Rams report card vs. Cowboys
Here’s one blogger’s grades for the Rams after Sunday’s 34-14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys:
QUARTERBACK: Marc Bulger had by far his best outing of the season. He threw just 19 passes, completing 14 for 173 yards, a 42-yard touchdown to rookie WR Donnie Avery, and a sparkling passer rating of 119.0. Bulger looks as if his confidence has been restored. GRADE: A-
RUNNING BACKS: Steven Jackson got his touches, and he turned them into big yardage and three touchdowns. He rushed 25 times for 160 yards — the second-highest total of his five-year career — and caught two passes for 16 yards. Simply put, the Rams advanced 6.5 yards every time Jackson touched the ball. GRADE: A
RECEIVERS: Avery is quickly becoming a dangerous weapon. He easily outsprinted the defense for his touchdown. Another Avery catch in the end zone was negated by a penalty. He had a team-high five catches, and Torry Holt added three, for 51 yards. Keenan Burton got just one ball, for 4 yards, in his return from knee surgery. GRADE: A-
OFFENSIVE LINE: Jackson had some room to run, especially on sweeps in unbalanced formations. But Bulger was sacked five times, and the line was flagged twice for holding. GRADE: B-
DEFENSIVE LINE: DEs Leonard Little and James Hall split three sacks. Little also forced a fumble. QB Brad Johnson was pressured often, which helped the Rams snag two interceptions. DT Clifton Ryan tipped the pass that LB Will Witherspoon intercepted. RB Marion Barber had to work hard for his 100 rushing yards. GRADE: A-
LINEBACKERS: Witherspoon’s pick led to a touchdown and a 21-7 lead. Pisa Tinoisamoa again was very active, and strong in coverage. Chris Draft was stout against the run, and Quinton Culberson provided some juice in spot duty. GRADE: B+
SECONDARY: Two interceptions by S Oshiomogho Atogwe. The return of Fakhir Brown helped, and fellow CB Ron Bartell continued his fine play. TE Jason Witten was contained (44 yards on six catches), and T.O was a non-factor. GRADE: A-
SPECIAL TEAMS: Returner Dante Hall didn’t do much. P Donnie Jones against was solid. K Josh Brown connected from 52 yards, but missed from 54. Coverage was just so-so. GRADE: C
COACHING: Jim Haslett is 2-0. The Rams were well-prepared, highly motivated, and brimming with confidence. It’s been an amazing two-week turnaround. GRADE: A


Keep it up boys!!!!!