Grading the Rams: Week 4 @ San Francisco
by 3k on Oct 4, 2009 7:42 PM CDT
in 2009 regular season
40 comments
When I closed the second chapter of the Rams 2009 season, I felt we were on the precipice of a significant shift in our fortunes as a team. Sadly, I was right.
Today was a sad, sad display on offense and special teams. Unfortunately, the defensive effort has to be overshadowed by the failures in other aspects. If you dare, feel free to revisit the pain of today's game after the fold.
QB: C
What did the Bulger haters really expect? 300 yards and 4 TDs? The passing aspect of this offense is fighting to be the worst in the NFL. That can't be held entirely against any QB who happens to be stuck on this team.
HB: D+
This was a poor game for Steven Jackson. You can shoulder some of the blame off to the offensive line or the passing attack, but in the end, 23 carries for less than 80 yards (at an average of 3.4 yards per carry) is beyond substandard for Action Jackson. He avoids a worse grade for effort which was obvious to the end.
WR: F-
Explanation not needed. If you think it is, you did not watch this game.
O-line: ? C-?
I'm confused by this unit week to week. Richie Incognito has, since week 1, shed his post-whistle tomfoolery and developed into one of our more reliable blockers. Alex Barron, formerly and currently Senor Penalty, is officially in Coach Spagnuolo's doghouse. I acknowledge the pass blocking effort (despite the 5 sacks), but without Jason Smith and Alex Barron, this is a line that lacks identity. I'm willing to do without Barron, but like it or not, J-Smith is a viable part of the Rams' future. IMO, when he's not on the field, you can feel the lack of purpose.
D-line: B+?!
Yes, I know the Niners' o-line is beat up, but so was the Packers'. Still, four sacks, semi-consistent pressure, great push in the running game all day - you couldn't ask for much more out of this unit. Scarily, James Hall finished with 6 solo tackles, tied for a team high.
LB: B-
Again, Laurinaitis led this unit. Witherspoon made plays and Larry Grant & Paris Lenon contributed. Still, the coverage issue vs. TEs is becoming a serious problem in the red zone. John Carlson, Chris Cooley and now Vernon Davis all punished us. This is not likely to go away with Visanthe Shiancoe, Dallas Clark and Brandon Pettigrew all on tap before the bye.
DB: B+
While I'm not high on San Francisco's receiving options, the Rams did a good job at shutting down their passing game. I can't grade them in the A range without an interception, but San Francisco's best WR today was Josh Morgan who caught two balls for 39 yards and a TD.
ST: D-
Josh Brown missed a field goal and Donnie Jones had to deal with the wind (which notably stifled him), but the real devil was in the details. A great opening kickoff return called back. The first score of the game off of Quincy Butlers' foot. Subsequent returns by Danny Amendola and Kenneth Darby. This is not a top tier special teams unit, but it shouldn't be this miserable.
And while I rarely grade coaching, I feel as if I should this week. I'll let the TST community hash it out over the coming days (which I know will happen), but in case it doesn't, I'll be the first to say on the front page that this was sloppy beyond acceptance. Get it together. We can't afford the kind of mistakes we saw today if we expect to stay in games. We don't have the talent combined with the experience to pull us back from deficits. We might one day soon, but not today. This was very, very ugly, and I don't see it getting a whole lot better any time soon.
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New HC, New OC, New DC...not a new story
I saw trouble with the coaching coming a long time ago but to be honest I really didn’t think it would be this bad. We’d be inconsistant, I thought. Unfortunately, we’re consistant, but not in the way we should be going.
Coaching is extremely hard to predict. You gotta have talent no matter what, and you need to have years of consistancy. Very few men can turn around a huge mess quickly, and this mess took years to make. I’m not ready to dump any of our coaches right now but I’m disappointed with where the team is — mentally and physically.
I’m not nearly as happy with the defense as some of you, I think the Niners are outperforming their talent level and we should be getting more production from some key areas than we are. Despite half the 49er points coming from our mistakes, I want tackles and sacks coming from Long and Lauriniatis period, and if we don’t get them then we’re underperforming what we should be expecting. Long is way too high a draft pick to settle for an anonymous stat line, and “helped get some pressure at times” doesn’t begin to contribute on the level we need from investing a #2 overall.
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 4, 2009 8:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Two negatives on the defense (not individual players)
1. The red zone defense gave up two touchdowns in two opportunities. That hurts what would otherwise have been a good effort.
2. Where are the turnovers? Since James Butler went down, the Rams have not created a takeaway.
This is still our strongest unit, and the d-line was significantly improved as a group, so I don’t want to dog them too badly.
RamsHerd.com - Graphic Rams Discussion
by taiko on Oct 4, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
turnovers
you could see Atogwe going after the ball, but nothing doing. And on tackles it at least appears as though guys are trying to strip it, but man…
Turf Show Times
by VanRam on Oct 4, 2009 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
Generally speaking, the ball carrier has to run into somebody. Even no-name guys, if they play enough downs, are going to end up with a few stats just being in the right place at the right time. If these guys are at or near the top of your production, your team lacks playmakers. And it’s clear the Rams lack playmakers on D right now. Its up to the coaching staff to get higher performace out of the higher paid players. After all, they’re presumed to have the potential to play at that higher level, that’s why they’re paid more.
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 4, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
D was fine, O abysmal
We knew that running against spikes and willis would be hard without any kind of passing game but rb pass blocking was atrocious so i agree with that score. QB marks were high, I mean, boller made bad decisions but I wouldn’t blame him (yet I wouldnt say that he performed at a C level). Barron was retarded and we did miss J Smith . Defense crushed the run and really contained their passing. Look at the stats. Good D, Bad O
by gomer7 on Oct 4, 2009 8:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
so when boller
does bad its not his fault but when bulger has a decent day with one td and no picks everyone under the sun gripe and complain.
by sj39 on Oct 4, 2009 8:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
no they both suck
SHURMUR NEEDS TO GO
by Carneros on Oct 4, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Epic disappointment this game was.
Spagamania is in full bloom
by ram_rod on Oct 4, 2009 8:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hall and Fletcher should not be key defenders
Shutting down Glen Coffee?? Not impressed.
When Hall and Fletcher are producing as much as Laurenaitis and Long is a problem. No way they should be. Where is our defensive leadership going to come from? A guy who gets 6 tackles, no picks or sacks, and burned for a TD? I’m telling you, not having our highly paid, highly drafted guys leading with their play is a serious problem.
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 4, 2009 9:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Where's The Dicipline On This Team?
Stupid penalties……mental mistakes………i thought Spags was supposed to change that?………even the announcer called it: new players new coaching, but same results.
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 4, 2009 9:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I have no idea how you can give Jackson a D+
Are you basing this solely on yards? (yes, I see you upped him from an F? to a D+ on effort)
But you said it, you can shoulder some of the blame on the O-Line and the passing attack (or lack thereof). Really? Some? How about all? If you can’t throw the ball and the O-Line can’t open one hole for the guy and the opposing team sends every player his way knowing he’s getting the ball (70% of the time it went to Jackson), how in the hell do you expect him to do anything?
He played his ass off. The 49ers focused 100% of their effort on stopping him and he still fought his ass off the entire game. Effort alone, he should get an A. But overall, I’d give him at least a B.
He was routinely met at the line by 2 or 3 defenders. There were no holes all day. Not one. Every yard he got was after contact.
I feel bad for the guy. He gets his ass kicked every damn game and he never stops fighting.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 4, 2009 10:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I feel bad for him because he's so good
and he’s wasting his talent losing every week with us. If he was on a good team, who knows what kind of numbers he’d put up. He gets 1000 yards every season with us. Think of what he could do with a team that can pass and block.
SHURMUR NEEDS TO GO
by Carneros on Oct 4, 2009 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't understand that grade either.
For Boller to get a higher grade than Jackson for that game is simply bizarre. The only thing I can figure is that it must have been Jackson who threw the pick that was returned for a TD, though I could have sworn it was Boller.
by WestCoastBuc on Oct 4, 2009 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the O-Line got a C-!!!
yet, Jackson gets a D+…..
If you aren’t happy with the numbers (79 yards) then maybe we should just start giving Jackson an ‘I" for “incomplete”. It’s unfair to grade him when he’s literally the only thing on the offense that coordinators have to plan for.
3k, please tell me you put down a case of Franklin’s during and after the game before you wrote this. That’s the only explanation.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 4, 2009 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
StevenC from NinersNation with his 2 cents lol… Tackle Box, don’t get so tense off of someones OPINION. If you feel that Jackson played at B+ ability than that’s fine, if you feel he played at F ability that’s ok. apparently your fellow Ram fanatic 3k thought differently. Whether a certain player or players have a good or bad grade, if my team didn’t win than I have to accept it and move on and since your team lost you should accept it as it is and focus on next week.. Good luck against AP you guys.. I hate the Vikings for some reason and counting to ten seems to be a problem for me since recently i’ve been skipping that despicable number between three and five lol :)
by StevenC on Oct 5, 2009 12:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really, I'm not allowed to disagree?
Thanks for your 2 cents lol…
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 5, 2009 5:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, How could you possibly give Boller a higher grade than Jackson? 2ndly, at some point the QB has to tell the OC f-u, and actually force a deep ball to Avery and Burton. Boller, you have fire, but I’ve never really been impressed with him dating back to his college days. Anyone who has watched Cal in the last 10 years knows that A Rodgers is the real deal, and boller is, well boller.
Spags, lay it on the line, please?!?! It should finally come to your head, that you were left with a sucky team, so at least take some chances. Seriously, testicle check. Where are yours Coach?
Shurmur, please resign. I can’t blame Flajole (yet…) because the offense left the defense in such miserable position. The 9ers gained 228 yards, and yet we lose by 35. Really? Most of that is from Shammers’ unwllingness to throw the deep ball. There is no room for conservatism with this team. Please play Null. If he performs poorly, at least we know we need to draft a QB next year.
by 81 Witness on Oct 4, 2009 10:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agree about Null.
But we still need to draft a QB next year, regardless.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 4, 2009 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
woah you scared me for a second
I read “Shurmur, please re-sign” instead of “please resign”.
SHURMUR NEEDS TO GO
by Carneros on Oct 4, 2009 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you drank as much as I did this afternoon (I mean you must have, cause you watched the same old sorry a$$ rams), I forgive you.
Go Rams.
by 81 Witness on Oct 4, 2009 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No love for the grades…
boy oh boy this game got everyone just blah.
We need a win. We’re like a 20 year old with a two year dry streak. We just need to go out and do it.
Spagamania is in full bloom
by ram_rod on Oct 4, 2009 10:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Why aren't we audible-ing ever?
I say this every week and we never do it. If we call a run up the middle and there are 11 guys standing in the middle, audible out of it. Are our QBs told to run the called play no matter what? Do they have no confidence in their own judgment or arms to put the ball in their hands? What are they afraid of? That we won’t score… again?
SHURMUR NEEDS TO GO
by Carneros on Oct 4, 2009 11:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's a good question(s).
Also, could we see a play-action fake? Please? One? Hello?
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 4, 2009 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They had a couple of play actions. One was successful, it landed in Willis’ hands for a TD. Oh wait, he’s not on our team.
They still refuse to throw the deep ball. Un-f-ing-believable.
by 81 Witness on Oct 4, 2009 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. forgot about that one.
Btw, what a nice roll-out and throw back across the field. Awesome idea……
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 4, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Even better, he threw the ball short so the defender could step in front too. Seriously, what was Boller’s wonderlic score? If you (must) throw the ball across your body, throw the ball deep to give your receiver the chance to use his body to seal off defenders (see Antonio Gates or Dallas Clark, they are exceptional at this, no love for you McMichael, you don’t even get table scraps, go tuck your tail between your legs).
by 81 Witness on Oct 4, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Boller-Jackson discrepancy
Part of what I grade is expectations. It’s not just statistical output – it’s management of the game at their positions given a reasonable expectation.
Steven Jackson didn’t show the elusiveness he had in weeks 2 and 3. Nate Clements stopped him three times by himself. Jackson has to do better against CBs (despite Clements’ physicality).
As for Boller, the botched handoff was really the issue in the grading. Much of the rest of his day was due to his receivers. The throw back across the field was a perfect example of my biggest fear that is yet to fully materialize for a whole game – Boller or Bulger trying to do too much.
In the end, Jackson should have had a better day, but I expected this kind of day for Boller. Make any more sense?
Your uncle molests collies.
by 3k on Oct 5, 2009 8:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yup
I guess I’ve just decided to be super defensive of Jackson this year. I truly feel sorry for the guy. He’s a hall of fame talent that’s getting his prime years wasted by this team.
I didn’t really like that he held out a couple of years ago, but the fact he was holding out for a long term contract (and not in order to be traded or released) made me realize he wanted to be here.
But right now? Shit, I’d start my holdout right now if I was him (and I’m only half kidding). I know there are guys with pride out there, but you know he has to be extremely frusterated when he sees running backs who are a fraction as talented as he is and put forth half the effort, yet get better numbers and recognition (and wins) than he does simply because of their supporting cast.
How amazing would he be on like the Patriots or the Colts? He’d run away with the MVP.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 5, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Special Teams
I just dont get this organization? You cut Derrek Stanley!! for Danny Amendola. Now mind you Stanley had 10th highest kickoff return average in NFL last year(25yrds per return). He had multiple returns over 50yrds last year and one against bears for 79 yrds.Stanley also was a punt returner. I also think this kid had a one handed 80yrd touch last season and two tds in preseason.Coach Spags talked about how good his attention to details was with the system. Now you have another guy fumbling.(Amendola) cleary doesn’t have enough wiggle to break for big play. When seeing him line up on offensive you can see why he’s been cut twice and stuck on practice squads. Now we got two PS wr and Ruvell Marin who was a good pick up.But doesn’t know the PLAYS! Enough with the this guy is my guy and this guy isn’t with the coaching staff. Keep the best players! This organization is too bad to cut Stanley for a project players!!!!!! And you traded Brain Leonard who was a Special Teams Ace!!!! Your best two Special Teams players from last year gone!!!! And I wonder why they stuggle?
by Claude G on Oct 5, 2009 11:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Have you noticed
how the special teams can’t adjust to the situation? If they call a return to the right and the kick is clear in the other corner, they still expect the returner to angle all the way across the field to get behind his blockers. Why don’t the blockers adjust to the other side when they see the ball going there? Every time our returner has to try to run across the field to find his blockers, he gets tackled around the 15. What kind of coaching is that?
With the exception of covering tight ends, our defense is progressing (not there yet, but progressing), but our offense and special teams are terrible. It looks to me like two of the three coordinators are mistakes and need to be replaced. I had to turn off the game yesterday in the third quarter. It was literally making me sick with frustration.
by andyrose on Oct 5, 2009 3:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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