The St. Louis Rams and the Arizona Cardinals are putting out two of the worst offensive displays you will see all season. The Rams lead 10-3 at the half, after settling for a field goal after taking a penalty because of a confused snap count and allowing a sack to push them from the three-yard line to the 17-yard line. The Rams ended up at the three-yard line thanks to a highlight worthy catch from wide receiver Brandon Lloyd.
That was a 26-yard pass from Sam Bradford, his longest of the game. Lloyd has three catches for 49 yards so far, and as Bradford’s top target, he should pick up some more.
The running backs have handled most of the offensive work in this game. Steven Jackson has 45 yards on 11 carries for the Rams, and Beanie Wells has 118 yards on just nine carries, including a 71-yard breakaway that nearly resulted in a score.
The Rams makeshift offensive line has struggled with the simple things, i.e. the snap count mistake by Tony Wragge that led to an offsides call in the red zone. A few other flags have come their way as well. Most troubling of all is the work of Adam Goldberg, who has allowed rookie Sam Acho two sacks, including one in the red zone following the Rams false start penalty.
The defense has been strong. Chris Long would have two sacks if not for a bad call from the refs on Rod Hood. They seem to be sacrificing the edges against the run to keep Skelton off his game. So far, they haven't been burned by that. Darian Stewart looks like a man possessed.