The St. Louis Rams Dos and Don’ts: Houston Texans

The St. Louis Rams have a real chance to bounce back from their poor start to the 2013 season this week against the wounded, yet still tough Houston Texans. The once 1-3 Rams can change their record to a satisfying 3-3. The Houston Texans are having troubles of their own, as quarterback Matt Schaub has been heavily scruntinized in the past month. That being said, there is no better time to play the Texans – low in confidence, under pressure and wounded. This is what the Rams have to do if they are to make a rebound this season, this week against the Houston Texans.

DOs

• Fast start! The Ram fans are used to seeing their team down in the first half, to then get false hope mid way through the fourth quarter thinking the Rams could come back from a deficit. Rams must use the four quarters to score against the hungry Texans.

• Feed running back Zac Stacy the ball. Yes, he had a good innings against the worst defense in the NFL last week (Jaguars), but he was showing great signs of what it takes to be a starter. He was hitting the gaps hard, whilst still being patient and most importantly, fighting for more yards after contact. Feed him the ball and the Rams become less predictable on offense.

DON’Ts

• Please, Please, Please no more stupid penalties! Too many times wide receiver Tavon Austin has broken out for a massive punt return and been called back. Every time there is a punt return, I’m expecting a flag. There have been too many instances when the Rams should have been in the opponents territory, only to be backed up on their own 20. This has to stop.

• Don’t solely rely on the pass in the red-zone. There was a drive last week against Jaguars, where Zac Stacy was gaining 10 yards every carry and for some reason when the Rams hit first and goal, Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer decided to scrap that and go pass on all downs. Schottenheimer must trust his running backs a little more.