Aug 25, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; St Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher talks with head linesman Lynn Lawhon (63) during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

Before kickoff on Saturday we listed a numbers of things to keep an eye on during the Rams vs. Cowboys game. Spoiler Alert: For the most part we failed on all fronts. The game, overall was not that disappointing, but in terms of the  key areas that we should be improving to maintain momentum going into the regular season, we were not up to snuff. Here is a review of those key areas:

1. Can the St. Louis Rams first team offense continue to progress

Last week against the Redskins, the first team offense started off hot and, because of the defense causing turnovers, was able to stay hot and pound out two touchdowns in the first quarter. That was not the case last night. In all fairness to the first team, it was really like the 1b team, since Jackson was primarily held out of the game, give or take a couple of appearances for the sake of play action. However, with Jackson in, Bradford used the play action to his advantage, rocking a 26 yard bomb to Lance Kendricks earlier in the night. Aside from that, everything else looked bad. Bradford went 6 for 17 passing for 64 yards and no touchdowns. He got no help from the receivers, who got a bad case of the “drop-sies,” although Bradford did toss a couple of ball way off target. I would say that it was definitely not progression, but hard to make a judgement when Steven Jackson is not in the game.

Verdict: Fail

2. Rookie starting secondary?

The gossip around Rams camp on Thursday was that we might see our rookie safeties get some time after Jim Thomas reported Craig Dahl and Darian Steward were being sidelined at practice with injuries. Much to my surprise, the safeties that ran onto the field were none other than Quintin Mikell and Craig Dahl. So much for rookie work. We definitely heard both Matt Daniels’ and Rodney McLeod’s name called during the game though, albeit on special teams. McLeod made an exceptional tackle on kickoff, breaking through the would-be blockers and wrangling down Felix Jones, limiting him to a 16 yard return and taking it from 5 yards deep in the endzone. McLeod also got some work with the second and third team defense, one that forced a number of 3-and-outs against the QB shuffling from Dallas in the second half. Daniels did not see much field time, but did put his stamp on the game with a beautifully executed fake punt in which he ran for 30 yards and the 1st down. Still, they did not see any time with the first unit, which may or may not have been a blessing as the starters were getting ripped apart by Tony Romo and the no-name wideouts on the Cowboys.

Verdict: Fail

3. Vernon Gholston’s return to the NFL

Aside from the Josh Gordy trade, Vernon Gholston was probably the most talked about player on the Rams during the second half of the week. Maybe I had stopped looking for him in that game at this point, but, by my observation, Gholston did not see the field until under the 3 minute left in the fourth quarter. Gholston did not record any type of statistic; no sacks, no tackles, no pressures, no pass deflections, no anything. He was not given much of a chance to do anything, but you would assume that, even in limited time, a player of his supposed-caliber would be able to dominate a second or third team offensive lineman. In his defense, it is hard to get anything going in that short amount of time, especially after taking a year off from football, and the Cowboys were definitely in a run first mindset, trying to hold onto the lead at the end of the game. Still, based on the amount of time he was given and his performance in that time, I doubt we will be seeing Gholston after the Aug. 31 roster cuts.

Verdict: Fail

4. The hopeful return of the return game

Coming into this game, the punt return unit was averaging an astonishing 1.7 yards per return. There was not much in the ways of punt returns in Saturdays game, at least on the Rams receiving end. Danny Amendola had a nice 7 yard return after spinning off a would-be tackler. However, why on earth would we throw Bradford’s second best offensive weapon out there to get to the wolves on special teams? I highly doubt, or at least hope, that Amendola’s return in this game was the last we will ever see from him.

In the kickoff return game, which had been only average to this point, Isaiah Pead showed his explosiveness with a pair of returns that set up the offensive in nice position, leading to points on both drives. Pead demonstrated his quickness and ability to follow blockers, breaking one return for 47 yards and another for 30. If he can continue to make those kinds of return, people are going to start talking a lot less about his sub-par performances as a running back and more about his “big play” abilities on special teams.

Verdict: Pass

5. Running back reps for anyone not named Steven Jackson

While Pead was demonstrating his ability to find the seam in the defense and hit the hole during special teams, he did not carry it over to the offense. Pead got to see a ton of time with the first team, but continue to underwhelm with a 9 rushes for 22 yards for 2.4 yards per carry. Marshall Faulk even joked that the offensive line looked like they broke down on blocking, but only when they saw Pead in the backfield. Conspiracy theory? Probably not, but it would explain why Richardson has continued to squeeze through the holes that Pead cannot seem to find. Richardson got a few extra reps with the first time, although a majority of them came with the second unit. Richardson had 10 rushes for 51 yards, as well as a nice 9 yard pickup out of the air. If this game doesn’t stir the talks of a position battle at running back than I don’t know what will, but Richardson is clearly outplaying Pead in every aspect of the run game, no matter which way you spin it. Faulk attempted to save face by citing Pead as an “outside runner” and Richardson as an “inside runner,” which supposedly made things easier for Richardson, but at the end of the day production is production.

Verdict: Pead – Fail; Richardson – Pass

6. Can the offensive stay out of the red in turnover differential

If we take nothing else from this game, we can join in the fact that we are still in the black in the turnover battle. The Rams currently sit at +3 after recovering a  Dallas fumble and covering up both of our offesnive fumbles. However, turnover differential and great special teams play is only going to help if the offense can capitalize on those plays and put points on the board.

The clear Rams MVP was Greg Zuerlein last night, after punching through two 50+ yard field goals to reap some gain from Pead’s amazing kick returns. Not turning the ball over is nice, but most would take an extra turnover or two during the season in exchange for a more explosive, dynamic passing offense and some points on the board.

Verdict: Pass

Jan 28, 2012; Honolulu, HI, USA; (left to right) Washington Redskins cheerleader Abby Dymond - New Orleans Saints cheerleader Danielle Daray - Carolina Panthers cheerleader Laura Ruble - Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Ally Traylor - St. Louis Rams cheerleader Christa Range and San Francisco 49ers cheerleader Carmen Rangell pose during the NFC practice on Ohana Day at the 2012 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

It doesn’t seem that long ago that NFL fans were begging for training camps to begin and now we are already past the halfway point of the preseason. The Rams have been hot and cold in their preseason debutes, but are coming off an impressive showing against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fisher is one of those coaches that is set in his ways (albeit winning ways), and will continue to the play the preseason games on his own terms, running the offensive sets and defensive schemes that he wants, regardless of what the opposition decides to do. Even if the St. Louis Rams don’t necessarily care about the final score, all teams want to have positive momentum heading into Week 1 of the regular season. They started that momentum last week and hope to build on it going into this weeks matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Here are six things to watch for this week during the game tonight:

1. Can the St. Louis Rams first team offense continue to progress

The St. Louis Rams starting unit is coming off a turnaround performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. Unlike the Colts game, the offense was able to keep the monument going on their two drive, picking up 151 total yards and, more importantly, capping off both drives off with a touchdown. The offense was firing on all cylinders, with Bradford averaging 11.3 yards per throw and Jackson hammering away for 7 yards per carry.

Looking to the other side of the field, the Cowboys defense has been playing pretty well, blanking Oakland on the scoreboard in their first preseason game and “laying the hurt” to QB Philip Rivers before the ‘Boys handed the game to Charley Whitehurst and the Chargers second and third team units. The first team defensive pressure on Rivers forced two interceptions, and the run defense did not give up a single rush over 10 yards.

This should be the most “realistic” matchup for the St. Louis Rams starters, since virtually every team other than the Rams will be sitting their starters in Week 4 in preparation for the regular season. The Cowboys have some elite pass rushers, although we likely won’t be seeing DeMarcus Ware who is nursing a hamstring injury sustained early last week. However, we will see the a couple of rising stars in the Dallas secondary, with  almost-drafted Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr, who was responsible for both of Rivers interceptions in Week 2.

2. Rookie starting secondary?

We relayed the reports from Jim Thomas on Thursday that safeties Darian Stewart and Craig Dahl would likely be sidelined on Satuday due to injury. This means we could potentially see three of our rookies playing significant time with the first team defense. There has been no reports yet on who will start at safety alongside Quintin Mikell or who will get the nod as the starting nickel corner. If all the stars align, we could be seeing Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, and Rodney McLeod on the field at the same time against QB Tony Romo. Even if all Johnson and McLeod don’t start, they will see significant playing time with the second and third units.

3. Vernon Gholston’s return to the NFL

Vernon Gholston was picked up by the St. Louis Rams on Wednesday, shortly following the surprise shipping of Josh Gordy to the Colts. Most were shocked, or at least confused, but the signing of Gholston, who had been labeled by most as a “draft bust.” However, Jim Thomas shed some light on that situation by revealing that four lineman in the defensive rotation did not practice Thursday with the team, leaving the Rams a bit shorthanded. Everyone seemed to have an option about whether or not Gholston could strive here in St. Louis, including us at Ramblin’ Fan, but no one will know until we see him on the field.

However, if you were hoping to see him out there battling for significant reps with Quinn and Long, you will be disappointed come Saturday. “We expect him to play a few plays this week,” Fisher said following Thursday’s practice. “We’re not going to do a lot with him, but we’ll get him out on the field and let him rush a little bit.” With roster cuts coming next Monday and next Friday, there is little  time for Gholston to prove himself at Rams Park.

4. The hopeful return of the return game

After the controversial rule changes in 2010, which moved the ball from the 30 to the 35, some expected the end of the beloved kickoff return. For the most part that has been true, with a marked drop off in the number of kickoff returns attempts during the 2011 regular season. However, this should have no effect on the punt return, but apparent the Rams did not get that memo.

So far, the return-by-community group has combined for an impressive 1.7 yards per attempt, not counting fair catches. To put that in perspective, 1.7 yards is roughly 5.1 feet, so, theoretically, a player could have made a longer return by simply falling forward, feet planted in the ground, and reaching for the yards. Assuming that the player is 6’0 tall  and can at least extend the ball to the top of their head, they would average, at minimum 2 yards per return.

Of course, it is not that simple, but the Rams can use all the help they can get on offense. Keep an eye on special teams to see if there is some consistency on who is returning the punts and hopefully less consistency in the yards per return column.

5. Running back reps for anyone not named Steven Jackson

Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson seemed to have mentally switched places, with the 7th-round Richardson arguably playing better than the 2nd-round Isaiah Pead. There were some rumblings at the beginning of the week about a potential “roster battle” for the spot behind Steven Jackson on the depth chart. I highly doubt that we will be seeing those whispers come to fruition, but have no doubt that Richardson will see a little extra time with the second unit. It should also be interesting to see how Pead responds to his underwhelming first half of the preseason. Can he prove to be the long-awaited, change-of-pace back up to Jackson? If not, will Richardson continue to impress and work his way into more reps with the second team?

6. Can the offensive stay out of the red in turnover differential

 So far, the Rams are sitting pretty with a +2 turnover ratio. The offense has only thrown one interception, but has given up a couple of costly fumbles, especially in the Colts game. Luckily, the defense harassed Matt Cassel and the Kansas City Chiefs to keep the Rams out of the red. Lets see how the Rams offense and defense holds up against an arguably more impressive offense and defense in the Dallas Cowboys.

August 18, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Isaiah Pead (24) falls into the end zone for a one yard touchdown in the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

Talk about a Jekyll and Hyde performance, the Rams’ offense totally flipped the scoreboard in their second bout of the preseason. As always, we have to take the preseason outcomes with a grain of salt, but as far as what you are looking for from your first teamers, you could not ask for a better performance. Here are a couple of players from the Rams vs. Chiefs whose performance went up or down from last week:

Sam Bradford: Up

Analysts jumped all over Sam Bradford following the Colts opener, condemning his “inaccuracy” on his two failed pass attempts. Tonight, Bradford quickly dispelled those claims with a 35 yard bomb to Danny Amendola streaking on a deep corner. Bradford finished with a solid 6 of 9 passing, for 102 and 2 touchdowns. Most impressively, those stats were compiled within the 1st Quarter!

Isaiah Pead: Down

Pead followed up his shaky performance against the Colt with a shakier performance tonight. Pead refused to hit the hole, and continued to run laterally. Marshall Faulk, who was commentating for the Rams Broadcasting Network, noted the Pead will have to learn that as a pro, he cannot outrun the defensive to the outside and there is no “reversing the field” at the NFL level. Those claimed were cleary justified in Pead’s -5 yard rushing performance on 6 attempts, including a -9 yard run where, instead of laying it down a the line of scrimmage, he attempting to break free and reverse the field. He also was underwhelming on his lone punt return, running 50 yards laterally for a 1 yard gain. Lucky, it is only Week 2 of the preseason, so hopefully Jackson can knock some sense into him.

Darryl Richardson: Up

While Pead was underwhelming in his time on the field, Richardson looked every bit the change-of-pace back that the Rams expected him to be with the 7th pick in this years draft. Richardson hit the holes well, patiently followed his blocking, and put up a solid 35 yard performance on 8 carries. Those who follow the Rams closely had been a little nervous about Richardson, with him missing significant time due to injury during camp, but it does not seem as if those fears were justified. Again, it is a preseason and he was working against second/third team talent, so we will see how he progresses with more touches throughout the next couple of games.

Austin Pettis/Steve Smith: Down

The two wide receivers that stood out in Week 1 against the Colts dropped out of the spotlight tonight against the Chiefs. Overall, there weren’t a lot of passes to go around within the crowded wide receiver field, but one reception a piece is not going to make you stand out in this crowd of receivers.

Danny Amendola/Lance Kendricks: Up

Talk about about a one-two punch at TE and WR, Amendola and Kendricks stole the show tonight with their pair of touchdowns. Amendola started off the night with a beautiful sliding catch from Bradford and ended his night with a touchdown catch in the back of the endzone, where he was forced to adjust to the ball being thrown to the back shoulder and while the defender was being called for pass interference. Kendricks built off his performance against the Colts with a spectacular 23 yard catch and run that results in a touchdown, with defender dangled from his arm as he crossed the goal line.

Tom Brandstater: Down

For a player battling for the 3rd quarterback spot, his performance was pretty underwhelming in comparison to Austin Davis. Brandstater had trouble with reading the coverage and did not handle the pressure from the defense well, ending in a couple of three-and-outs to cap off his night. Davis on the other hand, looked very comfortable in the backfield, and showed some good accuracy on his 5 of 7 passing for 70 yards.

BONUS

Greg “the Leg” Zuerlein: Up

Apparently also know as Young GZ at camp, Zuerlein made a 52 yard boom of a kick look like a chip shot. Zuerlein himself had told reporters that he had not kicked for a crowd of over 6,000 people. For anyone worried about how he would take being on the “big stage,” the yardage speaks for itself. The kicking position is the most under appreciated in the NFL. A good kicker can tack on an extra point at the end of a game and chip in some field goals if the offense fails to produce in the red zone. A great kicker can guarantee putting points on the board once you get into your 35 and make sure your defense is in good position with consistently placed touchbacks on kickoffs. It looks as if we have the latter taking the field on our special teams plays.