Five Bold Predictions: St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans [Preseason Week 2]

Ok, ok, ok.  So I might’ve gone 0-5 in last weeks bold predictions.  And I know this because I received a few friendly [nope] emails from some of the Raiders’ faithful reminding me that I didn’t fair so well in my prognostications.

But that won’t stop yours truly.  Here are five bold predictions for the St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans preseason Week 2 matchup this Sunday:

The Rams Score A Touchdown On Their First Drive of the Game

The Rams’ offense got off to a quick start last week, having moved the ball 61 yards within the first 40 seconds of the game.  Nick Foles hooked up with Lance Kendricks for 26 yards on the first play, and followed it up with 35 yards on a screen to Tavon Austin on the second play.  The drive stalled after a few short runs from Tre Mason, but the Rams were able to put three points on the board.  And that would be the end of the day for the Rams’ scoreboard.

In Week 2 look for the Rams to punch it in early.  Foles will, once again, get limited snaps, so look for Jeff Fisher to call his number a few times early.  Kenny Britt will be hungry for a touchdown against his former team.  You can check out his 2015 touchdown celebration dance as the Rams put six on the board on their first drive Sunday afternoon.

A Touchdown from the Rams’ Defense

The Rams had a pair of interceptions last week against the Raiders.  And this week look for at least one more.  One, specifically, will be courtesy of former Florida Gator, and second year Ram, Marcus Roberson.  Roberson got a roster bump when E.J. Gaines was lost for the season, and he’ll look to make the most of his snaps [which he lead all CB’s in last week] with a pick six this weekend.  A solid preseason campaign could lead to meaningful snaps in the regular season.

More [than zero] Sacks...Let’s Say Four

Much like the 2014 season, Sack City got off to a sluggish start in the sacks department, tallying zero sacks in their Week 1 matchup against the Raiders [who had three].  They’ll make up for lost time by tallying four in Nashville.

The first two are easy...almost givens.  Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn will each tally a sack [because they can] in the first few drives of the game before heading to the sidelines to give the depth guys a crack at it.  Ethan Westbrooks, who was a pleasant surprise in the 2014 preseason, lead the defense in snaps last week and will see a healthy workload again on Sunday.  He’ll get to the QB once.  So will Martin Ifedi, the Rams 7th round selection out of Memphis from the most recent draft.

That’s four.  Count ‘em.

Pead Rushes for 100 Yards

It’s going to happen.  Isaiah Pead is going to break off a big run, despite a low number of carries, and eclipse 100 yards rushing.  He’ll need to see his workload increase, given the fact that he only carried the ball five times last week, but with a player this electrifying any play can go the distance.

Pop some popcorn. Watch the spectacle that is Isaiah Pead.

The Rams Win 23-16...Again

There was this one game, ooooh about 15 years ago, between these two teams.  Jeff Fisher was there. He lost.  So did the Titans.

But this year, he and his Rams are going to win 23-16...on the last play of the game.

In the waning moments of a game that’s not all that important, with Charlie Whitehurst’s hair blowing in the cool Nashville breezes, the Titans are mounting a potentially game-tying drive.  With only six seconds remaining, Clipboard Jesus connects with rookie wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham...who extends the ball towards the goal line, only to come up inches short.  Nice tackle, Bryce Hager.

It’s been real, Titans.  Always nice seeing you.