Game Day: An Angry St. Louis Rams Fan Serves Up Some Sunday Slices

The Reality of Being a Rams Fan This Year

Here we are going into the second game of the 2012 season against the Washington Redskins with plenty of question marks regarding the Offensive and Defensive lines on game day. All is not lost though. Compared to the last few seasons, this Ram’s team is much more competitive, has sound leadership on the field and more importantly, in the front office. Youth is now the theme and I’m good knowing now the days of signing numerous re-treads and the lack of player development are behind us. Sure, the Scott Wells signing has yet to pay dividends, but the rest of the free-agents are fitting well in the big picture. What all of us have to remember is that most games this season will not be like last week. Don’t get me wrong! Like I said earlier, this team will be competitive. But there are very few players on this team who have made the long haul of a sixteen game season. So that experience will come this season and will give us all plenty to cheer for and builds a foundation as the games are played.

What I Felt Last Week Watching the Game Last Week

Nothing. That’s right, nothing! For the first time in quite a few years, there were much less anxious moments, no sweaty palms, no here we go agains and foremost, no clapping on the sidelines after horrible play. Firm team discipline was on display for all to see. There was even more serious stigma on the Lion side-line as their team saw a new and improved mindset by Ram players who refused to be pushed around. Of course, I held my breath last week when Saffold went down, but the dude may play this week. These are not the ‘Same old Lambs’.

Who Needs to Step Up Their Game This Week

Sep 9, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US Presswire

First, I give the offensive line a slight pass today as they face the Skins very improved defensive front. That being said, my first Step Up goes to the Ram’s rushing game. Sjax’s 2.5 yards per carry was the difference in the game last week. Coach Fisher’s first item on his practice schedule was making it work this week in his gameplan. But if the injuries don’t mount and the working parts fit, you should see a more coached up line that will build chemistry.

Speaking of chemistry, there were many passing windows that were there against the Lions last week. Sam Bradford and his receivers need to Step Up today. The long missed connection from Bradford to Givens might have been a game changer last week. Another experience building situation and as long there is continued progress in Bradford’s third different offense, scoring multiple touchdowns this week is very possible by this offense.

Game Ball

The sometime overly aggressive defense looked very good. The continued creation of turnovers and solid tackling will win a few games this year. Overall, a little polish to clean up a few mental errors will play well when facing better teams later. Pressure on Stafford did less than coverage did, so a few more sacks against a weak Skins o-line are needed this week. Oh, dear Redskins, the Saints have a suspect defense due to coaching, you won’t see that this week.

Say What?!

The Skins opened as a 3 point favorite. I understand that this is based on having played only one game. But, your telling me that handicapping that game that the Rams were even odds in their home opener…..?

Upset of the Week

Detroit over the 49ers 29-28. There will be more pressure on Stafford this week but San Francisco’s coverage won’t shut him down. Calvin Johnson will grab a couple touchdowns this week.