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!!!!!
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?
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
Bring on the Patriots!
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.
Redzone: Rams lined up for a field goal, but Brown took a direct snap and punted instead.
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.
“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!!!
the good grades are very well deserved this week. good game by the rams.
The most fun I have had at the dome in a L_O_N_G time. Keep it up guys.
For all you that couldn’t wait to ship Jackson out of town, I hope you choke on the crow!!!!!
You can do it!!
Good job Rams! Everyone played well and with a lot of effort. Bulger seems to enjoy playing for Haslet, he’s got his mojo back! The onus is back on the O Line to ptotect Bulger a little better. He cant take hits on every pass play. Despite that Bulger hung in there like a trooper. Im proud of the Rams.
Who’s got the Kool Aid? I’m thirsty!
THE GRADES ARE FINE. NICE JOB GUY’S YOU HAVE SPANKED THE COWBOYS.
SENT THEM BACK TO DALLAS CRYING.NEXT UP NEW ENGLAND.
P.S. KEEP IT UP. GO RAMS WE ARE ALL BEHIDE YOU GUY’S.
BRAD POE
The grades are a bit high. However the game was a good “building” step. The Rams played with confidence–particularly Bulger. Defense played like it would never back down–an attitude they need to keep. Still weakness at tight end. I’d scrap that third down screen stuff(I’ve yet to see it work for the Rams). Head coach deserves the A along with Atogwe and Avery. Bring the energy and lets see what can HAPPEN! As bad as Incognito was last week this week he was very good. The TALK seemed to work!
Great going RAMS!! Winning is fun isn’t it? Keep the motor running and roll over the PATS. Belacheat humilliated you the last time you played them at home (fake field goal). Send the front running fans home early!! A message to Marc Bulger…..get rid of the ball instead of taking so many sacks.
I thought that the Coach deserves more credit, than the players … because someone had to get the loser mentallity out of the club house..
Thought the O line still has there work cut out for them …
Game ball should go to the defense! Good tip drill, Coach! And offense! Excellent play calling!