FanPost

The Ram vs the Lions: My thoughts

Yesterday, the Ram played the Lions.Safe to say, they exceeded everyone's expectations, by actually leading against one of the most high powered offenses, with the best receiver in the NFL. And the Ram actually got more then 20 points! They even got more points then Green Bay did! Of course, Green Bay was against a much tougher defense, but still, I'll take it :P. However the Rams had some problems, which they need to fix, if they want to stop an on fire RG3.

The Defense

I have to admit, I couldn't really watch the game, due to lousy internet. But from what I could see, and read in the comments etc, the Rams defense had it ups and downs. They had three interceptions, against one of the better QB in the game, of course, the Lions offense was a dink and dunk offense, probably to not let the a Rams let loose Chris Long and Robert Quinn. Which brings me to my next point. Chris Long and Robert Quinn were not getting to the QB effectively. This can be because of rust, and playing against an O-line that has a good connection. I think we will see some improvement, but they need to learn how to set the edge, so that the QB can't just roll out. Especially for next week against RG3, the Rams need to find away to keep him in the pocket. or force RG3 to run how we want him to run. As in, let Quinn chase Rg3, while Chris Long wait for him. Quinn is so fast, that he is overshooting the QB, so RG3 to the right, while not ideal,maybe a good idea. It helps of course, if we were playing the 4-3, what we really are built to play as. When we get some healthy DTs, especially Brokers, that should help the Pass Rush and Run protection. Maybe that why our OLB looked confused on some plays. All in all though, our defense shut down one of the best passing attacks for 3 quarters, eventually, they were going to get tired and worn out, Which brings us to...

The Offense

The offense was same old, same old, get to the red zone, then shut down. On the bright side, it had flashes off brilliance, unfortunately that only came after Saffold had to hurt his neck, and get carted off (ie, it was just a sprain or something, no broken bones). Not something you want happening every game. Brandon Gibson looked like someone forgot to tell him the preseason is over, or maybe the coaches told him that he needs to perform well if he wants to keep his position in the team. Whatever it is, I am not going to give him free pas until he shows he can do it till week four, then I will say he is redeemed, and he will then subsequently suck. Sorry, I just can't believe it till I see it. If he does get rolling however, then it will be awesome for this offense. Sam Bradford had another up and down game, throwing that brilliant TD pass, but acting like a deer in the headlights at other times. Then the Running problems. Honestly, I think all the O-line problems will reduce as the O-line gets time to gel. As you could see, the O-line wasn't horrible, even though our two bookends were last years first and second worst tackles, and we had a back up center and a rookie at LG. If the O-line can refrain from getting injuries, an gets time to gel, expect them to be on par with the rest of the league by the 4th game. The holes should start opening up more for Steven Jackson next week, because as I said, this was the first game the O-line has played together. But it all comes back to the red zone offense. I believe this will get better as Sam Bradford get acquainted with everyone, and when Quick comes around. He has the size and the playing style to be a threat in the red zone, on a slant/curl/fade. When Givens and Sam get some chemistry, that will help the deep bomb too. Hopefully, towards the end of the season, Quick and Givens can be doing more then just situational work but until then they should excel at what they do best.

This team is headed in the right path. Remember there are 15 more games, and not all of those teams are as good as the Lions.