Pittman to get more work against the Eagles?

by Ryan Van Bibber on Sep 2, 2008 4:33 PM CDT in News

For the Rams one question worth asking heading into this weekend's opener against the Eagles is how much work running backs not named Steven Jackson will get.

Jackson, as you may have heard, missed most of the preseason holding out for a new contract, limiting his practice time. Given that, 30 carries is out of the question for Jackson, and I suspect that most of his reps will be catching those screen passes. The Eagles were 21st in the league last season against running backs catching passes.

But the Rams will focus on running this season anyway, and against the Eagles that's probably a smart move given they have a solid pass rush (6th best, 7.4% sack rate) and three Pro Bowl-caliber cornerbacks, albeit one's really pissed off at his team. But the Eagles are little undersized up front, something an increasingly physical Rams offensive line (thanks new o-line coach Steve Loney!) will need to take advantage of.

So, if Jackson's not ready for 30 carries in the opener, that could mean extra work for Antonio Pittman, discussed this morning as primed for a breakout or something like it. Pittman's speed might be just the thing to use against the Eagles too. Last season, their defensive line's biggest weakness was the long run. According to Football Outsiders they ranked 20th in the league last season allowing runs of 10 or more yards.

Obviously, Brian Leonard and Travis Minor will see some carries too if Jackson doesn't touch the ball 30 times, but Pittman now seems to the be the best asset behind Jackson.

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Chomping at the bit

With this recent slide by the Cardinals, I’m really starting to chomp at the bit patiently waiting for Sunday. Hopefully, our running backs and o-line and the rest of the fellas are feeling the same way.

Sorry, this wasn’t really on topic, I just kinda needed to get it out there.

In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.

by Tackle Box on Sep 2, 2008 4:40 PM CDT reply actions