2010 St. Louis Rams Compare Favorably To The 2008 Atlanta Falcons
by Tevin T. Broner on Aug 31, 2010 12:30 PM CDT
Email
Print
No, I don't mean that the Rams will surprise the NFL and go 0-16. The Rams will become a good team next season, hell I think that this season will closely mirror the 2008 Atlanta Falcons season.Okay, yes I know just compared the Rams to a Falcons team that had an record of 11-5. Before I get deep into this, I'm not saying that the Rams will be 11-5 or make it to the wild-card. However the elements are there however, and if other teams that were supposed to be bad can make quick turnarounds then why can't the Rams? Mainstream media is always quick to talk about the big market teams, and also teams that have been consistent over the years.
This is the most talented Rams team that I have seen in a while. Last year many of the experts had us winning more than 4 games last season. However the Rams had many issues to go through last season. The Rams had a lack of talent, good quality veterans, rookie coaching, and most importantly they couldn't escape the injury bug. Last season the only reason to watch the Rams play was to see how they would lose to their next opponent. Those days could be over however sooner than later, and after the jump we will look more into these Rams and I will loosely compare the Falcons and Rams.
I know the first thing that you are thinking. Tevin you chose to compare these two teams because they both had rookie quarterbacks. Well that is true but other than that there are other similarities between the teams. The Falcons didn't have big expectations for the upcoming season, not one media member had them winning more than four times. Both teams are coming off of dismal seasons, and both teams are replacing former franchise quarterbacks.
These two franchises also waived many dismal star players. Falcons let go of TE Alge Crumpler, QB Byron Leftwich, RB Warrick Dunn, CB DeAngelo Hall and I'm sure everyone remembers what happened to Mike Vick . This year the Rams let go of Alex Barron OT, Dallas, Marc Bulger QB, Adam Carriker DT, Washington Paris Lenon LB, Ruvell Martin WR, Randy McMichael TE, Jonathan Wade CB. Look at the first five players chosen by the Falcons. 1st rounder QB Matt Ryan, 1st rounder LT Sam Baker, 2nd rounder LB Chris Lofton, 3rd rounder CB Chevis Jackson,3rd rounder WR Harry Douglas. Now look at the first four players chosen by the Rams. 1st rounder QB Sam Bradford, 2nd rounder OTRodger Saffold, 3rd rounder James Murphy, and 4th rounder Mardy Gilyard, then you put 2009 2nd round pick MLB James Laurinaitis on the list for the Rams and these two drafts look eerily similar.
Let's hit the obvious the 2010 Rams and 2008 Falcons have rookie quarterbacks. Most likely Bradford will start the season as the starter, Like Ryan did his rookie year.The Rams will rely heavily on the running game this season, just like the Falcons did. Which is good because I consider Steven Jackson to be just as good if not better than Michael Turner. The Falcons had a number 1 WR in Roddy White . The WR position is the biggest difference between the two teams, since the Rams don't have a true number 1 receiver. The Rams have Laurent Robinson and he was looking like a number 1 WR until his leg injury last season. Also the Falcons didn't have any TE's that would scare opposing defenses, Just like the Rams who will most likely have two rookies on the final roster, and while the y may have potential that doesn't mean they will make an impact this season.
The Falcons played an easy opener in the Detroit Lions, and the Rams play against the Arizona Cardinals. While the Cards will be a good test, it's still a winnable game. I don't expect Bradford to light the world on fire, but Ryan went 9-13, 161 passing yards and a touchdown. I can see Bradford having a game like that.. Oh and here is a fun fact about the Falcons they had 10 players who had their first start of their careers in this game. THREE of these players were offensive lineman, For those wondering two tackles and one guard recording their first carer start in this game.
Now let's get to the defensive side of the ball. I won't go position-by-position because frankly I don't remember that much about the Falcons defense and I hate lieing to you guys so I won't. I do think that the Ram's defense will be good this year. What I do know is that their defense wasn't the reason that they won games. While the defense didn't have a lot of playmakers most of the time they just had to slow the opposing offense down. The Rams might not generate much pass rush this season, but every other position is solid.
2008 stats
| Team Statistics | ||
| Falcons | Opponents | |
| TOTAL FIRST DOWNS | 313 | 309 |
| FIRST DOWNS (Rushing-passing-by penalty) | 131 - 157 - 25 | 108 - 189 - 12 |
| THIRD DOWN CONVERSIONS | 95/219 | 79/208 |
| FOURTH DOWN CONVERSIONS | 6/13 | 10/20 |
| TOTAL OFFENSIVE YARDS | 5779 | 5572 |
| OFFENSE (Plays-Average Yards) | 1011 - 5.7 | 998 - 5.6 |
| TOTAL RUSHING YARDS | 2443 | 2046 |
| RUSHING (Plays-Average Yards) | 560 - 4.4 | 415 - 4.9 |
| TOTAL PASSING YARDS | 3336 | 3526 |
| PASSING (Comp-Att-Int-Avg) | 265 - 434 - 11 - 7.9 | 325 - 549 - 10 - 6.9 |
| SACKS | 34 | 17 |
| FIELD GOALS | 29/31 | 20/25 |
| TOUCHDOWNS | 43 | 38 |
| (Rushing-Passing-Returns-Defensive) | 23 - 16 - 1 - 3 | 17 - 20 - 0 - 1 |
| TIME OF POSSESSION | 31:10 | 29:30 |
| TURNOVER RATIO | -3 | |
2009
| Rams | Opponents | |
| TOTAL FIRST DOWNS | 259 | 333 |
| FIRST DOWNS (Rushing-passing-by penalty) | 79 - 159 - 21 | 127 - 182 - 24 |
| THIRD DOWN CONVERSIONS | 73/226 | 91/209 |
| FOURTH DOWN CONVERSIONS | 10/28 | 6/12 |
| TOTAL OFFENSIVE YARDS | 4470 | 5965 |
| OFFENSE (Plays-Average Yards) | 998 - 4.5 | 1016 - 5.9 |
| TOTAL RUSHING YARDS | 1784 | 2201 |
| RUSHING (Plays-Average Yards) | 411 - 4.3 | 500 - 4.4 |
| TOTAL PASSING YARDS | 2686 | 3764 |
| PASSING (Comp-Att-Int-Avg) | 312 - 543 - 21 - 5.5 | 315 - 491 - 8 - 8.0 |
| SACKS | 25 | 44 |
| FIELD GOALS | 19/24 | 19/22 |
| TOUCHDOWNS | 17 | 54 |
| (Rushing-Passing-Returns-Defensive) | 4 - 12 - 0 - 1 | 24 - 22 - 1 - 7 |
| TIME OF POSSESSION | 29:10 | 31:15 |
| TURNOVER RATIO | -13 | |
I won't lie these statistics widely favor the Falcons. This coming up season should be different though. However just like the 2008 Falcons this season will come down to our franchise quarterback. If Sam Bradford can bring a breath of fresh air to the Rams offense then expect the Rams defense to be better than last season. The defense has more depth than last year, the defense will also be in their second season under Steve Spagnuolo and then you have new veterans playing on our defense.
Believe me when I say that, I too am skeptical about the Rams having a good season. It's been at least three to four years since the Rams played a meaningful game. The facts don't lie though, and who knows maybe the Rams will make their turn-around sooner than later. The 2007 Miami Dolphins did it, and so did the Baltimore Ravens, and Atlanta Falcons. If those teams can turnaround their franchises than why not the Rams?
26 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
perhaps we are good
but we wont make the playoffs not even close we dont have that kind of depth
agree
I said no because I want to stay cautiously optomistic. Anything 4 and over is a big step up for this team. Trying to keep it in perspective, when Devaney and Spaggs took over they went at it with a 3-4 year mind frame. Saying we are in the second year is actually being strict because last year they really used as a long evaluation of where to even begin.I think our 1st string is really improved but our depth is not that great and if we start getting injuries I am afraid our win total will drop off drastically from where the potential is if all our starters stayed healthy. Yet I hope we do stay healthy and have some things fall in our favor because I actually really like this teams players this year.
I said yes...
Only because many of us here feel the rams could win upwards of 6 games this year, and I think we can reach .500 if Bradford displays what he did against the Pats consistently.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
that is a good question to put to you
What do you think the chances are that Bradford can display that type of play consistently this year? History teaches us that it isn’t possible since no rookie has been able to do so yet but man. The kid has the eye of the tiger thing going on. You are an excellant football guy. What do you think?
Being totally realistic
.. I think it boils down to offensive line, and Shurmer. The Patriots game was just 1 game, and preseason at that, BUT you can’t deny how well Bradford looked.
He looked VERY good.. keep in mind the running game was working, and our defense was also in rhythm. Bradford did well with and without Jackson on the field. That is what impressed me the most. The Pats were able to send multiple blitz packages without SJAX on the field, and Sam performed great against them.
My honest take is, he will have some really good moments, and some really bad ones too. It’s part of being a rookie.
I believe 8-8 is achievable and Bradford will have a good year.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
I say yes and Bradford is who he is and will play well but
Can the Rams as a team display what they did against the Patriots consistently i thing that is the real question here
yeah that is a good point
because I thought Bradfords stats in the first two games reflected moreso on the people around him than his plays. I thought he made good decisions both games. I also think his great stats last game had alot to do with how well our team played together as a whole.
Not only that
But he looks like he is showing an upward curve as he gets more familiar with the team and the offense. First game he started strong but took some sacks and looked rushed after. 2nd game with the weather a factor he looked a bit rushed to begin with but slowly calmed down as he became more comfortable and that showed in the 3rd game. Looks like he is studying game tape hard and is learning quickly. What more could you ask for? He’ll have some rough games this year but from what i have seen he has that determination to bounce back the following week and learn from his mistakes.
by Stonedtodeath on Aug 31, 2010 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions
If healthy
I would agree if everyone stays 100% healthy but we have already lost Avery, Trautwein and Burton is hurting. We have practice squad backups at most key positions and can’t seem to escape this 3 year tradition of injuries. We are due some luck in this area but the year is starting with Déjà vu. The only area I feel comfortable at is DT.
Rams will be more competitive
But big strides like the Falcons, notsomuch. If there is a 2011 season, expect the Rams to be in the playoff picture. The Rams are not that far away.
Not a bad comparison
I largely look at the teams two 2nd picks in each respective draft. Atlanta used a late 1st round pick on Baker from USC. He has been above average since his rookie year and was a constant on Ryan’s blind side. Basically they decided they needed to protect their investment.
The rams drafted Saffold in the 2nd round to protect their investment in Bradford (even though the intention was to have him on the right side).
Those two picks, were ones that I deemed the most important to the turnaround of each team.
With that said, Atlanta was in a much better spot defensively. Especially on that D-line.
I look at a key stat in comparison:
Atlanta
SACKS 34 and 17 allowed. They were not only able to get to the QB consistently, they were able to protect their young QB of the future.
St. Louis
SACKS 25 and 44 allowed. This is the exact opposite and will need to change if Bradford is going to have a chance to grow.
Interesting thoughts...
I firmly believe that the Rams season will greatly depend on our health and my assessment is based on what I watched in the Rams vs. Patriots game. Follow my rationale here:
No doubt that we are thin at RB and OL but if Steven Jackson and the OL stay healthy, Sam Bradford won’t get killed and Pat Shurmur will open up his playbook. I think we have enough talent on our starters to win 5 or 6 games and if we are able to win 3 games out of the first 4 games, the morale of this team could achieve even greater goals.
Obviously, having a good backup RB and a #1 WR would do wonders but I believe we have some good playmakers in both our offense and defense.
Go Rams!
My brain says yes, but my heart says no.
Looking on paper, I think we are good enough, but it’s only preseason, we’re really young, we have a bad offensive coordinator, and we always get hit by injuries really badly.
Look, I was aggravated by Shurmer
in that Cleveland game and last season, but seriously…were the Rams supposed to go Air Coryell with Keenan Burton, Ruvell Martin and Kyle Boller?
Really nice post
I think Bradford is obviously the main reason we may win a couple of games we should lose on paper – but I think if we get to six wins this year, that is a tremendous season. If we then upgrade the offense via the draft next year and give our young defense another year to learn, I think we are in the hunt in 2011
My heart says yes but my brain says no
Been a Rams fan for over 40 years. I have had the NFL package for 8 years in a row and haven’t missed a game in that time period, live in 49er land in Northern Cali. I cancelled the NFL package after watching the replay of the Browns game, Sam didn’t look good, I am waiting until Oct to see if they are going to win any games. Might get to see the Oakland game if it is not blacked out, buy will be able to listen to on the radio live if need be. I remember being so excited last year with all the preseason hype, and so disappointed as the season started, we will see! I voted yes with my heart of course!
Don't mean to be a debbie downer or anything but I think we are getting ahead of ourselves
Sure bradford is lookin like the real deal, and yes we beat the pats, and yeah it was game 3 of the preseason but remember it still was just preseason and one of our top players went down. I still worry about the lack of targets for bradford, terrible RB backups, injury prone players especially at WR and O-line, lack of pass rush and lack of quality backups.
I think we will surprise some teams but our record probably won’t surprise anyone as we are looking at maybe 5 wins.
Just because we have some similarities to the 98 colts or the 08 falcons doesn’t mean we will turn things around as quickly.
Agreed
I am a little more optimistic after seeing Bradford in action (albeit preseason), but there are still a lot of holes on the team when the games start to count. I still say anything over 3 wins should be considered a season victory lap (with 2011 season expectations being to compete for West).
I should be working right now...
At most?
That seems like a low max. If that’s your at most, what’s your most likely?
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.
I think it is possible
The Rams Offensive Line has been flat out the worst I have ever seen play professional football. It has been so bad that I think it is obscuring what is actually a very good football team in most all other positions.
For example every time the Rams found themselves in 3rd and 5 or more, the opposing team would just bring the house and Bulgers ribs turned to oatmeal. This kept an undersized but hard working defense on the field FOREVER and they just tired out so their defense looked worse than it is.
Recently they have figured out how to run block pretty well.
So far we have seen one game where the rams have their lineman where they are supposed to be playing. That was the patriots game and the patriots did blitz quite a bit and the line played well and look what happened….
The quarterback was not only making completions, but the receivers were open! Did anybody notice that the rams young wide outs are fast! Not only that, the defense looked energized for the whole game and were attacking instead of reacting!
So In conclusion, any significant improvements in Offensive line play makes herculean improvements for the rest of the team. If they are solid and consistent then yeah, the team could shock alot of people this year.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
