Start Sam Howell

[MontanaHawk05]

This feels like a straw man. I'm not really seeing anyone say they think Howell is better than Geno, despite toffee's butthurt trolling. If this game was for the division, nobody would be calling for Howell to start. It's more about seeing how he, and the other backups, respond in a situation that's difficult to simulate in practice. We see teams do this every year in similar situations. I guarantee that if any Rams fans are calling for Jimmy Garoppolo to start this week, it isn't because they think he's better than Stafford.

I did use the word "some".

And yeah, they're still pounding.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Play to win, ALWAYS.

 

[Appyhawk]

I absolutely covet a win vs the Rams. regardless circumstances. But I also want to get a head start on improvement for next year. Therefore I would like for both Geno and Howell to get reps in our last game. Than market BOTH of them with serious intent and start next year with a new and potentially improved QB room.

 

[GetNjigbaWithIt]

And, by the way, I haven't said to start Howell in the final game. I want geNO to start on Sunday.

Keep Sam NOTwell on the bench.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Solid

 

[Sperrydogg]

Ask a winner like Dan Campbell what it means to crush the 49ers in a meaningless game.
( a team that knocked them out of last year's playoffs)

You may get a glimpse of what winning culture means, as opposed to armchair, board-game fantasy-think.

Dan Campbell is like a winner who used to be a loser and now doesn’t know how to handle himself…. I SAID GO FOR IT!!!

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Spread was only Detroit -3.5. Easy money. Even though I was told by a few that Detroit is "resting everyone"

In what world would Dan Campbell do that?

 

[Rat]

I did use the word "some".

And yeah, they're still pounding.

Who's saying Howell is better than Geno?

 

[Rat]

The Lions have another game next week, plus had already clinched a playoff birth. Not exactly the same situation as we have going this weekend. You could argue it's comparable to our situation going into the Bears game.

That being said, yes it's very black and white for Campbell. The always go for it strategy has burned him at important times too. We'll see in the playoffs if he has learned nuance yet.

These things always look brilliant when they work. All it would have taken is Goff to take one step in the turf wrong or someone to roll up on his ankle, and suddenly with the #1 seed on the line next week, Hendon Hooker is making his first career start against the 14-2 Vikings with the loser suddenly the 5 seed. Or maybe they put in Teddy Bridgewater who just unretired last week. Either way, what are people saying about Campbell then? Probably not the same thing they'd be saying if he had converted that fourth down when he didn't take the points against them in the playoff last year.

 

[Palmegranite]

Yeah, or their plane could have crashed on the trip to the west coast. So why not default the game? Just in case?

How far do you go with the cautious Nellie mindset?

 

[Rat]

Yeah, or their plane could have crashed on the trip to the west coast. So why not default the game? Just in case?

How far do you go with the cautious Nellie mindset?

For me, the question is, what is the upside? I just don't really see what we gain from going all out to win against the Rams backups. Hopefully, whoever is out there is trying to win anyway.

 

[Rat]

I just watched a clip from something called "The Coach McVay Show" and here's something that's relevant to Saturday:

Question: I think we all agree on the construct of the NFL playoffs, the 3 seed matters, it comes with built in advantages, you have it currently, there's a way you can keep it on Sunday, but does it matter to such an extent that you're willing to prioritize it, over resting some key pieces and making sure they're ready to go on wild card weekend.

McVay: You know those are always the great questions you ask yourself and I think you have a responsibility as a head coach, and really with your coaching staff to collaborate and say hey, we're going to compete every opportunity we get, and you don't minimize the importance of every single game, but relative to what's at risk, what's at reward in terms of either or and being able to maybe get some guys that are, you know the toll the season takes, get them back fresh, rejuvinated... typically, we've veered on leaning more towards that and I would imagine as we continue to finalize our plans, that's probably the direction that we'll go."

So, those of you who would take great pride in beating their B and C team with our starters, looks like you might be getting your wish.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

I may be in the minority, I legit don't care if we beat their A team, their B and C......oh a combo of both.
And I certainly won't apologize or downplay the win. That's for my boy Pitt (runs for cover)

If it was the other way around and the Hawks were the ones resting players, I doubt all 73 Rams fans would actually not enjoy a win.

 

[rjas77]

We are officially eliminated. On Sunday it's about absolutely nothing. It would be smart to let Sam Howell start to see if we can plan with him in the future (regardless of what role). Opinions?

The Rams won’t play their starters much if at all. This game won’t be a good indicator

 

[Torc]

Great. If they don't play their starters, let's stomp on their backups 45-0.

Play to win.

 

[Germanhawk7]

The Rams won’t play their starters much if at all. This game won’t be a good indicator

Mike already told the reporter we will go with the Starters…

 

[SoulfishHawk]

The Rams won’t play their starters much if at all. This game won’t be a good indicator

Aaah, here come the built in excuses.

The Hawks won but........crowd.

To each his/her own.

 

[gmor]

Who's saying Howell is better than Geno?

When Geno was riding the bench during Russell's time, he looked pretty bad when he made his infrequent playing appearances. It's very possible Howell will do better with more exposure. IMHO Sam is being written off way too soon. He will only get better, Geno won't.

 

[Rat]

Mike already told the reporter we will go with the Starters…

Where are you seeing that? All I've seen is that he said they were "going to try to win". I would assume that's the plan regardless of how playing time is divided up.

 

[flv2]

My understanding of Smith's contract is that exceeding any of his 6 targets won't earn him a bonus. However, it would increase his following year's base salary by $2M per target achieved. Smith is currently due a non-guaranteed $25M in 2025. Achieving 3 targets would raise his base non-guaranteed salary to $31M. The Seahawks will probably decide in the offseason what Smith is worth to the team. If his contract is for more than they're willing to pay he'll be asked to take a pay cut, traded, or released. Either way Smith should be pressing for the opportunity to achieve those targets. It would still give him some leverage.