09.20.2009 3:09 pm
Redskins Outlast Rams 9-7
As we predicted, the Rams put up a good fight Sunday for coach Steve Spagnuolo.
But as we also predicted in this corner of cyberspace, they didn’t have enough to actually beat the Redskins in suburban Washington D.C.
The Rams fell to the Redskins in a 9-7 struggle, leaving them 0-2 this season and 5-29 during the last two-plus seasons.
“I am proud of how hard the team fought,” Spagnuolo told the Rams Radio Network. “We are disappointed. There are no moral victories in football.
“We were a play or two away. There are positives here, but there are details we have to iron or else we’ll continue giving games away.”
Rams fans did see some progress in Week 2 of the NFL season. Here were a few highlights:
- Marc Bulger took another physical beating, but he threw the ball OK within the confines of the West Coast-style offense. He developed a nice connection with wide receiver Laurent Robinson and lofted a 2-yard TD pass to him. Under duress, he didn’t turn the ball over.
- Running back Steven Jackson did some powerful north-south running against the physical Redskins defense, rushing for 104 yards. His 58-yard run set up the only Rams TD.
- Receiver Keenan Burton made a couple of nice catches at a critical juncture of the game.
- Newcomer LaJuan Ramsey was a disruptive force at defensive tackle.
- Safety O.J. Atogwe forced a critical fumble late in the first half, keeping the Rams within range.
And now, here were the lowlights:
- Donnie Avery’s red-zone fumble in the fourth quarter doomed the Rams. He spit the ball up after making a catch inside the Washington 10 and trying to fight for a first down.
- During the first half, the offensive line folded like a $10 tent against the Redskins pass pressure.
- The kick return game had little to offer.
- The defense allowed Washington to run 20 more plays than the Rams ran. They didn’t stop the run consistently and they didn’t pressure Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell consistently, earning just one sack.
Wow. Two “I told you so’s” in the first two sentences. Nice work!
How ’bout this, Edgar Cayce? When are the Rams going to WIN?
Believe it or not “I see a ray of hope”. Spags/Billy last few years after losses the team looked bad week to week. At least now i see a team progressing and wanting to win.
You have to think about Donny A.. he has filled us in 2 games already.
I was upset when we got rid of Bruce & Holt but liked what I saw in Avery. Now I’m missing my two ‘old’ receivers more than ever. I hope, hope, hope that Avery can get a grip (pun intended) and become the go-to receiver. But he has a huge hole to climb out of, IMO. GO RAMS! Here’s hoping that we fill the stadium on opening day with Blue & Gold, not Green & Gold! Let’s show the team that we are the 12th man in STL and we are ready to play!
Bulger threw the ball “OK”? He threw the ball incredibly well.
Quit looking at stat lines only Gordo and watch the actual games. He took an absolute brutal beating all day long, threw 0 int’s, and took very few sacks. He made some HUGE third down throws, and time and again shook off huge hits to come back and perform.
Donnie Avery cost the game with his fumble (which would have been a first down off of a Bulger third down again). Bulger did everything anyone could have given the offensive line and lack of receiving on this team.
bulger actually looked good, the o-line was horrible but gettin use to that. memo for donnie avery, your a buck thirty when wet hold onto the damn ball
Mailman I agree with you, Bulger was very impressive today. He hasn’t played like that in 2 years. Whole different game if Avery doesn’t fumble, he looked lost today.
How about this lowlight: On a key play, just prior to Avery’s fumble, Barron, Bell,and Karney opened a huge hole for Jackson on the left side. Jackson did his “look at me–I’m Barry Sanders” dance and went right, instead of “one cut and go north.” If he follows his fullback, it’s a first down, if not a touchdown, and the Avery play never happens.”
Bulger showed some heart out there. To Avery…..DeShawn Jackson has another TD. To the Defense: Great stand on 4th and a half yard! NO TD TODAY!! Note to Stephen Jackson: When you have a fullback leading you into a hole for a short TD….FOLLOW HIM!!! You choose the wrong area again!! The replay, the analysts, your offensive line, your fullback ALL saw the hole. Stephen was SUPPOSED to FOLLOW HIM THROUGH THE LINE ON THAT PLAY!!! One nice run doesn’t give you a pass for the game. Where getting there Coach…one step at a time.
Ram fan since 71
Nice job by the Rams Defense for never quitting and playing hard. Defensive Coaches and Players have to figure out a way to get off the field on 3rd downs (Percentage is Terrible as in two games teams are converting well over 50% on 3rd downs against the Rams…like to see under 30% for a good Defense)…Team is just not good enough right now to overcome critical mistakes (fumble by Avery). Randy McMichael has been a disapointment as well (dude, what’s up with all the dropped balls???)…Pass Pro by Offensive Line was Terrible (Skins got constant pressure from 4 man rush)…Nice to see Steven running hard…Let’s go in the Home Opener RAMS…Fans come out and support OUR TEAM!!!! and stop selling your tickets to packer fans……
Definitely witnessed improvement over last week. I like the intensity and heart many of the players are displaying. I’m still confident the Rams performance will continue in a positive direction.