@RamsUp_Ian Weddle also had literally one week to prepare before playing in a playoff game. AD is not only a different specimen and still in great shape but he has months of runway to train and prepare
McPhee deserves a ton of credit. He recognized the opportunity and maximized it. As a Ducks fan since 1993, it still bothers me how much we lost to Vegas in that draft, though plenty of blame falls on Bob Murray.
Part of being an expansion team, in my opinion, is enduring the lean years so the eventual success feels earned. I know I sound bitter after last night’s loss (which I am), but I think a lot of NHL fans feel that way.
@helenenothelen@jonnyrosen Perhaps I’m being dramatic, but the Vegas expansion draft significantly disadvantaged teams with strong veteran cores and deep prospect pools. It was unprecedented, and after Vegas fleeced the league with side deals and asset grabs, GMs refused to make the same mistakes with SEA.
@helenenothelen@jonnyrosen There were other factors in the Duck's demise - Bob Murray's refusal to rebuild, Kesler's career ending prematurely, Bieksa refusing to waive his NTC - but no expansion team should be able to be that competitive that quickly.
@helenenothelen@jonnyrosen My problem with Vegas is that they were given a silver spoon with the most lopsided expansion draft in history. Shea Theodores don't grow on trees, unless you're Vegas. Teams like the Ducks were punished for having a strong core and pipeline, and it set them back almost a decade.
@ProFootballTalk If you think Matthew Stafford is going to retire out of spite, once he's already announced he's returning, you've lost your mind. You think that's how he wants his legacy to be remembered? Not a chance in hell
@JourdanRodrigue Thanks Jordan. I meant “have to” more from the standpoint of you don’t want to let the guy out the door and I imagine someone like LaFluer would snatch him up if the Rams don’t promote him. Tough decisions ahead for Sean.
@JourdanRodrigue Fully agree you probably have to promote Scheelhasse but “new ideas” seem even more important with two former assistants now on the division (LaFluer and Morris).
@spotrac Nonsensical that coaches who have a short week to prepare for the Divisional round can be interviews (and distracted) but interviews aren’t allowed in the TWO weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. I understand draft prep, etc but the whole process should have to wait until post SB
@LATimesklein Any insight as to why they put off signing the deals on the table this offseason? When do their current deals run through? Trying to fight out how stressed I need to be.
@NateAtkins_ Any idea on the extent of BY’s knee injury? We made the trip out to Chicago for the game and in-person he looked like he was really hobbled and in pain between plays. Have to imagine he’s playing through something somewhat significant.
@QBsMVP It’s seems like they keep wanting to “unnecessarily” take deep shots on 3rd down going for the big play when a more simple mid to short range route will suffice. I get wanting to take some kill shots from time to time but situationally they’ve felt like unnecessary risks.
@bgrisakTST Would hate to lose both but I think the fact that LaFleur called plays last week boosts his candidacy. I know McVay doesn’t usually go in-house (sans Shula) but wouldn’t surprise me if Aubrey Pleasant is the heir apparent. McVay heaps praise on him at every opportunity.
@NateAtkins_@Demetrius82 We were sitting 10 rows behind the Rams sideline. He was definitely banged up. Come off limping in the 2nd quarter and looked like he went into the blue tent.