TJB Scout: St. Louis Rams
A few weeks ago, I was taken to task here on this blog and in certain other places for characterizing the game against the Cincinnati Bengals as a trap game. At that point, the Jets had come off a win over the Arizona Cardinals and a bye, with a (supposedly) weak part of their schedule in front of them.
A trap, it was not.
As many correctly pointed out, a classic trap game is considered to be when a team coming off a big win (like against Buffalo) and is looking forward to an important matchup next week (like against New England), overlooks the lesser team in between (like St. Louis).
So, as ADMIRAL Ackbar would say, this time, really, “It’s a trap!!!”
Cheerleader check: Some of the Midwest’s finest Ewes.
The scene: The game is Sunday at 1 in East Rutherford at the Meadowlands. Currently, the forecast is sunny with temps in the mid 50s, ideal for some football!
Record: The Rams are 2-6, but 2-2 under new head coach Jim Haslett.
Streaks: The Rams have beaten the Jets the last seven times in a row — as a matter of fact, the last time the Jets won, it took a pair of Richard Todd-to-Wesley Walker TDs and a Pat Leahy field goal in OT to do it.
Barometer: Rising. After starting the season 0-6 and firing head coach Scott Linehan, the Rams have played better and been more competitive under former defensive coordinator Haslett.
Old Friends: Tight end Anthony Becht returns to the field where on numerous fall afternoons he dropped many a pass.
Questions: Which Rams team will show up on Sunday, the one that upset the Cowboys and put a scare into the Patriots, or the one that got whipped by the Cardinals last week? Does interim head coach Jim Haslett have his team headed in the right direction? Is the Greatest Show on Turf gone for good? Does anyone else remember back in 2001 when already up 31-7 on the Jets, Mike Martz decided to go for the onsides kick? Anyone else think that there just may be something to karma?
Key injuries: Running backs Steven Jackson (thigh), Travis Minor (concussion) and Antonio Pittman (hamstring) all have missed practice this week, as has linebacker Chris Draft (foot), cornerback Tye Hill (knee).
Five things to know about the Rams offense:
- Glory Days Gone – Under former head coach Scott Linehan — hired for his offensive knowledge — and now under storied coordinator Al Saunders, the Rams offense has been among the worst in the league, currently ranking 30th in points (15.6/game) and yards (263/game). Be it running (94.1 yards/game, ranked 25th) or passing (168.9 yards/game, ranked 27th), it has been a struggle. Injuries to the offensive line have not helped (not to mention Richie Incognito’s stupdity), but maybe that legendary 700-page playbook needs to be whittled down a bit.
- A Little Fire, Scarecrow? – Quarterback Marc Bulger has been under the gun (and often, under the pile) this season, including being benched for a stretch. He is currently 114 of 200 (57% accuracy) for 1,308 yards with 6 TDs and 5 interceptions, and has been sacked 24 times. Last week against the Cardinals, he threw a pick-6, fumbled on a sack, and if not for an 80-yard TD strike to Derek Stanley, averaged only 7.06 yards/completion while completing less than half of his passes. To be fair, he was also running for his life, scrambling for 32 yards, which made him the team’s leading rusher on the day.
- Inaction Jackson – Starting running back Steven Jackson has been hampered by leg injury, and after starting last week’s game, was in and out of the lineup. Chances are, he will be a game-time decision this week. When in, the 6’2, 231-pound Jackson is one of the better backs in the league, averaging 75.1 yards/game rushing; he’s also dangerous out of the backfield, averaging 37 yards/game receiving.
- Pain to Spare – Along with Jackson’s injuries, the running back corps were also decimated against the Cardinals: Antonio Pittman pulled a hamstring while Travis Minor sustained a concussion. Also, the Rams put receiver Drew Bennett and return specialist Dante Hall on the IR this week. The team added former Packer and Texan Samkon Gado earlier this week.
- New Act in the Show – Only receiver Torry Holt remains from the glory days of the “Greatest Show on Turf,” and he’s been solid with 32 receptions for 347 yards and 2 TDs. The new headliner under the big top is rookie Donnie Avery who has 23 catches for 363 yards and 2 TDs, for an average of 15.8 yards/reception.
Jersey watch (offense): The #17 of Avery is the Rams big-play receiver, and will undoubtedly draw the coverage of the Jets’ #24.
Five things to know about the Rams defense:
- Defensive Guru? – As the Rams were — and still are — at the bottom of the league under defensive coordinator-turned-head-coach Haslett, it was interesting that he was elevated to the position. The classic 4-3 defense has earned a “an open-ended straight” — 28th in passing yards (246.2 yards/game), 29th in rushing (155.5 yards/game), 30th in total yards (401.8 yards/game) and 31st in points allowed (29.4/game).
- Big Play Days – The Rams defense has shown the propensity to give up big plays — last week, four Cardinals had receptions of 33 yards or longer, while both Cardinal running backs (Tim Hightower and J.J. Arrington) peeled off rushes of 30 yards.
- Long Days – The good news for the Rams is that first-round pick Chris Long has been as good as advertised, racking up 4 sacks to lead all NFL rookies. That also ties him with fellow ends Leonard Little and James Hall; the team has 18 as a group. Highly touted defensive lineman (currently a tackle) Adam Carriker has been struggling through an ankle injury.
- Don’t Pick on Oshima .. . Oshmark … Oscar …. uh, Oshy – Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (type that three times fast!) leads the team with four interceptions, after getting eight last year, including one returned for a TD. He’s also defensed four passes this year, forced two fumbles and scored a TD on a fumble recovery.
- Feeling a Draft – If the Rams haven’t had enough injury issues, linebacker Chris Draft broke his foot and is out for the Jets game. He will be replaced by second-year player Quinton Culberson, who hopes to get a bit of hope from Will Witherspoon in the middle and on the other side, Pisa Tinaisomoa. (Holy guacamole, it’s like freakin’ alphabet soup back there!)
Jersey watch (defense): Like his father, Chris Long hopes to make #72 proud.
Three things about the Rams special teams:
- Dante’s Inferno – With the season-ending injury to Dante Hall, Derek Stanley takes over returning both kickoffs and punts. So far he’s been okay, averaging 20.5 yards on kickoffs and 13 yards on punts.
- Uptown Josh Brown – The Rams gave a big contract to former Seahawk Josh Brown this past off season, who, when given the opportunity, has been solid, connecting on 14 of 16, including a long of 54. He’s also been good on kickoffs, averaging 67.9 yards/kickoff with 5 touchbacks.
- Downtown Donnie Jones – With all the practice due to the team’s offensive woes, punter Donnie Jones has been averaging 50 yards/punt this year, dropping 13 inside the 20 and netting a very respectable 41.2 yards/kick.
What to expect from the broadcast booth: The game this week is on FOX, featuring the No. 2 crew of Kenny Albert, Daryl “Moose” Johnston and sideline reporter Tony Siragusa, who will probably draw comparisons between himself and Kris Jenkins as they both seem to enjoy the occasional between-meal meal.
Spotlight matchup: Rams center Brett Romberg Nick Leckey vs. Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins. For the Rams to get their running game going, and thus, their entire offense going, it’s important that they control the line of scrimmage, which means Romberg needs to handle Jenkins.
The pressure is on: Quarterback Marc Bulger. He has seen time on the bench this season and could be headed back there if he struggles early.
Expect the unexpected from: Tight end Randy McMichael. As the Jets have struggled to cover tight ends, look for the Rams target McMichael, who has 11 catches for 139 yards this season.
Bottom line: If the Rams don’t turn the ball over and can get the running game going, thereby opening up the passing game, they could steal one from a Jets team looking past them to a matchup against New England next Thursday.
28 Responses to TJB Scout: St. Louis Rams
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oscarfactor says:
This is a statement game. True, if we lose, the season isn’t over – but the Jets regress and all the doubts return before we head to New England.
I think we learn a LOT about this team on Sunday. I think we should also learn if BF can throw the long ball – is he (still) hurt, or will Schotty open it up some against an inferior team defense and stretch the field.
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Goose and Jenkins … I wouldn’t want to be the rookie who has to pick up the tab for that meal.
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spent says:
Does anyone know what is up with David Clowney? He’s off the injury report but hasn’t been in at all. Where’s he at?
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Joe B. says:
Why do we need to throw the long ball? I’ve never understood this way of thinking. We don’t have deep ball receivers, Favre has been shaky, and constant 10-15 yard completions are just as effective, if not more so, than a few 30-yard completions. Let’s tire out the defense with long drives like last week. What’s wrong with that?
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TOON2388 says:
agree 100% Joe B.
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Dan C says:
Hey just clicking through some of those STL links…Richie Incognito used his first signing bonus to buy a BMW 750 AND INSTALLED 22 TV’S IN IT.
Now that’s a whack job.
I say the Defense should mention the “inferior German design of BMWs” on the line of scrimmage and hope to get a 15-yarder out of it.
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Andrew Weiss says:
I read that Romberg hasn’t been put back into the lineup yet. It’s possible KJ will face Leckey, who has not performed well. Anyone got any information on that?
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Andrew –
You are right — I messed up by listing Romberg. Leckey is currently the starter, although Romberg is healthy and may play. I will update this …
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I’m not saying the Jets should throw 10 passes 35 yards-plus. I’m saying they should show the long ball a few times so St. Louis doesn’t creep up and stick more men in the box. Plus I want to see BF do it, so I know he isn’t playing with some sort of arm/shoulder injury. If he is hurt, then we are in the same situation we were in with Chad last season, no?
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ian says:
two small nitpicks.
first, bulger is in no danger of being benched. when linehan tried it, the locker room supported bulger and criticized the coach, trent green was even worse than bulger, and then linehan got fired. haslett won’t be trying it.
second, i think randy mcmichael was place on IR early in october (thus low stat totals) and that klopfenstein and becht are the no1 and 2 te for the rams.
here’s a link regarding mcmichael: http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/10/06/rams-place-randy-mcmichael-on-ir/
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That’s why you would expect the unexpected from McMichael — he’s on IR!!
Wow, two mistakes this time — I apologize to everyone. I really do try to research this thing thoroughly, but with a team like the Rams who I never get to see, it’s hard to catch all the little things. Thanks for picking me up, guys!
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kc. says:
as far as the J-E-T-S throwing the long ball…..with our running game firing on ALL cylinders defenses are gonna have to play up on the line more which in turn will open up the pass!
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Dean Barbella says:
Wow! St Louis Cheerleaders have us beat poms down. Any three ‘Ewes’ named Megan will do, will do – well done!
Our Flight Crew will have to play agressive, mistake free from the sidelines with some explosive special teams play up the middle.
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Najy says:
Just the threat of having Brett Favre on the team keeps the D honest because he will hit the Deep route if its not covered. That is why TJ average is so high. They have to play deep at all times because Brett will expose you if you dont protect.
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I agree. TJ should donate his entire salary to the saviour, Brett Favre. Nevermind the 12 interceptions or the fact that this team is better when it runs the ball, because, don’t you know, every single good thing that happens on offense happens because of his presence! What a great man.
Have you found Favre yet in your life?
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Electric Ham says:
This will be a beatdown, Lil Leon will have another career game and we will get at least 5 sacks
Go Jets
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are-tee says:
“After starting the season 0-6 and firing head coach Scott Linehan, the Rams have played better and been more competitive under former defensive coordinator Haslett.”
They started 0-4, not 0-6. They lost their last 2 games after winning 2 in a row.
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Pete57 says:
Joe, I do not believe that Favre is the “sole” reason for our offensive success, but because of his ability to strike downfield, and any area downfield, it absolutely helps open up the running lanes. Do you disagree?
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Joe B.,
I sense some sarcasim…. Perhaps you see the glass half empty… I look at (15TDS) the glass half full..
All that matters is we are winning… No need to cry young Joe.
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Are-tee
Take it down a notch, Artie. We’re all doing this for the love of the game.
Najy
I think the point about Favre alone keeping defenses honest solely on reputation is sound and I believe his presence does help the running game. But, this past game is the first where the offense actually executed in the face of a talented, disciplined defense. Faneca finally played like a Pro Bowler and Chris Baker was back which helped the blocking. Mangold’s blocking was particularly strong and, according to Football Outsider, the Jets now have one of the best running offenses in the game (when we run right). We also gave up no sacks and this is especially important with Favre’s tendency to hold the ball. The game plan was also sound with a greater commitment to the run and a far more consistently aggressive defense than in past weeks.
As I have said before, it was never about Favre or INTs. We need to execute to win.
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I’m not crying, but I’m constantly laughing at all of the undue credit Favre gets.
Specifically the comment “TJ’s average is high because of the threat of Favre stretching the field.”
Really? TJ’s best runs came on the game-clinching drive, when there WAS ABSOLUTELY NO THREAT of Favre throwing deep. The Bills knew, especially after the interception, that we were going to run the ball, and we still did it, thanks to the O-Line and thanks to TJ.
All I care about is winning, and if Favre helps us do that, then I’m as happy as a clam. But it gets irritating when people refuse to give credit to anyone but Favre for success the team has, then look to blame anyone but Favre for the failures. It’s baffling.
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hank/naples says:
Joe B;
My feelings exactly. Same as ” we’re 5-3 because of Farve”.
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Joe, for what it’s worth, I was one of the happiest Jet fans when we got Favre, and still am. But I will also admit that he has not played as well as i expected him to, not yet anyway. As stated by others, including yourself, winning is all that really matters. I don’t care who gets the credit. Let’s beat the Rams and get ready for a big playoff run!
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subwayfare says:
Joe B-
I agree that the last drive in Buffalo was just a will-imposing grind and it wouldn’t have mattered who was behind center. I was psyched to see that.
I also don’t think we’d win consistently if we tried nothing else. Teams would look at film, study the blocking schemes and safeties and CBs would hurtle themselves into the holes at the snap.
I think in the modern NFL you have to attack defenses aggressively in multiple ways because they’re much quicker studies than they used to be. Look at the Giants and Pittsburgh, two teams known for winning with D and running games, but they both employ QBs who can and do stretch defenses.
I don’t really care who the QB is but I do want it to be somebody who can and will test the back end of defenses a few times a game to keep them off the LOS. And that would be a lot easier if we had at least one burner at WR. Maybe that will wind up being Clowney?
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SackDance99 says:
The ground game was great against the Bills and in that last drive, TJ was great as was Faneca, who pulled on a trap for the big gainer and made two sets of pancake blocks. But, here’s where Favre gets credit. On a day when the Jets were not good on 3rd down (before that drive, the Jets had only converted 2 of 7 3rd downs), of the 3 3rd down conversions on that drive (out of 4), Favre completed 2 short passes to keep the drive going. Nobody liked that earlier pick 6, but Favre was instrumental to the success of that last drive and he’s been great late in games this season.
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No one was saying that Favre didn’t do his part. My point was that what Najy said (TJ’s high average per carry is due to the threat of Favre stretching the field) is nonsense. Using that drive as an example, where there was NO THREAT of Favre going deep.
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dfb5447 says:
we must keep our eyes open, because if you dont realize we’ve had two of these types of games this season.( Well, three if you count the dreadful bengals, but thats beside the point). What happened in those games? We barely pulled a win against taylor thigpen, then lost to the sorriest program in the league since 2003(Raiders for the feeble of memory). So why isnt this considered a vital game? We win and were tied for the lead in the division no matter the outcome of pats-bills game. if we lose i predict the bad momentum will lead to a loss verse the pats on thursday with little time to recover, then drop the titans game for obvious reasons. Suddenly were 5-6 and out of the possibility of an AFC east win because of this year’s level of competition. This is a swing game if nothing else, and a must win
I feel sorry for Brett Romberg. Hope he likes pancakes.