The Duel
Posted December 9th, 2017 | 166 Comments »
Goff vs Wentz.
1 vs 2.
After their rookie seasons, it looked like the Eagles had clearly gotten the better player. Now you can see that this is one of the rare cases where both teams landed outstanding QBs. This isn’t going to be Manning vs Leaf, Pt. 2.
It will be interesting to see if this develops into a rivalry. The Eagles and Rams haven’t faced each other a lot recently. They played once in the previous five seasons. If both teams win their division, they could start playing on a regular basis.
Goff and Wentz will be compared to each other no matter what, but facing each other is what makes a rivalry special. Manning vs Brady was great because they seemed to play every year, including multiple playoff games. Donovan McNabb and Daunte Culpepper were taken nine picks apart in 1999, but only played against each other three times. That wasn’t much of a rivalry.
With Goff playing at Cal and Wentz at North Dakota State, there is no college history between the two. They began competing in the pre-draft process, where they actually worked out together. Tim McManus wrote an outstanding piece on their friendly competition and the process that led to them being picked first and second last year. The story in there about Hue Jackson and throwing wet footballs is crazy.
You can argue about who is better, but it really feels like things worked out for the best for everyone involved. Goff is a Cali guy and I think is a natural fit for the Rams. He is ideal for Sean McVay’s offense. Wentz could thrive in that scheme as well, but I’m not sure how happy he would be living in SoCal. Wentz fits in well in Philly and seems like Doug Pederson’s ideal QB.
It will be a lot of fun to see how the two do in their first meeting on Sunday. Both are having great seasons and they play on good teams.
If there is one thing we have learned to this point, don’t rush to judgment. Some thought the Pac-12 star was definitely better than the I-AA kid coming out. Just about everyone thought Wentz was clearly better after last year. We need to wait four or five years to get a feel for who really has the upper hand.
Someone will come out on top on Sunday and have the upper hand for this season.
*****
Both teams have outstanding defensive lines. Which team will get more pressure? Which QB will handle pressure better?
The hardest thing to do as a Quarterback is execute when pressured by the Defense.
Here are the best-rated this season- Brady continues his dominance!#GoPats #FlyEaglesFly #Skol #HTTR #TitanUp #InBrotherhood #GoBills #FinsUp #Bengals50 #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/Or8mYY5Ob3
— NFL Matchup on ESPN (@NFLMatchup) December 6, 2017
Based on that list, Goff becomes much more of an average QB when pressured. Wentz is still able to make plays.
Both DLs will have some success. You aren’t going to shut down Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham all game long. If one of those DLs can get regular pressure, that will make a big difference.
And if one of the QBs is able to elude pressure and/or make a couple of key plays, that will make a huge difference. Wentz should have the advantage in that area.
*****
One area that could be key is the slot. Nelson Agholor is coming off the best game of his career (7-141-1). The Rams have been vulnerable to slot receivers.
On the flip side, the Rams top receiver is Cooper Kupp, who works primarily from the slot. He will go up against Patrick Robinson, who has been very good in coverage this season.
The middle of the field will be important for both passing games.
For those of you who love Fantasy Football, check out Evan Silva’s look at the game.
_
I like the idea of these two dueling it out for the next 15 years and dak being the one that never gets respect.
Interesting how Dak’s perfect storm last season didn’t help him handle the adverse circumstances he’s faced this year.
Mr. Hot Stuff from 2016 is not even part of the conversation now.
Meanwhile Carson and Jared are about to have a shoot out for 2016 draft QB bragging rights. My money is on Carson!
Me too. I hope the Eagles’ DL puts pressure on Goff all game long and forces a lot of mistakes.
Anyone with eyes could see how ridiculously easy Dak’s job was last year. It’s not a surprise at all that he’s struggling so much without Zeke sucking up so much attention from the defense.
Once Zeke is back and the running game gets rolling and Dak starts having his 200 yards 1 td games over and over where he doesn’t do shit but throw to people running wide open everyone will be back ooohhh Dak Dak what a star for the future blah blah blah.
Glad I’m not the only one that sees this when Dak plays.
Ffs he hasn’t thrown for even 300 yards all season
Dak will most likely turn out to be fine. I wonder if the people piling on will remember what they said now, in this huge dip in his career…
We’ll just attribute it to the running game.
The evidence says he’s not “fine” without Zeke
I think he’ll be fine in the sense that he’s clearly a long-term starting QB.
I don’t think he’s a franchise-changing superstar, which is what he was hyped up to be after last season.
Well, Dallas and the media, you know how it goes.
Dak Pennington.
Surely the Sixers can do better down the stretch than having Richaun Holmes launching threes.
3 point shots are the devil.
Markelle Fultz no longer has any soreness or muscular imbalance, but is still out for at least 3 more weeks.
Never change Sixers.
Thank god we have the Eagles.
He’d better spend the next 3 weeks in shooting camp and come back as the best player from the draft class of 2017 or somebody’s foot needs to up Colangelo’s rear end.
一言不发岂能证明我来过了？！
“Both DLs will have some success. You aren’t going to shut down Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham all game long. If one of those DLs can get regular pressure, that will make a big difference.”
SO RUN THE BALL and take the vinegar out of Quinn and Donald. We should be much more capable of that from an o-line perspective than they are.
I’m hoping today is when the Ajayi train starts rolling.
You really can run right over all 4 of the soft defenses in front of you on the way to 14-2.
The sky is falling. Rams 45 Eagles 20.
That’s racist. Now I have to spend the rest of the day in my pillow fort.
I need some help from y’all. I need a team to pick for my suicide pool and I’m struggling. I’m planning on hoarding the Pats for week 16 and the Steelers for week 17. The pool was a mid-season re-start, so I’ve only used:
Titans, Vikings, Jags, Lions, Saints, Eagles, Chargers.
I honest to God don’t know what do today.
Let’s see. Games that might be worth looking at would include Buffalo over Indy, Dallas over NYG, Green Bay over Cleveland, and yeah, wow… not a lot of great selections if you’re hoarding NE & Pitt. I’d go with Buffalo – something about GB makes me nervous and division games are always risky.
Peterman is starting for Buffalo, so that makes it tough. Agree on Dallas. Hard to take Green Bay with Hundley.
But thank you.
Really? Missed that. Nevermind – roll the dice with Hundley. Can’t take Dak on principal.
I have a weird feeling that Cleveland plays well today to get their only win of the year and that Green Bay is due for a let down because they’re focused on getting Rodgers back next week.
Yeah I have that feeling, too. IF GB is looking past Cleveland, they’re in trouble. But you cannot take Dallas. Total violation.
I might just bite the bullet and un-hoard New England. But no road teams is another suicide rule of mine. And the Pats play like crap at Miami.
I think I’m going to take New England I can use the Bears hosting the Browns or the Ravens hosting the Colts for week 16.
Of course, the fact that both of us are uneasy about GB, means GB going to blow out the Browns. Unless you pick them, of course.
Ha, I can’t only control events within screaming distance of them taking place.
Bengals hosting Bears is another thought.
Zach Ertz, Robert Woods expected to miss today’s Eagles-Rams game
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/12/10/zach-ertz-robert-woods-expected-to-miss-todays-eagles-rams-game/
This really sucks, but can’t really argue with the concussion stuff. We need Ertz to be healthy long term.
What really sucks is that I had convinced myself that Ertz’s stats were going to match his contract status; oh well.
As long as he shows up for the playoffs.
That will certainly help! Just need to get there at 14-2
Ertz has been one of the best tight ends in football this season. He may not be a bargain but he’s not overpaid.
For the life of me I can’t decide if the Giants are going to come out fired up today because Mcadoo is gone and Eli is back or if they’re going to be more dysfunctional than ever because their head coach and general manager both got fired.
No Ertz is going to hurt unless you believe in Ertz’s hot and cold halves of the season like I do. We’re going to need some of our guys to step up to make up for the loss of Ertz. Burton could probably be half as productive but I’m not counting on it. Your time to shine this week Ags and uhh Torrey Smith.
Expecting a close game today but a blowout is very very welcomed.
I love seeing that chart with Wentz behind Brady, but Russell Wilson with a 65.6 makes me feel like something in that math is WAY off…..I think we all can look back to last week (and a couple other times this season) showing that he is atleast in the top 5 no doubt.
Rush discipline by guys like Vinny Curry was way off vs. Wilson.
The thing about stats is they don’t necessarily tell the tale your eyes want to believe. We remember the amazing plays when he’s running backwards faster than we can run and throws a 30 yard strike, but maybe we don’t remember all the simple incompletions or 3-yard pickups that might make up the bulk of the pressures.
Or, maybe there’s something off. 🙂
More than anything, I remember him running backwards, in circles, until the flags started flying. Without the penalties, he struck me as an elusive QB who ran too deep in his own backfield and didn’t connect all that often. His passer rating under pressure doesn’t surprise me.
I’d love to get another crack at him without the hometown officiating sustaining crucial drives in key situations.
Or with Curry paying attention to his job.
Heading down to LA now for the game (from Santa Barbara). We’re driving through the wildfires but I gots to see my Eagles!!!!!
For what it’s worth fellow eagles fans, I was with a group of pretty hard core football fan friends yesterday; a bears fan, 49rs fan, Washington fan, and Patriots fan.
All of them live Wentz and felt the Seattle game was an anomaly and that Wentz and the Eagles are still a great team. They felt the loss to the Seahawks was mostly due to being out west, in seattles home stadium.
It quelled my Negadelphian spirit for a moment… but I am still now 100% in “I’ll believe it when I see it” mode. Just thought I’d share.
Good stuff!
Yeah, this is what I’m feeling as an Eagles fan. Maybe it’s spending several years away from Philly but I just don’t have the Negadelphian mindset any more. I look at Wentz and objectively see a great young QB/a guy who has a good chance to be the Brady/Manning of the next generation and I’m just not worried.
I love that the Eagles fan is the least “in” on Wentz among that group.
The “see to believe” is more a psychological approach to the rest of the season so I don’t have a heart attack. I think Wentz and the eagles have the potential, but just need to put it together.
Should we be worried about the possible Aaron Rodgers return
Nope; but Carolina / Atlanta / Seattle / Rams should be. A 10-6 Pack bumps somebody out. I’d find it funny if the Pack lost to the Browns today, went 3-0 with Rodgers back, and then missed by a game at 9-7.
Yes if we learned anything from watching Russell Wilson
Then again how likely is it that AGAIN a MVP level QB is at his absolute peak performance level against us ? So maybe not
Yes, but… If they sneak in Rodgers can do the same thing that R. Wilson does. Carry a mediocre team on his back to a victory over a superior opponent. Be worried.
No, because if they get in they’re displacing, most likely, a really good team – Panthers, Falcons, Rams, or Seahawks.
1) they would be stupid to bring Rodgers back. He is the franchise. We risk next season for meaningless games this season
2) they still likely won’t make the playoffs
I’ve had an awful fantasy season but somehow I’m in the playoffs if I win this week. I have to start 3 out of 4 of dez, diggs, Hogan or Gordon and can’t decide what to do. Any suggestions? If I win I get a rod back next week and Zeke for the championship. I have Lewis and mccaferry at rb in a 14 team league
I’m starting Gordon and Diggs without doubt. Hogan vs Dez is your decision imo
Problem is Hogan okays Monday night and is still questionable
He’s expected to return. But if you believe there is some uncertainty, maybe that tips the scales to Dez. That’s a fine choice and decent bet to score a TD especially with Janoris Jenkins out.
Maybe irrelevant but I personally have both on my team ( benched behind AJ Green, Keenan Allen, Robby Anderson, Josh Gordon. 8 team league) so I’m familiar with the thought process
Boy, if you started Gordon, Diggs, and Bryant , you’re sitting pretty
I’m honestly not even excited for this game. We have everything to lose and most likely nothing to gain. If we lose we likely lose a 1st round bye. If we win we are still likely only the #2 seed.
We’ll know by kickoff whether they’re playing for the #1 seed as of right now because the Vikings and Panthers play at 1 PM.
I’d say a chance to gain a stranglehold on the #2 seed is a big prize we can win regardless of what happens in that game though.
Again we have way more to lose than to gain. I’m nervous based on this team starting slow and playing scared. Winning would be a relief more than exciting. Losing will be devestating
I am, because it’s a chance for a statement game. So was last week, of course. I think we’re going to learn a lot about the team tonight.
If Ertz is out of concussion protocol why the hell would he not play this week? We lose this week and any thoughts of super bowl are done
Because we don’t want him to have a short career. Is he even officially out if the protocol?
That’s what I read on pft. If he’s out h should be fine to play
I believe there was an errant report earlier in the week, he was cleared to practice, but not from the actual protocol
Gotcha.
If he hasn’t been cleared he can’t play. If he has he needs to play
Wood out
Butt Cox and Johnson are in!
No Ertz hurts but maybe Torrey will step up. Calling it now. This is the T Smith game!
I’m feeling good about this game. I think we match up well with the Rams (Goff is not going to be able to frustrate our pass rush with scrambling the way Wilson could, and if I were an LA fan I’d be extremely worried about the Rams’ inability to stop the run), and I think the team will come out focused and a bit salty after getting beaten last week, while, it might be the Rams’ turn to sniff themselves a bit too much.
Eagles 31-24.
Rams remind me of the Cowboys. Shut down the run and run the ball on O and we will win.
We do both things well so we should be in good shape.
Anyone else feel a little sick rooting for Scam Newton and the panthers today?
No.
Go Panthers!!
They’re showing the meaningless Giants-Cowboys game here in the DC area, rather than the playoff critical Panthers-Vikings game. Boooooooo.
Try CBS
Well #7 has just thrown an INT
firstrow bro
Jonathan Stewart with a Nelly celebration TD
Viking turnover, Jonathan Stewart long TD.. that’s an encouraging start.
Dare we hope Keenum turns back into a pumpkin today?
Not too bad of a pumpkin. Wouldn’t like them to discard him
Yea they really need to get Foles for another 1st and 4th
I for one have been waiting for him to turn back into a pumpkin
Dak is making ill-advised throws into coverage again. Also, Terrance Williams is bad at football.
For those of you who didn’t see it, but on CBS coverage of the Panthers-Vikes game coming out of a break, they showed the statues outside the stadium. The Panther statues were impressive with green-blue eyes. Then they showed the Jerry Richardson statue next to them which ruined the entire effect. Looked like some evil troll in a suit who would try to buy your first born for moldy Crispy Creme donut.
The Jerry Richardson statue
https://orig00.deviantart.net/ea65/f/2010/007/8/0/shrek_prop_by_smakeupfx.jpg
No, no. Jerry Richardson was way scarier. Then B-grade horror flick.
Here’s a photo of the statue
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c6802b5943c814cc66945e5565fa9bc0458f297a1e6aa593fcf3b968b9f0e180.jpg
I agree but I hear Jerry Jones is gonna do a mount rushmore with being different poses of himself.
Panthers owner is a doosh
Panthers D went from steel to butter in one drive
The panthers have no shot if they can’t protect newton
Panthers up. Good sign.
Whatever team represents the NFC is going to earn it. There are 7 quality teams in the conference: Eagles, Saints, Panthers, Falcons, Vikings, Seahawks, and Rams. Anyone of those teams is capable. Meanwhile over in the AFC its the Pats* & Steelers. Yawn.
Kelce not breaking the plane cost me 10 points there -.-
I have him and Smith…
me too.
Dan Bailey missed FG, thought Cowgirls blamed half the universe falling in on his absence.
Dak is already up to 44 yards, could be a career day for him.
Now would be a good time for a Christian McCaffrey big play.
wow, now Kelce TD nullified by penalty lineman down field. The fantasy gods hate me today.
Just need another 3 TDs from Josh Gordon then I can’t stop clenching.
Guys, I find myself rooting for the Giants. And it feels all kinds of weird. Please, tell me how I deal with this.
Well the Cowboys are clearly more evil than the Giants.
The Cowboys are clearly the Empire from Star Wars. The analogy writes itself, from ugly ass Emperor Jerruh to Garrett being all those incompetent officers that Vader kills. Zeke the Ewok kinda screws it up though.
Watch the Panthers-Vikings game.
And root against both teams! Good call.
lol, watch the Browns take the Packers out for us today just as Rodgers is set to come back.
We just got to the coliseum. It’s all eagles fans here.
Niceeeeeeee
Where are the paid actor Rams fans at??
Didn’t pay enough.
Looks like there are a few mixed in https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/99ad905e46bec575c163656bed4aa542230adb0e00ee415726c12a614dbf06ca.jpg
Jesus christ, those 2 Kelce plays have cost me about 22 fantasy points. The rest of my lineup is golden this makes me want to tear my hair out.
Go Panthers!
CAAAMMMMMZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!
I wonder how it feels like to be a Panthers fan. McCaffery is very mediocre (almost a black hole on offense) and your QB has been getting killed for like 3 seasons.
Wow, Browns up 21-7 on the Packers. Thank you Cleveland!
We want the Packers to still have something to play for next week so they’ll beat the Vikings. 🙂
I want Aaron Rodgers gone.
They’re a long shot to make the playoffs even if they win this game.
Dan Bailey misses again…. How is this so?
Big test for Case Keenum here. If he’s actually the elite quarterback he’s played like this year, he’ll make plays down the stretch here and give them a chance to pull it out.
If the Panthers can hold on, the Eagles will have a huge opportunity to get a leg up for the #1 seed.
Reid just had his knee rolled
Andy?
Autocorrect Reiff
Haha
The Chiefs are killing me. Charcandrick West TD? Seriously? This is the worst pass D in the league throw a damn touchdown Alex Smith you goober.
Please make the pillow guy go away. He reminds of that creepy clown in the sewer.
He looks like Ben Mcadoo. Maybe he is Ben Mcadoo?
*Shivers*
Lose Vikings loseeee
Let’s fucking go! A Vikings loss changes everything
Bails us out for last week.
Vikings are doing a spectacular job shooting themselves in the foot today. Really outstanding.
Almost as good as we did last week!
Yikes. Don’t talk too soon.
IMO people greatly overrated the likelihood of the Vikings running the table.
They’re very good, but they’re not 14-2 good.
I guess I was one of those people
Bonus: if Rodgers is back I think there’s a good chance they lose next week too.
No reeason to bring Rodger back if the packers lose today
True, they’re out of the running with a loss today.
If Alex Smith ends this with no TD passes I’m going to post something cross on his twitter.
Is this eagles wan doeasnt come out prepared today with the chance to take back control of the NFC then they are frauds
Yes. Here have another pint.
Everything’s lining up for them this week with the Saints and (it looks like) the Vikings both dropping conference games.
They need to cash in.
I never understand why coaches change from what has been working all game. They have a beat up OL. Go after Keenum.
and the Panthers are choking..
We got cocky about the Vikings losing this game.
Well they still have a chance to win.
CAM!!!!!
CAAAAMMMZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!
I started Alfred Morris instead of Rod Smith. I want to die.
If it makes you feel better I dropped Rod Smith for the Saints D. Now that sucked.
Ok Panthers now don’t choke for the second time in the same game and we gucci.
Well the Browns blew it lol. I sincerely doubt they win in OT.
I guess that would make the odds of AR’s return greater
The Factory of Sadness pumps out another batch.
Panthers win.
Let’s Go!!!!!!
Yeah Browns blew it. Naturally lol.
Alright boys HERE WE GO
No wonder this loser Lawlor doesn’t have a real job, he sucks.