Tag: Los Angeles Rams

Two quarterbacks had a talk, and a lot has changed since

Full circle moments are endless in the everlasting search for the elite QB

Before jumping into the NFL offseason (congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks on becoming Super Bowl champions), let’s go back to early last season to set the stage for things to come. The date in the focus is September 15, 2024. That’s win the Houston Texans defeated the Chicago Bears, 19-13, on a Sunday night in Houston. After the game, Texans quarterback C. J. Stroud, coming off a rookie campaign in 2023 that had some saying the next great QB is here, would meet with Bears signal-caller Caleb Williams, who was himself a rookie at that point. Much would be made of what transpired during that conversation, but one of the main theories was Stroud talked to Williams like he was a seasoned vet trying give knowledge to a young buck in the game. Whether or not that was the substance of their conversation is up for debate, but what is certain is a lot has changed since that day, and both quarterbacks are at pivotal points in their respective careers.

For Stroud, it was mentioned how well he played in his first season, winning the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award, while leading Houston to the divisional playoff round before going out to the Baltimore Ravens (common theme developing). Most people expected the rise to continue, but something that’s often forgotten is defenses are also part of sports, and the days of sneaking up on them would eventually come to an end. Therefore, Stroud would have to develop plans B and C to go with his plan A, and if not, less progression and more regression is sure to follow. Well, it’s been two full seasons since it’s his stellar rookie campaign, and it appears the Texans are in a spot the majority of the football world didn’t think they would be in, wondering if Stroud is the answer at quarterback going forward. Last year ended in a lackluster loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and this season’s conclusion looked even worse. If it wasn’t for Houston’s defense, the team might have been done in the wild card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers, hampered by Stroud’s three turnovers. Any worries from that game turned into full-blown doubts after the Texans were eliminated (in the same divisional playoff round as the previous two seasons) by the New England Patriots. Four interceptions doomed Houston, and not even the defense could pull this out of the fire. Now, the Texans have to figure out if Stroud is worthy of a long-term extension going forward, and this being a question is far from what was expected at this point two years ago.

As for Williams, things have improved steadily since that postgame meeting with Stroud, but it was far (and still is) from what was expected from the supposed next elite QB. His rookie season was uneven at best, and while his numbers point to a solid season (20 touchdowns, 6 interceptions in 2024), there were a lot of sacks eaten by Williams, some of those because of the offensive line being bad, but the other part is his lack of being able to play on-schedule. New year, new system to learn, as Ben Johnson arrived (after being the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions) to take over head coaching duties. The numbers, from a TD (27) to INT (7) standpoint, were even better for Williams. Having said that, there were numerous games where nothing was happening on offense for the first three quarters (which led to a completion percentage of 58.1), with the sophomore QB struggling to hit what would be considered easy completions. The hope in him being the long-term answer comes from his ability to do two things. First, Williams came through in the fourth quarter, leading Chicago to seven comeback victories, including one in the wild card round against the Green Bay Packers. Secondly, there are plays Williams makes that only a few quarterbacks are capable of. The Los Angeles Rams saw that first hand in the divisional playoffs, forcing him to scramble backwards on an all-or-n0thing fourth down, only to see Williams heave a touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet to force overtime (the Rams would win 20-17). While the plays that make the highlight shows provide sizzle and hope, it’s hard to see a scenario where sustained success comes from waiting for miracles.

If there is a moral to the story, it’s understanding there are many ways to arrive at the same point. For Stroud, things began with the highest of highs, but currently, he’s in a regression that appears hard to shake. As for Williams, it was the opposite, with his rookie year being rocky, followed with a better second year. Regardless of the paths taken, they are both QBs of teams who had the chance to play in their respective conference championship games, and as a result, face a pivotal offseason where they have to make significant improvements if further steps are to be taken. While the talk will center around Stroud and/or Williams becoming the next elite quarterback, the concentration should be on just being solid. If not, there will be more questions than answers going forward, and the search to find the franchise quarterback may have to continue.

Having said that, the logical conclusion is the Texans and Bears have the guys they want to lead their teams. It could be because Stroud and Williams have been good enough, but a bigger reason might be the lack of alternative options available if there was a choice to move on. Those are questions that may not have an answer any time soon, but between now and the first game in September, Houston and Chicago will probably want to see the leadership and work ethic show in a big way, especially if there is to be a long-term commitment for the coming years. When Stroud and Williams had that conversation in 2024, most people thought they were looking at two of the next great QBs exchanging “pleasantries.” As it stands right now (especially for Stroud), it’s a question how many chances are left to prove they can led their respective teams to the pinnacle. Moments frozen in time have a way of re-emerging, and if the basis of that talk was Stroud trying to give Williams a teaching moment, it’s now realistic to say the former might need to receive that same conversation before too long.

Three teams that could emerge as Super Bowl contenders

They might not grab the attention right now, but a different story could be written before too long

As the NFL season prepares to kick off Thursday night, it’s time for one more projection in a land that’s flooded with them. In the AFC, most are good with saying the Kansas City Chiefs (defending Super Bowl champion), Cincinnati Bengals or Buffalo Bills will be the conference representative in Las Vegas when February’s league showcase comes around. As for the NFC, it’s the Philadelphia Eagles (conference champs from last season), San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys who are the favorites. While it’s not out of the ordinary to hear these six teams mentioned amongst the favorites, it’s almost inevitable a squad that’s under the radar will rise to be in the mix. That’s what this article is all about, finding those squads that could be surprises, and here are three that might be fitted for the crown.

In the AFC East, there’s a lot of hype surrounding the Bills and New York Jets (with the addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers), but the Miami Dolphins shouldn’t be an afterthought. Of course, a lot of what the Dolphins do depends on the health of QB Tua Tagovailoa, but if he’s right, the offense is as potent as there is in the league. Tagovailoa is complimented by an explosive duo to throw to in wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, good running backs in Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. and a good offensive line that continues to improve. While there aren’t many questions about the offense, the defense is a different story. Knowing this, Miami did what they could to address the doubts during the offseason, bringing in Vic Fangio as the defensive coordinator and trading with the Los Angeles Rams to get cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The latter, combined with fellow DB Xavien Howard, looks like one of the top pairs of corners on paper, while the former has been an architect of some of the best defenses in recent memory. If the defense can be on par with the offense, the Dolphins will be dangerous to deal with.

Moving over to the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers, even after all of these years, can’t be overlooked. Being objective, this division has the potential to beat each other up, but the Steelers look like they can do their share of inflicting pain. The defense, led by linebacker T.J. Watt and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, is traditionally a top unit in the league. The offensive line is a major question mark (perhaps THE major one). If they can protect second-year QB Kenny Pickett, look for him to take a significant step towards being the man in Pittsburgh for years to come. There’s not a lack of weapons in the Steel City for Pickett to spread the ball around to. Running back Najee Harris is one of the best all-around ball carriers in the NFL, and for pass-catchers, wide receivers Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, along with tight end Pat Freiermuth, can combine to give the Steelers some much-needed explosiveness to compliment their stout defense. It also helps to have Mike Tomlin, who hasn’t had a losing season since he took over in 2007, as the head coach. There is a chance Pittsburgh can get caught up in the web of the AFC North, but if they do emerge, look out.

Heading over to the NFC, how about the Washington Commanders? Sure, they have the Eagles, Cowboys and New York Giants to contend with in the NFC East, but the Commanders have the talent to play with anyone. The keys to Washington’s car has been turned over to Sam Howell, the quarterback who was selected in the fifth-round of the 2022 draft, and the team hopes he can provide stability to a position that has seen so much turnover in past seasons. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin and running back Brian Robinson Jr. are among the skill players who should help give Howell support through the tough moments. As for the defensive line, it’s possible the best group could be in the nation’s capital. Defensive end Chase Young is ready to return and join a group that features fellow DE Montez Sweat and defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. This group can stop the run, while generating pressure without help from blitzing. While there is something to be excited about on the field, it’s off the field where the most excitement might be. Billionaire Josh Harris has replaced Dan Snyder as the owner, and to say the air has cleared since that finalization would be an understatement. The hope is under Harris, the team can stop being mentioned as part of investigations into a toxic environment and workplace misconduct, which was constantly a topic under Snyder. For the first time in a while, there is true hope the Commanders can make some noise, and FedEx Field will actually be a true home-field advantage. A change in leadership could be enough to add two or three more wins, which would probably be the difference between making and missing the playoffs.

This wasn’t easy to pick three teams that could be sneaky Super Bowl contenders, because there are many who could fit this mold. Someone else’s list could be completely different from this one, and chances are a compelling case could be made for it. Just remember when it comes to these choices, the Dolphins, Steelers and Commanders are all picked to finish third or fourth in their respective divisions (according to most oddsmakers). The talent on all of these squads can be matched with anyone. It’s just a question whether or not everything can come together at the right time. If it does, don’t be surprised if one, or all, of these teams are in the running for title contention come December and January.

The Rams’ path to glory is not the model to copy

From Thursday to Saturday, the NFL Draft is taking place in Las Vegas. With these picks come eternal hope, for teams and their fans alike, that the players selected can be a part of building something special. Entering the draft, eight squads didn’t have a pick in the first round. One of those teams come in the form of the newly-crowned Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, who have famously put a value on veterans over draft picks in their pursuit of championships. It a high-risk, high reward strategy, and even if the reward is a title or two, the result of future futility is almost certain.

We all know Rams general manager Les Snead is known for saying “F*** Them Picks,” even wearing a t-shirt with the phrase on it during the team’s championship parade. When it comes to a winning window, there’s no telling how long that could last. Since the New England Patriots went back-to-back in the 2003 and 2004 seasons, there hasn’t been a repeat champion. So the question a squad’s front office has to answer is how to go about building a team that can compete for titles. Is it being patient to build through the draft and develop young players, or is stacking the team with established veterans to enhance the all-in, win now mentality? For L.A., the answer was clearly the latter.

So the frenzy of trading the draft picks began, and the Rams turned to free agency to fill the rest of the holes on the roster. The main chess piece was quarterback Matthew Stafford, who the team sent previous starter Jared Goff, two first-round picks and a third-rounder to the Detroit Lions to receive before last season. It took a couple more first-rounders and a fourth-round pick to get cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019. Wanna get linebacker Von Miller (now with the Buffalo Bills) from the Denver Broncos? L.A. said here’s a second and third-round pick in return. Looking for a wide receiver to complement Cooper Kupp? Let’s sign Odell Beckham Jr. While trading all of these picks seem a little insane, one can respect a team going for it when the opportunity presents itself.

Let’s not forget the Rams played in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2018 season, losing to the Patriots 13-3. Getting that close to the title can definitely drive motivation to get back and finish the job. Seeing what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did in winning a Super Bowl in their home stadium, combined with knowing this past title game was in SoFi Stadium, only added to the fire. All of this equaled L.A.’s willingness to sacrifice the future for a potentially-brighter present, and with Snead and head coach Sean McVay on the same page, “F*** Them Picks” became one of the most famous memes out there.

If a win-now strategy pays off, fans and media will say it’s all worth it to win a championship, especially when celebrations are happening at the time. If that’s the case, there shouldn’t be any complaints when their squad has no future to build upon because of the lack of draft picks. The purgatory is probably coming for the Rams, and with the world living in the moment more than ever, those same fans who said the title was worth it will be the ones calling out the future being in peril. With that said, there are multiple ways to put a team together to win. L.A. found one that worked for them, but by no means should it be a model to copy. Therefore, the standard is not the standard in this case. There is still a lot of value in the draft, and over time, the Rams will see that also.

Maybe one day, the NFL will be honest with us, and themselves

A lot has happened since March 11, 2020, when the world literally changed forever. It was then when the COVID pandemic really start to grip everything and everyone, and the sports world was not spared from its outreach. The NBA and NHL postponed their respective seasons, and the NCAA cancelled March Madness altogether. MLB didn’t have a clue on how to deal with the pandemic, and their season was shortened to 60 games, more than half of the 162-game campaign we’re accustomed to. Even the English Premier League and other soccer organizations in numerous countries were forced to stop their seasons due to the virus. In other words, the world as we knew it stopped before our eyes.

The one league that was able to escaped the wrath of COVID (at least initially) was the NFL, that was only because they were in their offseason. Eventually, even they would have to adapt to change. The draft would be held virtually, and so would training camps. The preseason was cancelled, and the first game action came with the season-opener between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs Sept. 10 of that year. The season was largely playing out in empty stadiums, and there would be at least one game held each day of the week due to postponements caused by the pandemic.

As the world attempted to return to normal, the NFL was determined to do the same. They wanted to be strict as far as COVID protocols went, pinning the responsibility on the franchises to make sure coaches and players adhere to the rules as the 2021 regular season loomed. No longer would games be postponed due to spikes or outbreaks, they would be forfeited and handed to the team that was supposed to play the infected one. The league wanted to stay on schedule, perhaps thinking (and it’s not out of the norm for the NFL to act this way) they can do so because they are “The Shield.” It would be logical to think this stance was premature when considering a pandemic is still going on, but when has the NFL listened to anybody going against their vision?

With everything I just said, here we are, almost two years after having our lives turn upside down, and there’s a harsh truth staring at us and the league. COVID (and all of its variants) is still very much a factor, and because of that, the NFL is doing what they vowed not to do a few months ago, postponing three games on Friday. The Las Vegas Raiders–Cleveland Browns matchup has been moved from Saturday to Monday, and two more games (The Washington Football Team–Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks–Los Angeles Rams) were pushed back from Sunday to Tuesday. While the move shows a sign of basically being in the same place we were with the pandemic at this point last year, it also shows what the league, and many others, are ultimately about when push comes to shove. Anyone with a little intellect can see money is always the priority when it comes to the decision making in the NFL.

Bottom line, a forfeited result means a loss of revenue for everyone involved, and the NFL knows this better than anyone. What this means is they’ll do anything to protect their profit, even if it means going back on their original word. The funny thing is many people would understand if money is the first motivating factor, as long as the organization is honest about it. Instead, the NFL continues to hide behind other reasons while conducting their business, and attempts to tell us so as if we can’t see through them. Postponing the three games shows exactly why someone can not (and should not) take what the league says seriously, because eventually, the truth comes to life, and it’ll likely involve lots of dollar signs. Then again, nobody can expect the NFL to be honest with them if they can be honest with themselves first.