Rams vs. Vikings: Winners and Losers

What a cluster...I'm sure everyone had tempered expectations, given the injury to Sam Bradford and the overall question marks on offense, but this was...horrible. Even Kellen Clemens is probably sitting on his couch, laughing.

That's not a good thing at all.

Winners

Greg Robinson

Can it really get any worse if Robinson is out there? The offensive line couldn't protect any QB the Rams felt like playing, and no runner could find a way to break through for yards. For the third year in a row, it looks like this unit will be struggling.

He certainly has more upside than Davin Joseph.

Brian Quick

Two days ago I mentioned how refreshing it would be if a Rams receiver put up a hundred yards in the season opener. I had Kenny Britt pegged, but Brian Quick (nearly-almost-let's-call-it-good-enough) answered the call with 7 receptions for 99 yards. That's with the nightmare quarterback scenario. Welcome back to life Brian Quick.

EJ Gaines

For a 6th round pick starting opening day in his rookie year, he was good. Knowing you have a capable backup is important, considering the Rams will be leaning hard on the defense to have any success this year.

Losers

Austin Davis and Shaun Hill

There isn't anyway else to say it -  the Rams are in deep shit. The coaching staff went all in with Sam Bradford and lost the bet. Sure, Davis might get some experience, since he seems to be Jeff Fisher's golden project, but it's going to cost the Rams quite a bit.

Time to make some moves...

Tavon Austin

The talent is still there. Austin still has serious concentration issues though, because he can't seem to hold onto the ball. Even worse is that either Brian Schottenheimer or his playbook simply can't wrap themselves around what Austin is capable of.

I don't know what's worse here.

Darren Bates

Every single time the Rams punt the ball, or defend a kickoff, I'm afraid he'll have an unsportsmanlike penalty against him. I'm all for having swag, but stop being stupid.

Rodger Saffold

I feel bad for the guy. The Rams finally found a place where he could fit, at RG, next to Joe Barksdale. What do they do? Make him switch positions, again. The offensive line isn't musical chairs - although you'd think it considering Saffold has played every position except center.

Then, to top it all off, he leaves the game with a neck injury. He just can't catch a break, can he?

Jeff Fisher

Overall, this was not a good game for Jeff Fisher. There is no doubt that the coach has improved the talent level of this team. But going into year three, this is his team completely. The Rams have had 13 draft picks in the top three rounds the last 3 years, and not one of them has taken the next step. Greg Robinson and Aaron Donald are both backups, although at least Donald is time-splitting.

If this is going to be the result after three years of Fisher-ball, it might not last much longer, for better or worse.