Posts in category: Don Lichterman

Rams Hand Seattle a Gift in a Collapse That Will Be Debated for Years. There are losses that sting, and then there are losses that leave an entire base staring at the screen wondering how something so routine became so catastrophic. I think I stared at the screen after that game last night for 4 to 7 minutes in utter disbelief. What unfolded against Seattle was not just a bad night or an unfortunate bounce. It was a historic breakdown layered with poor execution, exhausted personnel, questionable strategy, and an officiating decision that will live in Rams lore whether anyone likes it or not.

The Rams entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 16-point lead, a position that has essentially been automatic throughout franchise history. Prior to this game, Los Angeles had lost just once when holding a lead of that size late. That reality alone underscores how rare and shocking this outcome was. Teams do not casually erase that kind of deficit against a prepared opponent unless help is offered, intentionally or otherwise.

For most of the night, the Rams looked in control. Outside of an early Seattle touchdown, the flow of the game tilted heavily toward Los Angeles. The offense moved the ball, the defense generated pressure, and the Rams steadily built what felt like a safe cushion. Even when Seattle briefly held a 7–6 edge, the imbalance on the field was obvious. This was a game the Rams were dictating.

Then the fourth quarter arrived, and everything unraveled.

The offense went ice cold at the worst possible time. Three consecutive three-and-outs flipped field position and momentum entirely. Possessions that could have drained clock and suffocated Seattle instead gave the Seahawks life. A missed field goal only compounded the problem, leaving points on the field when the margin for error was shrinking. When a team stops sustaining drives, the defense pays the price, and that is exactly what happened.

The Rams’ defense, already dealing with personnel losses, simply ran out of gas. Missing key offensive linemen forced adjustments that limited the running game, and without Dontae Adams, the margin for offensive error narrowed further. By the time Seattle mounted its late push, the Rams’ defense had been on the field far too long, a familiar pattern in losses this season. Fatigue does not show up on the stat sheet, but it shows up in missed tackles, slower reactions, and breakdowns at critical moments.

The turning point, and the play that will be argued about long after this season ends, came on Seattle’s two-point conversion attempt. What appeared in real time to be an incomplete pass was ruled, after review, a backward throw. The ball had been tipped at the line, altering its trajectory, and play was effectively treated as dead by everyone on the field. The eventual recovery in the end zone felt less like football instinct and more like chaos benefiting one side. He picked up the ball is all he did because it was incomplete pass.

Technically correct rulings do not always align with common sense or competitive fairness, and this was one of those moments. The ball traveled directly along the line, was tipped, and was initially ruled incomplete. Players were already transitioning to the next sequence. The fact that the play was retroactively turned into a live-ball score is the type of decision that fuels frustration not just with one call, but with how often officiating now determines outcomes. The player merely picked up the ball and walked off the field. Everyone knew it was a pass. Darnold knew it was a pass. The player who picked up the ball knew it was incomplete. That is why the Seahawks are pussies. They do not mind winning in shady ways.

Those fans, by the way, are tools. What is the deal with people taking their shirts off during bad weather and at games? Have you ever noticed that none of them are ever shredded or chiseled? Case in point, last night I saw beer-bellied weirdos from Seattle standing in the rain with their shirts off. Regardless, I have drifted away from the actual topic because none of that absolves the Rams.

You cannot allow a punt return touchdown in that situation. You cannot go nearly fifteen minutes without scoring when trying to close out a divisional opponent. You cannot rely on officials to rescue you from execution failures. The Rams did more than enough to give this game away before the whistle ever became part of the story.

Overtime only reinforced the sense of inevitability. Even after Matthew Stafford delivered a brilliant touchdown strike to Puka Nacua, Seattle responded. The decision to go for two and end it was aggressive, confident, and effective. That is what happens when momentum fully flips.

Lost in the frustration was one of the most impressive throws of Stafford’s season, a no-look touchdown that reminded everyone why this offense can still be dangerous. Unfortunately, moments like that fade quickly when they come in a loss of this magnitude.

The larger picture, however, still matters. The Rams now know exactly what lies ahead. With games remaining against Atlanta and Arizona, both outside the playoff hunt, the path is clear even if it is difficult. Winning out is no longer optional. Whether it takes three or four playoff victories after that, this team’s margin for error has been eliminated.

If there is one takeaway, it is that no contender this season will coast. Every team that wants a championship will have to earn it the hard way, and on a multi-game winning streak. The Rams are still capable of that run, but games like this make the road steeper than it ever needed to be.

This loss will be remembered not just for the call, but for the sequence of mistakes that made that call matter. Great teams close. The Rams did not, and history will record this night as one of the most painful reminders of that truth. I am still pissed off quite frankly. I think I left out so much. I am not even sure what I wrote here because I am just pissed off.

Watching the Rams’ 41–34 win over the Lions felt oddly familiar, not because of the opponent or even the stakes, but because of the emotional toll. In many ways, this game unfolded exactly the way expected, yet still managed to be exhausting in real time. You know what is coming, you brace for it, and somehow it is still grueling when you have to live through it play by play. That was this game in a nutshell. It is like living with President Donald J Trump. You know what you are getting and when it happens, its a gruel getting through it.

From the moment kickoff arrived, it felt inevitable that this would turn into a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair. At halftime, when concerns started bubbling up, it was clear where this was heading. Both teams were going to land deep into the 30s, possibly flirting with a 38–35 type of finish. That prediction proved close to the truth. Knowing that outcome I chose ahead of time did not make the process any easier. Watching it unfold was a grind, full of tension, momentum swings, and moments that tested patience.

The Rams tried to establish physical control early, and that part was encouraging. The opening sequence leaned into the run game immediately, with two of the first three plays on the ground. That balance carried into the opening drive, splitting runs and passes evenly, which is exactly how this offense functions best. Then came the nightmare moment with a brutal interception that was entirely on Matthew Stafford. The ball was forced into traffic, or what am I saying, it was thrown at the defemders face and if it even got by this guy, it would have been thrown directly into coverage where Colby Parkinson had defenders draped all over him. Credit is due for the hustle that prevented a defensive touchdown, but the mistake itself was inexcusable.

That turnover set the tone for a chaotic first half. The defense nearly delivered a stop afterward, but Jared Goff dropped a perfect touchdown pass that simply could not be defended. It was one of those plays where execution beats coverage, and the Rams had to absorb it.

Adding to the early frustration was an officiating sequence that encapsulated everything maddening about NFL replay rules. Lions head coach Dan Campbell challenged a spot that was technically non-reviewable. Officials charged him a timeout, only for replay officials in New York to later correct the spot anyway. Campbell was right, the ball was moved, and yet he still lost a timeout. It was the worst possible way to open a game, and it only added to the sense that the first half was slipping sideways.

The Rams entered halftime trailing 24–17 despite clearly being capable of more. The Lions had momentum, and the Rams were dealing with mounting concerns, including injuries. Both starting wide receivers went down at one point. Puka Nacua returned, but Davante Adams did not escape unscathed. With a short week looming and a Thursday night matchup against the Seahawks, Adams’ hamstring injury casts a long shadow. It is increasingly likely the Rams will have to navigate that game without him, which raises the stakes even further.

The second half, however, told a very different story. The defense finally found its footing, making crucial adjustments and shutting down Detroit’s rhythm. Three straight three-and-outs to open the third quarter flipped control of the game. That stretch alone changed everything. The Rams outscored the Lions 24–10 after halftime, including a run of 20 unanswered points that swung the game decisively.

Still, the defensive concerns remain real. Time and again, the Rams were inches away from sacking Goff, only to see him escape and turn broken plays into explosive gains. One missed sack turned into a massive chunk play when a wide receiver broke free and won a one-on-one matchup downfield. That scenario repeated itself far too often. Plan A was getting pressure, and it worked almost every time. The problem was the lack of a Plan B or C when that pressure did not immediately get home. In those moments, coverage broke down, and Detroit capitalized.

When the defense did clamp down, the results were dominant. That second-half performance showed what this unit can be when assignments are sound and pursuit is disciplined. Allowing points is one thing; gifting yards and momentum is another. The Rams must clean up the latter if they want to make a deep run.

Offensively, Stafford was brilliant and infuriating in equal measure. He threw into tight windows all night, sometimes threading the needle beautifully and other times flirting with disaster. His intensity is unmatched. He might be the only quarterback in the league who looks angry immediately after throwing a touchdown. That edge defines him, and it fuels this team. Even after scoring, he is already dissecting the next mistake.

One of the wildest moments came at the end of the first half, when the Rams managed to steal three points with just two seconds remaining. After burning time on an extra play, they still walked away with points, a decision that felt unnecessary yet somehow worked. Those points mattered.

Puka Nacua was a force of nature. Last week he felt like an eager kid. This week he looked like the Hulk. Every catch came with fury, chest pounding, and raw emotion. He played angry, celebrated aggressively, and nearly shoved Sean McVay into the end zone during one exuberant moment. That fire is contagious, and it set the tone for the offense.

The Rams’ running backs deserve immense credit as well. The combination of vision, burst, and toughness has transformed this offense. Their ability to slice through defenses, paired with an excellent offensive line, was not something many saw coming this season. Add in the subtle coaching details, like consistently falling forward for extra yards, and it becomes clear that this unit is well-drilled and relentlessly physical.

There were, of course, moments that threatened to derail everything. A late pass interference call against the Rams was a prime example of officiating overreach. The defensive back made a strong, clean play, yet the flag flew anyway. These subjective calls continue to influence outcomes far too often, especially late in games. That penalty brought the Lions within one score and shifted momentum unnecessarily. The league has to find a better balance that allows defensive backs to actually defend.

Despite all of that, the Rams proved they are the better team. Detroit played as well as it could, but this matchup always felt like it would tilt toward Los Angeles once adjustments were made. The final score reflected that reality, even if the path there was exhausting.

The win clinched a playoff berth and kept the Rams tied with the Seahawks for the best record in the NFC, making this week’s Thursday night matchup even more critical. With Adams likely sidelined, the challenge becomes steeper. But this team has shown resilience, depth, and the ability to adapt.

This was not a comfortable win. It was messy, stressful, and draining. But it was also revealing. The Rams can survive chaos, adjust on the fly, and impose their will when it matters most. That is what good teams do. And as grueling as this game was to live through, it was another reminder that this Rams team is built for exactly these moments.

If last week’s frustration against Carolina left Rams fans pacing the hallways, muttering to themselves, and replaying all the “almost” moments in their heads, Sunday afternoon in Glendale was the antidote. The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just bounce back — they detonated. They walked into State Farm Stadium, flattened the Arizona Cardinals 45–17, and walked out looking every bit like a 10–3 team that should honestly be 12–1.

What made this win different wasn’t just the scoreboard. It was the rhythm, the demeanor, the tempo, the swagger, and the unmistakable feeling that this team knows exactly who they are. They didn’t panic when things started slowly. They didn’t tighten up after Arizona opened with a touchdown drive. Instead, the Rams did what truly elite teams do: they adjusted, they settled, and then they overwhelmed.

This was a win rooted in talent, toughness, and a whole lot of fun — and that combination is why this Rams team feels dangerous heading into December.

McVay’s Niceness Nearly Becomes a Plot Twist… Again

There are a lot of things you can say about Sean McVay, but one of his quirks — a charming one when his team wins, a maddening one when they don’t — is that he refuses to run up the score or embarrass opponents. Even in a game where the Rams hung 45, the coaching staff clearly throttled down at times. They pulled the starters for the entire fourth quarter, which I expected; however, Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t get to pass the ball and had to hand it off seven or eight times.

But the moment that made us crack up[ the most yesterday was McVay refusing to challenge a clearly blown call on a missed catch that should’ve been reversed in a heartbeat. He let it slide — classic McVay — and two plays later the Cardinals punched in another score. The Rams, unfazed, answered immediately. But still… sometimes you just want McVay to channel his inner Belichick and go full scorched-earth.

Honestly, you can act that way with this team for that exact reason. We will find a way to get points the very next set of downs.

The Start Was Not Ugly Per Se… Yet Suddenly It Was 10–0?

Let’s be real: the first three Rams possessions were clunky. Mistimed throws into the middle of zone coverage, drives that looked like they were learning to walk again after last week’s stumble, and a general sense of “settle down, guys.”

And then — poof — somehow the Rams had 24 points. That’s the beauty of this team. Even when they feel slightly off, the talent level is too high, the offensive line is too powerful, and the big-play ability is too explosive.

The Cardinals initially led 7-0 on an opening drive touchdown, but the Rams scored 21 unanswered points to secure a 24-10 halftime lead and extended their lead in the second half.

Those zone-beating throws that everyone hates? They work. They’ve always worked. They’re how the 49ers built a dynasty with dump-offs and yards-after-catch glory. And again this week, they were right there when Stafford needed them.

The Two-Headed Dragon: Williams and Corum

We knew it was coming. We’ve felt it brewing for weeks. And finally, Blake Corum broke the big one — a 48-yard slicing, darting, vintage-runner touchdown that felt like it was ripped straight out of a Gale Sayers highlight reel.

Between Corum and Kyren Williams, the Rams’ backfield is absolute poetry. Hard cuts, old-school leg drive, vision that looks artificially enhanced, and a burst through the line that has opposing defenses frozen flat-footed.

The stats tell the story — over 200 yards between them — but the eye test says even more. These two are so effective that half the time you can’t even tell which one exploded through the hole for another 12-yard chunk.

And let’s not ignore the obvious: they’re doing it behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL right now. On a “bad” play, they’re falling forward for six. On most plays, Stafford has the kind of time in the pocket you typically only see in commercials selling new credit cards.

Stafford: The Maestro, The Machine, The Man

We need to say this without hesitation: Matthew Stafford is one of the best quarterbacks to ever wear horns. One of the best the franchise has ever had. One of the best we’ve ever seen, period.

He is deliberate. He is surgical. He is serious — almost comically serious when everyone around him is celebrating like kids.

The contrast is hilarious: Stafford correcting a receiver on a touchdown play, while Puka Nacua skips around like the happiest human alive. One looks like a professor annoyed someone mislabeled a chart; the other looks like recess just started.

But that is the Rams’ identity. That balance of fire and joy. Stafford is the engine. Puka is the spark. And this offense is a machine.

Puka Nacua: Human Joy, Football Menace

There isn’t anyone in the NFL who plays with more enthusiasm than Puka. He’s a wide receiver who runs routes like a kid chasing a balloon across a playground. Then, mid-laugh, he’ll turn around and make a physics-defying, world-pausing catch.

He was spectacular again this week — twisting grabs, contested balls, yards after contact, and two touchdowns that showcased every part of his absurd skill set. But he wasn’t alone. Davante Adams (yes, that Adams) pulled down a few impossible catches of his own.

The Rams spread the ball around like they were hosting a football potluck. And when this offense is distributing touches like that, they are borderline impossible to stop.

Don’t Overlook the Standings: Things Are Getting Weird

Here’s the part that nearly made us choke on our water before kickoff: the Rams entered Sunday at 9–3 and were momentarily listed as a wild card. A wild card.

Thanks to an unexpected Seahawks surge and some NFC weirdness, the Rams needed this win to reclaim first place. I mean only for a few hours but still, it was alrming to see on that TV screen. Now they’re back on top. But the reality check was sobering: this race is tight.

The Broncos and Patriots sitting at 11–2 which is the best record in football today?

And yes — the Rams should be 12–1. The losses to Philadelphia and San Francisco should not have happened. The Panthers loss was a weird anomaly. Credit to Carolina — they hit hard — but the Rams didn’t finish the job. That’s why this stretch matters.

Especially because…

The Stafford–Goff Bowl II Arrives This Week

This week brings the sequel: Stafford vs. Goff in Los Angeles. It’s a matchup the league didn’t know it needed, but we absolutely love it — because earlier this year, some people were claiming Jared Goff had played better than Stafford, which I quickly called BS on and then of course, the best player rose to the surface.

After that? A trip to New England, which just so happens to fall on my birthday — and could be the kind of “birthday gift” game that puts the Rams in commanding position entering the home stretch. I like beating teams with the best record in Football.

And let’s be clear: both games are winnable. Both games are games the Rams will win. Both games are games that will either cement this team as a legitimate Super Bowl contender… or make the NFC race even messier.

This Team Has Fun — and That’s Why They’re Dangerous

The Rams aren’t just good. They aren’t just talented. They’re cohesive. They’re having fun. They are, to put it simply, a team that genuinely enjoys playing football together.

Puka laughing after every catch. Corum and Williams celebrating each other’s big runs. The sideline bouncing. And Stafford — always serious, always correcting, always teaching — grounding the chaos.

It’s the perfect chemistry of discipline and joy. And when a team mixes those two ingredients this late into a season, they become something very, very tough to stop.

The first time I ever laid eyes on the Rams was during an early-to-mid January 1974 playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings. I didn’t see much—maybe three and a half minutes of actual game action—but that brief glimpse was enough to spark a lifelong fascination with the blue and yellow. What I really remember were the interviews afterward. The team had a black quarterback, James Harris, and seeing him lead the team on national television in that era felt impressive and groundbreaking. I knew it was not the norm because the Roger Staubacks and fran Rakington’s ruled the sports news wires those years. Plus, the Rams never got any news coverage back then. After all, they were a West Coast team. No one paid attention to West Coast Football teams. There were only four West Coast teams then if you count Denver.

The game itself was a close loss for the Rams, but the details of the scoreboard faded compared to the imagery etched into my memory. I also remember that this was around the time they first went with the striking yellow and blue uniforms, which immediately stood out to me. Those bold colors, combined with the energy of the playoff moment and the charisma of the players, cemented my admiration for the team.

It’s amazing to think that even just a few minutes of a broadcast could leave such a lasting impression. That short January moment in 1974 was the start of a love affair with the Rams that has lasted decades—a connection rooted in style, history, and a sense of seeing something new and exciting in the world of football.

Regardless of my daydreaming about the first time I ever saw th Rams play (sorta), the Rams have played on Thanksgiving before, but appearances have been infrequent, with a long drought stretching decades.

I’m wondering if the next time I ever got to watch a Rams game could have feasibly been on Thanksgiving Day. I don’t remember it clearly, but back then, we rarely saw any games outside of the Philadelphia matchups, and even those were hardly broadcast because they didn’t sell out. As a result, most games were never shown on TV.

Rams all-time Thanksgiving games

Other Historical Notes

• St. Louis years: While the team was in St. Louis (1995–2015), the Rams never played on Thanksgiving, largely due to a longstanding local high school game and the NFL’s focus on the Dallas Cowboys as a holiday fixture.
• Reasons for the drought: Traditionally, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are the guaranteed hosts for Thanksgiving games. With these two teams dominating the holiday schedule, opportunities for other franchises have been extremely limited.

I’m wondering if the next time I ever got to watch a Rams game could have feasibly been on Thanksgiving Day in 1975. I don’t remember it clearly, but back then, I rarely saw any games outside of the Philadelphia matchups, and even those were hardly broadcast because they didn’t sell out. As a result, most games were never shown on TV. We had Monday Night Football games which were a big deal.

Regardless of my daydreaming, the Rams Crush Buccaneers in Dominant Sunday Night Victory. The Los Angeles Rams put on a masterclass performance Sunday night, dismantling the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34–7 in a game that showcased both offensive brilliance and defensive supremacy. With the win, the Rams improve to 9–2, cementing their status as the NFC’s top team, while the Buccaneers drop to 6–5, suffering their third consecutive defeat.

From start to finish, the Rams were in complete control, with quarterback Matthew Stafford delivering a near-perfect performance and the defense suffocating every Tampa Bay offensive attempt.

Stafford Leads Offensive Explosion

MVP-caliber first half: Stafford was unstoppable, completing his first 12 passes and finishing the game with 273 yards and three touchdowns, without a single interception. His early-game dominance reinforced his standing as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks and highlighted the firepower of the Rams’ offense.

Fast start pays dividends: Stafford connected with Davante Adams for two early touchdowns, while Colby Parkinson added another score, giving the Rams a commanding lead in the first half.

Receiving weapons shine: Rookie sensation Puka Nacua led the team with seven receptions for 97 yards, and Adams continued his touchdown streak, hauling in his 11th and 12th of the season, demonstrating why he’s one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL.

First-half domination: By halftime, the Rams led 31–7, scoring on every offensive drive. Their high-octane attack left Tampa Bay’s defense scrambling and set the tone for the rest of the game.

Defense Steals the Show

The Rams’ defense was equally impressive, turning the game into a one-sided affair.

Early takeaway sets the tone: Cornerback Cobie Durant intercepted a pass intended for Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, quickly giving Los Angeles a 14–0 lead in the opening quarter.

Pressure from every angle: The Rams’ pass rush was relentless. Jared Verse and Kobie Turner each recorded two sacks, constantly disrupting Tampa Bay’s rhythm.

Stifling performance: The defense held the Buccaneers to just 193 total yards, including only 70 net passing yards. Two first-half interceptions and consistent pressure forced Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield out of the game with a left shoulder injury, with Teddy Bridgewater taking over.

Other Highlights

New kicking presence: Rookie kicker Harrison Mevis made an immediate impact, connecting on both of his field goal attempts, including a clutch 52-yarder in the fourth quarter, addressing a long-standing team weakness.

Honoring a legend: The Rams paid tribute to retired defensive lineman Aaron Donald, recognizing his lasting impact on the franchise and the league during the game.

Second-half management: While the offense slowed down after halftime, the Rams’ defense continued to dominate, keeping Tampa Bay scoreless in the second half and ensuring the win remained secure. Not that it slowed down, it was all about smart game and time management, and honestly, I don’t have much to critique today. The team played a nearly perfect game. The coaching was outstanding yesterday, and the play-calling was excellent—I don’t remember asking for more runs or passes at any point. The defense was nearly flawless. Everything was firing on all cylinders all game long; there was no real letdown.

I like Baker Mayfield, and I felt bad for his team, but I also know what the Rams are capable of this year. I’ve said it many times: this team should be undefeated if they play their game. Not a single team can match them unless they play out of their minds and ferociously, like what happened in the second half of that Eagles game this season while the Rams faltered to the point where they allowed it to happen.

Looking Ahead

This victory reinforces the Rams as serious NFC contenders, demonstrating their ability to dominate top-tier opponents on prime-time stages. Stafford’s performance, combined with a suffocating defense and emerging playmakers like Nacua, signals that Los Angeles is firing on all cylinders. If this team maintains its balance and intensity, the road to the playoffs looks extremely promising.