Win Sunday, and the Rams are in the thick of the NFC West race
Despite the loss at New England, the Rams (2-5) will be just one game out of first place in the NFC West if they can knock off the division-leading Cardinals (4-3) at the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday. A game behind at the halfway mark . . . you’d have taken that at the start of the season, right Jim Haslett?
After pausing, Haslett said: “I don’t know. I’d like to think we were in first place. I just like the opporunity. I’m glad we’re having the opportunity to play some of the teams in our division, and I think the next five or six weeks will tell us where we’re going to be.”
<><><>
With practices now open to the media, we were able to watch the Rams work on the onside kick play that worked to perfection opening the second half Sunday. If they ran it once last week, they ran it 20 times, trying to make sure that everyone had their assignments down.
Travis Minor grabbed Josh Brown’s kick, giving the Rams possession at their 41-yard line. But they didn’t capitalize, going three-and-out.
“We thought we might have an opportunity to get it . . . we were just trying to get a possession from that team,” Haslett explained. “I didn’t think it’d work that easy. The guys did a good job blocking, ‘Q’ (Quinton Culberson) and Corey Chavous, and Travis had the most difficult part, getting the ball. They executed it very well.”
<><><>
Notes & quotes:
*S Oshiomogho Atogwe has three interceptions in the last two games, and 11 in his last 15. But he won’t talk about it — not to reporters, anyway. Atogwe is taking what he calls a “hiatus from the media.” Why? “It’s messing up my head,” he said. But Atogwe assured that he’d let us know when the hiatus has ended. “I’ll send out a memo or something,” he quipped.
*RB Antonio Pittman produced 105 total yards — 83 rushing, 22 receiving — as Steven Jackson’s stand-in. Jackson is averaging 127.8 yards per game.
*Special-teams penalties did significant field-position damage to the Rams.
*DE Eric Moore saw his most extensive action of the season, and had a nice outing. He picked up a sack among his three tackles, and had two quarterback hits.
*DE Leonard Little believes that the twinge he felt in his right hamstring, which sent him to the sideline in the early going, might’ve been just some scar tissue tearing. Little missed two games with a pull in the same muscle earlier this season.
*CB Tye Hill, who has missed three games after having knee surgery, will be back at practice this week and could suit up Sunday vs. the Cards.
All for now . . .
Hill? Are you serious. Tell me they are not putting him back in there.
They didn’t Capitialize - no $h!t - Throwing off your back heal doesn’t exactly result in bullet. Running from pressure that isn’t there is a problem. Throwing so quickly the receivers cannot even complete the beginning of their routes end up with nothing or in a disaster. I’m not saying he is the problem but he is A problem. 65 million, what a JOKE. I am trying to think of the games where he lit up opposing defenses, spread the ball around, looked sharp and drove 90 yards for a game winning touchdown and not just heaved hoping holt or avery would come down with it. Where are all the other people? Hall may not be as fast but he can catch, im sure the tight ends aren’t always covered. Make your reads and get rid of the ball. Again, A problem.
The defense is picking it up but it seems like they are not in the right place quite a bit, again not the problem but a problem. Jam people, get in their face, knock their timing off in their routes - if the other teams aren’t called for it then do it. OTher than that I think this unit is gelling and any addition of Hill would open up a mismatch.
I don’t want to beat a dead horse but Bulger is paid like a franchise quaterback,and has been to 2 pro bowls yet he is out dueled by a QB who hasn’t started a game since high school until this season. If Bulger plays up to his potential the Rams could win their division. GO RAMS!!!!
Even when Bulger is getting good protection, he still rushes his passes. He panics, feels phantom pressure, and misses his mark. Once the hits and poundings have taken that kind of toll on a QB, it’s almost impossible for them to come back and play at a high level on a consistent basis. The physical skills are still there, but the mental toughness is gone. I think it’s time for the Rams to start thinking about the future at the QB position, and that future has to be someone besides Bulger.
Remember the Rams were playing one of the best teams in the NFL. Unbeaten last year I believe. I thought they played well, all things considered. Some experts had them as three touchdown losers for this game. I think you will see better when they play lesser teams, and when Jackson is back. Pittman played VERY WELL considering he is coming back from a broken leg. He played with heart and passion. A lot to be happy about with this team I think. Give Bulger a better O line and he will be a hero again.
Agree about Hill - it’s Check Clenching time every time he’s in there. that said, the rest of team has responded favorably to the Hasslet move and which was playing horribly prior. Maybe he can respond also.
I hope he doesn’t start though and that maybe they can figure out what his problem is in practice before putting him out on any islands.
As to Bulger, he seems to be getting a little bit better each week. We need him to have a VERY strong game this week.
But, I’m not sure Trent’s the answer either though, and I wouldn’t take a chance on Berlin unless we’re out of contention.
Hill? Really? Do they even need him? Maybe on Special Teams as a gunner, but other than that I think the corners are doning well wthout him. Bartell and Brown are playing good and Craft as the nickelback is better than expected, so why mess with what’s working. The last thing you need to do is give Warner a Hill/Fitzgerald or Hill/Boldin matchup…
I like Bulger, but I would seriously think about sitting him if he goes into shock whenever the next d lineman gets near him. I think Trent is more than capable of standing in there and delivering the mail. And maybe Bulger watching the veteran Green stand in there like a man after taking so many career threatening injuries will put him in his place.
He is turning into a Jim Everett! Next you will see him fall down with no one around! Where is the Quarterback coach on this one! Some one should ride his ass!