Podcast Summary: Buffalo Plus — "What they're saying about Bills vs Rams in LA w/ Kurt Sandoval"

Date: December 4, 2024
Host: Mike Catalana (Buffalo Plus)
Guest: Kurt Sandoval (ABC 7 Eyewitness News, LA)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the upcoming Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams matchup, featuring expert local perspective from LA sports anchor Kurt Sandoval. The conversation covers team strengths and weaknesses, key players, strategic insights, the Rams' season narrative, and the SoFi Stadium experience. If you're looking for an insider's take on what the Rams bring to this high-profile game—and how they stack up against a surging Bills team—this episode delivers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rams’ Identity and Season Trajectory

• Injury Recovery & Team Health
  • Rams started the season poorly (1-4), largely due to significant injuries, especially to the offensive line and top wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
  • "When you look backwards and you go, well, at the start of the season they were just decimated with injuries on the offensive line. They're now since healthier... But the biggest thing was they were without Cooper Cup and Puka Nakua..." — Kurt Sandoval (02:24)
• Offensive Firepower: Nacua’s Ascension
  • Puka Nacua, now healthy, is emerging as Stafford's main target, even overshadowing Cooper Kupp in productivity.
  • "Puka has become his younger brother. Really. It's that type of relationship. They worked out together in the offseason... I think that's why Puka is excelling." — Kurt Sandoval (04:13)
• Supporting Cast
  • DeMarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell are key complementary receivers: Robinson, sturdy with a recent off-field incident but rebounded with a TD; Atwell, undersized but brings top-tier speed.

2. Running Game and Red Zone Struggles

• Kyren Williams as the Workhorse
  • He carries the load (80% of carries). Rookie Blake Corum is a secondary option and has shown flashes.
• Ball Security & Red Zone Issues
  • Williams went from being secure with the ball to a midseason fumbling problem, now seemingly stabilized.
  • "The Rams... are 29th in the red zone... They'll go up and down the field as good as anybody. They have a hard time in the red zone." — Kurt Sandoval (08:05)
  • Rams’ losses are often due to their inability to score touchdowns, settling for field goals instead.

3. Coaching Philosophy: McVay’s Risk Profile

• Offensive Innovation vs. In-Game Conservatism
  • McVay is recognized for brilliant playdesign and leadership, but has a tendency to overthink in high-leverage moments and sometimes defaults to conservative choices, even as the NFL trends aggressive.
  • "He is... a classic overthinker... There was a game earlier this year... where it was like a 48-yarder ends the game and he punted." — Kurt Sandoval (10:26)
• Potential for Adjustment Against the Bills
  • The hosts speculate McVay might be forced to take more chances to keep pace with Buffalo’s high-scoring offense, especially if trailing.
  • "If they're behind by more than one possession, he's going to get really aggressive." — Kurt Sandoval (13:10)

4. Rams Defense: Youth Movement & Key Players

• Rookie Standouts: Jared Verse & Braden Fiske
  • Jared Verse ranks among elite pass rushers in pressure win rate; Fiske and Verse provide a foundation for a future top defensive unit.
  • "Jared Verse is a freak of nature. And you're going to be hearing about him for a long time." — Kurt Sandoval (16:35)
  • The defense is still very young, especially in the secondary.
• Defensive Identity & Run-Defense Priority
  • Rams’ major draft efforts after Aaron Donald’s retirement aimed at improving the defensive front to stop the run.
  • "You can't win if you can't stop the run. And that's knew they were losing Aaron Donald... so they went out after those two guys." — Kurt Sandoval (18:09)

5. Franchise Outlook: From Super Bowl Champs to Transition

• Offensive Core Intact, Depth Needed
  • The core (Stafford, Kupp, Nacua, McVay) provides optimism, but OL depth and defensive back talent lag behind previous iterations.
  • "When they're healthy, it's a spectacular offense... They need a Jalen Ramsey in their secondary. That will be the next..." — Kurt Sandoval (19:40)
• Bills Parallels—Culture and Leadership Transition
  • The Bills have also seen turnover in team leadership but maintained a strong culture, adjusting well to new captains and younger players.

6. Game Strategy & Keys to Victory

• Sandoval’s Game Plan for Rams
  • Run the football, control time of possession, convert on third down with manageable distances, and play ‘bend-don't-break’ defense.
  • "Run the football. Control the ball. Convert on third down... Set yourself up on first and second down to have short, manageable (distances)." — Kurt Sandoval (23:17)
• Emotional/Mental Factor
  • Bills’ recent heartbreak and urgency could be a hidden advantage: "What doesn't show up in the box score is the mental, emotional..." — Kurt Sandoval (23:33)

7. SoFi Stadium Experience

• A Destination For Fans
  • SoFi is described as a “$5 billion experience,” unique due to being recessed below ground, offering spectacular views/amenities, and situated near the new Clippers arena.
  • "If you come to a Bills game, stay, come early or stay late and go to (Intuit Dome)..." — Kurt Sandoval (25:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “When you’ve got Matthew Stafford at the switch, you got a chance. I mean he’s Albert Einstein in terms of the quarterback position.”
  — Kurt Sandoval (02:24)
• “Puka has become his younger brother. Really. It’s that type of relationship... That’s why Puka is excelling, because he’s younger, he’s faster, he’s healthier, he’s stronger.”
  — Kurt Sandoval (04:13)
• “He is... a classic overthinker... from where I sit, and I think that’s why they’re struggling in the red zone.”
  — Kurt Sandoval (10:26)
• “Jared Verse is a freak of nature. And you’re going to be hearing about him for a long time. He’s that good.”
  — Kurt Sandoval (16:35)
• “You can’t win if you can’t stop the run.”
  — Kurt Sandoval (18:09)
• “As long as I’ve covered sports, I always find what doesn’t show up in the box score is the mental, emotional.”
  — Kurt Sandoval (23:33)
• “SoFi... is an experience. It’s a $5 billion with a B dollar facility.”
  — Kurt Sandoval (25:28)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rams’ Season & Injury Story — 02:24
• Nacua’s Rise & Cup Comparison — 04:13
• Rams’ Secondary Receivers — 05:53
• Running Game & Red Zone Issues — 08:05
• McVay’s Coaching Approach & Risk Tolerance — 09:39 to 13:10
• Rams Young Defensive Line — 15:56 to 18:09
• Franchise Transition & Offensive/Defensive Outlook — 19:20
• Game Plan Advice for McVay — 23:09
• SoFi Stadium as a Destination — 25:28

Tone & Style

The conversation is insightful, direct, and occasionally light-hearted—sports talk at its best, between established reporters who mix analytics, observations, and a bit of humor.

Bottom Line

• Rams are on the upswing after early injuries but still have red zone and depth issues, especially on defense and the offensive line.
• Success Sunday, per Sandoval, means running the ball, winning third downs, and hoping the defense bends but doesn’t break against the Bills’ potent offense.
• The matchup is a study in contrasts: the Rams’ youthful roster with star veterans and a methodical approach, vs. a high-flying Bills team also evolving under new leadership.
• LA’s SoFi Stadium is an experience not to be missed by traveling fans.

For more coverage, follow Buffalo Plus on YouTube, or Kurt Sandoval at @ABC7Kurt.