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10.19.2008 7:32 pm

Rams report card vs. Cowboys

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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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

18 comments

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Keep it up boys!!!!!

— uffda3113
8:42 pm October 19th, 2008

I guess I agree with the grades. It was like the good old days because I actually DVR’d the game, ran in the kitchen for another beer and hurried back instead of flippin thru the channels out of aggravation. Great job Rams! I know the network changed the game cuz it was a BLOW OUT but did Josh Brown punt for Donnie Jones at the end?

— Redzone20
9:32 pm October 19th, 2008

GO RAMS!!!!!NICE JOBS.THE DEFENSIVE LOOK VERY GOOD TODAY GAME KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.OUR COACHING FOR THE RAMS DID A VERY GREAT JOB.THE OFFENSIVE LOOK VERY GOOD TO.GO RAMS

— sunnymanivong
12:06 am October 20th, 2008

Bring on the Patriots!

— Moranimal
12:07 am October 20th, 2008

Grades on QB and O-Line seem high. C+ seems about right for both. Otherwise, grades seem ok. I guess anytime you win the grades will be high, and low when you lose. They are just for fun anyway.

— rightthinker4
8:49 am October 20th, 2008

Redzone: Rams lined up for a field goal, but Brown took a direct snap and punted instead.

— John
8:50 am October 20th, 2008

I would agree with the grades. I think Oline deserves a Solid B. Several of the sacks allowed were by Jackson and Becht. Or at least 2 that I saw..So I won’t put that totally on the Offensive. 2 Holding penalties I can roll with. Special Teams a B. Even with the missed 54 yarder 52 even in a dome isn’t a chip shot, regardless of what kickers say. Average coverage and above average punting..I already voted for Donnie Jones and the pro-bowl!!!

Is it just me but the sack totals are going up like crazy…. The defensive pressure turned up with the return of Little and in conjunction with Haslett.

— Skegeehump
10:31 am October 20th, 2008

“He could go A-TOG-WE”…great game. I haven’t seen that type of offensive domination of a great team since ‘99-’01. Way to go!! Go RAMS!!!

— AlwaysAFan
10:33 am October 20th, 2008

the good grades are very well deserved this week. good game by the rams.

— andyc8778
11:48 am October 20th, 2008

The most fun I have had at the dome in a L_O_N_G time. Keep it up guys.

— big man
12:48 pm October 20th, 2008

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