Where Did They Come From?

by ram_rod on Nov 3, 2009 2:53 PM CST in 2009 regular season Comment 10 comments

Don't look now, but it appears that the Rams offensive line (wait for it, wait for it) is actually playing quite well. Sure, it's taken a little time for them to find their mojo, but as everyone has been saying, the line appears to be gelling quite well, and Steven Jackson appears to be reaping the benefits (Marc Bulger, not so much). Halfway through the season, he has nearly 1,000 all purpose yards.

From the statistics of FootballOutsiders.com, halfway through the season the Rams have:

The highest ranked RB in terms of DYAR, meaning Steven Jackson has the highest total value for any starting RB.
The 5th highest ranked RB in terms of DYOA, meaning 39 has the 5th highest value per play for any starting RB in the league.
The 13th highest ranked offensive line in terms of run blocking, and the 14th highest ranked offensive line in terms of pass protection. That's a bit of a jump from 28th and 23rd of last year (respectively), isn't it?

Is this a fluke? Not likely. The Rams invested heavily in the offensive line in the past few years. Some have come out to be good deals (Jason Smith, Jason Brown) and some not so much (Jacob Bell, Alex Barron). Luckily, the Rams seem to have found good depth players, who could possibly push for the two positions (RT and LG) that will be vacated should the Ram's dump Jacob Bell and Alex Barron. Like 3k said, it was no coincidence that Setterstrom came in and helped propel the running game. Hopefully, he will be able to get some more time with the first team in practice, and/or play in some games. Their is no better motivator then the idea of losing your job, which could very well happen with both of the players on the left side of the line.

It's been tough to calculate how much potential the offense has because so many players are injured at one point or another. The biggest loss so far has to be Laurent Robinson, who appeared to be a great pickup from the Falcons. Besides the glaring hole at QB (sorry Bulger, but you've got to go) one person from each position has impressed enough to point towards a bright future, which is good, because plenty of players have underwhelmed us as well. When the Saints blow out the Rams in two weeks, I hope the Rams send in Null in the 4th quarter to see what the kid can do.

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ummm

You really think we don’t have a shot against the Saints?

J/K :-) But you know, upsets can happen…

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

by VTramsFan on Nov 3, 2009 3:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So you're saying I have a chance?!

1/1,000,000 abouts…

I think the Saints just have too many offensive weapons for our defense to handle. Their running game is good, their passing attack is good, they have a great ballhawking secondary (uh oh). I just don’t think it’s gonna happen.

Upsets can happen though, you’re right.

I believe in 2010

by ram_rod on Nov 3, 2009 3:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why bother to show up and play?

that’s right!

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 Nov 3, 2009 3:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

On any Sunday--

The Saints feel they have an extra bye-week by playing the Rams. Those bag-boys better watch out, cause we will be turnin & burnin! GO RAMS!!!!!

by Knoxfan on Nov 3, 2009 4:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Daniel Gibson

I saw Gibson got in the game and was targeted once, any news on his role in the future?

by adam2588 on Nov 3, 2009 4:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No news

but if Amendola is going to miss time and given we just bid adieu to Tim Carter, I would expect him to fill in the #3 spot and get more targets. Especially since I expect us to be down heavy in the second half against New Orleans and go to the pass. (BTW, I would hope if that’s the case we see some Keith Null on the field)

You don't seem to want to accept the fact you're dealing with an expert in guerrilla warfare, with a man who's the best, with guns, with knives, with his bare hands. A man who's been trained to ignore pain, ignore weather, to live off the land, to eat things that would make a billy goat puke. In *St. Louis* his job was to dispose of enemy personnel. To kill! Period! Win by attrition. Well, *Steven Jackson* was the best.

by 3k on Nov 3, 2009 7:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

With Gibson in the fold

and Martin now healthy, Carter became extremely expendable and was really a waste of a roster spot.

I look to see Gibson on the field no matter what against the Saints and if Amendola can’t suit up then well also see Martin. Either way, I’m excited to get both of those guys out there and both should have plenty of time to get on the same page (as much as can be done) with Bulger over the next week and a half.

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

by Tackle Box on Nov 4, 2009 7:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs