 00:10:07,240 --> 00:10:11,480 Speaker 2: the better teams in the NFC, at least specifically. It's 233 00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:13,280 Speaker 2: too early to call this a must win, but I 234 00:10:13,320 --> 00:10:16,000 Speaker 2: think it falls soadly and they can't lose category if 235 00:10:16,040 --> 00:10:18,400 Speaker 2: those are your expectations. But I say that all in 236 00:10:18,440 --> 00:10:20,720 Speaker 2: the backdrop of their doing it, not with one hand 237 00:10:20,720 --> 00:10:24,760 Speaker 2: tied behind their back, but with a very conscientious restraint 238 00:10:24,880 --> 00:10:28,679 Speaker 2: on how they use their resources. I told DeMarco this morning, 239 00:10:29,559 --> 00:10:31,280 Speaker 2: to me, the salary cap has always been a little 240 00:10:31,280 --> 00:10:33,560 Speaker 2: bit like Santa Claus. You can debate whether or not 241 00:10:33,640 --> 00:10:36,320 Speaker 2: they exist, but someone's putting those presents under. 242 00:10:36,200 --> 00:10:42,480 Speaker 3: The tree, right, And so you have to decide where 243 00:10:42,480 --> 00:10:44,000 Speaker 3: and how to use your resources. 244 00:10:44,200 --> 00:10:46,440 Speaker 2: And so if the Rams get on a little heater 245 00:10:46,520 --> 00:10:49,960 Speaker 2: here and they win the next two or three out 246 00:10:50,000 --> 00:10:52,320 Speaker 2: of the next four, like, might you have some food 247 00:10:52,360 --> 00:10:55,280 Speaker 2: for thought? Yes, yes, absolutely, But I also think you 248 00:10:55,320 --> 00:10:57,160 Speaker 2: have to embrace the context of what the Rams are 249 00:10:57,200 --> 00:10:59,840 Speaker 2: trying to do with how much of their salary cap 250 00:10:59,920 --> 00:11:03,720 Speaker 2: is is not being is not playing for this roster currently. 251 00:11:03,960 --> 00:11:06,880 Speaker 3: You know, I've been on teams Rams, teams that have 252 00:11:06,960 --> 00:11:09,400 Speaker 3: given up hope before I got here. They let go 253 00:11:09,440 --> 00:11:12,440 Speaker 3: of the championship aspirations a long time before I became 254 00:11:12,480 --> 00:11:14,600 Speaker 3: a RAM. I think that's different here. I still think 255 00:11:14,600 --> 00:11:17,280 Speaker 3: they're holding on to it. They're trying to rebuild and 256 00:11:17,320 --> 00:11:19,480 Speaker 3: contend at the same time, which I think is great. 257 00:11:19,640 --> 00:11:21,760 Speaker 3: It's the hardest way to go it really is. The 258 00:11:21,760 --> 00:11:23,720 Speaker 3: easiest thing is to strip it down and draft and 259 00:11:23,760 --> 00:11:26,040 Speaker 3: try to start over. You're still trying to hang on here, 260 00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:28,560 Speaker 3: and I respect that big time. So and I've seen 261 00:11:28,600 --> 00:11:32,200 Speaker 3: teams that have given up doing this job broadcasting. They've 262 00:11:32,240 --> 00:11:33,679 Speaker 3: just kind of let it go. We're gonna let this 263 00:11:33,679 --> 00:11:35,680 Speaker 3: thing rebuild and let it play out. It's not going 264 00:11:35,720 --> 00:11:37,880 Speaker 3: on here. They're still trying to win football games. They 265 00:11:37,880 --> 00:11:40,880 Speaker 3: almost beat Philadelphia. Had their opportunities meet on the bone, 266 00:11:41,160 --> 00:11:43,480 Speaker 3: they could have beat San Francisco, two of the best 267 00:11:43,480 --> 00:11:43,880 Speaker 3: teams in. 268 00:11:43,840 --> 00:11:45,640 Speaker 2: The NFCLA the Niners better than the Rams. 269 00:11:45,679 --> 00:11:48,800 Speaker 3: Absolutely, So this team, Sean McVay, is still holding on 270 00:11:48,840 --> 00:11:52,320 Speaker 3: to championship aspirations even though most people think it's a 271 00:11:52,320 --> 00:11:53,920 Speaker 3: pipe dream. And I really respect that. 272 00:11:54,040 --> 00:11:57,160 Speaker 2: And that's it because he sets the thermometer the thermostat, 273 00:11:57,280 --> 00:11:59,760 Speaker 2: you know, and his thermostat is still set to go. 274 00:12:00,840 --> 00:12:02,360 Speaker 2: I said to him the other night, you know, you're 275 00:12:02,400 --> 00:12:05,880 Speaker 2: undefeated against teams that weren't in the final four last 276 00:12:05,920 --> 00:12:07,520 Speaker 2: year in the National Football League. The only teams that 277 00:12:07,559 --> 00:12:10,560 Speaker 2: have beaten you were in their conference championship games. So 278 00:12:11,080 --> 00:12:12,800 Speaker 2: whether or not you think the Rams are finally in 279 00:12:13,040 --> 00:12:15,120 Speaker 2: this is a game they can win. Type of portion 280 00:12:15,200 --> 00:12:17,439 Speaker 2: of their schedule remains to be seen. How they play 281 00:12:17,480 --> 00:12:22,000 Speaker 2: against the Arizona's, the Pittsburgh's of the world, we shall see. 282 00:12:22,440 --> 00:12:25,280 Speaker 2: But it's okay to ride the roller coaster of emotions 283 00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:28,520 Speaker 2: and have high expectations because the guy who normally sits 284 00:12:28,559 --> 00:12:32,439 Speaker 2: on this side of the room. Sean McVay. What plaguing's 285 00:12:32,400 --> 00:12:35,400 Speaker 2: too strong a word. What's hindering the twenty three RAMS 286 00:12:35,520 --> 00:12:38,480 Speaker 2: is not at all related to what happened last year. 287 00:12:38,720 --> 00:12:39,880 Speaker 2: It's a much different feel. 288 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:44,599 Speaker 1: Well, you talked about Sean setting the temperature and also expectations, 289 00:12:44,920 --> 00:12:48,280 Speaker 1: and it feels as if the expectations have shifted or 290 00:12:48,320 --> 00:12:52,680 Speaker 1: maybe been somewhat shifted from a media landscape right through 291 00:12:52,760 --> 00:12:56,440 Speaker 1: the first five games. However, I think what's more important 292 00:12:56,440 --> 00:12:59,280 Speaker 1: to ask is not the expectations of the outside, but 293 00:12:59,360 --> 00:13:01,839 Speaker 1: the belief on the inside. And you said the same thing, 294 00:13:01,960 --> 00:13:04,760 Speaker 1: Sean sets the tone and the temperature. But DeMarco, do 295 00:13:04,840 --> 00:13:08,440 Speaker 1: you see that among this roster? Is there the belief? 296 00:13:08,720 --> 00:13:12,440 Speaker 1: Because some might say it's been there the entire time. 297 00:13:12,559 --> 00:13:15,200 Speaker 3: I've heard it, I've seen it, and I'm expecting it 298 00:13:15,240 --> 00:13:17,480 Speaker 3: on game day this weekend because this is the right 299 00:13:17,480 --> 00:13:22,640 Speaker 3: opponent for you. Absolutely, San Francisco, Philadelphia, those are, you know, 300 00:13:22,720 --> 00:13:25,160 Speaker 3: championship contenders, number one teams in the NFC, and you 301 00:13:25,200 --> 00:13:28,280 Speaker 3: hung with them. Arizona is the exact opposite. They really are. 302 00:13:28,280 --> 00:13:31,199 Speaker 3: They're struggling, they're new. It's a new regime there. They 303 00:13:31,200 --> 00:13:33,719 Speaker 3: don't have Kyler Murray. John Connor is hurt. So this 304 00:13:33,800 --> 00:13:36,240 Speaker 3: is a game where you absolutely should dominate. Your roster 305 00:13:36,360 --> 00:13:39,160 Speaker 3: looks better than theirs, your quarterback is better than theirs. 306 00:13:39,280 --> 00:13:41,360 Speaker 3: You have Aaron Donald, they don't. So this is a 307 00:13:41,400 --> 00:13:44,320 Speaker 3: game where you need to turn it up at Sofi 308 00:13:44,760 --> 00:13:47,600 Speaker 3: and absolutely run over this football team. So I know 309 00:13:47,640 --> 00:13:49,640 Speaker 3: I've heard from the players, I've heard it from the coaches. 310 00:13:49,679 --> 00:13:52,280 Speaker 3: Now it's time to see it in so Fi versus 311 00:13:52,280 --> 00:13:53,080 Speaker 3: this football team. 312 00:13:53,240 --> 00:13:56,520 Speaker 1: Yeah, I think belief stems from consistent performances, and I 313 00:13:56,559 --> 00:13:58,720 Speaker 1: know that's an area where the Los Angeles Rams are 314 00:13:58,720 --> 00:14:01,719 Speaker 1: looking to put four quarters together and find that consistency 315 00:14:01,920 --> 00:14:04,000 Speaker 1: and only build upon that belief. But I'm glad you 316 00:14:04,080 --> 00:14:06,480 Speaker 1: kind of seg me. Segued me into the next topic, 317 00:14:06,520 --> 00:14:09,840 Speaker 1: which is we have to talk defense for the La Rams. 318 00:14:10,120 --> 00:14:12,600 Speaker 1: I just did I know we're gonna talk. We're gonna 319 00:14:12,600 --> 00:14:15,640 Speaker 1: talk some more defense because one of the biggest elements 320 00:14:15,679 --> 00:14:19,640 Speaker 1: also Bobby Brown out. Now five to seven weeks. We 321 00:14:19,720 --> 00:14:22,320 Speaker 1: need a nose tackle who's gonna fill the void. And 322 00:14:22,320 --> 00:14:25,160 Speaker 1: there's been a lot of conversation obviously some of the 323 00:14:25,160 --> 00:14:29,160 Speaker 1: weight disparity between what he was and what there is available. 324 00:14:29,440 --> 00:14:32,480 Speaker 3: Why are you looking at me? I'm retired. No, you know. 325 00:14:32,640 --> 00:14:35,520 Speaker 3: On the way into this studio, I did see Kobe 326 00:14:35,520 --> 00:14:38,280 Speaker 3: Turner walking through the hallway and he's got the headphones on. 327 00:14:38,320 --> 00:14:40,640 Speaker 3: He's heading to his beatings. He's about his business. And 328 00:14:40,680 --> 00:14:43,440 Speaker 3: I love that he's got the same demeanor as Aaron Donald. 329 00:14:43,520 --> 00:14:46,680 Speaker 3: He really does. He's so humble and he just shows 330 00:14:46,800 --> 00:14:49,800 Speaker 3: up to work every day. So even without the size 331 00:14:49,840 --> 00:14:53,280 Speaker 3: and the strength and the the the omph of Bobby Brown, 332 00:14:53,320 --> 00:14:55,360 Speaker 3: I think Kobe Turner is a guy that's ready to 333 00:14:55,520 --> 00:14:58,480 Speaker 3: take off, and I think he's ready to handle more reps, 334 00:14:58,480 --> 00:15:00,320 Speaker 3: and I think he's ready to be that sie kick 335 00:15:00,360 --> 00:15:03,120 Speaker 3: for Aaron Donald wherever they put him. And Aaron's been 336 00:15:03,160 --> 00:15:06,240 Speaker 3: playing nose and inside, so there's a lot of things 337 00:15:06,240 --> 00:15:09,080 Speaker 3: you can do schematically to kind of cover up the 338 00:15:09,080 --> 00:15:10,880 Speaker 3: fact that you don't have your best nose tackle. But 339 00:15:10,920 --> 00:15:12,960 Speaker 3: I would bet he would be the guy that benefits 340 00:15:13,000 --> 00:15:14,880 Speaker 3: more from the absence of Bobby Brown. 341 00:15:15,440 --> 00:15:18,000 Speaker 2: I hate losing Bobby. I'm glad that it's not season ending. 342 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:20,000 Speaker 2: I'm glad that he at least got to play against 343 00:15:20,000 --> 00:15:22,000 Speaker 2: the Philadelphia Eagles, because if we were dealing with this 344 00:15:22,080 --> 00:15:24,880 Speaker 2: problem going into last week, I'd be a lot more concerned. 345 00:15:25,280 --> 00:15:27,960 Speaker 2: I don't know to your question what the answer is, 346 00:15:27,960 --> 00:15:30,920 Speaker 2: whether it's internal or external. It wouldn't be fair to 347 00:15:30,960 --> 00:15:32,880 Speaker 2: Mike Hoye, but do you put him on the seafood 348 00:15:32,920 --> 00:15:34,760 Speaker 2: diet and say get back on the north side of 349 00:15:34,760 --> 00:15:37,080 Speaker 2: three hundred pounds and move back inside and let's let 350 00:15:37,120 --> 00:15:39,920 Speaker 2: some of these rookies get reps on the edge. This 351 00:15:40,040 --> 00:15:42,720 Speaker 2: all speculation on my part, but it's going to put 352 00:15:42,760 --> 00:15:46,080 Speaker 2: a lot more on the backs of the Kobe's, the 353 00:15:46,160 --> 00:15:49,040 Speaker 2: Jonah Williams, Laurel Murchison a bit dinged up this week, 354 00:15:49,120 --> 00:15:53,280 Speaker 2: but ultimate next man up predicament. 355 00:15:53,640 --> 00:15:55,440 Speaker 1: Yeah, there's no doubt about it. And we also have 356 00:15:55,520 --> 00:15:58,320 Speaker 1: to address something we saw. Well, you talk about Aaron 357 00:15:58,360 --> 00:16:01,480 Speaker 1: Donald but against Eagles, and rightly so, a formidable opponent 358 00:16:01,520 --> 00:16:04,760 Speaker 1: and also constantly getting double team but it wasn't the 359 00:16:04,800 --> 00:16:08,600 Speaker 1: normal ad performance that we had seen. It was actually 360 00:16:08,680 --> 00:16:10,920 Speaker 1: the lowest pass rush grade that he has had in 361 00:16:10,960 --> 00:16:14,520 Speaker 1: his entire career. However, that speaks volumes more so in 362 00:16:14,600 --> 00:16:18,160 Speaker 1: my mind to what's not happening on the opposite side 363 00:16:18,160 --> 00:16:20,480 Speaker 1: of him, as well as the amount of front that 364 00:16:20,520 --> 00:16:22,160 Speaker 1: he's seeing in terms of being double teams. 365 00:16:22,240 --> 00:16:24,840 Speaker 3: Absolutely, and one more thing, merch can't be hurt, not 366 00:16:24,920 --> 00:16:26,800 Speaker 3: this stage in your career. Even you were banged up, 367 00:16:26,800 --> 00:16:27,160 Speaker 3: you're going. 368 00:16:27,200 --> 00:16:28,160 Speaker 2: No, it's your best look at it. 369 00:16:28,200 --> 00:16:30,200 Speaker 3: Absolutely, this is the way you're going. But Ad, I 370 00:16:30,200 --> 00:16:31,960 Speaker 3: don't think it was more of what Ad wasn't doing. 371 00:16:32,080 --> 00:16:34,120 Speaker 3: I think it was more of what Philly was doing 372 00:16:34,120 --> 00:16:36,680 Speaker 3: and what they can do. They play keep away better 373 00:16:36,720 --> 00:16:39,440 Speaker 3: than anyone in the NFL, and Jalen Hurts is a 374 00:16:39,520 --> 00:16:41,760 Speaker 3: tough guy to try to bring down, especially when you're 375 00:16:41,800 --> 00:16:44,720 Speaker 3: seeing two or three guys when their whole protection scheme 376 00:16:44,800 --> 00:16:46,960 Speaker 3: is to keep you away from him. And then you 377 00:16:47,000 --> 00:16:48,920 Speaker 3: have a guy like Hurts, even if you get through, 378 00:16:49,080 --> 00:16:50,960 Speaker 3: can still get out. That would just frustrate the heck 379 00:16:50,960 --> 00:16:54,600 Speaker 3: out e. But it was a situation where you reduced 380 00:16:54,600 --> 00:16:57,040 Speaker 3: Aaron Donald to play in a grunt role, and even 381 00:16:57,080 --> 00:16:59,760 Speaker 3: in that role, he was great four tackles. I think 382 00:16:59,800 --> 00:17:02,880 Speaker 3: he led the d liner was close in tackles and 383 00:17:02,920 --> 00:17:05,480 Speaker 3: he was great doing that. But like I said, going 384 00:17:05,480 --> 00:17:10,000 Speaker 3: into this week versus Arizona, this is where Aaron makes 385 00:17:10,040 --> 00:17:13,480 Speaker 3: an example of people who doubt him. So Philadelphia is 386 00:17:13,520 --> 00:17:15,240 Speaker 3: one thing. This will be another come. 387 00:17:15,200 --> 00:17:18,320 Speaker 1: Sunday and Jabi, I know that you've got some numbers 388 00:17:18,320 --> 00:17:21,040 Speaker 1: Aaron Donald versus Arizona. I mean this could shape up 389 00:17:21,080 --> 00:17:23,320 Speaker 1: to be very dangerous for the Cardinals. 390 00:17:23,400 --> 00:17:26,240 Speaker 2: Yeah, outside of maybe Russell Wilson, no one has been 391 00:17:26,280 --> 00:17:28,359 Speaker 2: the victim of his torment more since he entered this 392 00:17:28,440 --> 00:17:31,640 Speaker 2: league than the Arizona Cardinals. I'm with de Marco. When 393 00:17:31,680 --> 00:17:34,280 Speaker 2: you have six Philadelphia eyes and eight hundred and fifty 394 00:17:34,280 --> 00:17:38,200 Speaker 2: Philadelphia pounds assigned to you, the result aren't going to 395 00:17:38,280 --> 00:17:40,160 Speaker 2: be great. Not to say that we haven't seen him 396 00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:44,600 Speaker 2: work miracles throughout his career, even despite those circumstances. I 397 00:17:44,640 --> 00:17:46,960 Speaker 2: don't know if the data supports us, but anecdotally it 398 00:17:47,000 --> 00:17:48,919 Speaker 2: felt like they actually got Hurts off his spot, they 399 00:17:48,960 --> 00:17:52,399 Speaker 2: just couldn't tackle him. I like some of what I 400 00:17:52,440 --> 00:17:55,080 Speaker 2: saw from Oshawn Mathis. I think Byron Young continues to 401 00:17:55,119 --> 00:17:57,960 Speaker 2: impact the opposing passer, but bringing him down as a 402 00:17:57,960 --> 00:18:01,520 Speaker 2: different story. And I think tackling writ large has been 403 00:18:01,560 --> 00:18:03,800 Speaker 2: an issue for this Rams defense as part of why 404 00:18:04,200 --> 00:18:06,639 Speaker 2: they've had trouble getting off the field and why a 405 00:18:06,680 --> 00:18:09,879 Speaker 2: Philadelphia can chew up as much time of possession as 406 00:18:09,960 --> 00:18:13,320 Speaker 2: they did last week. So will you give us the 407 00:18:13,359 --> 00:18:15,080 Speaker 2: Arizona offensive line profile. 408 00:18:15,160 --> 00:18:17,239 Speaker 3: Oh no, see can we do that? Now? What did 409 00:18:17,280 --> 00:18:22,120 Speaker 3: I say? Utep U, mass and Arkansas by way of Denmark. 410 00:18:22,720 --> 00:18:25,719 Speaker 3: That's the Arizona offensive line from guard to guard. Okay, 411 00:18:25,760 --> 00:18:28,959 Speaker 3: this is set up for ad to mall people. So 412 00:18:29,440 --> 00:18:30,399 Speaker 3: that's what we expect. 413 00:18:30,480 --> 00:18:33,959 Speaker 2: And Dobbs is not Hurts or Richardson though he is 414 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:36,800 Speaker 2: still among Arizona's leading rushers, and I think you have 415 00:18:36,840 --> 00:18:39,560 Speaker 2: to respect his ability to move and relocate the pocket 416 00:18:39,560 --> 00:18:42,240 Speaker 2: and scramble, as well as the threat that Rondell Moore 417 00:18:42,240 --> 00:18:44,040 Speaker 2: and the Cardinals have put on tape with doing some 418 00:18:44,119 --> 00:18:46,119 Speaker 2: direct snap misdirection offense. 419 00:18:46,160 --> 00:18:48,679 Speaker 3: And a note to Byron Young, he was the only 420 00:18:49,000 --> 00:18:51,480 Speaker 3: edge guy that was able to track down Jalen Hurts 421 00:18:52,240 --> 00:18:54,240 Speaker 3: like when he did break contain. The only one that 422 00:18:54,359 --> 00:18:56,920 Speaker 3: was able to either hit him or at least pull 423 00:18:57,000 --> 00:18:59,600 Speaker 3: him up from the sideline was Byron Young. So if 424 00:18:59,600 --> 00:19:02,240 Speaker 3: you can play like that against him versus this offense, 425 00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:03,440 Speaker 3: you should dominate. 426 00:19:03,680 --> 00:19:05,840 Speaker 1: And you guys just kind of touched on it. But 427 00:19:06,119 --> 00:19:09,080 Speaker 1: tackling that's an area that the Rams they kind of 428 00:19:09,080 --> 00:19:10,720 Speaker 1: need to improve. Is that fair to say? 429 00:19:10,920 --> 00:19:13,359 Speaker 3: Well? Absolutely, we had this little mini debate in the booth. 430 00:19:14,240 --> 00:19:18,480 Speaker 3: Oh Kobe Durant, No, he threw everything he had at switch. Absolutely, 431 00:19:18,520 --> 00:19:21,760 Speaker 3: the guy just broke the tackle. So I mean better tackling. 432 00:19:21,760 --> 00:19:23,520 Speaker 3: Get the guy on the ground. I get it. Sometimes 433 00:19:23,600 --> 00:19:26,720 Speaker 3: they just don't fall down. But absolutely, if you want 434 00:19:26,760 --> 00:19:29,240 Speaker 3: to just break it down to base defense in a 435 00:19:29,280 --> 00:19:32,439 Speaker 3: third down situation, you can't miss tackles, especially when you 436 00:19:32,480 --> 00:19:34,080 Speaker 3: tag the guy short of the first down. That's what 437 00:19:34,119 --> 00:19:36,280 Speaker 3: he's talking about getting off the field. That helped them 438 00:19:36,359 --> 00:19:38,800 Speaker 3: stay on and war you out. So, yeah, you have 439 00:19:38,880 --> 00:19:41,560 Speaker 3: to improve your tackle. But I don't know what you 440 00:19:41,600 --> 00:19:44,160 Speaker 3: say to a guy like Kobe Durant when you fire 441 00:19:44,240 --> 00:19:46,719 Speaker 3: everything you got, he just don't fall you know, hit 442 00:19:46,800 --> 00:19:49,320 Speaker 3: him harder. You know. It is what it is. But 443 00:19:49,720 --> 00:19:52,080 Speaker 3: tackling will be an issue and you have to be better, 444 00:19:52,119 --> 00:19:52,520 Speaker 3: no doubt. 445 00:19:52,840 --> 00:19:56,359 Speaker 1: Yeah, areas just in terms of improvement, but bright spots 446 00:19:56,400 --> 00:19:58,639 Speaker 1: in terms of the defense. You mentioned a couple names 447 00:19:58,640 --> 00:20:00,800 Speaker 1: that have definitely come into the mix. But in terms 448 00:20:00,800 --> 00:20:03,360 Speaker 1: of the rams secondary, what are your thoughts JB as 449 00:20:03,400 --> 00:20:05,760 Speaker 1: to what we are, what we have seen, and what 450 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:07,440 Speaker 1: we need to see heading into week six? 451 00:20:07,560 --> 00:20:10,040 Speaker 2: The Love and Spoonful Man, How good a signing was 452 00:20:10,040 --> 00:20:12,239 Speaker 2: a calla Witherspoon. Thirty weeks in a row, He's come 453 00:20:12,280 --> 00:20:15,879 Speaker 2: away with the takeaway when the Rams absolutely had to 454 00:20:15,920 --> 00:20:18,320 Speaker 2: have it to keep their game chances on the line. 455 00:20:19,280 --> 00:20:22,040 Speaker 2: Duke Shelley, nice end zone pass breakup. I wonder if 456 00:20:22,040 --> 00:20:25,240 Speaker 2: he wins some more opportunities. I think we've yet to 457 00:20:25,280 --> 00:20:28,840 Speaker 2: see the best of the Rams safety level, and I 458 00:20:28,880 --> 00:20:31,520 Speaker 2: think Yeast and Fuller will really start to shine this week. 459 00:20:31,520 --> 00:20:33,199 Speaker 2: That's kind of my high level survey. 460 00:20:33,280 --> 00:20:36,640 Speaker 3: I'm still a DK fan, anybody, Yeah, anybody, I still 461 00:20:36,680 --> 00:20:39,040 Speaker 3: love watching a kid play. Talk your trash man, go ahead, 462 00:20:39,119 --> 00:20:39,720 Speaker 3: you know your thing. 463 00:20:39,760 --> 00:20:41,639 Speaker 2: He's a volatile stock, but if you buy at the 464 00:20:41,720 --> 00:20:44,639 Speaker 2: right time, you know, like, yeah, he's had some good weeks. 465 00:20:44,800 --> 00:20:47,000 Speaker 2: Let's not discount what he's done against some really good receivers. 466 00:20:47,040 --> 00:20:49,080 Speaker 3: And AJ Brown is no slouch and he's a guy 467 00:20:49,119 --> 00:20:51,000 Speaker 3: that will come right back at you. So yeah, that 468 00:20:51,119 --> 00:20:53,920 Speaker 3: was a street fight. But I'm still in the DK corner, 469 00:20:53,960 --> 00:20:54,359 Speaker 3: no doubt. 470 00:20:54,440 --> 00:20:55,920 Speaker 1: All right, Well, let's set our eyes now to the 471 00:20:55,960 --> 00:20:59,960 Speaker 1: next matchup versus the Cardinals. This offense is going to 472 00:21:00,200 --> 00:21:02,200 Speaker 1: look potentially different than what we've seen. It's a top 473 00:21:02,240 --> 00:21:07,439 Speaker 1: two run game in consideration. However, James Connor out now 474 00:21:07,720 --> 00:21:11,040 Speaker 1: versus the Rams, They've brought in and added Tony Jones 475 00:21:11,040 --> 00:21:15,320 Speaker 1: from the Saints this past week. Mercado, the rookie undrafted, 476 00:21:15,359 --> 00:21:18,080 Speaker 1: had a heck of a game a week ago. However, 477 00:21:18,400 --> 00:21:21,760 Speaker 1: how would this offense maybe evolve versus the Rams this week? 478 00:21:22,119 --> 00:21:25,680 Speaker 3: Great question. Outside of some wildcat stuff and Hollywood Brown 479 00:21:25,720 --> 00:21:28,639 Speaker 3: gets open, he is an issue, he really does. Now. 480 00:21:29,040 --> 00:21:31,520 Speaker 3: If you're Rohie Morris, if you're this defense, I would 481 00:21:31,560 --> 00:21:34,040 Speaker 3: bet that I could get to the quarterback faster than 482 00:21:34,040 --> 00:21:35,800 Speaker 3: he can get open, or I could force the bad 483 00:21:35,800 --> 00:21:38,400 Speaker 3: pass and maybe something bad will happen for them. But yeah, 484 00:21:38,440 --> 00:21:40,800 Speaker 3: I mean, it would be a shame if you allow 485 00:21:40,880 --> 00:21:43,480 Speaker 3: the Arizona Cardinals to run the football this week. It 486 00:21:43,640 --> 00:21:45,919 Speaker 3: really would be a shame because I think you forced 487 00:21:45,920 --> 00:21:48,399 Speaker 3: this game on to Dobbs's shoulder and see if he 488 00:21:48,400 --> 00:21:50,159 Speaker 3: can beat you with his arm and then get after him, 489 00:21:50,160 --> 00:21:51,680 Speaker 3: and I think that's how you win this football game. 490 00:21:51,680 --> 00:21:54,120 Speaker 3: But it starts with stopping the run, and they don't 491 00:21:54,160 --> 00:21:56,199 Speaker 3: have James Connor. Like I said, this would be a 492 00:21:56,200 --> 00:21:58,159 Speaker 3: shame if you allow them to run the football in 493 00:21:58,200 --> 00:21:58,840 Speaker 3: any fashion. 494 00:21:59,560 --> 00:22:01,680 Speaker 2: Is zach Ertz is on your fantasy football team. Is 495 00:22:01,720 --> 00:22:03,720 Speaker 2: he a stardom or a sidhem for you this week. 496 00:22:03,600 --> 00:22:04,600 Speaker 3: Of start them? You know that? 497 00:22:04,800 --> 00:22:08,199 Speaker 2: Oh yeah, absolutely a starter Goddard did. And because what 498 00:22:08,240 --> 00:22:10,000 Speaker 2: the Colts did with their tight ends. 499 00:22:09,800 --> 00:22:12,119 Speaker 3: Well, this is the pros, Okay, So if they're making 500 00:22:12,160 --> 00:22:15,360 Speaker 3: money Philadelphia made money thrown against your linebackers in safeties, 501 00:22:15,359 --> 00:22:16,880 Speaker 3: then the next team is going to do it until 502 00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:19,840 Speaker 3: you stop it. And Art's okay, he's older. 503 00:22:20,040 --> 00:22:22,879 Speaker 2: Yeah, So the actual current Philadelphia tight end got you 504 00:22:22,960 --> 00:22:24,959 Speaker 2: last week, you better believe that the former tight end 505 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:26,720 Speaker 2: is going to try his hand against you this week. 506 00:22:26,800 --> 00:22:28,800 Speaker 3: You don't think he told his coach, hey, coach, look 507 00:22:30,320 --> 00:22:30,680 Speaker 3: against that. 508 00:22:31,240 --> 00:22:34,440 Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm driving it absolutely, So where might they look 509 00:22:34,480 --> 00:22:35,880 Speaker 2: to try and find have some success? 510 00:22:35,920 --> 00:22:38,680 Speaker 3: And that's the other thing. Ernest Jones I think had 511 00:22:38,760 --> 00:22:41,840 Speaker 3: a fantastic game. Fifteen tackles, three tackles for loss. You 512 00:22:41,840 --> 00:22:44,440 Speaker 3: would think he dominated if you didn't watch the game, 513 00:22:44,480 --> 00:22:47,000 Speaker 3: But what choice did you have when you were on 514 00:22:47,040 --> 00:22:49,399 Speaker 3: the field so long. Somebody's got to make those plays. 515 00:22:49,400 --> 00:22:52,000 Speaker 3: But they're going to come after both linebackers with those 516 00:22:52,040 --> 00:22:54,359 Speaker 3: tight ends and backs out of the backfields. It's almost 517 00:22:54,359 --> 00:22:56,520 Speaker 3: a guarantee based on what you put on film. 518 00:22:56,920 --> 00:22:57,480 Speaker 2: You both have. 519 00:22:57,480 --> 00:22:59,639 Speaker 1: Mentioned Rondell Moore a couple of times. The direct snap. 520 00:22:59,680 --> 00:23:01,919 Speaker 1: He just was lights out on that play. I think 521 00:23:01,920 --> 00:23:05,120 Speaker 1: it was over forty yards a week ago. Hollywood Brown 522 00:23:05,200 --> 00:23:07,800 Speaker 1: is also somebody that you have to pay attention to. 523 00:23:08,520 --> 00:23:11,920 Speaker 1: Really impressive what he did against the Bengals, but also 524 00:23:11,960 --> 00:23:14,240 Speaker 1: a name. Joshua Dobbs said this in his presser just 525 00:23:14,280 --> 00:23:17,000 Speaker 1: a day ago. Michael Wilson might be a target they 526 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:20,399 Speaker 1: look to a rookie wide receiver. He only had one reception. However, 527 00:23:20,480 --> 00:23:22,520 Speaker 1: versus the forty nine ers, he's two touchdowns. I know 528 00:23:22,600 --> 00:23:24,760 Speaker 1: you know a little history about Michael Wilson. 529 00:23:24,760 --> 00:23:25,200 Speaker 2: That is great. 530 00:23:25,280 --> 00:23:26,640 Speaker 1: What skill set does he have. 531 00:23:27,040 --> 00:23:29,000 Speaker 2: When he's healthy. He's been a force to be reckoned 532 00:23:29,040 --> 00:23:31,280 Speaker 2: with throughout his career. I'm glad to see him thriving 533 00:23:32,080 --> 00:23:36,159 Speaker 2: in that offense. Look, if Arizona can beat Dallas, they 534 00:23:36,160 --> 00:23:39,480 Speaker 2: can walk into Sofi Stadium and beat the Rams. If 535 00:23:39,600 --> 00:23:41,840 Speaker 2: twenty three has reminded us of anything, it's that the 536 00:23:41,880 --> 00:23:45,040 Speaker 2: transit of property just does not hold in football. Because 537 00:23:45,080 --> 00:23:50,640 Speaker 2: somehow the Cowboys embarrassed the Giants got embarrassed by the cardinalship. 538 00:23:51,760 --> 00:23:56,240 Speaker 3: Yeah, you just don't know. In this game, I know right. 539 00:23:56,320 --> 00:23:58,840 Speaker 2: Yeah. I will say though watching that film, Joe Burrow 540 00:23:58,840 --> 00:24:00,800 Speaker 2: looked like Joe Burrow again this week what he did 541 00:24:00,800 --> 00:24:01,679 Speaker 2: with Jamar Chase. 542 00:24:03,560 --> 00:24:05,720 Speaker 3: I think they found their secret sauce for the year. Yeah. 543 00:24:05,760 --> 00:24:08,199 Speaker 2: Yeah, so, so don't take any fool's gold from the 544 00:24:08,200 --> 00:24:10,320 Speaker 2: fact that Cincinnati went in there and got him last week. 545 00:24:10,480 --> 00:24:16,480 Speaker 3: Hollywood long, Yeah, that's no Hollywood, Irwin said nobody. I'm 546 00:24:16,520 --> 00:24:18,480 Speaker 3: just thinking, like Hollywood, when you throw that name around, 547 00:24:18,520 --> 00:24:21,159 Speaker 3: you better be better be bad. But he he's a 548 00:24:21,200 --> 00:24:23,480 Speaker 3: guy that can absolutely get open and give you problems 549 00:24:23,560 --> 00:24:25,639 Speaker 3: if Dobbs has time to throw the football. 550 00:24:25,680 --> 00:24:28,719 Speaker 2: He did his own version of the Lambeau Leap. Yeah 551 00:24:28,760 --> 00:24:30,680 Speaker 2: in Glendale last week, and the Cardinals were trying to 552 00:24:30,680 --> 00:24:32,560 Speaker 2: figure out what the name that the bird. 553 00:24:32,320 --> 00:24:34,480 Speaker 3: Bath Once in a blue moon. 554 00:24:35,920 --> 00:24:38,040 Speaker 2: Oh, he's a problem though, you're right, eye. 555 00:24:38,200 --> 00:24:41,800 Speaker 1: Yes, Well, now that we've talked Cardinals offense, let's head 556 00:24:41,800 --> 00:24:45,040 Speaker 1: over to the defense. And an interesting note came in 557 00:24:45,160 --> 00:24:48,880 Speaker 1: Matthew Stafford's presser just a day ago, and I think 558 00:24:48,880 --> 00:24:51,200 Speaker 1: it's time we take a look at what he said 559 00:24:51,280 --> 00:24:52,520 Speaker 1: about the Cardinals defense. 560 00:24:53,160 --> 00:24:55,160 Speaker 5: They play with a reckless abandon I mean they are 561 00:24:55,280 --> 00:24:56,200 Speaker 5: flying around off. 562 00:24:56,040 --> 00:24:56,800 Speaker 2: The tape you see it. 563 00:24:56,840 --> 00:24:59,320 Speaker 5: They play hard, they play for each other, they're physical 564 00:24:59,359 --> 00:25:01,800 Speaker 5: at the point. You know, it's a little bit of 565 00:25:01,800 --> 00:25:04,320 Speaker 5: a unique style of a defense when you look at it. 566 00:25:06,080 --> 00:25:07,639 Speaker 5: You know, I'm not sure there's many other teams in 567 00:25:07,640 --> 00:25:09,879 Speaker 5: the league. They're kind of running what they're running in 568 00:25:09,880 --> 00:25:14,320 Speaker 5: some form or fashion. But yeah, that's that's what sticks 569 00:25:14,359 --> 00:25:15,920 Speaker 5: out to me, is the effort that they play with, 570 00:25:16,400 --> 00:25:19,120 Speaker 5: the physicality that they play with guys capping people off 571 00:25:19,240 --> 00:25:20,360 Speaker 5: and playing at a high level. 572 00:25:20,400 --> 00:25:22,280 Speaker 2: So it's gonna be a big challenge for us. 573 00:25:22,280 --> 00:25:24,560 Speaker 5: It's, you know, a little bit of a different look, 574 00:25:24,560 --> 00:25:27,320 Speaker 5: a little nuanced defense, and at the same time guys 575 00:25:27,359 --> 00:25:29,159 Speaker 5: that are run around, flying, hitting the ball carriers. So 576 00:25:29,200 --> 00:25:30,720 Speaker 5: it's a it's a big challenge. 577 00:25:31,040 --> 00:25:34,320 Speaker 1: He said it reckless abandonment. That's the type of defense 578 00:25:34,359 --> 00:25:35,960 Speaker 1: that's going to be on the other side. He also said, 579 00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:39,359 Speaker 1: it's a unique style of defense. I mean, what style 580 00:25:39,480 --> 00:25:40,960 Speaker 1: is it? What do we know about this defense? 581 00:25:41,119 --> 00:25:45,080 Speaker 3: It's multiple, They move, they line up, they stunt, they slant. 582 00:25:45,119 --> 00:25:46,840 Speaker 3: I mean, they just try to throw everything at you 583 00:25:46,880 --> 00:25:49,040 Speaker 3: to mess up your count and pass protection and get 584 00:25:49,080 --> 00:25:50,919 Speaker 3: as many guys to the quarterback as they can. But 585 00:25:51,320 --> 00:25:53,560 Speaker 3: they're going to be down Budda Baker, and he's one 586 00:25:53,560 --> 00:25:55,720 Speaker 3: of the best safeties in the game, and he has 587 00:25:55,760 --> 00:25:59,680 Speaker 3: been a Ram killer. So and their pass rush, dare 588 00:25:59,720 --> 00:26:02,760 Speaker 3: I say, lacks some fang, you know what I mean. 589 00:26:02,840 --> 00:26:05,800 Speaker 3: So I think this is the opportunity for the Rams 590 00:26:05,840 --> 00:26:11,240 Speaker 3: to run the football, keep them honest, make them exhaust 591 00:26:11,240 --> 00:26:14,160 Speaker 3: their playbook, and then get after him throwing the football, 592 00:26:14,160 --> 00:26:16,040 Speaker 3: because I don't think they'll be able to cover you 593 00:26:16,119 --> 00:26:16,920 Speaker 3: up in the passing game. 594 00:26:17,040 --> 00:26:19,040 Speaker 2: I mean, I think Boode has been the best Cardinal 595 00:26:19,119 --> 00:26:21,120 Speaker 2: defender for a while now. To my eye, he's kind 596 00:26:21,160 --> 00:26:23,280 Speaker 2: of the air traffic controller that keeps it all together. 597 00:26:23,880 --> 00:26:25,960 Speaker 2: That he won't play and that maybe his fellow safety 598 00:26:26,040 --> 00:26:28,440 Speaker 2: Jalen Thompson may be out as well. Definitely plays in 599 00:26:28,480 --> 00:26:30,840 Speaker 2: the Rams favor. I truthfully am not smart enough to 600 00:26:30,840 --> 00:26:33,159 Speaker 2: know exactly what Matthew Stafford was talking about in that 601 00:26:33,200 --> 00:26:35,440 Speaker 2: sound bite, but I know I'm anxious to find out 602 00:26:36,359 --> 00:26:38,600 Speaker 2: in terms of how he and the Rams attack this 603 00:26:38,680 --> 00:26:42,200 Speaker 2: Arizona defense. And it is kind of an interesting scheduling 604 00:26:42,280 --> 00:26:44,840 Speaker 2: court to me that you're running the Philadelphia Gauntlin a 605 00:26:44,880 --> 00:26:47,760 Speaker 2: little bit. You played the offensive branch of that tree 606 00:26:47,800 --> 00:26:50,360 Speaker 2: with Stich and and the Colts. Then you played the 607 00:26:50,440 --> 00:26:52,720 Speaker 2: current version of the Eagles last week, and now you 608 00:26:52,760 --> 00:26:55,120 Speaker 2: get the defensive version with Gannon and the Cardinals. I'm 609 00:26:55,119 --> 00:26:56,840 Speaker 2: not saying he's going to be able to mimic what 610 00:26:57,160 --> 00:27:00,520 Speaker 2: Philadelphia did defensively against the Rams last week. I don't 611 00:27:00,520 --> 00:27:04,199 Speaker 2: think he's got Jalen Carter a defensive tackle, thankfully, But 612 00:27:04,760 --> 00:27:06,720 Speaker 2: would you be surprised if they swapped a few notes 613 00:27:06,720 --> 00:27:08,200 Speaker 2: this week, you know, if there are a few text 614 00:27:08,240 --> 00:27:11,439 Speaker 2: messages exchange, not getting the best practices together. 615 00:27:12,720 --> 00:27:14,800 Speaker 1: No, I think that's a fair assessment. It's interesting too, 616 00:27:14,800 --> 00:27:18,119 Speaker 1: because I read some commentary on this defense for the 617 00:27:18,119 --> 00:27:21,160 Speaker 1: Cardinals and how it has shifted potentially under Gannon even 618 00:27:21,200 --> 00:27:23,920 Speaker 1: compared to what he was doing with the Eagles because 619 00:27:23,960 --> 00:27:26,119 Speaker 1: of the personnel that is now with the Cardinals. So 620 00:27:26,480 --> 00:27:29,840 Speaker 1: some big time adjustments defensively there. Let's talk about some 621 00:27:29,960 --> 00:27:31,720 Speaker 1: keys to victory. We want to see the Rams get 622 00:27:31,720 --> 00:27:34,120 Speaker 1: back to five hundred. What do they have to do 623 00:27:34,240 --> 00:27:34,840 Speaker 1: to get it done? 624 00:27:34,920 --> 00:27:35,280 Speaker 3: Want to go? 625 00:27:35,640 --> 00:27:35,920 Speaker 2: You go? 626 00:27:36,440 --> 00:27:40,080 Speaker 3: It's easy. It's two guys, Stafford Donald, there's your keys 627 00:27:40,119 --> 00:27:43,159 Speaker 3: to victory right there. Your best players play the best 628 00:27:43,480 --> 00:27:46,160 Speaker 3: on Sunday. You should wipe the plot with this football team. 629 00:27:46,720 --> 00:27:49,000 Speaker 2: You got two players, I got two quarters. The Rams 630 00:27:49,080 --> 00:27:51,720 Speaker 2: have to come alive in the second half. Since flying 631 00:27:51,800 --> 00:27:55,000 Speaker 2: home from Week one and then nearly flawless second half 632 00:27:55,040 --> 00:27:57,840 Speaker 2: against Seattle in that victory, they've been the worst team 633 00:27:57,880 --> 00:28:01,400 Speaker 2: in the NFC after the half time and I don't 634 00:28:01,400 --> 00:28:03,399 Speaker 2: have any explanation for it. I don't think it's just 635 00:28:03,480 --> 00:28:06,520 Speaker 2: as simple as halftime adjustments. Peyton Manning once said, there's 636 00:28:06,560 --> 00:28:08,320 Speaker 2: no such thing as a halftime adjustment in the National 637 00:28:08,359 --> 00:28:11,240 Speaker 2: Football League because you don't have time anyway. But they 638 00:28:11,240 --> 00:28:13,239 Speaker 2: got to close out a game. They got to put 639 00:28:13,280 --> 00:28:17,000 Speaker 2: together a complete game. They need to dominate the football 640 00:28:17,000 --> 00:28:18,639 Speaker 2: and put points on the board in the third and 641 00:28:18,640 --> 00:28:20,640 Speaker 2: the fourth quarters and make sure that they don't give 642 00:28:20,720 --> 00:28:22,919 Speaker 2: Arizona hope of an upset. 643 00:28:23,200 --> 00:28:25,159 Speaker 3: Peyton said that I think so. I bet he was 644 00:28:25,200 --> 00:28:29,240 Speaker 3: ahead a lot. There is no adjustment when you were ahead, right. 645 00:28:30,000 --> 00:28:32,200 Speaker 1: For me, I think one of the keys to victory 646 00:28:32,240 --> 00:28:34,000 Speaker 1: is the response on the defensive side of the ball. 647 00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:35,760 Speaker 1: I want to see the defense get a little angry, 648 00:28:35,840 --> 00:28:38,080 Speaker 1: and especially you know us sitting here talking about some 649 00:28:38,160 --> 00:28:41,000 Speaker 1: of the areas that they're still growing. It's youthful, right, 650 00:28:41,080 --> 00:28:43,400 Speaker 1: This is a youthful group, but apart from some of those, 651 00:28:43,440 --> 00:28:45,680 Speaker 1: obviously Aaron Donald in the mix. But I want to 652 00:28:45,680 --> 00:28:47,480 Speaker 1: see an angry defense out there, and I want to 653 00:28:47,480 --> 00:28:49,320 Speaker 1: see them prove everyone wrong. So I'm gonna look for 654 00:28:49,360 --> 00:28:52,360 Speaker 1: an adjustment there, just in terms of getting after some people, 655 00:28:52,360 --> 00:28:55,080 Speaker 1: whether it's the defensive line or even DK coming up 656 00:28:55,080 --> 00:28:56,480 Speaker 1: with a big time game. I think that's going to 657 00:28:56,520 --> 00:28:56,800 Speaker 1: be hard. 658 00:28:56,800 --> 00:28:57,360 Speaker 3: We love the emotion. 659 00:28:57,600 --> 00:29:00,720 Speaker 2: Let's make place and how about a rowdy, emotional crowdit stadium. 660 00:29:01,080 --> 00:29:03,920 Speaker 2: We're able, hope to see you there in Inglewood. It'd 661 00:29:03,960 --> 00:29:06,720 Speaker 2: be nice to make the opponent deal with a little 662 00:29:06,720 --> 00:29:08,720 Speaker 2: bit of silent count of their own against the Rams 663 00:29:08,720 --> 00:29:10,720 Speaker 2: this week, like it, absolutely. 664 00:29:10,240 --> 00:29:12,760 Speaker 1: It's time for Rams fans to show up in so far. 665 00:29:12,880 --> 00:29:15,000 Speaker 1: We can't wait to have you for this game versus 666 00:29:15,080 --> 00:29:17,480 Speaker 1: the Cardinals. Thanks for joining us on Between the Horns, 667 00:29:17,720 --> 00:29:31,600 Speaker 1: brought to you by our Southern California Toyota Dealers.