How do you lose to an 0- 13 team? Ask the Rams
As a longtime Rams fan, I have always been angry at the East Coast establishment for their lack of respect for L. A. football. After watching USC vs. Oregon, the Rams vs. the Jets, and the Chargers and UCLA all season, I think we deserve what we get.
Steve Powell Santa Barbara
Last week I laughably dreamed that the ghost of Christmas future would gift the lowly Jets with a win against the Rams. Then I awoke to the game- day nightmare of the Rams sinking to their season low of handing a Christmaspresent win to the pitiable Jets.
The way the Rams’ game imploded should scare the dickens out of L. A.’ s players and coaches. Jean Stapleton
Glendale
What does Sean McVay have in common with Clay Helton and Chip Kelly? The ability to keep promising to “do better” and “this one’s on me” after tough losses. The “wunderkind” label is starting to look a lot like “wonder why I can’t.” Ken Blake
Brea
Rams lose to a winless team. Well, who did that surprise? They have a history of, let’s say, inconsistencies, when it comes to teams they should beat, and beat easily.
So obviously the drawing board is not working. The chemistry is not working, and it should not take game after game to figure out what to fill the beaker with. John Houchens
Lancaster
The Rams’ coaching staff seem to think they have a running game that’s worthy to establish at the beginning of each game. Why do they think that?
If they’re going to get anywhere, they have to establish the pass before they will be able to run. Their quarterback and wide receivers are among the best when their confidence is high, but not so much after their quarterback was being criticized by their head coach.
Steve Baker Los Angeles
Sad Troy story
What an extremely thoughtful decision by the USC football program to opt out of their bowl game due to COVID- 19 circumstances.
However, is there any chance that they would have passed up an opportunity/ payday to play in a New Year’s Six bowl game had they actually won the Pac- 12 title?
I think not ... which says more about the program and the decisions being made by the administration than losing to an inferior opponent.
Larry Herrera Redondo Beach
It appears that Bill Plaschke finally came to his senses and is now seeing the Trojan football program for what it truly is. Having been a USC fan since the early ’ 60s, I have found the program over the past few years to be embarrassing. The obvious lack of discipline, fundamentals, toughness, along with a lack of top recruiting has been quite apparent.
For a program that has always prided itself in competing for national championships, the current regime is totally unacceptable. A high- profile coach who can bring much- needed leadership is needed if the Trojans ever expect to return to their glory days. Tom Holty Dana Point
Bill Plaschke wakes up thinking, “Who can I trash today”? USC went 5- 1 in an abbreviated season, will finish ranked in the top 20 nationally, but for Plaschke, that’s a disaster, and Helton’s a bum. If they won, he thought they should jump nine places and be in the playoffs. They lose by seven points and they might as well have never suited up this year.
Mitch Paradise Los Angeles
Reaching out to the president and Mike Flynn to have martial law declared in the area surrounding the Coliseum and have the Pac- 12 championship game replayed. I do not accept the results of Dec. 18, 2020. Jack Von Bulow
Temple City
QB tree
It was interesting to read the article about Sam Darnold’s struggles with the New York Jets with comments from Mark Sanchez. Why limit the comments from just Sanchez? Darnold could use the benefit of feedback from all the USC quarterbacks who thrived in college but were highly drafted busts in the NFL. Perhaps arrange a panel discussion via Zoom with Darnold, Sanchez, Matt Leinart, Matt Barkley and even throw in John David Booty. Each could try to explain why general managers in the NFL continue to draft USC quarterbacks, pay them a lot of money and then cut their losses after 2- 3 years.
Jack Nelson Los Angeles
Fool’s blue and gold
Chip Kelly thinks he still has that Midas touch. He’s not happy with a win unless it reflects his patented bravado. An idea, let’s run him up the middle in a crucial short- yardage situation. If he makes it, he stays — if not, he’s paraded through Pasadena and put on the eastbound 210. Mario Valvo
Ventura
I was at Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 21, 2006, when Karl Dorrell had UCLA run up the middle on three straight plays for a net gain of one yard, forcing the Bruins to punt, while nursing a tenuous 17- 13 lead in the game’s final minutes. Notre Dame covered 80 yards in three plays to score the winning touchdown. Dorrell’s “try not to lose” philosophy cost the Bruins a victory for the ages.
Fourteen years apart with different coaches, but UCLA maintains its futile offensive strategy of trying not to lose, a strategy that has amassed a 91- 94 record over that span. Time to clean house and start over. We alumni and fans deserve better.
Brian Gura Redondo Beach
Close calls
As a UCLA women’s basketball season- ticket holder for 10 years, I want to thank the L. A. Times for the article on coach Cori Close and the coverage you have been giving this team recently. Over the last couple of years this team has been the most successful college basketball team ( men or women) in the Los Angeles area.
The key to this is Close.
Her dedication as a teacher and leader of people is unmatched. She recruits wonderful women who are not only good players, but better people. And as the article talked about, it’s not just about basketball, it’s about life, knowledge, and communication. Steve Shaevel Woodland Hills
It’s still Rosy
It’s been a long, grueling year, fraught with incredible loss and sadness, and it’s ending with California, and most importantly Los Angeles County, being the apparent epicenter of COVID- 19 infection in the entire world.
Losing the “college football playoff at the Rose Bowl” or whatever it’s called is not that significant. Listening to the churlish whining of Brian Kelly and Dabo Swinney makes it even less of a loss.
They say money talks and BS walks, and this time both happened. Talk about a win- win situation. Now whoever plays can treat their fans to all the freedom they can handle ( and I’m told Texas doesn’t even have COVID, just a nasty f lu).
So enjoy the Ricky Bobby Bowl out there in f lyover country. Count the money the way survivors count their blessings. The sun will still shine in Southern California and the Rose Bowl abides. Californians will just have a little extra time to welcome what I hope is a happier new year for us all.
Nels Norene Camarillo
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