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Rams won't make the same personnel mistakes this week, right?

St. Louis Rams OL Adam Goldberg hopes that Steven Jackson won't be mad at him for a rough outing against San Francisco.

In last week's overtime loss to the 49ers, the St. Louis Rams coaches made some curious roster decisions. Topping the list was the decision to start CB Kevin Dockery over Bradley Fletcher; Dockery was promptly burned for two big gains to start the game. 

A less visible decision, though just as costly, was the decision to leave OG John Greco on the inactive list, whereas the Rams had been using Greco in rotation with Adam Goldberg at RG. The 49ers front seven is one of the toughest defensive fronts in the game, the stats may not be there like you would expect, but the talent sure is. San Francisco's front seven is particularly  tough against the run, among the top ten in every single category Football Outsiders uses to measure DLs against the run. It made the decision to leave Greco inactive, when he probably should have been starting, even more mind blowing. 

Just how costly was it and will Spagnuolo make the more curious lineup decisions this week?

Star-divide

In their "refocused" series covering the Rams' week 10 loss, the analysts at Pro Football Focus point out a very weak effort by the Rams offensive line. Among the worst offenders: Adam Goldberg. Check it out:

Right guard Adam Goldberg (-4.2) simply had a shocker against the 49ers. After a promising 2009 season he's simply been awful so far this year, with three games worse than -4.0. He was a disaster in pass protection (-3.4), allowing one sack, one hit and two pressures 53 dropbacks. His run blocking (-1.2) didn't make up for it, either, as he was constantly on the back foot. To make matter worse, he also conceded a penalty.

Jason Smith and Rodger Saffold were also on the negative side of the ledger, though Saffold played less than a full half. The line was overmatched and didn't play up to the high standards the unit has established for itself. But the decision to go without Greco looks incredibly costly in hindsight...it also looked troubling prior to the game. 

Will the same thing happen this week? Atlanta's defense lacks the same level of talent that the 49ers have, but they've been almost as difficult to run against. The Falcons have a -17.4 percent DVOA against the run; the 49ers have a 16.8 DVOA against the run. 

And Kevin Dockery? Targeted three times for a 106 yards. 

Surely, Spagnuolo won't be making the same decisions with these guys this week...surely?

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Don't call me Shirley?

Hm…that joke’s not as good in type.

Still haven’t heard conclusive evidence that Fletcher Bradley Fletcher shouldn’t have been starting last week. Maybe he went against one of the pillars? That’s the only thing I can figure, and this Rams coaching staff has been much more hush-hush on team matters.

THIS year's the year. I hope....

by thisguy on Nov 19, 2010 3:00 PM CST reply actions  

ramsfans.com had some insight to Fletcher

During an interview with Flajole the question was asked about Fletcher. His response was related to Fletchers injury last year and the strength of his knee. i know, i know, i know… but thats what the man said

The only thing comparable to a Rams win is a 49er loss!

by DevsLaRams on Nov 19, 2010 3:48 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah

Did Spags address any of this? I really don’t see anything dockery has that Bradley doesn’t have. btw fun fact my probation officer’s name is Bradley Fletcher haha

by keeperskillz24 on Nov 19, 2010 3:12 PM CST reply actions  

I'll say it again. Dockery was never any good.

We certainly didn’t come out on top drafting soft head Smith with the 2nd overall pick in 2009. In hindsight, Crabtree’s looking awful good. Unfortunately, Goldberg and Greco are both career backups, not starters. Bell is playing better and Saffold’s ok. But, I’ve been surprised to see Jason Brown get blown out a few times too. Karney sure ain’t earning his pay blocking. But at least we don’t have slug Barron or nutcase Incognito anymore.

by RamChop on Nov 19, 2010 9:57 PM CST reply actions  

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