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The Rams offensive line has a problem, but it might not be what you think...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rams&src=hash">#Rams</a> OL is currently ranked as <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF">@PFF</a> 6th best OL. Joe Barksdale is currently a top NFL RT, do you bench him with Saffold back?</p>— Tyler Bishop (@TylerBishop) <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerBishop/statuses/390316375732125697">October 16, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Rodger Saffold was playing at a high level before he was injured, but Joe Barksdale could be the future of the position for the Rams. Depth is hardly a bad problem to have, but with Barksdale proving himself worthy of a spot it may be hard to return the reigns of the right side back to the often-injured Rodger Saffold. In any case, even if Saffold can return, history tells us that having a good back-up is a necessary condition.
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/76985634" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/76985634">The Jeff Fisher Show - NFL Week Seven</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user9153605">101ESPN</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
The Jeff Fisher Show is always entertaining to listen to, but because of the baseball game this week it was not aired live. This week Sam Bradford kicks off the show.
ESPN's Nick Wagoner breaks down the different elements of the Rams pounding of the Texans. Rams fans will appreciate a breakdown that finally highlights what it looks like to dominate an opposing team.
Rams showcase a top NFL red zone offense
The Rams have one of the best red zone offenses in the NFL right now. A stark contrast from years past. Keep in mind this is still without a single rushing touchdown. Who deserves the credit here? Is it an aberration, or are the Rams the new model of offensive efficiency after their Houston win?
I'll remind fans that power rankings mean absolutely nothing; however, the Rams are only considered the 2nd worst 3-3 team at this moment. The lowest ranked 3-3 team is the Arizona Cardinals.
Why is Tavon Austin disappearing?
First, I believe the stories of Tavon Austin's demise have been greatly exaggerated. The Rams a have new commitment to running the ball - which means different personnel. The Rams are using multiple TE's and are only leaving 1 or 2 WR on the field at a time. Austin is not a part of these packages, and probably shouldn't be. In circumstances in which the Rams want to exit these sets, Austin is the first player on the field. However, in the past two weeks that hasn't been necessary because the Rams have been blowing the opposition away. It makes sense to stay in these run-heavy sets to keep the defense off-balance. I suspect as the Rams get into closer games that you will see Austin's snaps get healthy again.
It's also worth keeping in mind that the Rams had him playing nearly every offensive snap at the beginning of the season, and that Torry Holt noted that it may have been too much for him. The Rams reportedly had him learn multiple WR positions - which could have lead to some of the concentration drops. The Rams can eventually lead Austin down the path of becoming a hyper-upgraded Danny Amendola clone, but until then fans will have to be patient with his role week-to-week, as it will be constantly shifting.
In his morning column, Nick Wagoner discusses why it is unlikely the Rams acquire Maurice Jones-Drew or Jarius Byrd in a trade prior to the deadline.
Will Jonathan Stewart make his return this week against the Rams?
Jonathan Stewart has been out all year, but Deangelo Williams has experienced a resurgence in his absence. Will the Panthers decide to unleash him on the Rams struggling run defense?
The NFL's 5 best and worst QB's:
Sam Bradford doesn't make the list. Take that however you want.
Stay Classy Rams fans!