Talking Grit: A Detroit Lions Podcast
Talking Grit: A Detroit Lions Podcast
E20: "Pride Preview" - Week 1: Detroit Lions vs LA Rams (with Sheriff Joe Baggs)
Jason Harwood and Jacob Litton host the 'Talking Grit' podcast, previewing the Lions vs. Rams regular season game. Joined by Sheriff Joe Baggs from the 'Ram Showcase' podcast, they discuss the differences in the Rams' team since last season, highlighting changes in key positions and players, including the absence of Aaron Donald and the emergence of Puka Nakua. The discussion also covers the Rams' new offensive line dynamics, defensive line concerns without Donald, and the impact of trading away linebacker Ernest Jones. The hosts touch on the Lions' improved secondary, Stafford's motivations, and key victory strategies for both teams.
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Welcome everybody to Talking Grit. I'm Jason Harwood and with me is Jacob Litton. This is it, folks. It's here. It's the game preview. We've been waiting for a long time, since the NFC Championship game, and much like the Lions, Talking Grit is in uncharted territory. This is our first, regular season game preview. How you feeling about that, Jacob? Are you excited?
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:It's finally time, man. Finally
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:know.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:ourselves. Start this Super Bowl run.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:We started this podcast and, in May and, it was obviously off season. This is really exciting for us. Uh, we're going to be doing this during the season, get to live it with everyone that's, you know, listening with us. And, uh, I'm jacked about that, season starts, we're recording this on Wednesday night. Uh, first game is tomorrow. So that, that's going to be awesome.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:Can't wait, man.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Yeah, it is. All right. Since this is our first regular season game preview, Um, we thought we would invite someone to help us understand our opponent a little bit better. We've invited, Sheriff Joe Baggs from the Ram Showcase Podcast. And we have done an interview with him previously. I'd like to share that with you now.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:So Joe, this Rams and Lions team just faced each other at the end of last year and in terms of football games It's not that far off. Really. What is different about this Rams team that The Lions will be facing this coming up Sunday.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:I think there's a little bit more hunger in this team, man. So last year going into the season, the Rams were not really being talked about as a playoff team, coming off of a four win season. Why would you kind of be talked about as a playoff team coming into that? So, uh, I think that ultimately this year we kind of come in with a little bit more confidence into the season. Obviously by the time that that playoff game was played, the Rams were rolling. We had done an awesome stretch to end the season, uh, going into that game. So, um, and then obviously you got those big. You know those big ones, you know, no Aaron Donald in this one. That's obviously, you know, change There are a lot of changes on the defensive side but ultimately what I think that uh, the lions fans will see in this game is a A different rams team emotionally the offense the schematics will seem very similar Uh, but I think that the the hunger is a little bit Heavier than it was last year.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:What do you think accounts for that hunger?
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:I think part, part of it was getting booted right away in Detroit, man. So I, it's one of those situations where, uh, Detroit first home playoff game in 30 plus years, man. I think the football gods were not going to let Matthew Stafford come in and ruin that for the Lions fans. There's kind of part of that, but, uh, I think that, you know, Matthew Stafford, the way that that game ended, um, the reception that he got from the Lions fans, I think that his personal hunger, I think like He's in a position now and then like you guys know Matthew Stafford I think he's gonna come in wanting to put up a thousand yards this week. You know what I mean? So Uh, he's a big part of that But I think that there's a lot of those guys That we had on our super bowl team that are not here anymore We got a lot of guys who did not win rings But we got those guys that did win the ring that are kind of telling them like hey, this is worth it Let's let's go. This is where it starts week one is this is where this journey begins. So let's get rolling so it does kind of seem like the The last year vibe of like, we're just putting this team together. We think that we're better than the media thinks that we are this year. It's like, we know we're better than the media thinks we are. So I think this team is just ready to come in and show, show the rest of the NFL and the Lions fans specifically, who, uh, overall, it seems like I don't have a lot of confidence in this Ram squad. So I think, uh, that week one will be a little bit something to proof on all fronts from this Rams team.
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:I feel like the main difference maker for you guys last year was really just that surprise that Puka had. Puka Nakua kind of came out of nowhere, you know, just such a big receiving threat, um, really just made the offense relevant again at a time when Cooper Cup was injured. So I guess right now, who would you say is the number one receiver for the Rams? Yeah. Do you think the Pucca is kind of taking that spot over, or do you think that they're both gonna be able to put up those numbers?
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:It does feel very 1A, 1B, but if I had to pick one, I would say that, uh, that Cooper Cupp is the number one guy. Um, last year, you had mentioned it, he was hurt, so kind of needed Puka, and it kind of worked out because the timing of Cupp getting hurt last year, there was no good time to lose a superstar player like that, but it did, the timing of it did a lot, uh, Puka and Matthew Stafford to get some good reps in training camp. with each other. So they're comfort level going into that game was nice, but Cooper Cup is a different level, man. I mean, Kuka, he had an incredible season is rookie year is one that, you know, I will always forever get mad at CJ Stroud for taking a rookie of the year from, from Puka Nikua. Cause It's like, hey man, Stroud did an awesome job, but Pucca did something we've never seen before. We've seen quarterbacks have good seasons as rookies, you know, but Pucca I think was, uh, was next level, but I think Koopa Cup is that guy and, uh, being fully healthy going into this game I think is not getting enough credit, even from Rams fans. I think that even Rams fans are kind of got the, uh, the Pucca colored glasses on right now and, uh, the excitement is definitely on him, but even on like a fantasy standpoint, I think the Koopa Cup's the better pick this year. I think the Pucca will be. I mean, uh, a problem for sure. I mean, the dude's extremely talented, but I would say that a Koopa cup is that top target.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:I think you're right about Cooper. I think people just, it's really crazy how NFL fans can forget, uh, really quickly, you know, but Pucca came out of nowhere and that's, that's a shiny new toy. Right? Um,
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Yeah,
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:Cooper had almost MVP type season though, too. So you're right. It's kind of just like the fall off. I mean, I don't, that'd be really, really good for your team if they really do come out 1A, 1B and really
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:if,
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:up numbers.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:if we get like a, like a 2021 cup in a, in a 2023 Pucca paired up, man, then, I mean, sorry about your defense, dude, but
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:it's going to be, fun on my end. So,
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:it's going to be tough to
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah. It'd be sad that you only have one football to go around. That's, that's the problem there.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:man. That's,
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:All right. So let's stick on the off the offensive side of the ball, the offensive line. There's a little bit of flux going on right now. So. Tell us what's going on. I know that, you know, we might be moving our buddy Jonah Jackson over to center. Tell, tell us what's going on with the shift and you know, how you expect them to respond.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Yeah. So, uh, offensive line, strong point for the Rams, but going into this week specifically, a little bit of a question mark for the Rams as, uh, AJ Jackson suspended for the first two weeks. So he'll get his first start when the Rams have their home opener in week three against the Niners, but also got Rob Havenstein right tackle may or may not play. We're very 50 50 on that and kind of just waiting for an injury report to see if we can get any more information on that based on the comments that we're getting. I think he's going to play, uh, in that game, especially because AJ Jackson is nodding. So if Jackson was maybe playing in this game, maybe Havenstein gets one more week to kind of, you know, get it together. But, uh, NoBoom is going to be at that left tackle spot who has started games for the Rams. He started, you know, in Tampa, uh, When the Rams were going on that Super Bowl run in 2021. So we feel pretty good about Joe. Nope. I'm feeling it. That left tackle spot, right tackle would be that, uh, it'd be Warren McClendon if Rob Havenstein can't go. And that will be a question mark, especially, I mean, the Lions front is pretty strong. So that would be the target, man. Go after them tackles if, uh, if that is the case, but you mentioned it, man. Uh, Jonah Jackson, uh, he was brought in from Detroit and. this entire time has been left guard and steve obby lost second year out of tcu been uh sitting at center and of a sudden going into this, uh this week. It's like oh, by the way We'll probably switch that and it's like wait, whoa What so we don't actually know what's going to happen with that and the reason is Is because AJ Jackson, that left tackle beam out. So, uh, the thought process is that we know, uh, Steve Avila and what he can do. So if we're going to have a backup left tackle, put Avila back at that left guard spot to help out on that left side, especially when you got to get guy like Aiden trying to ruin your day. And then Jonah, who I don't know how well he can play at center. Did he play center at all? Did he take any reps there
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:No, not that I'm aware of. He, he wasn't, you know, he wasn't even the backup option. That was last year. Graham was there. So yeah, as far as I know, it might be a few years back if he'd played there, but no, he's
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:enough.
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:feel like maybe when Ragnar was hurt that he might have got like some snaps in, but it was not, not a considerable amount, definitely not a full game or anything like that.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Well, and, and I'll say that, I mean, the Rams don't bring in interior offensive lines that can't play all three spots. So, wouldn't have even signed with the Rams if they didn't feel at least a little bit comfortable that he could do center if he needed to. So, we'll see how that plays out, man, but, uh, I don't expect an answer to that until game day. I think that the Rams will kind of play that one a little bit close to the, close to the vest a little bit, man, and, uh, not let, uh, not let that Lions front kind of know, Exactly where they'll be attacking and who specifically but tackles are a concern In these first two games, so
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:you gotta keep an eye on that
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:So I guess we're gonna switch over, we're gonna remain in the trenches here, but we're gonna talk about the defensive line now. Obviously, no more Aaron Donald for you guys. It's gonna be a really different look, um, Are you concerned with the defensive line? Do you think they're going to be able to create that same production? I mean, there's some new players there. How are you feeling about the line?
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:I mean, obviously you're a better football team when aaron donald's on it and um simply put I mean There's no next aaron donald. He was the one we had, you know, he's gone now. So Uh, so yeah, it's a big hit obviously, but the talent that is still around I mean you got kobe turner going into year two already voted captain, which means You I mean, we all like that as Rams fans because that shows that, uh, I mean, I don't know how every team does captains. Rams always have player vote. And so it's voted on by players. So that we like that the players trust him to run it. And then, uh, Quentin Lake, of course, is the other one. But, uh, Kobe Turner, man, second year, obviously, he's an extremely talented player. Not to the level of Aaron Donald, but no one is, uh, like I said, so. Um, I think that he can be that guy. Uh, then we have Bobby Brown, who's been around for a bit. Um, Texas A& M product. I think last year he took his biggest jump, but we've seen him get better every single year. So it'll be them two mainly, uh, holding up the front there. And then, uh, the rookie coming in, Brayden Fisk. Uh, that'll be an interesting one. And it looks like, uh, FSU was really missing Fisk and Burst. So hopefully, I'm hoping that that translates over to the Rams
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:uh, FSU was like, Oh dang, we lost two studs out
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:uh, that's kind of the hope, but those three specifically. And then, uh, later on in the draft, the Rams did take, uh, Tyler Davis. And it's hard to judge preseason, but he, the way he was getting into the backfield in the preseason games, I mean, it was lightning quick. It was, it was making us think like. Aaron donald esque as far as his moves Obviously i'm not saying that tyler davis is the next aaron donald or anything like that But he's definitely got some moves man and uh pairing him with fisker. We have not seen on a field yet And then Kobe Turner, second year. So who knows what that jump is going to look like, or if there's a, any kind of sophomore slump. So I still feel good about this, uh, defensive line, but mean, mean, there's no, no taking it softly. I mean, Aaron Donald leaving your football team. Is a massive hit. So that's gotta be considered for sure. There
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Let's stay. Let's stay with the defense. You just traded away your linebacker, Ernest Jones, who was the play caller on, on your defense. That's shocking to me that this late in training camp, that there's a switch like that. So was there more to that or, and how do you think that's going to affect the defense as a whole?
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:is more to it, but I don't know what,
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Okay.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:We don't know what happened. Um, the story that came out, it was, you know, the Rams have given Ernest Jones permission to seek a trade. He tweeted out, I never asked for a trade. Sean McVeigh said, yeah, he didn't ask for a trade, but we are entertaining offers, you know? And obviously we, uh, we do. That less needs special. You send away a player and then a late round draft pick a little bit better of a late round draft pick. So, uh, we don't know what happened. Um, I have a guess on what I think happened, which was that, uh, the effort level was not there in training camp in preseason out of Ernest Jones, where, uh, Sean McVay. believe him when he said, when he says that we're a better football team without Ernest Jones, I believe him, man. I, who am I to look at Sean and be like, you don't know what you're talking about. So, uh, it was definitely surprising and idea yet. Who's going to be our green dot. It has not been announced, so we don't even know who's going to be or, uh, we're calling the defense yet. So that'll be interesting. Over the watch.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:It's just shocking from afar. I mean, obviously I don't know the depths of the Rams like you do, but if we lost our green dot, like right at the end of training camp, that would, that would, that would be a concern for me.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Four guys that I'm comfortable with, that I would be like, if any four of them get the green dot, I'll be like, okay,
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:alright, we're alright, so,
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:And, and we would probably feel the same way too, but you just hear that. You're like, man, that's a big change right before.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:was, our only, uh, defensive captain carryover from last year, with Donald and Jordan Fuller leaving, uh, he was our only one, so now a new defensive coordinator and no returning captains, it's like, oh, okay, this is a new squad, man, new Rams defense,
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:interesting.
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:And he actually, he played really well in that last game against us. He was a problem.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Jones just broke the franchise record for tackles in a single season last year,
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:Yeah. Yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:so I don't know, man. I don't know what happened.
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:that you mentioned that. Cause we kind of feel the same way now that we have Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, uh, you know, where it's like, if they're making those calls, you know what, I think it's probably the right decision. I mean, And that hasn't always been the case in Detroit,
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Yeah.
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:know, there's plenty of times where we just, we feel like they don't know what they're doing. But yeah, no, when you trust the coach, when you trust the front office.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Yeah. Lessons need, man. They, they brought this team from, you know, being like one of the worst in the league to almost, well, I mean, immediately, Sean Gray's first year we were playing on team, you know, second year we're in a super bowl. So changed everything, man. Yeah. Who, who am I to say that those guys. Aren't uh, aren't aren't doing the right thing. You know what I mean? So and then brad holmes dude, you got you mentioned brad holmes. I am such a fan of brad holmes Uh the rams product, of course, he was with the rams all st Louis back in starting in 2001. I think it was so I mean that guy he That guy what he's doing, man The second he went to detroit I told a few of my lions fan friends is like you guys got yourself a guy man And it's working out. I'd like to see it.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Uh, Yeah, He's
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:sure.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:definitely a draft guru and just, yeah, he just works his magic. I mean, I, I, I know that it's more than just one person, right? I mean, you have a whole team of people, but you know, he's pulling the string. So, you know, he's going to get the credit. Yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Yeah.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Big fan.
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:I just want to, I guess revisit or get your thoughts on initially what the Jared golf trade was like on your end of it. So, you know, you guys are getting staffed, you already know what you're trying for. How, you know, how did you feel about Jared golf? How'd you feel about that trade in that situation before? Obviously we knew how it turned out, but, you know, initially, I guess.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:so, I mean, I was, I wanted Jared Goff when, uh, the whole thing was going down of, you know, uh, Rams move up, Eagles move up in the, the 2016 draft, who are we gonna take kind of thing, and I wanted Goff, uh, I watched him, I live in Colorado Springs, so my local team is the Air Force Falcons, and they, it was Cal and Air Force in the, uh, bowl game. That was my first taste of Jared Goff, and it was, his deep ball was what caught my eye. And I was like, dang, who is this kid, man? And then I ended up coming to the Rams. I was super excited about it. That rookie season went terribly. He was 0 7 as a starter, but that was under Jeff Fisher. I think we get a, we could put an asterisk on that. That's totally fine. And, uh, you know, but I, I think that Jared Goff, man, I, we were all a fan of him, man. We, he's, he's tougher than people think. He's better than people think, man. He was always one of those guys that kind of seemed like overall judgment of him was a little bit more harsh than people who watch him. Snap in and snap out kind of thing then they kind of understand and I know lions fans have come around for sure On jared goff, you know chanting it through anything and anywhere in detroit. You might hear it's your golf chance. So But when the trade happened, um, I don't know if you heard there was very recent comments from uh, Aaron donald about that trade. Did you guys hear about
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:I did read, I did read that.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Cool? Yeah, and that's kind of he's exactly right so in that moment, it was one of those where uh coming off of the 2017 The 2020 season where it was like golf is just he's, he's good. He's not going to ruin it for you, but he's not that guy. And that's kind of how we all felt when this trade went through. Um, immediately was pumped. I was pumped for golf because it was like, was going through a regime change, and it was like, okay, give him a fresh start, man, because he kind of needs that the Rams needed a veteran quarterback who was just gonna put the team on his back and go, man. And we just need that guy. So initially, I was already pumped about it in. Even as time goes on and the trade kind of unfolds a little bit more, I still stand by it. I think both teams won the trade. I think it was a perfect trade for both sides. And I don't take any of it back. Even the first round pick, y'all can have it, man.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah.
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:Yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:We just took our first, our first, uh, first round pick since golf, who you guys have had for a few years. And, uh, I mean, it, it, it came with a Super Bowl ring and another appearance. So, None of us are sad about it at all, but initially was totally excited about the trade. Even looking back at it now, it's like, yeah, we did it. That was just perfect. They needed to happen.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:I don't know how much, if you've followed golf recently or anything, what is different about him that you're noticing now than when you saw him as a Rams quarterback?
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:One major difference is off when he was with the Rams. In any year pick any year you want and can tell exactly what kind of game he was going to have on the first drive If he goes, you know three incomplete passes and we're three and out putting the ball away It was like all right We're gonna need our own games to hopefully todd. Todd gurley's on fire today You know kind of thing is how we were all feeling which luckily for the most time most part he was so that was that Was pretty fun then Then you'd also see is like first one incompletion. You're like, okay, but it wasn't too bad. Second one. You'd hit like, you know, you know, Josh Reynolds, you know, 26 yards across the middle and you're like, all right, we're good. We're gonna win this game. That's kind of how we felt. And I would say that now Jared got his first drive doesn't dictate the rest of the game. And I think that that change. Is a simple one. I think it's the change from Sean McVeigh to Dan Campbell because in a Sean McVeigh That first drive happens in the confidence level in McVeigh and not calling the offense change Whereas a Dan Campbell he comes off the sideline after throwing three incomplete passes Dan Campbell, I think just looks him in the eyes and he's like, hey, man, like you got it put it together Like we're good. Like take a breath. You're good, man. Go go out there and do your play your game, man So I think that's really the change. I think that Dan Campbell is the perfect coach for Jared Goff You Despite the fact that, you know, McRae is, uh, this, this offensive genius. I think personality wise, Goff needed somebody like Dan Campbell, and I think it shows in his play with stuff exactly like that.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:man, that is just, that is exactly my thoughts when you said that, that's how I felt they just weren't clicking, you know, it just was not. And that's why the trade worked out so well, you know, and, uh, golf struggled with us the very first year. I mean, we had very low amount of talent on the lions and, you know, he could have crumbled, but, um, I think when you talked about his toughness that I see that, you know, just he's mentally tough beyond just physically tough. So yeah, that's, that's interesting insight. So I, and that's what I see too, from, from my side on this, from the right side.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Most Rams fans still absolutely love Goff, I'll tell you that.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Really?
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:dude's awesome, man. Yeah,
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:That's good. It's,
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:a lot of things.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:They do.
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:Yeah.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:going to talk about something super interesting to everybody. Kicker talk. You have, uh, you have a rookie kicker. We have a rookie kicker. We, our teams really kind of mirror each other a lot. And
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:A
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:so. And, and I even looked at the stats, your, you know, your kickers, Joshua Cardi, you know, ours is Jake Bates. The, even the stats are very similar as far as missing an extra point, missing one field goal in the preseason. So how are you feeling about your kicker? How was the Rams base feeling about, about, you know, the change in kicker?
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:So the Rams kicker history, recent history. I mean, Zuerlein, I mean, he was awesome for so many years and then kind of had a gap in there. We're kind of trying out some guys. Then Matt Gay comes in and Matt Gay is awesome. And then last year, I mean, we get, uh, we've, I've nicknamed, uh, barely Brett Macher, uh, that we had most of last year, cause he, every single time, barely going in there, man. But, uh, so I think that ultimately the way that Cardi looked in the preseason, despite the miss, I think it was like a 54 yarder, if I'm not mistaken, and then the extra point, of course, but everything else, man, it just looked so smooth. He looked confident. And I think that that's kind of just what we needed at that spot. So I think for myself, I'm feeling pretty good. I think there are some Rams fans that have that, that in their, in their brain of the, of the string of guys that, that the Rams have kind of carried and like drafted or took a rookie last year and Tanner Brown, he didn't make it out of preseason and then, you know, then it's just kind of a, door at that spot. So I think a lot of Rams fans are kind of withholding confidence Even though Josh McCarty does look like he could be a really good option So I starting in a dome and then I guess week two is a dome then we'll be at home in week three So I guess we got a good uh, a little start to see to get let him build some confidence, you know But I think i'm feeling pretty good. It's can't really speak for the whole fan base right now
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:yeah, it's a wait, it's a wait and see approach, I'm, I'm assuming, yeah,
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:A little bit, yeah, You better be good. You better be
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:even if it's late, I mean, you just really want them. YOu really hope that that works out.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:With the way the Rams draft late, that could have been our next Hall of Fame wide receiver, man. It'd be a kicker. You better be good, man.
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:All right. Let's see here. So. When you think about the Lions, what's the biggest concern that you have as a Rams fan?
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Duh. I would say for this game specifically, the pass rush. I mean, Aiden's gonna come in, man. He's trying to wreck Matthew's day. And he's got that capability, for sure. There's some new secondary pieces that are rather interesting. I think that schematically, the Rams will be able to maneuver through that secondary. We'll see. But I mean, you catch a guy in a, in a spot and, you know, and he reads the ball. Well, and I'm, these are NFL players. They're very, very talented, you know? So things can happen even without, uh, getting that cohesive, you know, play as far as like continuity and playing with each other for a long time. So I would say that pass rush, man, is definitely a concern. And we just talked about it. These teams are almost mirror images of each other right now. Cause the Rams also have a young secondary that is not played or new secondary that is not really played together yet. So we don't really know how they're going to, how they're going to gel. So I think that the continuity also that the Lions have in the past attack is something that could be exploited in this one as well against that Rams secondary. New defensive coordinator, man, new play caller, new everything on there. So.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Let's flip it. The Rams, what are you going to take advantage of that Detroit has to offer?
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Misdirection on offense. So we're going to see a lot of, uh, the jet sweep play actions and all that stuff, uh, you'll get a few of those Colby Parkinson will be, you know, blocking on what looks like a jet sweep and all of a sudden it's play action and Matthew Stafford pulls up and he's darting right up the seam, you know, so we're going to see stuff like that. And, uh, that misdirection is going to be critical. I think for the Lions players to just. Just pay attention, man. Just know where that ball's at and where it's going. It's hard to track when you're going against the Rams, of course, but I think that'll be critical. As far as the other side goes, because that's how I think that the Rams will kind of counteract having a little bit of a, the shifts on the offensive line. Just misdirection, slow them down a little bit, you know. I think the, uh, the defensive side will be aggression. And that defensive line, just trying to create the chaos up front. as much as Jared Goff has grown, I do know that getting him off balance and getting him looking down is guys coming at you at your does shake him up quite a
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Any prediction, any prediction about the game, you can, it doesn't have to be the end score. It could be. You know, stat lines, like Stafford's going to throw for 400. Like what, what, what do you feel is like, Hey, this is going to happen.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:I do feel good that Stafford is going to have a big day. What that means, I'm not really sure, because it kind of also depends on what McVeigh is trying to attack. Uh, whether that's going to be on the ground, which the Rams didn't really do in the playoff game, or if it's going to be misdirection and air it out, man, because uh, I will say as far as week one under McVeigh, that is typically the course, uh, not pound the rock. We try to spread it out a little bit. Uh, Rams kind of used the first four or five games as pre season, so we'll, we'll be trying some stuff out in this, uh, for sure. But as far as, uh, Like a prediction goes to on like that how the game will go I think it's going to be very similar to the playoff game. I think it'll be very tight I think it'll be down to the wire. I don't think we'll go into the fourth quarter being like side being like, oh, we lost or oh, we definitely have this one I think it'll be going into the fourth quarter tied and be like, okay, do this man Like we got one more left. So I think it's going to be very close. I think is uh, my main prediction I think that either side i'll say it this way either side is going to keep the last second field goal to end
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:All right. I'm going to go rely on that rookie kicker. Huh? Yeah, get your toms ready.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Absolutely
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah, that's right. So I
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:though man. That's the exciting
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:know week one, right? I mean, this is just doesn't get much better than this. I mean, this is,
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:top tier
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:it's optimism. I mean, both our teams, I think have solid outlooks for the year. We did our preview podcast. I picked the Rams to win third, uh, the division, the West. So I, I think that you, you got a strong team this year. So I, yeah, your optimism's correctly placed in my opinion.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:I like to think so. It's kind of weird, man. It seems like, uh, like both teams, fan bases, like kind of coming into this game, like Rams fans all over the place. I see them all the time. Like, just be like, Oh no, man. Like the way that playoff game went, we're going to, we're going to beat them. Oh, it's gonna be a 21 point game. So like, that's like, let's go football team. And they basically were in the Superbowl. I
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah. Yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:kind of. Like, I don't want to bring up bad memories here. I mean, you had it, you were
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:So, I mean, I, I think that some Rams fans are kind of excluding the, the knowledge that, uh, the Lions were basically a Super Bowl team and then unfortunately had to watch our biggest rivals in it instead. But I think that that's kind of what our side's looking at. And I think from the Lions side. You guys are like, Oh, they lost Aaron Donald. We beat him last year. We'll be okay. And I think that there's a lot of moving pieces to that that are not being considered.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:Yeah, well, there's a lot of unknowns and, you know, week one is that's it, right? I mean, it's hard to predict how someone's going to come on, especially when, you know, we haven't seen your starters. Do you haven't seen our starters? I mean, we saw them in the playoffs, but, you know, things have changed, like you said. And, um, so it'll be, it'll be interesting. And, you know, each one will want to, they learned something from that game, right? They're going to attack something different, you know, and. You have to be ready for that.
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:think, yeah, the game plans and how each team is choosing to attack, I think is what I'm most excited for. I think the coaching aspect of it is what I'm most excited for. How is that Lions defense going to. know, try to get rid of cup and puka and then Kyron Williams running the ball like that stuff is, I mean, that's tough, man. And then how is, uh, the Chardonnay try to maneuver its way through that, that, uh, really, really talented line defense, especially the front. So, uh, that's, that's the part, man, the players can do it. I mean, obviously, uh, anything can happen there, but I think the structure of how the game plan is deployed, I think is, is what I'm most interested in.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:I'm with you. I think they're, they're so much mirror images of each other. I mean, you know, you start with a quarterback that we trade for each other and then just go on like new secondary kickers, you know, our defensive front, some of it's changed or some of it's been the same, but some of it's also changed and we don't know if DJ reader is going to play and all that stuff. So, yeah, we can kind of get into that on your side when we go over there. But, uh, yeah, it's, uh, Yeah, well, Joe, I want to thank you for coming on. I mean, this has been very insightful. Uh, love your energy. I like, I mean, I know you're, you know, you're Andrew towards the Rams, our energy towards the Lions, but it's very similar to the passions there. And that's, what's really important. So, and you know, we'll, uh, obviously be rooting against each other this week,
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Absolutely. Yeah. I wish you no luck this weekend. Okay.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:yeah. exactly.
jacob_1_09-03-2024_213419:Yeah.
jason-harwood_1_09-03-2024_213420:you can catch Joe on Rams showcase, the podcast. Um, you've been doing that for, this is your ninth season, correct?
sheriff-joe-bags_1_09-03-2024_193424:Yep. Ninth season, uh, every year that the Rams have been back in LA, it's everywhere. Audio version is over the place. If you're listening to podcasts there, you can find it, uh, video versions on Facebook and YouTube. So yeah, it's out there.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:I want to thank again Sheriff Joe Baggs for being here. Joining us, giving us his insight. He is a fun interviewee. Uh, and we were actually showed up on his podcast too. So if you want to hear our perspective on the Lions on his podcast, you knew that that's the Ram showcase podcast. All right, Jacob, injury report came out today.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:Let's do it. It's finally here. I'm reading injury reports like this is actually happening.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Yeah.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:The wait's over. All right, here's what we have right now. This is as of Wednesday night, um, for the Rams injury report, they have listed cornerback Darius Williams, limited tackle, Rob Havenstein, limited tight end Tyler Higby is on the PUP list. Um, also worth mentioning is that Lark Jackson is suspended for the first two games, so he will not be playing in this one, uh, starting offensive tackle for them, so that's kind of a bigger loss. then you flip it over to the Lions injury report and we have safety, iffy, uh, Melifon rules limited, defensive tackle, DJ reader limited. And then our safety Lauren Strickland actually did not practice. Um, first thoughts about the injury report, Jason, what are you thinking?
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Well, to only have three people on that injury report is pretty exciting, especially, you know, the DJ reader one just being limited. That means he's actually practicing. Um, Dan Campbell said today in his interview before practice that they'll know more tomorrow. So they, Sounds like there's still a week two goal, but it's on it's possible that he plays this week, which would be really cool. Um, I, you know, with as long as our injury report was in training camp to only have three on it right now, that is.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:Absolutely. Um, just, you know, the chance of having him sooner than expected. Cause you know, there was a realistic chance that he was going to be on the PUP list at the beginning of training camp. We just weren't sure what we were dealing with. And it's encouraging that if he's getting in limited practice as well, because that was kind of the only concern that Dan Campbell really mentioned is that if he may not be ready to go, they're taking a day by day with him. see somebody that obviously we really want out there. Important part of the defense. Uh, but yeah, I mean, I only have just a few names on here for like, we're fully ready to go this season.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:And we're going to need all those players because the Rams, they're a tough team. They're, they're a heck of a challenge. So, um, Jacob, I'm going to kick it over to you. Um, what are your biggest questions for you coming into this game?
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:Uh, so the biggest question I have, the most glaring question I have really is just, is our new secondary going to be able to slow down their passing attack? obviously they've had a lot of success throwing the ball to Puka and Cooper Cup, especially last year against us. Uh, you know, Puka nine catches 181 yards, Cooper Cup didn't really, uh, show out too much in the playoff game against us. But overall, I mean, know, we know Stafford likes to throw the ball and their offense, you know, they have a legitimate passing attack. We have a new revamped secondary. We've got some rookies. We have Carlton Davis, a meek Robertson. That's my biggest question is just seeing them right away. Week one, kind of having a challenge like this, are we going to be able to slow them down or is it going to look similar to how it looked the last time we played them?
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Yeah, that's a good one. That was actually on my list of biggest questions too, is just how is our new secretary going to communicate? How are they going to, um, You know, be able to cover these two outstanding wide receivers. Don't, you know, at some point, you just know they're going to get their own, but we need to stop the big play, right? That's what I'm hoping that we don't, don't let anything over top. Um, I guess my next question that I have, uh, coming in this game is, can we match Stafford's intensity? I think Stafford is going to come in, And, you know, he's going to want this one. He got booed the last time he was here. Seemed to take it very personally. He's going to really want this one. So I, I am curious how that's going to, that's going to go.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:Yeah, it's interesting. Cause obviously, you know, he really wanted to beat us last year, but he, I don't think fully knew exactly what to expect going into the environment. And, uh, you know, we really did not show him any love during that game. And for them to lose that game, I think you're right. He's definitely. The fire is underneath them even more so than before. He really wants to get that one back Next one that I have is, we'll Levi on was a Rike look as good as he did in the preseason. We're talking about DJ reader. There's a chance he's going to play, even if he does suit up, he's going to be in a very limited role. It looks like a Lee McNeil and Levi are going to be the ones playing defensive tackle in there. Making up for that. Levi had a really good preseason. It's gonna be interesting if that translates to the game right away. Uh, and how much of an impact he's going to make.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:I am really curious about how Levi's going to look. Uh, you know, our offensive line is super strong and Zeitler made the comment that we were going to have two 20 million tackles on our hands. You know, one referring to Aleem and the second one was referring to Levi. And if any of that comes close to fruition, that would be great for the Lions. Uh, and yeah, and just for Levi. The struggle that he's put up with in, you know, his first few years in the league, not be able to make the field, not being himself. If he can have a good year, I'm just happy for the person, because, you know, it's obviously been a long road for him. And he was worried about even making it back on the field, and if he can excel on the field, that's even better.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:absolutely. I have one more, uh, question that I want to see is, will Kalief Raymond be a part of the game plan? Or how big of a part of the game plan is he going to be? You know, obviously. We've talked about it all offseason about trying to make up those targets for Josh Reynolds, know, last year against the Rams five catches 80 yards Is Jameson Williams gonna take those targets and you know, is he gonna make that impact right away? Are they going to spread in the ball around is Kalief gonna be getting more snaps more targets, you know it's up in the air right now. We don't know so that's something I'm really interested to see in the first game is how much he's actually gonna be part of the game plan and you know, also Isaiah Williams. Is he going to be out there? Is he going to play? Is he going to suit up? You know, the wide receivers are just a really interesting thing outside of Amon, Ron, Jamo,
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Yeah, and are they going to elevate, someone from the practice squad, DPJ, Tim Patrick, Allen Robinson, depending on who's picked up the offensive quickest, obviously DPJ knows the offensive better out of all three of them uh, but, So that'll be interesting to see if they elevate. Cause usually they would go with five wide receivers in the game. So that means that, they have the four act, the four on the 53, and then they would have to elevate someone. Um, so that'd be interesting to see how they do that. I think cleave is going to be. Very similar to what we saw the last couple years, he just might see more targets now and be out there for the same amount of snaps, but we just might utilize him more than previously. All right. My first, um, key to victory is we got to score early, and so we could just put pressure on Stafford so they can't use that run game or play action. So I, I mean, that could be said by a lot of games, but I just like for us, we need to take, make them one dimensional, because I feel if we could put pressure on Stafford, he can make a mistake. So I, and I don't want him to be able to utilize play action pass at all.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:that kind of goes with one of the points I have is, uh, you know, exploiting the offensive line. obviously a large chance Jackson is, uh, suspended. He's going to be out the backup that they have. Um, Joe is his name. He didn't grade very well last year. If Rob haven't signs also out his backup only played 30 snaps so far, they've got Jonah Jackson playing center, which is a, you know, a position that I guess he's played before, but it's relatively new for him. And outside of that, they just, this offensive line as a group has not played together very often. They haven't lined up in these spots. It's going to be an adjustment period for them. And I think we really need to bring, bring the pressure early. And if we can really, you know, just by using the defensive line, if we're able to create enough pressure, then hopefully we can drop some. Extra people in the coverage and try to, you know, like we talked about earlier, kind of slowing down Puka and Cooper Cup. I think the key to that's definitely going to be trying to get to that offensive line early and often
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Yep, I, I agree. Um, another one for me is lock down the red zone and our very, in the previous matchup in the playoffs, that was really the difference in the game. Every time that they got down to the red zone, they had to settle for field goals. We, you know, we were scoring touchdowns when we got down, down there for the most part. It's going to be tough, but we did it last year. I think we could do it again.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:agreed. I mean, our run defense was really solid last year, especially against the Rams. We had a really good game. Um, you know, I envision it being probably close to the same as last year, maybe even a little bit better. So, yeah, It's all about stopping those two receivers, really, for me.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Yeah, that's a tough, it's, I, I don't know about stopping them as the right word, but containing them is probably,
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:down.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:And just not letting them free, seeing them run behind Cam Sutton, you know, for a long touchdowns last year was, uh, yeah, not, not the sight I want to see.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:A 50 yard touchdown last year, and that was a huge chunk of his yards.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:yep, so we just got to keep them in front, good safety play. Kirby playing deep, maybe ball Hawks one, something like that. Be great. One of, uh, Stafford's, you know, third down punts that he would throw up, just launch one up there when he knew. All right, and then, you know, kind of similar to what I mentioned before, you know, lines are built to stop the run. I mean, that is like their main goal on defense. So we just need Kyron Williams is a solid back. Um, we're going to be able to, we need to keep them in, uh, and third and long so that we can rush Stafford.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:For sure. It just feels like one of those games where, you know, take care of the ball, and it's probably gonna be one of those times, just like last year, where it, it's gonna come down to the last possession, whoever's got the ball last, are we gonna be able to You know, ice the game. Are we going to have to drive down there and score
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Yeah. Well, I like our ability to, I feel better about us running the ball than I, than the Rams. The Rams are having offensive line, you know, difficulties already, just moving parts with suspensions and injuries. Looks like we're going to be fully healthy up front. And so I like that advantage that, that we have. We can run because golf with play action pass is, um, pretty devastating, especially when you got Jameson Williams out there on the edge. So, yeah, so, um, so I think, you know, for us is establishing the run and just keeping Safford off the field and Puka off the field, let our defense rest up, especially our secondary, that's the question for us we mentioned that in our question sections, how is the secondary going to hold up there? It's a lot of it's new, new parts back there, even our safeties, Brian Branch's different position. So it's, you know, the only one that's still back there is Kirby. Everything else is new back there.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:Going to be exciting to see, though.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:All right, all right, so we'll see you game starts 8 20 NBC Sunday night football It's on so we're gonna do a section That we're gonna pick all of the primetime games throughout the season Jacob and I are just doing this fun thing We'll keep track mostly for bragging rights for us So this week we're gonna pick the Thursday night the opener Kansas City Chiefs and the Ravens This week, there's a Friday night game in Brazil, Green Bay and Philadelphia. We are not going to pick the Sunday night game, um, because the Lions are involved. We're obviously think the Lions are going to win all their games. So we're not going to be into picking those, but we will pick the Monday night football game with the Jets at San Francisco. We're gonna be taking a break from the Honolulu Blitz during this time in the season just because You know, there's only so much time to do this stuff. So we got this new section. It's called grit picks All right, Jacob first game Thursday night football Kansas City vs. The Ravens. Who do you got?
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:All right. So Ravens plus three, they're at Kansas city. I actually have the Ravens winning this one.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Actually, um, we already differ. I'm Kansas City's not going to lose two openers in a row, man. They, they're going to win this one. Can't lose.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:see.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Yeah, all right. So we already differed. Next up, it's Green Bay Friday Night Football. Sounds so weird, right? Friday Night Football,
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:Friday Night Football in Brazil,
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:in Brazil. Yeah, uh, yeah, that's a crazy time. All right, Green Bay Packers are hated rivals versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Who do you got in this one?
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:Well, the Packers are a slight underdog in this one too, plus two and a half. a neutral field. Obviously they're in Brazil. Uh, give me the Eagles.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Yep, I'm with you on this one. I think the Eagles take it. I think it's going to be a higher scoring game, but I think the Eagles take this one. Alright, Sunday Night Football, we already said Lions are going to win. We're going to skip over to Monday Night Football Jets at San Francisco. What do you got on this one?
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:This was the easy one for me. I think the 49ers are going to hand it to the jets
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Ooh, I'm going to, I'm going to say the Jets win this one. 17 14. Uh, Trent Williams,
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:night. You think the jets are coming into the 49ers
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:do.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:first opening week, Aaron Rogers,
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:will he carry the American flag onto the field? I don't know,
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:I
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:but
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:done carrying the flags.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:The 49ers had such a weird offseason with Trent Williams and Iuke sitting out, lots of distractions. I think the Jets are gonna just go in there and win. But I just have a feeling and maybe I, maybe it's because I really want to, I'm just going to lose, but no, I think I can't be rooting for Aaron Rodgers either. So I don't know. Both these teams can't lose. Yeah. Yeah, no.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:you know, that's a good point. 49ers probably going to go through some sort of adversity this year, probably early on. I just don't know that the Jets are going to be the ones to do it right
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Well, the thing is that the Jets have their solid defense. They could give Brock Purdy some problems. We'll see. I mean, so that's, Week one is a tough one because like you have, you can't, you haven't felt any of these teams out yet, but just, San Francisco's just rocky offseason, makes me feel very wary of them early on. I think they'll, Catch on later on in the season as the season goes on, but I think they're gonna get caught
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:they just collapse? They just tank.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Alright, along with our Grit Picks, we do a section at the end of our game preview where we call it the Grit Guarantee. Doesn't have to be like a result of the game, this has to do with the Lions game, so we're going to pick something that we think is going to happen in the game. Could have a wide range of topics, so, um, we're going to call this the Grit Guarantee. Jacob, I'll let you go first. Uh, what is your guarantee about the Lions?
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:All right, so my guarantee of the week for this first one, uh, Kyron Williams, I'm saying we're gonna hold him to under 80 rushing yards.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:That's a good one. I like that. That would be a good result for us at the end. Mine is Stafford throws two picks, and one of them is for a pick six. I have a feeling that he's gonna get, Rushed and he's gonna throw in his patented tech sixes. So that's
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:How cool would it be if it was to Terry and
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:oh my god.
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:last year?
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:Oh, yeah Well, that's what I was that's exactly where I was gonna go with this Yeah, we're gonna have another rookie You know take one to the house in his first game in the NFL and that how cool would that be or Anna's rake straw? Would be fine with me, too Or we could just have a brand new line in his first game Carlton Davis or a meek take one, too I'll take it now. I won't be choosy
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:For sure.
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:But, all right, I'm excited about this. I'm, I'm gonna be up there. I'm expecting playoff atmosphere. Hopefully you can hear it at home when you're watching this game, Jacob. Then we'll do a game recap after, but since the game's so late, probably won't come out till Tuesday morning, because we'll probably talk about it Monday evening, because I won't get home till really late that night. So, I, uh, Can't wait to be talking about Alliance victory
jacob_1_09-04-2024_222033:The first of many,
jason-harwood_1_09-04-2024_222034:the first of many this season. Yeah, hopefully, uh, we can just keep going. That would be great, right? Alright, for Jacob, I'm Jason. Let's go Lions!
