Fun with numbers: Key stats from the Rams week 1 loss

Setting aside moral victories, I came across a few interesting things in the game book from the St. Louis Rams tight loss to the Cardinals this week. Let's have a little fun with numbers.

An inspired performance from the defensive line highlighted the defensive performance. Cardinals quarterback Dereck Anderson was hit 9 times. Rams DE Chris Long had three of those hits. Last season Long emerged for the Rams, showing a real ability for getting to opposing QBs. Long could really be in for a breakout year in 2010.

James Hall and Fred Robbins each had a hit on the QB. Defensive line play will be key again this week as the Rams take on a Raiders team that allowed 4 first half sacks against the Titans. 

Last season the Rams had a total third down conversion rate of 32 percent. Last week, the Rams converted 40 percent of their third downs. Of the Rams ten longest plays, three of them came on third downs with 10 or more yards to go. They converted 3 of 8 fourth quarter third downs. 

For all the praise Sam Bradford has earned for his chairmanship of the two-minute offense for the Rams. Derek Anderson had his most successful run of the day late in the game, completing 9 of his last 11 passes for 154 yards and 1 TD. That also coincided with the Rams missing two of the four cornerbacks dressed that day, forcing them to use S James Butler in the nickel package.