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Thoughts on the Rams Resting Key Players?


RandyMossIsBoss

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So the Rams are resting key players this week, even though a win would mean the 3 seed, and a loss (and Saints or Panthers win) would mean a 4 seed. Nothing quite illustrates McVay's new age coaching and approach quite like this decision. He is thinking ahead, and obviously would prefer to play Philly in round 2, a team they nearly beat when they had Wentz, than Minny, a team that roughed them up. While it makes sense, it's not something you often (if ever?) see coaches do, accept a lower seed for a better round 2 matchup. Looking ahead, past the current opponent, has generally been taboo for coaches as far as I'm concerned.

 

So do you agree with this decision?

If the Rams are the 3 seed, they will either play the Seahawks or Falcons in the WC round, and the Vikings in the Div round.

If the Rams are the 4 seed, they will either play the Saints or Panthers in the WC round, and likely play the Eagles in the Div round (unless the 3 seed Saints/Panthers lose to the 6 seed).

Another element to consider here is McVay giving those key players 1 less game where they could get hurt. Any given sunday doesn't only apply to a the outcome of a game, but also the health of a player. 

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RAMS NATION STAND UP... Right now the rams are playing with house money.. This season was a success and beyond anything one can wish for.

Whatever master McVay wants we will rally behind him. As long as we beat the crappy eagles i'll be happy.. Nothing would be better than scoring more tuddies on them

while banishing them to the shadow realm. 

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100% fine for me.

I understand it, though, if I were them, I'd try and get ahead fast so that they can get the #3 seed (or a shot at it). It would be less worrisome if the options weren't facing either the Saints/Panthers instead of the Seahawks/Falcons. The latter two are good, but not at the same level.

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In the wildcard round, i think the 3 seed is better, playing either the Falcons or the Seahawks.

In the divisional round, i think 4 seed is better, in order to play the Eagles rather than the Vikings.

However, if Rams rest and get the 4 seed, and the 3 seed loses, which is a real possibily, they'll play the Vikings anyway.

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I understand the thought process but I think it is a mistake by McVay. If it was an older playoff tested roster sure go ahead and rest some players but it is not. I don't think the Rams want to go into the playoffs with no momentum. Also, if they get the number 4 seed it creates a harder first round match-up. I think the Rams would have a much greater chance of beating Seattle/Atlanta than Carolina (or the Saints). Looking ahead to the divisional round is great but you have to get there first. 

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I mean, I love everything McVay has done, but "new age coaching"?   Haha....come on.   This isnt some mastermind decision at all and has been done many times in the past. They are locked in as division winners and guaranteed the 3rd or 4th seed, but cant get a bye.   Either way, they are going to get a home game against a good team, and if they win, go on the road vs one of two teams that have beaten them already this season.

There are alot of things to praise McVay for.  This decision isnt one of them. Its a no brainer. 

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It doesn't make sense to me when people say, "you should prefer to get this seed so you can face x team in the postseason".  If you consider yourself a true Super Bowl contender, you're going to have to go through everyone anyway.  There's no sense in trying to avoid traveling to Minnesota, Philadelphia, etc because if you want to make it to the big dance, you're going to have to go through those guys anyway.

Sean McVay is with those players every single day.  He knows what's best for the team and nobody on the outside should question him since he's pretty much made all of the right calls since he's been there.

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Smart call. Not good for the team's confidence to catch an L from Gucci Garopp before the playoffs. Now they have an excuse for the loss since they are resting their main guys.

Seriously though, I think I would play my guys. Getting the Falcons/Seahawks in the WC round is better than having to face the Saints/Panthers. Sure McVay and others would prefer the Eagles in the divisional round over the Vikings, but they may not even get there. They would be pretty solid favorites over both the Falcons/Seahawks though.

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5 minutes ago, J-ALL-DAY said:

Seriously though, I think I would play my guys. Getting the Falcons/Seahawks in the WC round is better than having to face the Saints/Panthers. Sure McVay and others would prefer the Eagles in the divisional round over the Vikings, but they may not even get there. They would be pretty solid favorites over both the Falcons/Seahawks though.

Who cares who they play in the first round, second round or Conference Championship game.  The Rams are Super Bowl contenders.  To make it there, they have to beat everyone anyway.  If they're concerned about facing the Panthers or Saints in the first round and having to play the Vikings over the Eagles in the second round then they aren't for real.

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19 minutes ago, showtime said:

Who cares who they play in the first round, second round or Conference Championship game.  The Rams are Super Bowl contenders.  To make it there, they have to beat everyone anyway.  If they're concerned about facing the Panthers or Saints in the first round and having to play the Vikings over the Eagles in the second round then they aren't for real.

They don't have to beat everyone, they only have to beat three teams.  There is no bad team, but some teams are better than others.  Some roads to the superbowl can be easier than others.

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The Rams decision has nothing to do with any second round matchup.

That score of the Rams vs. Vikings game was 7 to 7 going into the 4th quarter thanks to a fumble by Cooper Kupp at the 1 yard line.

The Rams decision has everything to do with resting banged up starters along the OLine and at LB. And the team isn't going to risk Goff and Gurley out there with backups. 

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13 minutes ago, Jlowe22 said:

They don't have to beat everyone, they only have to beat three teams.  There is no bad team, but some teams are better than others.  Some roads to the superbowl can be easier than others.

Exactly. To say it doesn't matter who you face is laughable. You want to increase your chances of getting to the Super Bowl as much as possible. If you could avoid a tough match up for your particular team, you do that. Now, maybe the Rams don't view the Panthers/Saints any different than the Seahawks/Falcons so they don't care who they face. Personally, I certainly would.

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32 minutes ago, Jlowe22 said:

They don't have to beat everyone, they only have to beat three teams.  There is no bad team, but some teams are better than others.  Some roads to the superbowl can be easier than others.

The point was, they're going to have to beat really good teams to make it there.  This is the playoffs and all of these teams are quality teams.  Trying to find 'better' matchups when you plan to win it all is nonsense.

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