Can The Rams Stop Vick?

There has been plenty of talk about the upcoming Week 1 matchup between the Rams and Eagles, and there will be plenty more in the coming days. Keeping that in mind, I thought I’d discuss an issue that has Rams fans, or at least some that I know, worried. The question everyone wants to know is “Can the Rams contain the exciting Michael Vick?” The short answer is “Yes”. Will they contain him? That one is a little bit tougher. The fact of the matter is that I think the Rams have a serious advantage on the line. The Eagles have plenty of talent at most positions, but I think their O-Line is weak. They have a rookie center, and I’m not overly impressed with most of the guys they are throwing out there. The Rams can get into the backfield against this team, but unfortunately the challenge doesn’t end there. Once they get past the line, they have to find a way to stay in containment and tackle Vick, which is obviously easier said than done.

I thought Coach Spags said something very interesting today in his interview with the press concerning Vick. He said that when guys go for the “kill shot” on Vick and miss, that’s when things start to break down. I couldn’t agree more. I would rather see the Rams play under control and not get a sack the whole game than hit Vick a few times in the backfield while also giving up some big runs. The thing about Vick is, you don’t have to sack him to make it tough on him. It’s more important to force him to stay in the pocket and beat you with his arm. I know the Eagles have some outstanding receivers, but DeSean Jackson is coming off a holdout and Jeremy Maclin is coming off a serious medical issue. I don’t think either one of those guys is going to be at the top of their game, and while they still have plenty of talent, I don’t know if the Eagles can beat us if we slow them down on the ground.