The 2012 version of the St. Louis Rams continues to fight, claw, and scratch for respect this season under the leadership of Jeff Fisher.
And with the 15-12 win on the road in hostile territory in Orchard Park, N.Y. against the Buffalo Bills, the Rams have improved their record to 6-6-1. It’s the first time the Rams have had a winning streak of three games since 2006. This Sunday the Rams face off against the Minnesota Vikings and their most important player in running back Adrian Peterson.
It has been no secret that the Rams have met some of the best running attacks in the NFL. Now, this Sunday they face the No. 1 running back in the NFL.
So, what does that mean? Not much at all. When the Rams defense is playing disciplined and under control, why would they have a problem?
What happened when the Arizona Cardinals and Beanie Wells ran up against the Rams? Wells only had 48 yards on 20-plus carries. Then Frank Gore of the San Francisco 49ers managed only 58 yards on 23 carries. Then you get a combined 20 rushes for 61 yards from the Bills offense with two explosive running backs in C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson.
Rams head coach Jeff Fisher is well aware of what the run defense has done in the last couple of weeks and mentioned Monday in his press conference that he expects the defense to stand tall. However, he still wants the offense to do more and to have better overall execution.
In the last two contests, the Rams had a combined 21 penalties. In the win against the Buffalo Bills there were only two penalties, which is huge for this young Rams team. This young team was lead by wide out Brandon Gibson who had six catches for 100 yards, including the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
And no other Rams receiver amassed at least 40 receiving yards for the game.
On Monday, Brandon Gibson said that quarterback Sam Bradford is the most confident player that’s he’s ever seen in the huddle. Bradford looked that part during that touchdown drive. He completed clutch passes to Gibson for 15 yards and then the most important 13-yard touchdown to put the Rams up for good.
The Minnesota Vikings will be in town this weekend. And despite the Herculean efforts by Peterson, the Vikings will have a hard time beating the Rams at home. So that means I’m picking the Rams to win again. And they’ve won by keeping it simple. Pressure the quarterback and run the football. Two basic principles. And those basic two principles will help you play NFL football in January.
