The St. Louis Rams not too long ago were sitting with a 4-3 record with lofty aspirations of finally getting over that proverbial hump. Not only did they lose their third straight game 16-13 to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, but they also more than likely erased an opportunity to put themselves in a position to have a winning season and make the postseason.
The Rams can prove me wrong and win out the rest of the season and finish 10-6. Anything can happen. If that were to happen, you can bet the Rams defense will have played a key role.
After giving up 37 points the week before in a loss to the Chicago Bears, the Rams defense tightened up, only giving up 16 points to the Ravens while intercepting two passes from Baltimore QB Joe Flacco, sacking him only once.
The Rams defense was led by Aaron Donald, who tallied the most tackles with 10, provided the Rams’ only sack and broke RB Justin Forsett’s arm. The Rams held the Ravens to 3.4 yards per carry, forcing them to throw. The Ravens did have success gaining 11 yards per reception.
It is ironic that the Ravens don’t have any marquee receivers, yet they tallied 299 yards, compared to just 136 by the Rams.
This is the fourth straight season since Jeff Fisher became head coach for the Rams that we’ve witnessed these kind of shenanigans on offense. He’s kept the same offensive system since he arrived, and this is one area of the team that has never improved since he got here.
After the game, Fisher said, “We’re asking a lot of our defense right now when we’re not getting a lot out of our offense. We’ve got too much talent without getting things done.” You got that right, coach.
Then after his QB Case Keenum was clearly knocked out, Fisher let him stay in the game. Before you know it, he was stripped of the football and, as usual, the Rams lost. There is no good reason why Fisher didn’t get him out of the game. Replay clearly shows Keenum being dragged by his arm like a lifeless rag doll, until he came to and went back into the huddle.
I don’t see the NFL taking this lightly. And, if I’m Keenum, neither am I. Clearly, he is a competitor. At the same time, was it worth it? Sequences of events like that are what the NFL is desperately trying to get away from. They’re already doing a half-hearted job of treating former NFL players who are suffering from post-concussion injuries.
That was just one of many things that went wrong for the Rams, but that’s nothing new. They’ve been repeating this act for going on 12 years now.Â
This organization is not good at evaluating talent, especially offensive talent. There is no adequate help at QB. The WR position is a big letdown. The TE is position is a bigger disappointment than WR – the Rams invested $53 million in two guys who have trouble catching and blocking.
The Rams need change at offense real bad. This upcoming draft and free agency, there needs to be an emphasis on offense. It’s a shame that by the time the Rams receive the ball on offense, they’re already kicking the ball away. Punter Johnny Hekker punted 8 times for 367 yards. Yes, 367 yards!
This is the team Fisher assembled. Those are his draft picks, who are unable to run an efficient route; his free agent signees who can’t catch a pass or block. And, that’s his offensive line he put together to open up running lanes and provide sufficient pass protection. The whole Rams organization lost, in my opinion. After four years of the same, it’s time for change.
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