"Perfect" and then some

by VanRam on Oct 22, 2009 12:21 PM CDT in Game Planning Comment 15 comments

St. Louis Rams tight end Daniel Fells and others will need to step up this week.

The best way to spin it is state the fact: the St. Louis Rams have a really tough matchup this week against the Colts. You want a silver lining for the week? I honestly don't know what it is.

It seems like week-in and week-out, the Colts and the Saints battle on the stat sheet to see who has the best offense. The weakest link is their run game, with a -0.5% DVOA.

You're used to Peyton Manning's team being solid on offense, and the defense is holding up their end of the bargain this season too. Overall, they have a -7.0% DVOA on defense (8th ranked), with a -11.2% against the pass (8th) and a -0.9% against the run (23rd). The key for the Rams this week will be using Steven Jackson and trying to beat their pass defense against a loaded box. Yeah, yeah, yeah, broken records and all that.

The Colts should also have SS Bob Sanders back this week. They will, however, be without starting CB Marlin Jackson.

Indy runs a cover 2 defense, which might bolster the Rams short passing game, especially if they can get Jackson established on the ground and force the linebackers up. Keep your eyes on Randy McMichael and Daniel Fells since they'll be important in that aspect of the receiving game. It's worth noting that the Colts have allowed just 2 passing TDs this season, the fewest of any team in the league. Opponents have just 7 passing plays of 20+ yards (and none for more than 40) against Indy.

What about those stats compared to their schedule? The Colts haven't played the top tier of the league; the Cardinals are the only opponent on their schedule thus far with a record better than .500. However, of all their opponents only the Titans are worse than the Rams on offense.

So when Marc Bulger says it's going to take a "perfect game" to win this week, he's only part right. It's probably going to take some help from the Colts themselves.

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If we combined all the good things we've seen through the 6 weeks

and play perfect, we could win.

Is that too much to ask?

I’d love to see them whip them just because of my hatred of all things Manning.

I believe in 2010

by ram_rod on Oct 22, 2009 12:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That would be great

But Rams lose 31-10. I hate Buckethead with a passion too.

by 81 Witness on Oct 22, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just a minor point.

Marlin Jackson has actually been our nickel back this season. Powers and Hayden are our starters, and they both will play Sunday.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: The national anthem of Greece has 158 verses. Wonder how long it would take to sing that before a game.

by Cassieper on Oct 22, 2009 1:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

easy mistake to make though

he’s a returning starter, but is still recovering from an ACL tear last year that limited his conditioning work and probably is effecting his (already not awesome for a corner, if he weren’t in a Tampa-2 system he’d probably be playing safety) speed and athleticism.

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

by shake n bake on Oct 22, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really feel bad for the Rams this year...

They could go 0-16 and only get the #2 pick because Tampa might also go 0-16. Watching the Colts passing game on Sunday is going to be like a pinball game. It might be a Jim Sorgi kind of day in the 2nd half.

by invisibulman on Oct 22, 2009 3:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sad to say I think the Rams get blown out huge this weekend, like 49 to 3, these Colts are good and well our guys, not so much lol,.By the way as far as hating on anything Manning, I personally think Peyton is all class in how he plays and conducts himself on and off the field, now if we are talking about Eli then yes I absolutely hate this guy

by peteyweestro on Oct 22, 2009 3:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I doubt it gets that bad.

Caldwell would prolly call off the dogs if the Colts are up by 4 TD’s or more.

Dun nuh nuh nuhhhh!!!! Super Mathis

by hoosier in sodak on Oct 22, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He should be nice and call them off for the whole game.

And if it gets too close for comfort then he can bring in the starters. I know that would never happen, but at least that way we’d get the satisfaction of a close game for a while.

Reserved-- been waiting 6 weeks to have this sig, I guess I can wait 1 more

by Carneros on Oct 22, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt Caldwell will

“call of the dogs” any this game. Idk about you but I have noticed that the Colts are playing way more aggressive than we have seen from Dungy. For instance against the Titans…if Dungy was still here Sorgi Orgy would have been in during the 4th quarter. So I really dont expect the Colts to pull Manning.

Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!

by coltsfan723 on Oct 22, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

games are not won by stats and records any thing can happen in a game

i think we will see the bigest upset of the year sunday 0 and 6 Rams will beat the 6 and 0 Colts ,we play better every week after the over time its prime time for a win at home sunday,i dont care if the hole world say P.Manning and the Colts, im telling you the Rams will win on sunday i can feel it the winning vibe is in the air
Dont be suprized sunday the Rams will win
GO RAMS

by james535 on Oct 23, 2009 6:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs