I know this is later than usual.  I just got back from St. Louis this afternoon.  My dad takes me to one game a year and this was it.  I had interest in seeing Brett Favre since he's surely a hall of famer.  Many will debate him as one of the top 5 quarterbacks to ever play the game.  So at 40 years old, there wouldn't be many more chances to see one of the games best performers. 

What started out good got ugly in a hurry.  The Vikings scored a touchdown on the first possession of the game and the Rams were putting a nice drive together in enemy territory when it didn't take long for St. Louis to be down 14-0.  The Rams committed their first turnover and Jared Allen picked up a loose ball and returned it for the touchdown.  Now I despise Jared Allen.  I think he is a jerk and an ass dating back to his days in Kasas City with the Chiefs.  However, he is a damn good football player, plays with lots of intensity, and never quits.  He's a monster on defense and plays the game you want a player to do so. 

Like most Rams games this year, this one had a similar tale.  Turnovers and the inability to produce points in the red zone killed the Rams chances of winning the game.  On paper this game had the makings of a blowout.  Minnesota coming in 4-0 off a big win monday night against the Packers; while St. Louis got beat 35-0 by the 49ers to drop to 0-4.  However, if the Rams didn't create four turnovers this game would have been a different story.  The fumble by Kyle Boller was returned for a touchdown.  The three other turnovers all took place in the red zone.  In all St. Louis was 0-4 in the red zone on sunday.  St. Louis outgained the Vikings in yardage 400 to 377.  Had more first downs, 27 to 21, but could only muster 10 points.  A Josh Brown 29 yard field goal in the 2nd quarter, and a Donnie Avery 27 yard touchdown reception were the only tallies. 

Steven Jackson had a good game going up against the Williams Wall of the Vikings.  He gained 84 yards on 21 carries for a 4.0 average.  The Rams just couldn't hang onto the football.  Besides Boller who also threw an interception, Jackson and Daniel Fells each fumbled. 

Adrian Peterson had two rushing touchdowns but was held to 69 yards on 15 carries.  I thought he would have a 100-yard game on sunday. 

The Rookie, James Laurinaitis had his first career interception.  This kid looks like a good talented youngster.  I remember saying in my draft blog how I wish we had Curry, but Laurinaitis will also develop into a great pick.  I know he has a long ways to go before I can say for certain, but he looks better and better with each game he plays.  Just wait for a few years from now.  He'll be a force in the middle. 

There has been a lot of talk about the Donnie Avery celebration dance after his touchdown in the 4th quarter in yesterday's loss.  I have mixed views on it.  I do think it was inappropriate due to the score being 31-3 at the time, but I have another perspective.  I hope it lightens things up a little bit.  It has to be a little tense in a locker room that has lost 15 straight games dating back to last year.  No it wasn't a smart thing to do, but a young player does foolish things.  I am sure it is something Steve Spagnoulo will address with Avery, but there haven't been many touchdowns this year to celebrate. 

Next week the Rams travel to Jacksonville to battle the Jaguars who got shutout 41-0 at Seattle.  Not a good sign as I am sure they are looking to rebound. 

49ers 35 Rams 0

That pretty much sums up sunday's game between St. Louis and San Francisco.  You don't have to look real close either to find out what was the straw that broke the camel's back in this one.  In a word, turnovers; more specific, turnovers returned for touchdowns.  It was another case of an inept Rams offense that looked like it didn't even belong on the field. 

The Rams have started 0-4 the past 2 seasons now.  The offense couldn't find the endzone if they had a GPS and Christopher Columbus leading the way.  What I see needs to be changed.  I wonder how can other teams like the Cardinals, 49ers, Falcons, Texans, and Saints can change for the better so quick, but we can't.  When the Rams dominated the NFC West from 1999-2003 the teams mentioned above were terrible.  How quickly things change.  The Cardinals were NFC champions last year.  The 49ers are 7-2 since Mike Singletary took over, and look like the favorites to win the NFC West in 2009.  The Falcons won the NFC South last year with a rookie quarterback in Matt Ryan.  The Texans went from a rediculous expansion team with terrible habits to a legitimate 8-8 team.  The Saints possess one of the best offenses in the NFL today.  Yet the Rams can't do anything but punt and create turnovers.

The Reason why this team is the way it is?  Previous management.  I first want to say I like our new head coach a lot.  Steve Spagnolu is going to be a good hire, but he has to be given time.  He, as well as Bill Devaney, have inherited the biggest mess anyone could have asked for.  The previous staff has left their mark of a terribly ran franchise.  The draft picks were disappointing and the free agent signings were shameful.  The key to building a great team like the Patriots, Colts, and Steelers is by making solid draft picks.  These are teams that rarely miss on draft day.  Lets look at our misses in the past few years especially in the 1st round.  2006 - Tye Hill, cornerback Clemson.  2003 Jimmy Kennedy - defensive tackle, Penn State.  2002 - Robert Thomas, linebacker UCLA.  2001 - Ryan Pickett, defensive line, Ohio State, 2001 - Damione Lewis, defensive line, Miami FL, - 2001 Adam Archuleta, strong saftey, Arizona State.  None of these players remain with the Rams.  Note the year 2001 with three 1st round picks, and none retained today.  Infact the only Rams that are still on the team drafted in the first round are Steven Jackson (2004), Alex Barron (2005), Adam Carriker (2007), Chris Long (2008), and Jason Smith (2009). 

The free agent signing has also been terrible.  The Rams have thrown big money contracts at washed up duds.  Drew Bennet got a 3 year - 30 million dollar deal and was only healthy for 2 games.  Corey Chavous was a bust when brought over from Minnesota in the 2006 offseason.  Dexter Coakley was just as bad of a signing.  Randy McMichael should be sent to Detroit where his buddy Scott Linehan is coaching. 

Changes need to be made if the Rams want to get out of the cellar.  The offense needs a complete makeover.  Everyone but Steven Jackson and the starting offensive linemen should be worried about their job.  Marc Bulger being the biggest disappointment when he got his 60+ million dollar extension.  That was at the time a bigger contract then what Tom Brady of New England had. 

On the defensive side O.J. Atogwe, Chris Long, Will Witherspoon, James Lauranitis, James Butler, Ron Bartell, and Adam Carriker are starting points for a better defense, but there are big holes.  Leonard Little is well over 30, its time to move on with him.  There needs to be a better No.2 cornerback.  We need an outside linebacker that can make plays. 

It won't happen overnight, and until it does the Rams now currently possess the longest losing streak in the NFL. 

Incase you were wondering what happend in todays Rams game, it was a lackluster performance.  The 49ers scored 21 points off of defensive touchdown returns.  Kyle Boller had no success in the passing game.  Steven Jackson did accumulate 85 yards of offense but never got a chance to score.  The Rams did sack Shaun Hill four times, but forced zero turnovers. 

Next week the Rams are home to take on the Minnesota Vikings.  Lets hope maybe the Rams can suprise some and get a much needed victory.

Week three was the Rams home opener in which they hosted the Green Bay Packers.  This game got ugly in a hurry.  Green Bay trounced the Rams 36-17 mostly because Green Bay had success running the ball and converting long passes at the right time.

What I Noticed about the game...

The St. Louis offense did themselves no favors.  The first quarter was a disaster for the Rams.  A blocked field goal on the opening possesion of the game, two costly fumbles lost within their own 15 yard line, and an injury to starting quarterback Marc Bulger set the tone for this game.  Josh Brown had his 48 yard field goal attempt blocked which would have given the Rams an early lead.  Instead the Packers wound up scoring first on one of Mason Crosby's 3 first quarter field goals.  Then to make matters worse Steven Jackson and Bulger each lost a fumble on consecutive possessions to help Green Bay establish a 9-0 lead after the first quarter. 

Kyle Boller took over for an injured Marc Bulger and played fairly decent.  Boller completed 16 of 31 passes for 164 yards with a pair of touchdowns along with one interception. 

Steven Jackson proved why he should get 20+ carries a game with his effort today.  Jackson rushed 27 times for 117 yards and also caught five passes for 46 yards.  When healthy he is clearly the best playmaker on the team and has the ability to wear down defenses with his running style. 

Fullback Daniel Fells caught a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter to bring the Rams within nine points at the half.  His two catches went for 35 yards with his longest of 19 coming two seconds before halftime. 

It is hard to blame the Rams defense for this loss.  Green Bay started two drives in the red zone and could only muster field goals.  However, the Rams were decimated by the big play again today.  Aaron Rodgers completed three passes that were good for more than 45 yards.  He only completed 13 passes in the game but tallied 269 yards through the air along with a pair of touchdown passes.  Donald Driver and Greg Jennings each had atleast 95 yards receiving.  Despite the struggles against the pass, Leonard Little accumulated two sacks.

The Rams defense also struggled against the run.  The Packers accumulated 152 yards on the ground, ninety-nine of those coming courtesy of Ryan Grant.  

Despite achieving 22 first downs, the Rams went 4-14 on 3rd down conversions.  That is an area which certainly needs improvement.  

The Rams have a tough matchup in week 4 as they head west to the San Francisco 49ers whom are 2-1.  Hopefully the Rams can rebound and get a much needed win.  

 

The Rams knew the departure of Orlando Pace created a big hole at tackle, and the Rams didn't let a golden opportunity slip by them.  St. Louis selected Jason Smith of Baylor University with their No. 2 overall pick in the first round.  Eventhough the 6'5" 309 pound lineman was converted from tight end, he has the skills necessary to take over for the Rams at left tackle.  Filling the spot of Orlando Pace isn't an easy task because that is Marc Bulger's blind side. 

In the second round the Rams selected James Laurinatis of Ohio State.  He is tagged as one of the most productive linebackers in the history of Ohio State football.  He started 39 of the 51 games he played in as a buckeye and recorded 375 tackles which includes 24.5 for loss of yards.  He racked up 13 sacks and also forced four fumbles.  In college he played middle linebacker which will allow the Rams to move Chris Draft and Will Witherspoon back to the outside linebacker positions.   

While I was a little upset that the Rams didn't select Aaron Curry in the 1st round, I am happy that we drafted a top priority in selected a lineman.  The second round pick of Laurinatis really excites me.  I think this is a great pick for the Rams, and he should fit nicely into our defense.  We needed to shore up our defense and we got a very talented playmaker that can play inside linebacker. 

Day 2 of the draft saw the Rams select Bradley Fletcher of Iowa with the second pick of the 3rd round.  Fletcher, 6'1 196 pounds, is slated to be either the nickel or dime back for the Rams defense.  He only started 4 games previous to his senior year, but showed lots of promise in his performance against South Carolina in the Outback Bowl. 

Darrell Scott of Clemson was selected by the Rams in the 4th round.  He has a 6'4" frame to go along with 312 pounds of run-stopping ability.  The Rams are hoping that Scott can rotate with Adam Carriker and Clifton Ryan to give help to the Rams woes of run defense.  Before suffering injuries in his senior year Scott tallied 161 tackles, 9 sacks, and 18.5 tackles for loss in three years of starting. 

The Rams turned their attention to wide receiver taking Brooks Foster from North Carolina.  Foster hauled in 97 receptions for 1237 yards during his college career including 6 touchdowns.  He had a knee injury during his senior year, but had successful surgery after the season ended.  The need is certainly there for Foster, as Torry Holt was released to create cap room, and Drew Bennett never panned out after signing a big contract before the 2007 season. 

In the sixth round the Rams went quarterback as they selected Keith Null of West Texas A&M.  Null 6'3" 220 pounds was mentored by coach Ryan Leaf as he served as a backup his first two seasons.(thats right former No. 2 pick overall bust Ryan Leaf).

Chris Ogbonnaya was the Rams' final choice of the 2009 NFL Draft.  A product of Texas, whose name I have no idea how to pronounce, had 73 carries for 373 yards with 4 touchdowns in 2008.  He coupled that with 46 receptions for 540 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Overall I feel pretty good about the picks the Rams made.  With the new coaching staff in place I feel this team is heading in a positive direction.

St. Louis Rams 27 @ Atlanta Falcons 31

St. Louis finished the 2008 season against the Falcons at the Georgia Dome.  The Rams fell behind in the first half, battled back in the second half to take the lead, only to give up the game winning touchdown with under four minutes to go for their 10th straight loss.

The Rams offense had one of its better games of the season.  Marc Bulger had a pretty good game going for 230 yards through the air with one touchdown.  He connected with rookie Donnie Avery for a 16 yard touchdown in the second quarter to give the Rams a 14-10 lead.  Steven Jackson added 161 yards on the ground with a pair of touchdowns.  Jackson also caught four passes for 54 yards.  The offense didn't turn the ball over during today's game, but again had problems inside the red zone.  The Rams had to settle for a 31 yard field goal after Steven Jackson couldn't  convert a 3rd and 2 on the Atlanta 15 yard line.  Then just past the midway point of the 4th quarter the Rams had to settle for a 27 yard field goal.  After Jonathan Wade intercepted Matt Ryan at the Atlanta 22 yard line, the Rams were set up with great field position.  St. Louis couldn't take advantage though.  They could only move the ball down to the Atlanta 8 before breaking a 24-24 tie with Brown's second field goal. 

The Rams 27-24 lead would be short-lived.  The Rams defense was on its heels all day defending the run.  Atlanta gained 263 yards on the ground, Michael Turner acquired 208, and Jerious Norwood racked up 56.  Norwood's 45 yard touchdown run with 3:41 to go in the game was the clinching score for the Falcons. 

Despite how poorly the Rams defense played against the run, they held Matt Ryan to a quiet day.  Ryan was held to 160 yards passing and was intercepted twice.  He did hit receiver Roddy White for a 16 yard touchdown, Ryan's only touchdown pass of the game. 

Rams Player of the Game

Steven Jackson provided his best effort of the season today.  With Jackson's 30 carry 161 yard effort, he broke 1000 yards for the 4th consecutive season.  He is the first Rams running back to accomplish that since Eric Dickerson (1983-86).  Jackson also scored two touchdowns on runs from 2 and 4 yards. 

San Francisco 49ers 17 @ St. Louis Rams 16

The Rams would blow another game late as the 49ers won the game by scoring two touchdowns in the final five minutes of the game.  The Rams defense had silenced the 49ers offense for 55 minutes producing 4 turnovers and 4 sacks.  After trailing 3-0 after one quarter the Rams would score 16 consecutive points, 10 of those coming in the last two minutes of the first half.  However, the Rams had to settle for a 22 yard Josh Brown field goal after a 15 play 60 yard drive had stalled on the San Francisco 4 yard line.  St. Louis had 1st and Goal on the SF 5 and failed to score a touchdown that could have potentially been enough to seal the game for the Rams.  The Rams called terrible playcalls near the endzone.  On 1st and Goal Steven Jackson carried the ball for a loss of 3 yards.  On 2nd down Jackson got the call again, this time gaining a yard.  On 3rd and Goal from the 7, Marc Bulger had to scramble and only gained 3 yards to get to the 4 yard line.  It looked like a give-up drive.  Not one play looked like it was designed to put 6 points on the board.  Torry Holt has been an effective receiver most of his career; why not call a fade route towards the corner of the endzone for him to attempt to jump and grab?  The play calling is just too conservative.  A play like that hasn't been seen since the Mike Martz era.  Maybe the coaching staff thinks they lack playmakers that are unable to catch touchdowns within the 5 yard line? 

San Francisco waited until there was less than 5 minutes remaining in the game before finding the endzone.  Shaun Hill connected with Isaac Bruce for a 3 yard touchdown reception.  The touchdown for Bruce was his 1000th career reception.  After spending 14 years with the Rams, it was a given that he would accomplish that feat against his former team today. 

After a Rams 3 and out, the 49ers got the ball back with plenty of time.  Trailing 16-10 with 2:27 and possession at their own 33 yard line, Shaun Hill was sacked by Pisa Tinoisamoa for a loss of 7 yards.  Then on 2nd and 17, defensive end James Hall was flagged for encrouchment, and gave the 49ers 5 free yards to make it a more managible 2nd and 12.  Hill would complete his next three passes and give the 49ers a 17-16 lead after throwing a 48 yard touchdown to Josh Morgan with 90 seconds to go. 

The Rams had one last chance to move into field goal range to win the game and on 4th and 9 at the Rams 38 yard line, Bulger threw a pass that was tipped by the defense and Donnie Avery managed to concentrate and make a sideline circus catch at the 49ers 45 yard line.  Then came a running play which Steven Jackson lost 3 yards on.  With 25 seconds left, why are you calling dumb plays like that?  It was stupid, and on the next play the 49ers sealed their win when Marc Bulger was intercepted.  The 49ers would win 17-16, a game that should have easily been another Rams victory. 

Week 17 Matchup

The Rams close the 2008 season on the road as they travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons.  St. Louis (2-13) and Atlanta (10-5) don't have much to play for.  One team is watching the playoffs on television and the other already has wrapped up the 5th seed.

Seattle Seahawks 23 @ St. Louis Rams 20

In the battle to get out of last place in the NFC West, Seattle and St. Louis each with records of 2-12 fought in a game down to the wire.  Despite losing 7 straight to the rival Seahawks, the Rams came out strong in the first half.  The Rams scored on the opening drive of the game on a 31-yard pass from Marc Bulger to Torry Holt.  After forcing the Seahawks to punt on their first drive of the game, the Rams made a crucial mistake.  On the second play of the drive Derek Stanley took a handoff and fumbled at the St. Louis 23-yard line.  Jordan Babineaux picked up the loose ball and ran it in for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.  Despite the mistake, the Rams would regroup and score their second touchdown in the second quarter on a 6 yard run by Steven Jackson.  Up 14-7, the Rams would also add a Josh Brown 36 yard field goal before halftime.  At the half the Rams had piled up 243 yards and had a 17-7 lead. 

St. Louis is a much better football team when Steven Jackson can suit up and play.  Jackson carried the ball 24 times for 91 yards and scored on a 6 yard run in the 2nd quarter to give the rams a 14-7 lead.  He also added 36 receiving yards on 4 receptions.

Each team had fumbled twice.  The other Rams fumble came inside the Red Zone.  Joe Klopfenstein caught a 12 yard pass reception and got down to the Seattle 15 where he fumbled the ball.  It took a golden opportunity for points away from the Rams. 

The second half was a complete disaster.  St. Louis could only manage 99 yards in the second half with a total of 4 first downs.  Steven Jackson was held in check.  After compiling 81 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown, he received 7 carries for only 10 yards in the 2nd half.  The defense fell asleep.  After holding the Seahawks to 76 yards through 2 periods and 3 points, Seattle woke up and outscored the Rams 16-3 as they went on to win 23-20 on a last second field goal by Olindo Mare. 

On the final drive of the game, St. Louis couldn't stop Seattle on a 3rd and 4 at the Rams 38 yard line as they allowed T.J. Duckett to pick up the 1st down.  On the next play, Senaca Wallace through a deep strike to Deion Branch that would ensure an easy field goal attempt for the Seahawks.  That's your ball game, Seattle 23-20. 

Week 16 Matchup

St. Louis welcomes the San Francisco 49ers into town next week.  The 49ers (5-9) lost to the Miami Dolphins 14-9.  It will be another return trip to St. Louis for former Rams head coach Mike Martz who is now the offensive coordinator for the 49ers.  Martz took over in 2000 after Dick Vermeil retired.  Martz lead the Rams to three seasons in a row of 10 or more wins.  He coached the Rams to their Super Bowl 36 apperance, as well as their last NFC West division title in 2003. 

St. Louis Rams 10 Arizona Cardinals 34

St. Louis lost their fifth straight game to the NFC west rival Cardinals today.  To sum up today's game, Arizona's defense did more scoring than the Rams' offense.  The Cardinals capitalized off of a 11 yard fumble return and a 99 yard interception return.

Arizona scored touchdowns on their first two drives of the game to take a 14-0 lead after one quarter of play.  After Ron Bartell intercepted Kurt Warner, the Rams had 1st and goal at the Arizona 6 yard line.  The Rams scored their only touchdown on a 3 yard pass from Bulger to Jackson.  It would be the closest the Rams would get.  They would add a 51 yard field goal by Josh Brown in the 4th quarter, but Arizona had this one on cruise control. 

MVP Candidate Kurt Warner quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals was 24/33 passing for 279 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT.  Even after 5 years, it is still different seeing him in another teams uniform. 

The Rams turned the ball over 3 times.  Steven Jackson fumbled twice and Bulger had the interception that was returned 99 yards for a touchdown in the 4th quarter.  You aren't going to win any games where the opposing defense outscores the offense 14-10. 

Week 15 Matchup

St. Louis falls to (2-11) as they lost their 7th game in a row.  The Rams head back home to take on the Seattle Seahawks.  Seattle also fell to 2-11 today as they lost to the New England Patriots 24-21 in Seattle. 

Oh boy, two teams with a combined record of (4-22) will be battling for control of the cellar in the NFC West.  I wonder who is going to get the W. 

Miami Dolphins 16 St. Louis Rams 12

St. Louis welcomed back Steven Jackson infront of a  60/40 mixed crowd of Rams and Dolphins fans at the Edwards George Dome today.  Jackson got off to a good start as his first carry in weeks went for 11 yards.  The Rams would have success moving the ball on the ground, but struggled in the passing department.  The woes were really obvious when the Rams moved inside the redzone.  The Rams went 0-2 in the redzone and had their 4 scoring drives all end with Josh Brown field goals.    Brown was perfect on all his attempts hitting from 23,33,38, and 51 yards. 

Part of the Rams' woes on scoring were due to an ineffective passing game.  Marc Bulger had an awful game today.  He finished 16/35 for 149 yards and was intercepted 3 times.  Bulger threw 2 soft passes over the middle that were gathered in by the Dolphins. 

The defense for the Rams played better than they have in previous games.  While they did give up 327 total yards, the Rams didn't allow a single rusher to gain over 54 yards.  The defense was able to keep the Rams in the game.   They forced the Dolphins to punt with 2 minutes remaining, but the Rams turned it over on an interception with less than 40 seconds to go. 

Rams Player of the Game

In his first game back after battling a nagging injury, Steven Jackson racked up 94 yards rushing on 21 carries.  He also had 1 reception for 16 yards. 

Week 14 Matchup

The Rams travel to Arizona to take on the NFC West division leading Cardinals (7-5).  St. Louis (2-10) will have its arms full trying to stop a very potent offense featuring former Ram Kurt Warner, and two very good young receivers in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. 

Chicago Bears 27 @ St. Louis Rams 3

Another ugly game.  I could go on about how poor the defense has played against the run, or how terrible the offense played.   What more can I say that I haven't said in past weeks though?  At one time this team was 2-4, now they have lost five straight.  I saw a team that was overwhelmed by the Bears defense.  Chicago has been very tough against the run, but has been giving up big gains on pass defense.  Today, the Rams made the 2008 Bears look like the 1985 Bears defense.  

It was another game without Steven Jackson.  It didn't help matters when Marc Bulger sustained a concussion on the fifth play of the game.  Backup Trent Green took over for Bulger and did his worst going 16/30 for 219 yards and 4 interceptions.  Chicago dominated the game with their defense creating turnovers and recording 5 sacks.  They threw off the quaterback's timing making him throw passes well behind receivers. 

The Bears limited St. Louis to 14 yards rushing on 19 carries.  Antonio Pittman had 9 of those carries for 8 yards.  Only 3 of those carries went for positive yardage; including gains of 3, 8, and 11 yards.

For the fourth time this year, the Rams failed to score a touchdown.  The lone Rams score today, a Josh Brown 43-yard field goal in the in the 2nd quarter when the Rams were trailing 21-0.  Josh Brown had previously missed a 40-yard field goal earlier in the period.

Matt Forte had a solid game on the ground thumping the Rams defense for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries.  The woes will just continue for the Rams.  How are they going to stop the Dolphins next week when they run their infamous "Wildcat Formation"?  The Dolphins could have close to 200 rushing if not more, before the game is over.

Week 13 Matchup