Ugliness: the morning after thread

Well, I guess that's you have preseason. As disappointing as last night's game was, one thing to keep in mind is that these guys haven't played in a game together for a long, long time. Not just because the length between the end of the season and now, but the injuries that kept so many of the starters out last season, particularly on the line. For instance, you be assured that Orlando Pace won't likely continue showing the rust he was obviously dealing with last night. 

One thing we did learn: this teams MUST HAVE Steven Jackson in uniform this season. Sure, I think the o-line was a little lost, like I said, they haven't played together in forever, but Brian Leonard and Pittman cannot replace what Jackson brings to the team. I suspect the Rams' position will be motivated to get a deal done after last night, the silver lining in a loss that reminded us all too much of 2007. There may be a new wrinkle in the Steven Jackson holdout story too, Scout.com is reporting that Jackson "may be" looking for a new agent to replace his new agent Eugene Parker. 

The defense was reminiscent of last season as well. Playing up a level on certain plays, like stopping a Titans run on 4th and 1 in the red zone, but still handing out plenty of yards to the Titans. Obviously, you can't put too much stock in the totality of the game's stats; the second half is more about auditioning second teamers and depth guys. And I suspect the run game suffered from Andeyanju's absence as well as middle linebacker Will Witherspoon. Still, I can't help but wonder if the Rams don't need to see who's available at defense tackle after roster cuts start happening to bolster the interior. 

The thing to watch is how they respond. Practice back in Wisconsin better be intense, and the starters need to get sharp for the show next weekend back in St. Louis.