Overreaction Monday: Week 5 vs. Minnesota (Optimism edition)

by 3k on Oct 12, 2009 1:41 PM CDT in 2009 St. Louis Rams regular season

Look out, NFL. The Rams are on the verge of a serious playoff run. We've figured everything out, and going 10-3 over the remaining 13 games is a lowball guess. Why?

The good

- The Rams racked up 400 yards of total offense. TGSOT2.0, suckas! And Marc Bulger returned in fine style - 7 for 7, 12.6 yards per pass and a TD. I think he was just hustling everyone, lulling them into a state of complacency before turning it on.

- While Jared Allen continues to give traditional media outlets wet dreams, they conveniently overlooked the fact that he finished the game with as many sacks and tackles as Chris Long.

- Adrian Peterwho? Less than 70 yards compared to Jackson's 84, and we passed more heavily than in any game this season.

- James Laurinaitis' 6 tackles and an interception cement him as a developing star in the NFL. Cornerstone of the defense? Uh, yes.

- Richie Incognito stayed off the microphone. And Alex Barron looked like a football player.

The bad

- Gary Gibson had been a revelation this season until a cheap shot ended his season yesterday. He might be back in time for the wild card game.

- Chris Long is now tied for 7th on the team with 0 sacks. This aggression will not stand.

- Samkon Gado got three carries and a reception. Why? What does he do better than Steven Jackson? I understand AxJax is being worked heavily and he deserves a rest, but can't we find better ways to give him a break than to use Samkon Gado? Kenneth Darby, albeit in just 7 carries, is averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Take out his 11 yard rumble, and he's carried the ball three times for four yards. Two of those were on downs where we needed 1 yard for the first - once he ended a productive drive early in the San Fran game, and another yesterday in which he barely converted a 2nd and 1. I'm still hoping Darby gets the looks Gado is getting if we're not going to give them to Steven Jackson.

- And to end on a wonderful high note, the Rams are better at the inexplicable red zone fumble than anyone, whether it's on our end of the field or our opponents. With a very winnable game next weekend in Jacksonville staring us in the face, I think I speak for everyone when I ask Coach Spagnuolo to run some ball control drills this week. Please. The Rams have fumbled the ball 6 times, and lost 5 of those.

What else is still on your mind after yesterday's motivating loss, if there ever was one?

Poll

Who impressed you most from yesterday's loss to the Vikings?

Kyle Boller - He demonstrated that the Rams can pass the ball effectively. He also demonstrated he can fumble the ball as easily as Marc Bulger.

8 votes

Marc Bulger - Although it was meaningless at the point he came in, he was, well, perfect.

24 votes

James Laurinaitis - If he can add pass defense to his repertoire, he is going to be the best draft pick since Steven Jackson.

172 votes

Pat Shurmur - He opened up the playbook to create a passing game, and it worked. I don't know what he was waiting for, but this should at least signal to him that this needs to continue.

71 votes

Other - Specify in the comments.

9 votes

284 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 28 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

lol 10-3

Does that mean no more 2010 draft talk until the end of the playoffs? I would like to see which OL are top prospects and which veteran WRs are FAs next year.

There's always next year...

by heinzketchup on Oct 12, 2009 1:47 PM CDT reply actions

Pick #32 here we come!

Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for the pleasure of strangers. ~Merle Kessler

by mlkgandhiv2k on Oct 12, 2009 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions

No more draft talk?!

Are you crazy? Am I dead in your flash forward?!?!?!?!!

Your uncle molests collies.

by 3k on Oct 12, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Noo

In my flashforward, I am reading TurfShowTimes and reading up on our drafting of Tebow… I remember feeling angry and also a sense of hopelessness.

Redzonophobia - characterized by w/e the Rams do in the red zone

by heinzketchup on Oct 12, 2009 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions

You don't have to worry about reading on TST about the Rams drafting Tebow.

Because if it happens, 3k might start taking people out.

Look….he has the weapons and knows how to use them. For God’s sake Billy Devaney, KEEP US SAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DON’T DRAFT TEBOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 12, 2009 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions

The O-line keeping Allen and company out of the backfield

by dbcouver on Oct 12, 2009 2:13 PM CDT reply actions

I predict

2-1 the next three games… that means a 6-2 run the remaining 8. Heck, maybe we’ll run the table eh 3k?

"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi

by VTramsFan on Oct 12, 2009 2:16 PM CDT reply actions

Maybe Jax

But Detroit will be tough

by dbcouver on Oct 12, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions

With our freight train offense

at 400+ yds per game, it won’t even be a contest… Rams by 3 scores easy.

God I love overreaction Monday!

"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi

by VTramsFan on Oct 12, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions

So tell me VT....

When the Rams played the Packers, did you root for the Rammys or were you wearing your Packers jersey?? =)

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Oct 12, 2009 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions

OK Coach

you called me out…. i’m ashamed :-(

"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi

by VTramsFan on Oct 12, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions

JL

I can’t say 6 tackles and a pick qualify as star gazing for Laurinaitis. The pick was nice, but 6 tackles is not much better than average and there has been a steady stream of Tight End touchdowns given up in our games. Not all must be because of him, but I know that some have been right up the middle and have to have been his. Was there one in the MN game? Why yes, in fact there was. I don’t know how much of an over-reaction it is to say he is not a star….pretty weak I guess….but I’m tired, so that’s all I can muster. My rant last week will surely cover a couple games worth.

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Oct 12, 2009 4:03 PM CDT reply actions

Depends Connors. Sometimes the D call may be a zone. At which point, a safety needs to watch the TE as they get past the LB zone.

Considering the Rams run a 4-3 zone as their base, this may not be entirely his fault.

How about you add the Defensive line needs to get pressure? I’d like to see more Ah You and Douzable. I think these guys bring the heat.

by 81 Witness on Oct 12, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Special Teams !!!!

I know we have all kinds of issues. But can anyone out there tell me….
when was the last time a RAMS team had a respectable Special Teams Unit ?

Maybe (the most recent) was just before we let Bobby April go ?

by ZamRam on Oct 12, 2009 4:32 PM CDT reply actions

I agree

but will be nice when we actually kick off more than twice per game :-)

"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi

by VTramsFan on Oct 12, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes you are totally accurate...

Tony Horne was a threat, Hakim when he didn’t cough fumble

"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi

by VTramsFan on Oct 12, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions

We probably lead the league in total return yards against us.

Jerk Offense

by Carneros on Oct 12, 2009 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions

That really has nothing to do with special teams.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 12, 2009 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions

I know

I was kidding so we could be leading the league in something other than turnovers.

Jerk Offense

by Carneros on Oct 12, 2009 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh, ok.

I thought you might be, but youneverknow…

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 13, 2009 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Yes, I understand coverages

and just because it’s a zone coverage doesn’t mean it’s aa S on the TE. Many zones have the MLB covering the middle of the field, no matter where the TE lines up

And I admitted they don’t all have to be his fault. But at least one definitely was, I saw it. (Atlanta? I forget the game) . “Star” is the word I am quesitoning.

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Oct 12, 2009 4:36 PM CDT reply actions

Holy crap, I just got scared to death

I was listening to PTI and not looking at the screen and I heard Steven Jackson was suspended for 2 games. Then I saw that it was Stephen Jackson the basketball player.

Jerk Offense

by Carneros on Oct 12, 2009 5:00 PM CDT reply actions

Other

Donnie Avery.

He’s over the ‘slump’ or whatever it was…

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 12, 2009 5:03 PM CDT reply actions

lets sign Jeff Garcia and run the wildcat with Bulger as a wideout again.

I believe in 2010

by Eric Nagel on Oct 12, 2009 11:48 PM CDT reply actions

LoL....Bulger...WildCat...LoL

everytime i see him i think of Christopher Multisante dying in that car crash…and Tony sufficating him and putting him out of his misery……..or was Tony putting him out of “his” misery?

Rams Must Win In 2010.........2009 Is For Rebuilding, So Dont Expect Much
Chris Long Needs At Least 3 Years To Be A Great DE....Give Him A Chance
As Long As We Keep Losing, Dont Expect Any Respect From Anyone

by JordansDad on Oct 13, 2009 4:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Bulger + Wildcat in the same sentence

is like saying Dan Marino + Scramble

"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi

by VTramsFan on Oct 13, 2009 8:01 AM CDT reply actions

My favorite of the overreaction segments. Was hoping for a “Bulger for NFL MVP?!” but maybe it is presumed, haha. Liked the O linking up finally, and seeing Allen w/o a sack?!?!?! Still want to see a touchdown in real time though, and maybe get Jackson a few more red zone carries to make up for his heartbreaker :(. GO RAMS!!

by kinzav29 on Oct 13, 2009 7:02 PM CDT reply actions

The offense, or lack thereof.

Pat Shurmur needs to open it wide open. Turn them loose. That offense use to be something to watch, even for the oppossing defense. It seemed like they were watching it too.

by losangelesrams on Oct 13, 2009 9:26 PM CDT reply actions