Not that you didn't already know, but the Rams average yardage gained by passing as dropped to absolutely abysmal levels. And before you use Pat Shurmur's mug as a dart board, just know it's been bad before him.
Here is the past 5 years, including the first game of 2010 (which isn't much of a data set, but we will use it anyway):
| Year |
Team Completions |
Yards per Catch |
Ranking |
| 2010 |
32 |
4.6 |
28th (out of 29) |
| 2009 |
312 |
5.5 |
29th |
| 2008 |
292 |
6.3 |
29th |
| 2007 |
333 |
6.2 |
28th |
| 2006 |
371 |
7.3 |
9th |
As you see, every year the Rams average yards per catch (which I believe does not factor in YAC). You can obviously see that Pat Shurmur's run first, throw small offense hasn't helped, but the Rams struggles have lasted longer then just 2009.
From what I've seen, the magic number seems to hover just below 7 YPC. The teams that at least meet this mostly compete (but don't always make the playoffs). Unfortunately, St. Louis is in the Oakland to Cleveland range, which, well, sucks.
It's been said before, and I'll repeat it. The Rams certainly have the speed to stretch the field with young WR's. Even mid range attempts would work (10 yarders?), because a 60% chance of picking up 4 or 5 yards just isn't going to cut it if the Rams want to continue to stay in games. If this continues, there won't be any reason not to load up 8 or even 9 players up front because the Rams won't stretch the field anyway.
Of course, the Rams couldn't exactly get separation yesterday, but separation gets difficult when you have five steps before you get the ball. Either that, or Madden's ridiculously slow speed ratings for our receivers might seem a bit more accurate then we thought.
Food for thought.