Rams 20, Jacksonville 23, F/OT: New route, same result
by Ryan Van Bibber on Oct 18, 2009 4:50 PM CDT
in 2009 St. Louis Rams regular season
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PrintThe St. Louis Rams had a much better effort today, but - stop me if you've heard this one before - it just wasn't enough as they lost in OT to the Jacksonville Jaguars. A quick recap:
The Offense
Again, the Rams offense just wasn't very good, but they really got hurt when Donnie Avery left the game. That took away a desperately needed dimension to the Rams offense. The Jacksonville run defense was tough; Steven Jackson got a measly 50 yards on 16 carries. The offensive line didn't have their best day opening holes for Jackson. One thing I noticed watching this game was that our blockers consistently had trouble getting to the second level. Jacksonville's safeties were in the box on almost every play, so it seemed, and they led the day in tackles. The blocking was much better; Bulger hit the dirt just one time...if only he had anyone to throw the ball to.
It's kind of funny, but the passing game continues to be a strength for the Rams, except on third down. Speaking of third down, the Rams were pathetic, converting just 4 of 12. And third down wasn't the only problem area. The offense sputtered enough that they only had 11 total first downs to Jacksonville's 33. That's right 11 Rams first down to Jacksonville's 33. Which gives you some idea of why the Jags had 492 yards of offense to our 262.
The Defense
Our defense has definitely improved from the product on the field that last three seasons. If our offense had any competency whatsoever the defense is good enough that the Rams could win some games. That's not to say our defense is good. They took some ill-advised penalties today too.
Gary Gibson is missed. DT has to be a priority for this team before next season. The Jones-Drew ground game eventually got to them, but they were on the field for more than 40 minutes, 42:12 to be exact. We just don't have the depth for that kind of exposure.
The line had more pressure from the ends, including a nice back to back sack series. They also did a good job getting pressure, that resulted in two INTs, including Leonard Little's that made it a game.
The secondary had it's moments, both good and bad. Is Bartell still aching? He got burned twice in the first half for big plays. You could argue, not convincingly, that Holt's 41-yard catch was just a nice play, but he got burned bad on Sims-Walker's 35-yard catch. Four pass interference penalties hurt, though the Jaguars didn't get points on any of those drives.
Ultimately, the defense suffered because they were on the field twice as long as the offense, and they're just not good enough to keep any team out of the end zone for 42 minutes.
Special Teams
Donnie Jones didn't have his leg today; Josh Brown did. Danny Amendola has been the find of the season, averaging 31 yards on 4 kick returns.
Ultimately, it was a disappointing effort for the Rams, who lost their 16th in a row. Maybe things would have been different with Avery. Still, at this point, it's hard not to wonder if they won't end up winless this season.
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It was a nailbiter and veeeeeery big battle
Hats off to this team, you will inprove, and you will win this year I see it.
Lauriantis is a beast! Don’t be upset.
And by the way, the way the Titans playing right now (0-45 at halftime!!!!) you are really not the worse team of the NFL.
All the best wishes for the rest of the season.
Life without knowledge is death in disguise
by Zoltan from Budapest on Oct 18, 2009 4:57 PM CDT reply actions
Gloomy no, disraught Yes!
There’s an old saying that “you can’t polish a tu_d.” While the final score was close, the game was a mirage. Despite the Jags trying every way in the world to give us our first win, we’re 0-6. For those that crave “stats” as justification, chew on these:
Jax had 33 first downs, we got 13.
They doubled our time of possession.
Jax converted 11 of 16 3rd downs.
Chris Long had 3 tackles in almost 5 qtrs (still zero sacks).
Jax put up 492 yards of offense, we had 260, and
We had double the penalty yards.
Now for opinion: it’s looking more like 0-16 every week. The NFC West division, except for the Rams, is tight. There are not likely to be any throwaway games for the 49ers, Hawks or Cards at the end of the regular season. If we’re going to win a single game this year, we’re gonna have to earn it. I think we might’ve escaped with a win today except for our miserable offense having three 3 and out series in a row in the 2nd half. Our defense was sucking wind after playing 45 minutes.
Did you watching the NE-Titans game?
Todays Rams would beat the Titans 30-0
Life without knowledge is death in disguise
by Zoltan from Budapest on Oct 18, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
That's ludicrous thinking.
Last week the Jags lost to the Sea Hawks 41-0. Today, the Cards smashed the Hawks in Seattle 27-3. You can never be absolutely certain how a given matchup will go on any given Sunday. Except, of course, that the Rams always lose. Today’s Rams would’ve probably lost to NE in the snow 69-0. The Titans are in a serious rut, but they still have some NFL talent. It’s quite likely they’ll beat us when we play.
On any Sunday--
Then again, we might have beaten NE 69-0. I’ve seen those things happen before. ie..Raiders just beat the EAGLES! Go figure—
Right about upsets..., but
…neither of us has seen the Rams beat anyone in a calendar year. We’re now 5-33 over the last three seasons. Putrid!
actually
i think we only had 11 first downs, not 13.
Turf Show Times
by Ryan Van Bibber on Oct 18, 2009 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
yes 13 first downs for us and 33 for the jags you are right how can you win like that
if Spags is happy with this Shurmur offense i dont know what to say this guys play calling is killing both sides of the ball,this is the worst offense i ever have seen ,bar none
by james535 on Oct 18, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Rams Vs Titans
will be the battle of the winless….this is the only win I can see coming on our schedule…next week vs the Colts will be a blow out, we can beat the Lions, just not in Detroit……the Saints will be a blow out, even our great D wont be able to contain Drew and co. It doesnt look good Ram fans……….in the off season, DT and WR must be a priority and one of those guys should be a big free agent signing…..our D will be much better next season and so will our O line as they will have had a whole season together and should be gelling by then
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
My Kingdom for a-----
Top rated WR
A healthy CB
A talented backup RB
Safety that can stop the long ball
I spent 3-Sixpacks, one Jar of pickled-Pigsfeet, a big bag of HOT porkskins, and all I got back was 4 starters out for next week and a loust OT loss! (and now heartburn!)
Yup, most people tell me that--
I’m gonna try cooking them first to see if that helps. Maybe the Porkskins also.
hes almost like an adeyanju
not bad against the run, but without James Hall the pass rush was garbage.
by loyal2therams on Oct 18, 2009 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Our GM said this past week that C.Long is playing at probowl level lol
by james535 on Oct 18, 2009 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL at your lousy expectations...
2 years, 2 HC coaches, 2 DC. He, along w/other young players need consistency to grow. He’ll flourish under Spags.
by RamsFan1979 on Oct 18, 2009 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL at your wishful inane thinking...
We’re still waiting for high-draft pick players like Barron, Carriker, Long and the now-departed Tye Hill, Joe Klop, Brian Leonard, etc. to flourish…
You're waiting on Hill, Klop, Leonard to flourish?
I’m not.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
OK
let’s see how C Long compares to the other DE in the 08 draft. Here we go….
C Long 40 tackles and 4 sacks last year and 20 t’s and 0 sks this year.
G Dorsey had 46 t’s and 1 sks last yr and this year 22 t’s 0 sks.
Sed Ellis 30 t’s and 4 sks last year, 12 t’s and 1 sk this year.
Anyone else worth mentioning? Not much of a bust compared to his peers from his draft class.
How about to fellow DE’s? #1 is Andre Carter, Wash [#95 overall] has 28 t’s & 5.5 sks. Chris is # 188 total, not bad, considering 13 DE’s with more t’s and sks. Sure I’d love a few sacks from him, but he’s gotten close, he’s caused others to get the sack when the qb was evading CL, his time will come. Still, not much of a bust IMO.
Long was drafted overall #2. He's expected to be a high-level player.
So what if lesser picks Dorsey, Gholston, et.al are flops too? Bill Parcells stole the top draftee in 2008 by choosing the right “Long”, i.e. Jake with the 1st pick. He’s turned out to be a great asset to the Miami Dolphins. There’s no way to put a good spin on any recent 1st round picks by the Rams including Carriker, Long and Smith. Yes, Smith too. We could’ve had Aaron Curry. So, IMHO Chris Long = BUST.
I have an honest question
Are you declaring him a “BUST” because of his draft position? Or, if he were drafted lower in the first or even down in the 3rd or 4th would he still be a BUST?
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
I think Long may eventually work out to be an average DE.
More like what I would’ve expected from a 3rd rounder. But certainly NOT the 2nd overall pick in the draft. I find it incredulous that a pick that high hasn’t registered a single sack this year against mediocre (or bad) teams like Seattle, Wash, GB, SF, and Jax. I would’ve hoped for 3-4 sacks by Long, which could’ve changed the outcome of the Redskins and Jags games. I do think both Long, Carriker, and others are busts based on what was rightfully expected and how much they’re paid.
So, I guess i'm just confused to what it is you want the Rams to do with him.
If he’s a bust, should they get rid of him? Or if he’s average, then should they keep him or does his draft position dictate how the Rams should handle him.
I figure if he is an average DE (and I tend to agree although “average” is a bit of a subjective term….i.e., we may disagree on what “average” is) then I guess we just have to accept that he is what he is and try to figure out the best way to use him, right?
I mean, he is under contract (a rather hefty one) so hopefully Spags and Co. can figure out something for him to be good at (or not suck at like sacking the QB).
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
At first opportunity...
we need to renegotiate his hefty contract to be more commensurate with his actual skills and performance. If he doesn’t like that, maybe another team will trade something of value for him. Hey we got a 7th round pick for Tye Hill. I don’t think we could give Carriker away under any circumstances. He’s a bigger bust than Long and comes with multiple chronic injuries. There is just no limit to the damage Zygmunt and Linehan did to this team…
two things that go against your suggestion
1. do you really think chris long is going to renegotiate his hefty contract? he’s making a ton of money (a lot of it guaranteed), and his salary is not performance-based. why in the world would he or his agent wish to renegotiate?
2. if he doesn’t want to renegotiate, why would another team want to pay him the amount of money we do (the money a top d-lineman would make), for an average d-lineman. that doesn’t work in the nfl. with the salary cap, you just can’t pawn off your goods for nothing. no team is going to want to take the cap hit that chris long will induce, especially if he’s playing like an league average d-lineman.
by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 19, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions
hopefully getting Suh to go next to him
Will help him out a lot next year.
Reserved-- been waiting 6 weeks to have this sig, I guess I can wait 1 more
Long will not be renogotiating his contract
You know better than that, ed. No one would do that.
I think it’s too soon to let him go anywhere. He needs time to show what his ceiling is. Understand, I’m not happy with where he’s at so far, but we invested so heavily in him, I think we have to hang in for a couple of years.
I was happy when they drfated him but I’m really disappointed in how infrequent he touches the QB. And I’m sorry to admit I’m equally disappointed in how a TE can block him right out of the running lane.
Would I feel worse if we stuck with him for 3 full seasons and then had to admit he underpeformed his draft position? Or would I feel worse if we cut him loose early and he developed into a first round talent for another team?
The latter.
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 19, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
You are entitled to your
opinion, but I don’t agree w/making a statement like that w/out more NFL time for him. Look at M Sanchez; seems like an awesome pick for the Jets right? Remember R Bush’s first year compared to M Williams? Looking back who made the better pick, New Orleans or Texans? IMO there is just not enough data to decide. Tho I still agree w/most ppl on here, we need MORE production out of him now, not next year.
Man don't remind me of Robinson
It would be so much easier to win with both those guys and Jackson
Reserved-- been waiting 6 weeks to have this sig, I guess I can't wait 1 more
n/s
i’m not really sure what to say about this game. the offense (minus the two bookend drives) sucked, the defense made some good plays that kept us in the game but in the end just couldn’t get off the field when they needed to. bottom line, the team as a whole just didn’t play well enough today. the loss of avery hurt, but bulger has to find a way around that and get the ball to his other receivers. you know it’s a bad day when the running back is your leading receiver.
encouraging sign: bulger did go 22-34 for 213 yards and threw one touchdown to go with one interception. that’s definitely something to build on.
one of these sundays, the rams are going to put it all together and win a game. it just wasn’t enough today.
by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 18, 2009 8:08 PM CDT reply actions
And the way this league is
it’ll probably be against the Saints.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
prediction: Rams 94 Saints 0
this is fun.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
LOL
Ok, that was funny
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 19, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
you think Bulgers play was encouraging sign ?lol he plain out sucks
by james535 on Oct 18, 2009 9:46 PM CDT reply actions
Hey, Bulger got us 13 1st downs and was only intercepted once.
He also engineered 3 consecutive 3 and out offensive series in the 2nd half against a lousy team. Bulger not only sux, he’d draw 28 inches of mercury on a manometer, i.e. a perfect vacuum.
You are precisely correct.
The condensers I’m used to looking at do have some inleakage not accounted for. I should’ve consulted one of my old Engineering books first. I guess Bulger doesn’t suck that bad…
Really?
Compared to whom?
Hasselbeck 10/29 112 yds, 1 int
E. Manning 14/31 178 yds 1 int
D Anderson 9/24, 122 yds, 1 int
M Cassel 17/32, 186 yds [in a win]
by RamsFan1979 on Oct 18, 2009 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Try QBs from about any of the other dozen games. Or...
Kurt Warner and Drew Brees from two of the four games you mentioned. And, your stats are isolated incidents. Surely you’re not classifying Bulger in the same league with Eli Manning, or even Hasselbeck or Cassel? Bulger and Boller consistently suck on a weekly basis.
He's obviously better than Manning, Hasselbeck and Cassel.
The facts prove it.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
You obviously
can’t digest game stats and… wait… that’s some sappy drippy poor attempt at sarcasm?!?
by RamsFan1979 on Oct 18, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions
All I did was
point to a few qb’s who did worse than Bulger did today. Now you want me to compare him to the hottest qb’s in the league? LOL…
by RamsFan1979 on Oct 18, 2009 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I know what you did...
Just get a USA Today and you’ll find that on any given week Bulger’s QB rating is typically in the bottom quartile. Usually around 69-70. Not surprising with an offense routinely ranked between 30-32 AND one that has SJax.
And I don’t know what T-Box is smoking, but it must be good stuff.
Let me tell
you two tools why I compared him to whom I did. First off, all [but one] qb’s listed lost as well today [comparing apples to apples NOT apples to oranges as tacklebox suggests]. Bulger did better than those qb’s today [key word, today]. Second, original question asks if Bulger’s play was encouraging today. Well compared to other qb’s you can easily draw the conclusion, yes very encouraging.
Drawing the conclusion that Bulger is better than the top tiered qb shows well… I’ll let you draw your own conclusion.
by RamsFan1979 on Oct 18, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Jacob Bell?
Anyone get some eyes on Bell today? Just wondering how he did. Surprised to see Greco inactive again
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.
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