SB Nation - Keenan Burton

Rams vs Titans: Compare and Contrast

VanRam — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:18:17 -0000

More photos » by John Russell - AP

Offensive foundation, Chris Johnson

It doesn't seem like it was all that long ago, when you looked at week 14 on the St. Louis Rams schedule and thought they could very well get a win against an equally hard-luck Titans team. Not anymore. The Rams are now 13-point underdogs for their trip to Music City.

The Titans are now playing for a trip to the playoffs, after starting out 0-6. That sixth week of the season featured the Rams overtime loss to the Jaguars and the Titans getting shut out by the Patriots who scored 59 points (running up the score? stay classy Bill). My how things have changed. There are some parallels in the stories of the Rams and Titans this season, maybe a lesson or two even.

The Centerpiece

Like the Rams, Tennessee has a running back at the center of their offense. Chris Johnson has been collecting ridiculous amounts of yardage. The last time he had fewer than 100 yards on the ground was week five against the Colts, when he had just 34 yards on 9 carries. Steven Jackson, the centerpiece of the Rams offense, has been trying his best to carry the team, but has only been able to do so much for a team unable to make much else happen around him.

Quarterback

The Titans started the season with Kerry Collins at QB. Collins, after all, was at the helm last season when the Titans had a 13-3 season. One more season was more than the 36-year old Collins had left. Through six games he completed just 54.8 percent of his passes and a 5/8 TD to INT ratio. A 2-for-12 performance against the Patriots sealed his fate, and Vince Young replaced him on the last three drives of that game. The Rams started the season with an older QB carrying the signs of abuse much more prominently than many of us had expected. Eventually, a younger backup QB took over, but the similarities end there.

Going Young

The Rams had Kyle Boller, the Titans had Vince Young ready to take over QB duties. Boller has entered the backup QB stage of his career and has quickly reminded everyone why after a few games. Young still had some potential after struggling in his first two seasons and holding the clipboard for Collins last year. One thing the Titans have done to help Young, besides feed Chris Johnson the ball, has been their re-writing of the offensive script.

The Playbook

Rams fans are continually frsutrated by the logic-defying playcalling coming from the sidelines. It's not the Rams offense has been pass averse, rather the offense has done little more than dink and dump passes that ultimately go nowhere and make things easier for opposing defenses. Just a few more play actions, is that too much to ask? In Tennessee things have been different. The coaching staff there has smartly written a game plan around Chris Johnson and taking advantage of Young's strengths as a QB making lots of option calls and keeping defenses confused. The Rams have done nothing similar to take advantage of Steven Jackson's considerable gifts and their quarterback's lack fo gifts. Of course part of the problem has to do with the receiving options on each team.

Talent

Kenny Britt, the Titans first round pick out of Rutgers, has proven to be good get for the Titans. He runs routes well and overcame the pre-draft questions about his concentration, etc and works the middle. Behind him they have Nate Washington, who's been servicable as a role player. They've also used TEs Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler with some effectiveness. The Rams just don't have much going for them at WR. Laurent Robinson was establishing himself as a solid possession guy before he got hurt. Keenan Burton was improving in a similar role when he got hurt. Brandon Gibson looked like he might be that guy, but he's fallen off considerably after his impressive debut against the Saints. Add to that the situation at QB for the Rams.

Join us tonight for some Turf Show Radio, 7:30 p.m. Central.

Rams assembling a good team, on IR

VanRam — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:22:19 -0000

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

The Rams are putting together a decent IR team.

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The St. Louis Rams have added FS Oshiomogho Atogwe to their lengthy injured reserve list, ending his season.

It's a huge blow to the Rams, as they now lose their best playmaker on defense...their only playmaker on defense really. Togs hasn't had the INT totals we grew accustomed to - no surprise given the lack of pressure the Rams put on passers - he has been able to force fumbles, giving the offense valuable field position to squander away.

Once again, injuries have taken their toll on the Rams. Let's review the IR list.

Bradley Fletcher, this year's third round pick emerged as a solid starting CB, giving the Rams a nice press corner to play along side the more finesse oriented Ron Bartell. He suffered a very serious injury hyperextending his knee and putting his sophomore season in jeopardy.

Adam Carriker, a third year, former first round pick who needed to take the next step forward under new head coach Steve Spagnuolo. Carriker didn't even make it to the regular season.

Second-year receiver Keenan Burton was starting to gain some consistency as a possession guy in the Rams woeful passing game. Can Burton ever escape the injury-plagued label now?

Laurent Robinson was looking like the steal of the offseason after GM Billy Devaney acquired him for a late round pick swap. He made it through three games. Robinson also carries the injury-plagued label.

Signed as a free agent in April, Gary Gibson came on strong in the preseason, filling in for Adam Carriker. He gave the Rams a decent DT to play along side Clifton Ryan.

Defensive end C.J. Ah You was never going to be confused for a Pro Bowler, but he started to thrive as a situational guy under Spagnuolo.

The Rams have six starters on that list, and could very well add Marc Bulger in the near future. Rounding out IR are FS Eric Bassey, WR Brooks Foster, and LS Chris Massey.

Looking back at the specific injuries to these players there's no one cause that stands out, as easy as it might seem to blame turf. My theory on why the Rams lose so many key players: The team lacks talent so these guys step up and play harder, exposing themselves to great risk of injury.

St. Louis Rams fantasy report, week 11, Rams vs. Arizona

VanRam — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:20:49 -0000

by Michael Conroy - AP

Can Donnie Avery give fantasy owners something to dance about?

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One win and a near upset of the undefeated New Orleans Saints and all of the sudden the St. Louis Rams aren't so easy for fantasy players to ignore. The team still lacks reliable, every week fantasy players outside of RB Steven Jackson. At this point, guys like Donnie Avery, Brandon Gibson and Daniel Fells offer respectable, sneaky bye week options. This week's game against the Arizona Cardinals will go a long way toward answering whether or not those players could move beyond bye week fill-ins to guys worthy of keeping on your roster. The first question we need to ask is whether or not we are seeing real progress from the Rams offense? Three things indicate that the answer is yes.

The offensive line is playing well. Signing C Jason Brown and drafting Jason Smith represented a major investment for the team and provided the basis for the rebuilding project as Spagnuolo builds from the foundation up. Smith is anchoring the right side of the line, overcoming any preseason questions about his adjustment to the three-point stance. The Rams favor the middle and right side for their running game, and Jackson continues to rack up more and more yards thanks to the entire offensive line functioning well as a unit.
Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is finally opening the play book. Besides a stellar job in run blocking, the OL is giving Marc Bulger time in the pocket, and the passing game is now throwing the ball downfield to Donnie Avery, forcing defenses to respect his speed and ability to get behind safeties.
The WR situation may be resolved. Maybe. Last week, Bradon Gibson, acquired from Philly in the Will Witherspoon trade, made a real impression, pressed into service for the injured Keenan Burton. One week wonder or not? It's hard to say, but against the Saints Gibson showed great hands and the athleticism to get yards after the catch, exactly what the Rams have been missing from the wide receivers this season. If he's the real deal, the Rams might have an effective enough passing game to score some points.

Obviously, Steven Jackson is a must start this week or any week. The Cardinals gave up 123 yards to Justin Forsett against the Seahawks last week. In week 8, DeAngelo Williams picked up 158 yards.

Donnie Avery looks like a good player to start this week too. The Cardinals allow 253.4 yards passing on average, and have allowed the fourth most, 32, passing plays of 20 yards or more.

Brandon Gibson is a risky start because he's still relatively unknown. If he has another good week, definitely grab him off the waiver wire.

Arizona Cardinals Fly Around the NFC West and Is It Too Early to Talk Playoffs?

Hawkwind — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:15:09 -0000

More photos » by Matt York - AP

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt loudly proclaims to everyone that if they don't think the Cardinals are playoff bound, then they can go sit in a corner. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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The NFC West went 2-2 over week 10 with wins by the Cardinals and 49ers. The Cardinals are the only team over the .500 mark (6-3) with San Fran currently sitting at 4-5 in second place and the Seahawks (3-6) and Rams (1-8) round out the division. The Niners and Hawks both travel to NFC North opponents this week (Packers and Vikings respectively) while the Cards and Rams will meet for the first time this season.

San Francisco 49ers: The Niners are coming off an uninspiring Thursday night win over the Bears that saw them turn five Jay Cutler picks into just ten points, but a win is a win and it ended a four game losing streak. While a 4-5 record might not inspire a great deal of confidence, the Niners fans aren't giving up on the playoffs just yet. As crazy at that may sound with games remaining against the Packers, Cardinals and Eagles, all of whom are ahead of them in the playoff picture, you could say that they still control their own destiny. Even tougher for the Niners fans to watch right now is the resurgance of the Carolina Panthers, who've won four of their last six after starting 0-3, and with three upcoming games against teams with a combined 9-18 record, that first round pick could get pushed down much further than Niners' fans were hoping. One interesting segment over at Niners' Nation worth checking out is an 'approval rating' on both Mike Singletary and Jimmy Raye (OC). Interestingly enough nearly 90% "approve" of the job being done by Singletary but Raye's "approval" rating is just under 40%.

After the jump we'll look at the Seahawks and Rams, and take a quick look at a premature NFC playoff picture.....

Seattle Seahawks: Obviously Hawks' fans aren't in the best of moods this week after seeing their team squander a two touchdown lead and basically end any hope of competing for anything more than a high draft pick this season. Even though they saw some promising things from thier team, the guys over at Field Gulls are now shifty their focus to key players in the Hawks future and next year's draft. One of the guys they'll focus on over the rest of the season is defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (part I and II) and they're also taking a glance at California's defensive end/tackle Tyson Alualu. The Hawks also made a small roster move yesterday releasing Devin Moore from their practice squad and signing Xavier Omon to take his place.

St. Louis Rams: Despite losing their eighth game of the season the Rams played their best football of the season on Sunday, narrowly losing to the undefeated Saints 28-23. One thing that gives Rams' fans some hope is that this was a game that they coulda/shoulda won, if not for a handful of mistakes, but I'm sure we all know how slipperly that slope can become. The Rams still have more questions than answers right now but hope isn't necessarily a bad thing (unless you ask Red). Right now they're wondering what a better backup running back might mean to the team, whether or not they should be looking at wide recievers in the draft and perhaps most importantly, whether or not their beloved team is disheartened or dangerous. They also made a roster move, placing Keenan Burton on injured reserve and signing Jordan Kent to the active roster.

Ok, so it's probably too early to be talking playoffs but call me an optimist. After so many years of talking prematurely about who we should be taking in the draft, I'm enjoying the flip of of November and December discussion. With that being said, here's what the picture looks like.....

Division Winners:

Wild Card Race:

On Life Support:

Chicago Bears (4-5)
Carolina Panthers (4-5)
San Francisco 49ers (4-5)

I'll leave playoff picture at that for now. Eventually we'll break it down further by looking at each team's upcoming schedule but now it's too much to digest at one time. I will say that the Cardinals remaining schedule is much more managable than the Cowboys so moving into the third seed doesn't seem like a difficult move but moving into the second seed is a much tougher proposition. For the Cards to catch the Vikings you'd have to consider their matchup, at UoP, in three weeks a 'must win' game for the home team.

Changing the route on Rams receiver needs

VanRam — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:24:41 -0000

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

Notre Dame wide receiver Golden Tate...could he be what the Rams are looking for at WR?

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Over at his NFC West blog, Mike Sando takes a quick look at the St. Louis Rams wide receivers, reviewing some of the surprises and struggles.

We started the season with some glaring question marks at that position, but hasn't been all bad for the Rams at WR this year. Laurent Robinson established a rythm with Marc Bulger right out of the gate. Donnie Avery struggled through the first half, dropping passes and looking unfit for a #1 WR type of role. You notice this week, his best of the season, the Rams used him down the field and played to his strengths. Keenan Burton started to come on recently too, playing hard and catching some balls over the middle. This week also featured the impressive debut of Brandon Gibson, and while it's hard to base an analysis off of one week, he looks to have been a real find.

Now, the rest of the receivers, uh, they leave a little to be desired. But what about next season? Through the first half of this year, finding a true blue #1 WR has been a need fans have agreed upon. For many, that position is in the conversation for a first round pick in the upcoming draft. And then we played the Saints.

In the game thread, someone mentioned that the Rams WR situation got a lot more interesting with Robinson, Avery and Gibson in mix next year. For Avery and Robinson, experience will no longer be lacking. Looking a group that starts with those three makes the debate about a first round WR much more interesting.

One thing to remember about that group. Avery and Robinson have had trouble staying healthy, and adding Burton into the mix as a 4th WR, you get a group that's sat out as many NFL games as they've played, or so it seems. In other words, don't get too comfortable with the idea that the Rams can sacrifice the chance to take a WR in the first round, especially if they end up winning a few more games and getting out of Suh territory.

The Rams still need a receiver next season. I can't concede that point. Gibson looks like a nice complement to Avery, but we still need some time to really get a sense of what we've got in him. The Rams have lots of needs to fill, but we've seen what happened through the first 8 games with the offense because of the WR issue (of course, some of that's on the QB too).

We do have a little more room to see what kind of player becomes available in the second or third rounds. Maybe someone like an Eric Decker or Golden Tate. Thoughts? Do we still need a solid #1 WR?

Burton to IR

VanRam — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:09:31 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

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The St. Louis Rams will put WR Keenan Burton on the injured reserve list with a patella injury, ending his sophomore season.

This deals the Rams' receiving corps a pretty serious blow. Prior to this game they had just five receivers on the active roster; now, it's just four. They have Sean Walker on the practice squad, and he'll likely be promoted. It's a tough blow for Burton's career, which has been marked more by the injuries than stats. Now, the question is whether or not they'll sign, or find, anyone on the wire.

New Orleans Saints @ St. Louis Rams: Game Preview

Saintsational — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:00:42 -0000

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (8-0) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (1-7)

SERIES

	SAINTS	RAMS
SERIES LEADER		38-29
STREAKS		3 of past 4 & 10 of past 15
COACHES VS. OPP.	Payton: 0-1	Spagnuolo: 0-0
LAST WEEK	W 30-20 vs. Panthers	Bye (Week 8: W 17-10 at Lions)
LAST GAME	11/11/07: Rams 37 at Saints 29. St. Louis rattles off 34 unanswered points to post 1st victory of season. Rams have 409 yards of offense & maintain possession for 39:42.
LAST GAME AT SITE	10/23/05: Rams 28, Saints 17. St. Louis DB Mike Furrey has 67-yard INT-TD with 1:55 remaining, completing 4th-quarter rally. Rams RB Steven Jackson runs for 2 TDs.
BROADCAST	FOX (12:00 PM CT): Chris Rose, Trent Green, Rob Desir (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 122 (NO), 130 (StL.). XM: 108 (NO).

STATS

PASSING	Brees: 181-265-2,336 (1C)-17 (T1L)-7-106.1 (1L)	Bulger: 95-170-956-3-4-68.2
RUSHING	P. Thomas: 83-455-5.5-5	Jackson: 165-784 (T1C)-4.8-1
RECEIVING	Colston: 37-596-16.1-6	K. Burton: 25-253-10.1-0
OFFENSE	426.9 (1L)	287.6
TAKE/GIVE	+8 (T3L)	-7
DEFENSE	331.6	373.4
SACKS	Smith: 6.5	Little: 5
INTs	Sharper: 7 (T1L)	J. Butler, Laurinaitis (R): 2
PUNTING	Morstead (R): 43.6	D. Jones: 46.0
KICKING	Carney: 69 (3C) (36/38 PAT; 11/14 FG)	Jo. Brown: 29 (8/8 PAT; 7/10 FG)

NOTES

SAINTS: Are 8-0 for 1st time in team history. Average 37.9 points per game, most in NFL...QB DREW BREES has averaged 326.5 yards per game (5,550) in past 17 indoors & has 14 300-yard games (82.4 pct.). Has 42 TDs, 12 INTs & 110.3 rating in those 17. Since joining NO in 2006, leads NFL with 16,246 pass yards. Has 2,413 yards (344.7 per game), 22 TDs, 5 INTs & 121.9 rating in past 7 vs. NFC...RB-PR REGGIE BUSH had TD run in last meeting. Has 28 career TDs (16 rush, 8 rec, 4 PR) & is only Saint to score via rush, rec. & PR. RB PIERRE THOMAS has 9 TDs (7 rush, 2 rec.) in past 7 indoors...WR MARQUES COLSTON has 10 TDs in past 11. Had 8 catches for 129 yards in only meeting. WR ROBERT MEACHEM had 5 catches for 98 yards last week, incl. 54-yard TD. TE JEREMY SHOCKEY has TD in 2 of 3 vs. Rams...Last week, DE ANTHONY HARGROVE had FF & 2 FRs, incl. FR-TD. Was drafted by StL in 2004. S DARREN SHARPER leads NFL with 317 INT yards & 3 INT-TDs. DE WILL SMITH had sack in last meeting. Had 2 sacks last week...

RAMS: QB MARC BULGER has completed 59 of 82 (72 pct.) for 660 yards with 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 107.8 rating in 2 starts vs. NO. Aims for 3rd meeting in row with 300+ yards. Has 0 INTs in 82 career att. vs. NO...RB STEVEN JACKSON has 216 scrimmage yards (108 per game) & 3 TDs in past 2 vs. NO. Has 283 rush yards (141.5 per game) in past 2 games. Has averaged 125 scrimmage yards per game since 2006, tops in NFL (5,998 yards, 48 games)...WR DONNIE AVERY has TD in 2 of past 4. In past 5, all 12 of Avery's catches have resulted in TD or 1st down. TE DANIEL FELLS caught 36-yard TD from K JOSH BROWN in last game. Fells leads team with 3 rec. TD. WR KEENAN BURTON has catch in 16 consecutive games & had 5+ catches in 3 of past 4...S OSHIOMOGHO ATOGWE has 7 FF & 4 INT in past 12 in Nov. Has 14 INTs since 2007, 4th most in NFL. Had INT in last meeting. DE LEONARD LITTLE aims for 4th meeting in row vs. NO with sack. Rookie LB JAMES LAURINAITIS has INT in 2 of past 4.

Wide Receiver Woes

kevinramsfan — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:53:17 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

FILE - This guy needs to step up. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola,file)

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It's no secret the Rams passing game has suffered so far this season. Averaging an anemic 140 yds/g (30th in the league), the road gets no easier against the Vikings (who are 12th in the league in yds/g pass D). The loss of Laurent Robinson was a big blow for this team, as he was looking like he was turning into a nice little off-season pickup for the team. Now, it's up to second-year WRs Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton to pick up the slack. Thing is, they're both a little hamstrung. Literally. Burton and Avery are both listed as questionable to play against the Vikings, with Burton the most likely of the two to see extensive playing time. Ruvell Martin is also a little nicked up, and no one knows exactly what Danny Amendola can bring in the passing game.

That leaves undrafted practice-squad call up Nate Jones as the only fully healthy wide receiver on the team.

Just for a little background, Jones went undrafted in 2008 and spent some time on the Vikings practice squad last year. After a quiet first three years at Texas playing behind talents like Limas Sweed, Jones blew up his senior year. In 2007, he caught 70 balls for almost 800 yards and 5 touchdowns. More importantly, he averaged 11.4 yds per reception. He's pretty quick, too. I found one 40-yard dash time at 4.41 seconds. Now obviously there's probably a good reason he did not get drafted and was on the practice squad behind some pedestrian wide receivers. But, I think this guy could bring a change of pace that could benefit the uninspired play calling and execution in the passing game. Let's hope we don't have to go five wide! In any case, look for an improving Daniel Fells and Steven Jackson to have some balls come their way so there isn't too much pressure put on this banged-up group.

Other Stuff:

The full injury report for the game. Kind of resembles a MASH unit, but I guess we're used to that by now.
Nate Jones bio from the official Rams website.
The line has gone up to Rams -10 1/2. That's probably because...
Adrian Peterson is good. Really good. One of my knocks on fantasy football is that it causes conflicts-of-interest. AP is on my 4-0 team, and I'm playing a really good team this week, so I need him to do well. I guess it's a win-win...AP goes off, well that's just one step closer to Sam Bradford. AP doesn't go off, Rams have a good shot of winning. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Enjoy the game. GO RAMS.

Chapter 3, Game 5 - vs. Minnesota Vikings (Oct. 11th)

3k — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:28:22 -0000

Once upon a time, Brett Favre shaved his face. The end. Did you like that story, Brett?

I guess not. Breakdown of a game we probably shouldn't watch after the fold.

For game-specific info, check out tthe SBN event page for this game. For Vikings news leading up the game, check out Daily Norseman.

St. Louis Rams, 0-4 4th - NFC West

Minnesota Vikings, 4-0, 1st - NFC North

Parentheses include NFL rankings in that area out of 32 teams. Statistics taken from ESPN & FootballOutsiders.

STL pass - 64/123, 52% (31st), 139.5 yds/gm (30th), 3 TD, 2 int (t-22nd), 67.5 rat,

-18.3% pDVOA (27th)

MIN pass D - 80/127, 63.0%, 211.25 yds/gm (14th), 6 TD, 5 int (t-6th), 84.6 rat,

-11.1% pdDVOA (6th)

Let me introduce a recurring theme you will probably pick up on throughout this preview: this does not look good for the Rams.

Minnesota has led going into the 4th quarter in every game they've played this season. Despite that reality (and the fact it pushes teams to pass more heavily than they would normally), the Vikings' pass defense has been very good this season. Minnesota's secondary boasts a great pair of CBs in veteran Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin to go with a solid FS, Madieu Williams. Tyrell Johnson, their promising starting 2nd year strong safety, would be a focal point of most defenses, but for Minnesota's secondary, he's the weak link. This is a tough unit to deal with, made even tougher when looking at the Rams' depth chart.

Donnie Avery was limited and Keenan Burton sat out yesterday's practice. Add that to our two receivers who continue to be listed as out for the season, Laurent Robinson and rookie Brooks Foster, and you're looking at arguably the least talented, least experienced and most injured WR corps. Mark Bulger will likely sit this one out before being eligible for next Sunday's game in Jacksonville, so all we can really hope for is that nobody gets injured (worse) and that Boller makes a play or two.

STL run - 25 rsh/gm, 111.75 yds/gm (13th), 4.47 yds/carry (9th), 0 TD, -14.2% rDVOA (25th)

MIN run D - 24.25 rsh/gm, 89.5 yds/gm (9th), 3.69 yds/carry, 0 TD, -3.9% rdDVOA (16th)

This does not look good for the Rams. This is a matchup of zeroes. Minnesota is one of two teams yet to give up a rushing touchdown (along with the Rams' previous opponent, San Francisco). St. Louis is one of three teams yet to score a rushing touchdown. While Steven Jackson is the lone member of St. Louis' offense that is feared around the NFL, he hasn't had the opportunity deep in opposing territory to taste the end zone. Luckily, he's got the weakest unit of the Vikings' defense charged with keeping him under wraps - their LBs.

The tough thing is, while their LBs aren't top-tier, none of their starting three can be considered subpar. While E.J. Henderson had been dealing with a shoulder injury, he played on Monday against the Packers and looked fine. If there's ever a game that you feel more than the ordinary level of pity for Action Jackson, this is it.

STL O-line - 2.5 sacks allowed/game (23rd), 7.6% ASR (Adj. Sack Rate) (25th)

MIN D-line - 4 sacks/game (1st), 10.3% ASR (1st)

This does not look good for the Rams. Like a challenge? I hope so. Minnesota's starting DTs, Kevin and Pat Williams, make up the best DT duo in the NFL. And Jared Allen is a sack factory. It looks as if Jason Smith will be back, though he likely won't get the start. The rest of the O-line is good to go, although "good to go" takes on a different meaning when you're talking about Alex Barron. Coming off of his second half benching in San Francisco, Alex has something to prove that he's been unable to prove since... well, since he's been drafted - that he can play with the fire of Incognito. Speaking of Richie I, you have to worry about this one. This is the kind of situation that lends itself to a blow up, so keep an ear out for the broadcast team to announce his name after a play that sees him tied up with Kevin Williams well after the whistle.

MIN pass - 86/128, 67.2% (4th), 198 yds/gm, 8 TD, 1 int, 103.4 rat, 37.4% pDVOA (9th)

STL pass D - 75/119, 63.0%, 224.5 yds/gm (19th), 7 TD, 2 int, 100.2 rat, 11.2% pdDVOA (24th)

This does not look good for the Rams. If we're lucky, we'll get a slow start from Favre after Monday night's game. If the Vikings come in taking this one for granted, we have to make the most out of it. O.J. Atogwe has to get a turnover, and Ron Bartell (who will play) has to lead the Rams' CBs in shutting down the multiple targets Favre uses. He spread it out pretty evenly among Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin and backup RB Chester Taylor, so there is no safe spot in our secondary. Don't forget TE Visanthe Shiancoe, an experienced TE who can make things happen in the red zone.

MIN run - 29.75 rsh/gm, 123.5 yds/gm (24th), 4.15 yds/carry (16th), 5 TD, -3.9% rDVOA (16th)

STL run D - 33.25 rsh/gm, 135 yds/gm, 4.06 yds/carry (16th), 3 TD, 4.6% rdDVOA (26th)

The Rams have performed admirably against the run considering who we've had to roll out at DT. Still, this is quite a task for us to deal with. James Laurinaitis and Will Witherspoon will have to bring their A-game, or we could fall behind very quickly. I don't think I have to use this space to extol Adrian Peterson's virtues.

MIN O-line - 2.25 sacks allowed/game (t-16th), 6.9% ASR (22nd)

STL D-line - 1.75 sack/game (t-19th), 5.2% ASR (23rd)

While Minnesota doesn't boast the best line in the league, they can still get the job done in both pass and run blocking aspects. Steve Hutchinson is a future HOFer. Bryant McKinnie is underrated. And rookie Phil Loadholt has great upside (though his ankle may slow him on Sunday). Given the Rams' line, we're going to have to throw more than 4 guys at the Vikings' O-line to get pressure on Brett.

This week's top 3 storylines brought to you by three confusing Vikings fans:

1.) : Let's start with the bolt down the middle of his head. He must be a Vikings/Chargers hybrid fan; he runs off of Viking gasoline mainly, but can switch over to Charger electricity when coasting thereby saving the Earth. Take note of the pants as well. Are they pajama pants? Chefwear? Only ElectroViking will ever know.

2.) : This one's tough. Were it not for the Vikings stand in the background, you might not even identify these two as Vikings fans. The shoulder skulls? A clear Raider fan knock off. And that hat looks more like a Russian ushanka than your typical Vikings wear, but maybe that's what they were going for: the Russian folk Viking look. With shoulder skulls.

3.) : We have a winner. Let's start with the face paint. While he's definitely more purple than fan #1, it looks much worse. An homage to Violet Beauregarde? Don't. Stop. Wait. And you have to give him credit. #1 may have dyed his fu manchu and goatee, but this guy has no time for facial hair. He just applies yellow face paint to represent his mustache and what I'm assuming were supposed to be eyebrows. Instead, he just looks like a sad purple clown. Let's continue.

The VWO belt certainly is a reference to the NWO of WCW and later WWE fame. That can't be comfortable to wear while sitting, so I bowed in respect to the pain of his fandom...until I looked at that tattoo. No, not the obvious Viking one - that blue star on his right arm... is that a Cowboys' star? Suddenly this all takes on a new light. Reformed Cowboys fan? Closet Cowboy? Confused adult who needs both behavioral and mental help? I lean towards that last one only as long as he can keep wearing his clown face. Because what is worth living for if you can't wear a clown face while doing it?

Go clown faces, but more importantly, go Rams!

Plague hits the Rams locker room

VanRam — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:42:29 -0000

Here's the thing about H1N1: you're going to get it, but you'll never know when you have it. The difference is the mass hysteria associated with H1N1 versus the regular old flu...or something like that. And pretty much sums up a full day of seminar on the topic.

The St. Louis Rams don't have H1N1 running through the locker room, but players are dropping left and right with injuries. Imagine reading this story about Keenan Burton and Donnie Avery leaving practice yesterday with sore hamstrings. Imagine the Rams without those two? Then again, if a Rams receiver fell in the woods, would anybody notice it?

Kyle Boller will still be making 5 yards attempts to whatever receivers the Rams do have this week, in place of Marc Bulger. At this point, this injury situation is a push.

SS Craig Dahl should be back as will CB Ron Bartell, which is good considering the Rams face Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson this week. This game could be really ugly. Dahl's backup, Anthony Smith, couldn't finish practice either.

It sounds like Jason Smith is practicing again, but will not get the start this week. Hmm. Surely, that must mean he's not 100%, because the Rams will need their best effort in pass blocking this week...to make those short passes. Alex Barron will start, but is this is last chance?