Through two preseason games, the Rams are 2-0. Sure, it's only the preseason, and most people will laugh and say it's meaningless because the games mean absolutely nothing, right? Nope, you're wrong.
As this was one of the most bizarre off-seasons the NFL has ever seen, due to the lockout, it meant less time and a lot less time to work together as a team. This preseason is like no preseason before. With free agency taking place a week before teams reported to camp, just because the results of the game don't count, team work and chemistry heading into the September 11th season opener mean way than that.
The Rams have addressed quite a few issues during the off-season through free agency and the draft--but the wide reciever position still has some unsolved problems that are being fixed; as well as the defensive backfield.
Through the first two games of preseason against the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, the new Josh McDaniels' offense has piled up 625 offensive yards (412 passing yards, 213 rushing yards) and has scored five touchdowns to go along with five field goals from Josh Brown (inclduing an electric 60 yard-field goal in the opener against the Colts).
The Rams defeated the Indianapolis Colts 33-to-10 in the opener. This previous week the Rams marked there record up to 2-0 in the preseason following a last-second victory, beating the Titans 17-16 in the Edward Jones Dome. Let's review the good and the bad from Saturday's game.
The Good
- On the very first play of the game, the Rams went with a play-action fake that worked beautifully and Sam Bradford hit wide receiver Brandon Gibson for an 83-yard touchdown pass. It was a very aggressive and very smart play call by OC Josh McDaniels, as most people would assume the Rams would want to get star running back Steven Jackson into a rhythm. The safety bit badly, and Gibson was about as wide open as he could be.
- Josh Brown continues his stellar start to the season. His game-winning field goal as time expired wasn’t too difficult of a kick, but the fact that he is coming through in pressure situations in addition to making just about any kick they ask him to make is very promising.
- The safety position generated another turnover, this one in the form of a James Butler interception on a poorly thrown ball by Jake Locker.
- Donnie Avery had a very impressive return to the football field. He only had two catches for 24 yards, but one of those catches was a very difficult grab for a 19-yard touchdown. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make me believe that Avery can contribute in a positive manner this season.
- Mardy Gilyard had another impressive game, and for the second straight week I am completely baffled by his progress. Where was this last season? Is he going to beat out someone like Danario Alexander, Donnie Avery or another receiver for a spot on the football team? With a clutch catch and plenty of contribution on special teams, Gilyard is really making an impact early on in the preseason.
- Thad Lewis is a guy I’ve had my eye on since he took over the starting quarterback position at Duke. He doesn’t have all the size of an NFL QB, but he possesses awfully intriguing skills. He doesn’t have a great arm, but he has enough arm. He doesn’t have Michael Vick speed, but he's capable of making plenty of plays with his feet. And make no mistake, the Rams won this football game because of Thad Lewis. Finishing 8-of-10 for 74 yards, including leading the Rams for the game-winning drive, has to have the third-string quarterback winning the Player of the Game honors.
The Bad
-The Rams’ starting unit played virtually the entire first half and were dominated by the Chris Johnson-less Titans. By halftime the score was 16-7 and the defense looked completely battered and bullied. Guys like Stafon Johnson and Jamie Harper ran rampant over the starting unit, showing that the Rams still have plenty of room to improve.
-The offense was no better. Except for a well-played play-action fake, they were completely shut down by the Tennessee defense.
- Steven Jackson only managed 10 yards on six carries. This, however, isn’t much to worry over as Jackson always seems to turn it up a notch once the regular season rolls around.
- The linebacker play was below-average. After a solid performance against the Indianapolis Colts, many people had high hopes for the unit, but they fell flat on their faces on their second attempt. I imagine things will get smoother once the Rams decide on a starting unit and are able to begin designating roles, but until then this unit has a whole lot to work on.
- First-round pick Robert Quinn was shut down by the Titans offensive line, and it doesn’t appear he is ready to be an every-down starter in the NFL just yet. Expect him to see time mostly as a situational pass rusher in the regular season.
The Random
- The Rams had 44 net rushing yards (Titans had 198). McDaniels promised the Rams he’d keep an established running game!
- Despite a few players such as L.T. Saffold leaving the game with injuries, Spagnuolo said none of the injuries were serious.
- That’s about it. There wasn’t much in terms of oddity in this football game.
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