SB Nation - Mike Karney

Texans Five on Five: Week 15 Edition

Jake — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:04:52 -0000

The Houston Texans picked up some momentum last week by trouncing the Seahawks 34-7. They'll try to keep that drive going on Sunday when they travel to St. Louis to play the struggling Rams. Remember last year when the Texans were coming off an emotional victory and played the struggling Raiders? Let's avoid the quintessential letdown game. Here's the five matchups I feel are the most pivotal to make that happen.

1. Amobi Okoye vs. Jason Brown - Brown rode his success in Baltimore to a lucrative contract with the Rams in the offseason. Now Brown finds himself on an island with the recent release of talented but impetulant guard Richie Incognito. Okoye has gone a long way to undo the "bust" label this yearl, but now it's time to start proving that he is going to take the next step. Look for Okoye to penetrate through a reworked interior line for the Rams.

2. Mike Karney vs. DeMeco Ryans - As people focus on the stellar rookie season of Brian Cushing, Ryans is quietly having a Pro Bowl year. Meanwhile, Steven Jackson is having the best season since 2006, even with the revolving door at quarterback this season. The Rams released talented fullback Madison Hedgecock early in 2007, which coincided with 4.1 yards per carry and an average of 1,022 yards over 2007 and 2008 despite Jackson being the focal point of the offense. This year, Jackson is averaging 4.5 yards per attempt and already has more than 1,200 rushing yards, largely due to the lead blocking of Karney. Ryans needs to shed the blocks in order to meet Jackson in the backfield and add to the 3 tackles for loss he recorded last week.

3. Bernard Pollard vs. Steven Jackson - With both Marc Bulger and Kyle Boller out, 6th round draft pick ~~Kyle~~ Keith Null will start at quarterback on Sunday. Look for the Rams to screen and check down to Jackson, who is easily their most talented player, often. Pollard showed last week that not only can he tackle in space, but he can jump running back routes and make opposing offenses pay. He also like to knock the piss out of people.

4. Matt Schaub vs. Rams Secondary - Schaub has already shattered his career highs in passing yards, completions and touchdowns this season. Unfortunately, he is also averaging an interception per game. On Sunday he will throw against a secondary that is second to last in the league with only 8 interceptions. Schaub has only had two weeks this year where he didn't throw a pick. If Schaub wants to put this game out of reach and therefore avoid even the possibility of a fourth quarter collapse, he needs to take care of the ball.

5. Texans players vs. Possible Kubiak Firing - Last week the Texans showed that they don't want to see head coach Gary Kubiak get fired. Andre Johnson not only made a public plea for Kubiak, but he also showed on the field that he flourishes under the offensive minded coach. The quickest way to put Kubiak in jeopardy is to lay an egg against a one win team. Hopefully the players continue to give Kubiak a stay of execution.

Texans vs Rams coverage

Week 13 Preview: Rams (1-10) @ Bears (4-7)

Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:30:16 -0000

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

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When you are sitting at 4-7 there isn't a lot that can put your team in a good mood, but taking on the worse off 1-10 St. Louis Rams could be a good start. If things go as they have all year the Bears should be able to win. They lose to the real good teams and beat the real bad teams. However if the flip side occurs and the Bears actually get dropped by the hapless Rams, in Chicago no less, then it could be a start to the end of season house cleaning many fans want.

Week 12 Recap

The Rams: Seattle running back Justin Forsett had a career day in St. Louis last week with two tuddy's and 130 yards rushing as the Seahawks won 27-17. The Rams actually out gained Seattle 364 to 265, but that Seattle D picked up 4 sacks and 2 picks. Ram QB Kyle Boller (yes the former bust out with the Ravens) threw for his third most yards ever, 282, and hit 10 different receivers while doing it. He also added 26 yards on the ground. A less that 100% Steven Jackson still racked up 89 yards rushing and chipped in with 5 grabs out of the backfield for 29 yards.

The Bears: Chicago looked like a Sophomore team trying to take on the Varsity. The Vikings whipped up on the Bears in every possible way winning 36-10, and it wasn't even that close. Brett Favre had one of the better days of his stellar career and Jarred Allen's 2 sacks led the Viking D to a dominating performance. Here are the ugly final yardage totals, Minnesota 537 - Chicago 169, and don't forget the Bears only had 2 yards of total offense in the second half. U-G-L-Y.

Quick Numbers:

20: A career high (so far) interceptions for Jay Cutler.
8: Number of interceptions the Rams defense has picked off so far this year.
7: Turnovers by Kyle Boller in just 4 games played.
6: Charles Tillman leads the league with 6 forced fumbles this year.

Key Injuries:

STL - RB Steven Jackson - Questionable (Back) Likely will play

STL - FB Mike Karney - Questionable (Neck)

STL - OT Jason Smith - Out (Concussion)

CHI - OLB Lance Briggs - Out (Knee)

CHI - LT Orlando Pace - Out (Groin)

CHI - Desmond Clark - Questionable (Neck)

CHI - Charles Tillman - Probable (Concussion) Likely will play

When the Rams have the ball.
Steven Jackson, Steven Jackson, and more Steven Jackson. Jackson leads the team in rushing and receptions and the Rams look to get him the ball as much as possible. Look for QB Kyle Boller to target Jackson early to try and get his confidence up.

The key match-up for the Rams: Rams OL vs. Bears DL
The Rams offensive line should welcome back starting guard Richie Incognito and center Jason Brown. If the interior of the Ram line is able to neutralize the Bears DT's look for them to methodically pound the 231 pound Jackson inside all day. With the way the Rams defense has been playing controlling the clock is their best chance at a win.

The X factor on offense for the Rams: QB Kyle Boller
As I mentioned above Boller tossed for his third most yards ever, if the Rams are able to establish the run, their play-actions and roll outs could give the Bears fits. Boller is a mobile QB and won't hesitate to take off and pick up what he can.

When the Bears have the ball.
The Rams have given up the fifth most total yards and are fifth worst against the rush (148.5 per game), so I would expect the Bears to try and get the run game going. After only 8 rushing attempts against the Vikings last week the Bears have to try and get it going vs. the Rams. Matt Forte rushed for 139 yards last year in St. Louis, his most as a pro, and should be a big part of the offensive game plan this week. Jay Cutler has played much better at home this year, but the Bears should allow him to easy into the game this week. And for the love of God, could we not see the wide receiver screen this week?

The key match-up for the Bears: RT Kevin Shaffer vs. DE Leonard Little
I alluded to this match up in my preview I did on the Sporting News, so it makes sense to bring it to light here as well. The Bears picked a heck of a week to plug Shaffer in at RT. Little is the best pass rusher the Rams have with 5.5 sacks on the year (and 86.5 on his career), but Shaffer played mostly right tackle in Cleveland so it isn't new to him.

The X Factor on offense for the Bears: QB Jay Cutler
Can someone of the stature of Cutler be an X Factor? I'm not sure, but he is this week... Since I had Boller as the X Factor for St. Louis why not throw Cutler in there for Chicago? The only way I see the Rams having a chance this week is if Cutler allows them, with a few more interceptions. Play in the system, take what is given to you, and run when some open field presents itself. I can see another unsatisfying win just like the Cleveland game, but at this point the Bears will take any win they can get.

Side notes from the NFC North:

Vikings: Sunday Night Football and a trip to Arizona, this may be the last team on the schedule that could trip up the Vikings.

Packers: Baltimore is a tough place to play and Ray Rice is gonna be a tough test for the Packers, he's #2 in the NFL in yards from scrimmage.

Lions: Look for the Bengals passing game to make quick work of a banged up Lions secondary.

Rams getting healthier

VanRam — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:40:04 -0000

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

You can't stop him.

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New players, new coaches, new front office management, lots of things look different for the St. Louis Rams this season. One constant from past seasons, the injuries. The Rams head into their week 13 game against the bloodied Bears with some key players listed as questionable.

The good news is that C Jason Brown practiced yesterday and should be back in the mix this weekend. Good thing. The Rams took all kinds of abuse in the middle part of their line last week without Brown, starting RG Richie Incognito and replacement Adam Goldberg sliding over to fill in for RT Jason Smith.

Speaking of Smith, he's most likely out this week, still not having completed the necessary neurological exams required to play after suffering a concussion. Goldberg will take his place. Personally, I always felt like Goldberg did a better job filling in on the left side at tackle.

Steven Jackson didn't practice, but he does expect to play. He'll be without super blocking full back Mike Karney.

Does anybody else want to see more 4 WR sets this week? Yeah, me too.

Rams starters ailing & healing

VanRam — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:34:12 -0000

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

The big in the middle, Jason Brown, is healing from a knee sprain. The Rams need him.

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The St. Louis Rams strung out their game last week against Seattle with a skeleton crew. All over the field injured starters were replaced with backups, it certainly had an impact on the game's outcome. Yesterday the Rams got good news on some of their hurtin' units.

RG Richie Incognito is expected to return to practice this week. His fill-in, Adam Goldberg, did a great job a RG, better than his work at OT.

C Jason Brown has a mild knee strain. He could return as soon as Wednesday, and will hopefully be able to play against the Bears this week. The Rams really, really missed Brown in the second half this week. Notice that Brown had never missed a practice or a game in his young career until coming to the Rams. Something in the water here?

RT Jason Smith's status seems to be the least certain. His concussion tests came back fine, but he has to take more before he is cleared to play. How can you not like this guy when he calls himself "310 pounds of twisted steel and sex appeal." He's earned the right to a little blustery; it's clear what the Rams lack when he's not on the line.

MLB James Laurinaitis suffered a mild shoulder separation, but should be good to go this week. Whew. That would be one loss the Rams would have a tough time absorbing. Can you imagine how bad the defense would be without him?

FB Mike Karney is still out, and that's a tough injury to see the Rams suffer, especially with Jackson's back hurting. Keep an eye on this situation.

Look at that injury list, how does that not factor into the Rams piss poor performance this week?

Rams 17, Seahawks 27: Injuries pile on as the Rams take 10th loss

VanRam — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:47:40 -0000

More photos » by L.G. Patterson - AP

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First the good news, the St. Louis Rams have the top pick in the draft. The bad news is they lost a game against a bitter rival.

Once again, give Steven Jackson major props. He very nearly missed the game; only in warmups was he cleared to play. As usual, he had a helluva game, running for 89 yards on 23 carries. He started the game, but some of the team's top blockers did not, putting the running game in jeapordy form the start. FB Mike Karney, who has been clearing defensive linemen all season for Jackson, was inactive, as was RT Jason Smith. Things really looked bleak when C Jason Brown left the game with an injury.

It was rough day, and fans were calling for Keith Null to get a shot as the game slipped away from the Rams. That, however, would have been ill-advised as the offensive line struggled all day, even before Brown left the game.

Kyle Boller is Kyle Boller. I mean that in the sense that he is a backup QB reason, and he gave the team a solid effort, getting sacked 4 times and pressured on seemingly every play. Only the best QBs could have overcome those odds, not to mention one who lacks a true blue threat at WR. That said, it should be pretty clear that the Rams need a QB. Soon. Why was he throwing into double coverage? Not dumping the ball when he was getting sacked late in the game also reminded you of why Kyle Boller is not a long term solution. I'm not going to dump on the guy too much though. It would have been nice to see him get that late rushing TD. Like I said above, he is what he is. If the Rams were a more talented, healthier team they might have been able to overcome some of those mistakes, but they are not that talented in several key areas...as if you needed to be reminded.

Of course, their need for a defensive lineman stood out today as well, as the Seahawks gouged them for...oh, lots of yards and two rushing TDs.

Fortunately, it sounds like C Jason Brown should be back in time for next week's game, since he just suffered a sprain and nothing more serious. Not to take too much away from Adam Goldberg, but it's clear how talented Jason Smith is and how much the Rams need him on the field. His move to LT and the unceremonious end to Alex Barron's career in St. Louis can't come soon enough.

Heroes

James Laurinaitis - his game is not flawless, but it's damn good. Too bad teams are figuring out how to isolate him and take him out of the play. Nice to see the kid pick up a sack.
Steven Jackson - Is there any question about the man's greatness?
Danny Amendola - This midseason pickup is looking like another feather in Devaney's cap. He could really do something with a legit #1 WR on the roster...and a better QB.
O. J. Atogwe - Still got it.

Zeroes

Alex Barron - Am I too hard on the guy? Seattle got men around him, and he got another stupid penalty that took the Rams from 2nd and 4 to 2nd and 14. He had to hold the DL because he got beat, badly on the play.
The Defensive Line - Damn this group needs talent. The more I watch, the more I think we need to either draft or sign the best free agent DT we can get. More of the same next year if we don't.

The Saturday Sim: Cardinals-Rams

Andrew602 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:23:04 -0000

Doh!

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We're at another Saturday Sim, in a simulation between the Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams, and let me tell you, pay attention to this one. It was a very close game and the Cardinals had their way of disappointing here. I couldn't post last week guys because I didn't have time. It takes some time out of your Friday night to watch a fake football game ; ). Anyways, before I break down the simulation, for those of you who aren't familiar with this, I simulate a game between the Cardinals and their opponent for that given week on the popular game known as Madden. I set it for All Madden difficulty, 8 minute quarters, with a 15 second run off. Then I post the results here. Let's see how the game went.

First Quarter

-The Rams receive the ball and begin running. On the second run of the game, Adrian Wilson forces a fumble and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie scoops it up to return it 42 yards for the touchdown. Cardinals lead 7-0.

- The Rams run more but eventually punt to the Cardinals. The Cards offense struggles to start the quarter and face several three and outs. The Rams march down the field with Steven Jackson leading the way. The Cardinals can't stop the run. At the 1 yard line, Samkon Gado runs in the touchdown to tie the game at 7. Key holding penalties on Mike Gandy and Levi Brown end several drives for the Cardinals. Game tied 7-7.

Second Quarter

- The Rams start the second quarter by bringing a lot of pressure, and the Cardinals are forced to punt. On the Rams next drive, they keep the running game going, but are stopped and settle for a 56 yard field goal. Rams lead 10-7.

- The Cardinals are stopped on their next drive because of another holding call, which is hurting them at this point. The Rams get the ball back and are setting up the pass by running. The Cardinals sniff out several runs and the Rams settle for another field goal. 13-7 Rams lead.

- The Cardinals get the ball back with under 2 minutes remaining in the half. They run the hurry up, and Anquan Boldin catches a big sideline pass that takes them down to the 6 yard line. Early Doucet and Jason Wright drop two passes in the end zone and the Cardinals settle for a field goal. Rams lead 13-10 at end of half.

Third Quarter

-The Cardinals get the ball at the half and immediately start passing a lot. Steve Breaston is getting a lot of looks on the drive but Anquan catches a big 36 yard pass that takes the Cardinals into the red zone. Beanie Wells carries a defender 5 yards on his back, something I've never seen before in Madden!! Reggie Wells gets called for the hold which pushes them back and the Cardinals settle for a field goal. Game tied 13-13.

- The Cardinals stop the Rams next few drives by stacking the box to stopping Steven Jackson. Clark Haggans is having a good day, registering 7 tackles all on Jackson. The Cardinals stall on the final drive of the quarter and punt to the Rams.

Fourth Quarter

- The fourth quarter is the same, as the Cardinals continue to stop the run. When the Rams are forced to pass, Adrian Wilson picks off Marc Bulger. The Cardinals can't take advantage of the turnover, and Ben Graham booms a punt to the Rams 4 yard line. The Rams get away from their goal line, but Bulger throws another pick, this time to Karlos Dansby. In the red zone, Beanie Wells second effort pays off and he runs the ball in 5 yards. Cardinals lead 20-13.

- Here's where the game goes down hill with less then two minutes left. The Cardinals stop the Rams who punt back to the Cards. The Cardinals try to run the clock out, but go nowhere. Beanie Wells fumbles, but recovers the ball himself. Wright gets a carry, who doesn't get the first down, but a face mask on the Rams gives the Cardinals the first down. Game over right? No. Wells gets the ball again and fumbles again!! The Rams recover with 46 seconds left. Jackson catches a wide open pass and takes it to the Cards 10 yard line. The Cardinals force a 4th and inches, and the Rams pass the ball!! Samkon Gado is wide open and runs it in for the touchdown!! Game tied 20-20.

- The Cardinals get the ball back with 26 second left. Warner finds Breaston for 20 yards, then Anthony Becht wide open over the middle another 23 yards. The Cardinals call timeout at the rams 28 yard line. The Cardinals go for the win but Rackers hits off the upright!! Overtime. Game tied 20-20.

Overtime

- The Cardinals get the ball and march down into Rams territory. And just like before, Beanie Wells fumbles the ball away! Ken Whisenhunt is screaming on the sideline and why shouldn't he be? Put in Tim Hightower! The Rams get into Cards territory, but are stopped. The Rams go for the win which would be a 59 yard field goal. It has the distance, but hits the upright!! Cards ball.

- The Cardinals don't run this time, throwing to Larry Fitzgerald for 2 key first downs. In Rams territory, they are stopped and go for a long field goal. What a surprise, wide right!!! The Rams get the ball and get back into Cards territory. Going for the stop, in Cardinal-fashion, Mike Karney is wide open and streaks down the field for a 40 yard touchdown with Antrel Rolle chasing him. Rams win the game 26-20. Wow.

The Stats

	Cardinals	Rams
Total	308	290
Pass	265	207
Rush	53	83
Turnovers	2	3
Third Down	4-12(33%)	3-10(30%)
TOP	23:18	17:44

	comp/att	Yards	TD	INT	Rate
Warner	24/34(70%)	261	0	0	92.9
Bulger	14/22(63%)	207	2	2	86.7

	Att	Yards	Avg	TD/Fumble
Wells	18	50	2.7	1/3
Jackson	26	85	3.2	0/1

	Rec	Yards	Avg	TD
Fitzgerald	4	49	12.2	0
Boldin	4	65	16.2	0
Breaston	4	58	14.5	0
McMichael	5	43	8.6	0
Jackson	2	53	26.5	0
Karney	1	40	40.0	1

Final Thought -

It had to be the craziest game I've ever watched on Madden and if this happens in real life, I'll likely end up in the hospital. The Cardinals made the comeback in the second half and had the game locked up. Beanie Wells 3 fumbles killed the game, along with Neil Rackers inability to kick a game-winner. The Cardinals also finished with 8 penalties for 85 yards. I doubt this will happen on Sunday but it's interesting that Madden made it a very close game. What are your thoughts on the sim?

Rams 23, Saints 28: The Spagnuolo era begins as Rams nearly topple a giant

VanRam — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:57:46 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

about 1 month ago: St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (21) recovers a fumble by New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (88) after Shockey was hit by Rams linebacker David Vobora (58) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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It's their eighth loss in nine games, but the St. Louis Rams played their best game of the year against the undefeated, heavily favored Saints today. And, no, there's not a bit of sarcasm dripping from that statement. The Rams played hard to a man and took it right down to the wire. That was truly a moral victory. If the Rams can play like that down the stretch, they'll win more games. Guaranteed.

It's an unusual Sunday afternoon when you don't feel like pointing fingers. At various times late in the game, the Rams overcame plays that would have surely marked the end of the game any other week. Not this time. An 11-point lead suddenly seemed like it might not be enough.

Ok. I'm giddy with delight. Let's nab a bit of rationality before we celebrate. Why? Because the Rams could have won this game. Should have won this game. A mistake free outing is rare even for the best teams - case in point, New Orleans - but the Rams had a couple of moments where they could have sealed the deal.

Special teams should have had the kick return that broke the tie to open the second half. It looked to me like they all overran the returner, leaving Josh Brown as the only guy who even got a hand on him.
They had a tough time getting holes for Steven Jackson after the half, when the Saints made adjustments. Credit the Saints some for that, but a misdirection play could have helped a little.
I'm not bashing Bulger. He played with heart. However, he seems to have lost his ability to adjust and find open receivers. He also made a few throws that would have been INTs had Sharper been playing.
Randy McMichael, have your hands turned to stone?
I realize that Pat Shurmur doesn't have much to work with, but some of the playcalling still befuddles me. Why the predictable call on 4th down? Why not open it up a little more with Avery and Gibson or Fells when the Saints were keeping SJ39 in check?

Enough. Tomorrow we can Monday morning QB this. All of those things feel kind of knitpicky. These guys played their asses off and deserve credit. Some standouts:

Steven Jackson - He made things happen. Though, unlike last week, he had plenty of help, help from...

The Offensive Line, Mike Karney and the TEs - This unit is really starting to come together. The right side was particularly fearsome. When Jason Smith, who has made the Rams first two round picks in this draft look absolutely brilliant, moves to the left side, Adam Goldberg deserves the first shot at RT. I think he'll earn it too.

Donnie Avery - This is the Donnie Avery we need to see on a weekly basis. Clearly the bye week helped, but credit the play calling for getting him down the field. Slightly better passing might have given Avery a 3 TD day.

Brandon Gibson - Hello, new guy. 7 catches, 93 yards, good God. He studied the routes and showed some nice hands this week, i.e. the grab on the ground that let the Rams take it to the very last play of the game. Too bad we only have three WRs now.

Marc Bulger - Not the Marc Bulger we used to know, but you can't question his efforts this week...notice the nice scramble for the first down at the end of the game?

Oshiomogho Atogwe - He's baaaaaack. Togs got his turnover mojo back today, getting a key INT, forcing a fumble and breaking up a 4th quarter TD pass to give the Rams new life with a touchback.

Jame Butler - Made up for an INT that turned into a safety by just getting an INT, no safety today. This guy played well, and when he and Atogwe are on their game, the Rams have some of the best safties in the league. If they had stud corners this would be a fearsome secondary.

The Defensive Line - They weren't perfect, but they made the best with what they had. They got pressure, they tipped passes, and Chris Long recording his second sack of the season.

I could go on and on, but these are the guys that really stood out to me. Who else belongs on this list? And finally, the game ball.

Game ball goes to...Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo. He had this team born again hard this week, playing damn near air-tight football. The passion, the commitment to what he's been selling....it all came together this week. This guy will have this team competing, by next season. Hats off to you coach, this was a win in every way but one. The next seven games should be some great football. The new era has arrived today.

New Orleans Saints @ St. Louis Rams: Chat with the Enemy

Saintsational — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:00:32 -0000

Welcome to the latest edition of my weekly chat with an SB Nation NFL colleague. Because the Saints will be in St. Louis this Sunday to take on the Rams, I talked with VanRam from SB Nation's Rams blog, Turf Show Times. Naturally we discussed the threat of Steven Jackson and the possibility of this being a trap game for the Saints but you won't want to miss what VanRam had to say about former Saints Mike Karney and Jim Haslett.

CSC: A couple of years ago the winless Rams came to New Orleans following a bye week and defeated a hot Saints team on a four-game winning streak. Any chance of that happening again this year?

TST: I wouldn't bet on anything like that happening again. In 2007, we still had Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce paired with Steven Jackson to give the Rams some offensive weapons. We still have Jackson, but the receiving talent isn't there anymore. Basically, we have some possession guys and a deep threat, Donnie Avery, miscast as a #1 WR. Something else to consider is the decline of Marc Bulger since then.

CSC: What do the Saints need to do to shut down Steven Jackson?

TST: Most teams stack the box with 8-10 players, daring him to run through the mass of bodies. That's just about all you can do, and even then Jackson is going to put up some nice numbers. Opposing defenses feed off the offensive imbalance between the Rams running game and the passing game

CSC: What do you expect the Rams defense to do to try and shut down the Saints offense?

TST: The best they can do is play mistake free, aggressive football. I'll be honest, it's a tough matchup because we lack talent along our defensive line, and I think the key would be to get pressure on Drew Brees. Hopefully our secondary is well rested, and our #1 CB Ron Bartell is over a nagging thigh injury that's made him susceptable to getting burned by QBs. We're without rookie surprise Bradley Fletcher who suffered a nasty hyperextended knee injury against the Colts, but we do have some speed guys in Jonathan Wade and Justin King who could matchup decently against the Saints speedy receivers. They'll need to play the ball better than they have, and that means we need to see more from FS O.J. Atogwe who hasn't been the ball hawk he usually is.

CSC: How is Mike Karney working out for the Rams?

TST: Wonderfully. He's been a big factor in a run blocking unit that is really starting to gel. Watching him take linebackers out of plays is very refreshing since the Rams mysteriously cut Madison Hedgecock under Linehan.

CSC: Tell us something about the Rams that Saints fans would be surprised to learn.

TST: We don't hate Jim Haslett, but we're glad he's not our head coach.

CSC: Care to make a prediction?

TST: I'd like to predict a close game, but I cannot. I'll be anxious to see how much momentum the first win gives us and a bye week to rest help out embattled players. I just don't think our offense, outside of Steven Jackson, can make it happen.

Has the Rams offensive line improved this season?

VanRam — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:03:06 -0000

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

Running room has been hard to come by for Steven Jackson this season. Who's to blame the offensive line or opponents stacking the box?

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Despite some new faces in new places up front, the results look disturbingly familiar for the St. Louis Rams' offensive line. On the surface pass protection in the middle of the line has improved over last season, but run blocking seems to be too irratic to make a difference. What's the issue here? Is it a matter of balance or performance?

The Rams have legitimate offensive weapon in RB Steven Jackson, so the game plan for defending against their offense is simple: stop the run. Week after week teams stack the box with 8-10 defenders making holes difficult to open for the offensive line. Those teams concede the pass, knowing that the Rams don't have the talent at WR to do much more than chip away with 4, 5 and 6 yard passes.

Look at the Rams first half performance against the Colts last week. Jackson had one run that went for more than 4 yards, a 9-yard run on the first play of their last drive of the half. Somehow, the second half, third quarter anyway, was much different. Jackson broke off an 11-yard run on drive that featured two Alex Barron penalties. The next drive started with three consectutive runs of 10+ yards. It was great to see, even though the inconsistency from the first two quarters was maddening.

Let's look at some stats.

According to FO's OL numbers, the Rams are generating 3.81 adjusted line yards (through week 6) per carry. That's good enough for 19th in the NFL. Last year, the Rams had 3.73 adjusted line yards per carry. Statistically, things are better. But there are some troubling numbers within.

In "power" situations (defined as: Percentage of runs on third or fourth down, two yards or less to go, that achieved a first down or touchdown. Also includes runs on first-and-goal or second-and-goal from the two-yard line or closer) the Rams are successful just 44% of the time, ranked 30th in the league. Rams runners are being tackled at or behind the line of scrimmage (stuffed) 21% of the time (ranked 20th).

Compare those to last year. Power: 66%, ranked 16th; Stuffed: 19%, ranked 20th.

Though it doesn't paint a full picture, the decline in power success certainly does owe something to teams having only to concern themselves with Jackson. How much?

Now, let's look at directional stats, adjusted line yards and percentage of running plays through those five directions defined by FO.

Direction	ALY	rank	Percentage
Left End	6.76	1	8%
Left Tackle	5.36	4	4%
Mid/Guard	3.74	22	47%
Right Tackle	3.97	20	20%
Right End	2.30	26	20%

Compare that to last season.

Direction	ALY	Rank	Percentage
LE	2.58	29	9%
LT	3.68	25	17%
M/G	3.76	26	51%
RT	4.58	6	16%
RE	3.29	26	8%

First of all, why are they not running to the left side more? I suspect the numbers for the right side have something to do with the changes at RT where Smith and Goldberg have split playing time. The change from '08 to '09 also has to do with the more experienced Barron moving over to the left side. Still, lots of factors go into those numbers, so it's hard to break them down based exclusively on a player.

The one number that is a little surprising is the mid/guard number. There's been virtually no change despite the fact that the Rams signed free agents C Jason Brown and FB Mike Karney. Runs up the middle should be better. Of course, how much of that goes back to the stacking the box to counter Jackson more this year than last.

Rams at Washington match ups to watch

VanRam — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:40:59 -0000

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis needs to build on his success last week and improve in coverage.

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The St. Louis Rams face a tough test this week in Washington as they try to get in the win column...and keep fans interested in the franchise. Jaws dropped to floors all over the country last year when the Rams shocked the Redskins with a narrow defeat in front of the Washington crowd. It won't come any easier this year. Let's look at some of the match ups on the field that will make a difference this week.

Rams C Jason Brown, OGs Jacob Bell and Richie Incogntio vs. Washington DT Albert Haynesworth

The Rams will be double teaming the big tackle throughout the game, similar to what the Giants did last week. They have to in order to open lanes and keep him out of the pocket on passing plays. This was not an impressive group last week, and not just because of you-know-who's penalties. Brown's comments from this summer - about getting to the big guy early - provide a dramatic backdrop. Brown has the added duty of snapping the ball at another loud stadium, something that dogged him last week. But they have been practicing that. Haynesworth and his teammates no doubt see an easy 10-yards by getting to Incognito, so you can bet they'll be trying to get him to respond. If they can win more than half of their battles against Haynesworth the Rams offense should be able to make something happen.

MLB James Laurinaitis vs. Washington TE Chris Cooley

Last week, Seahawks TE John Carlson marred the rookie's otherwise notable NFL debut. He'll have to do better this week, since Cooley is just as likely to see lots of balls from Skins' QB Jason Campbell. The other LBs, especially on the strongside, will bare some of this responsibility as well. Still, Laurinaitis is quickly becoming the face of this defense (who else is there?) and he can't have such a glaring hole in his game.

WR Donnie Avery vs. Washington CB DeAngelo Hall

Put me in the category of people who think Hall is vastly overrated, but he can still play and, on paper, a match up against the Rams passing offense looks favorable for Hall. He wasn't in the mix in last year's game. The Rams need Avery to get better separation this week, getting into his routes sharply and quickly in order to open up the field some for Steven Jackson.

DE Chris Long vs Washington LT Chris Samuels

Samuels is a good LT, and won't make things easy for Long who desperately needs to ramp up his season. Samuels, however, has been struggling with barking knee.

RB Steven Jackson vs Wasington MLB London Fletcher

Rams fans should be plenty familiar with Fletcher, and hoping that Laurinaitis can erase the bitter memory of letting him get away. He's in his thirties, something you'd never know watching him play. Shurmur will almost certainly run the ball more this week, grinding it out against a tough defensive front similar to what the Giants did last week. With the o-line keeping Haynesworth busy, it'll be up to FB Mike Karney to clear the rest of the lane and Jackson to get around the Washington MLB.

RT Jason Smith vs Washington OLB Brian Orakpo

Top draft pick vs top draft pick. Smith has done well in pass protection, let's see if he can keep the Big 12 rivalry in his favor this week.