Rarely during the first weekend of October do you say “must-win game,” but in this particular instance the St. Louis Rams’ 34-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars was indeed that.
And despite the final score the football contest was way closer than it should have been. The Jaguars got out front with a gift touchdown to Justin Blackmon that covered 67 yards. But, just as the Rams gave the Jaguars a gift, Blaine Gabbert returned the favor, getting intercepted by Matt Giordano and having the pick returned for a defensive touchdown 82 yards, tying the score at 7-7.
Then the Rams settled down. They executed a balanced attack with 36 run plays and 34 pass plays. Zac Stacy led the rushing attack with 14 carries for 78 yards. As a whole the Rams had over 140 rushing yards at a clip of four yards per carry – more than a stark contrast to what we’ve seen in the first four games.
Sam Bradford threw three touchdowns while completing fewer than 60 percent of his throws. Bradford averaged 5.5 yards a throw as the bland passing game crept along. No team fears the Rams when they pass. On several third and short situations, the Rams seemed content just to make plays in front of first down marker instead of pushing the ball past the marker.
That’s why it was so important for Zac Stacy to have the game he had leading the Rams rush attack. Jeff Fisher wants a more balanced attack. You can’t blame him. Should Stacy continue at this pace and stake claim as the starter, maybe then this young running back corps will take shape, with Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead finding their respective roles.
The defense made some big plays. Defensive end Chris Long had five tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. James Laurinaitis led the defense with eight tackles and a red zone interception. Last game against the San Francisco 49ers, Laurinaitis had two balls go off his hands. Not this time. Also the defense was much better on third downs. The Jaguars were only three for 12 on third down conversions.
This game was probably the last game on the schedule where you could say it’s going to be a win. Next game is a stiff road test against the Houston Texans.
The Texans have their own share of problems with the offensive line and starting quarterback Matt Schaub. Schaub has thrown a pick six in four straight games, and many are clamoring for T. J. Yates to start in his place.
The Rams can steal this game. They have to eliminate penalties and be willing to take some shots downfield. On defense the Rams are going to have to stay aggressive, and special teams need to have a penalty-free game.
But most important is the Rams’ commitment to running the football, controlling the clock and playing keep away. That’s the type of game Jeff Fisher wants to play. The Rams played it. And it looks like something the Rams will stick with from here on out.
