Rams v Buccaneers: What I Liked, What I Didn’t Like

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Rams fans only had to wait until the second game of the season for the team to gain its first win, a 19-17 victory over Tampa Bay. This came after a difficult week for the Rams following their loss to Minnesota last week and Chris Long’s injury, and helped to boost confidence in the team. Here are the highs and lows…

What I Liked…

The bounce back     The Rams got thrashed at home by Minnesota and lost their second starting quarterback of the year to injury. Their problems were further compounded with the news that defensive end Chris Long would be out for at least eight weeks, ridding the franchise of one of its leaders. Many might have expected the Rams to roll over and be stomped on by the Buccaneers, especially playing away from home. But the Rams responded in great style, while dealing with circumstances that might normally have deflated the team. The weather-induced delay did not help matters, while conceding a touchdown following Zac Stacy’s fumble might have represented the final nail on the coffin. The Rams also went behind in the fourth quarter. But, despite all this, the team bounced back, displaying great resiliency and spirit. This is very promising for such a young team and shows an ability to rise above adversity.

Austin Davis             I am going to try to temper expectations and avoid anointing Davis as the Rams’ new starting quarterback, while resisting comparisons to Kurt Warner. Davis had a very good first career start, with impressive accuracy while distributing the ball to nine receivers. He displayed an assured poise on the field and made important plays when he had to. On the downside, he did not throw for any touchdowns and, at times, he looked a bit jumpy. But this was a good performance by this young quarterback who has found himself in a situation for which he was possibly not ready. There are many who are clamoring for Davis to be named starter, but it is right that Fisher is proceeding with caution. However, while Hill might be a safer option, Davis’s dynamism might make him the more high-risk / high-reward alternative.

T. J. McDonald          McDonald made this list last week, but his continuing presence in the defensive backfield is making him a regular. McDonald was less effective on defense than he was last week, but his contributions on special teams – with a blocked punt and a blocked field goal – were stellar and literally made a difference in the final score. The St Louis secondary – which, on paper at least, was looking flimsy before the season started – is coming on strong with Janoris Jenkins looking more comfortable, Rodney McLeod showing progress, and E. J. Gaines holding the fort well during Trumaine Johnson’s injury-induced absence. As for McDonald, though, I feel the second year safety could emerge as the most dominant Rams player at the position since O. J. Atogwe signed for Washington and left his skills behind.

What I Didn’t Like…

Lack of Touchdowns          The Rams have only scored one touchdown in 120 minutes of football and are the only team to not have a touchdown reception. This is worrying and is reflective of indecision in the offensive plan. The running game – while improving – is still not a dominant force and relying on a young quarterback is leading to offensive momentum petering out. The penalties, of course, are not helping. The Rams are simply lacking in their finishing, and need that tactical stability to score six points over three. If the offense continues to progress, scoring more touchdowns will be the first sign. After all, Greg The Leg cannot do everything.

Tackling        I have mentioned penalties above, and now it is time to raise that second perennial chestnut: poor tackling. The tackling in the Buccaneers’ first drive was, simply, abysmal, and this reared its ugly head a number of times throughout the game. Once the early nerves had stabilized, there was noticeable improvement, but the Rams are still making too many mistakes in their tackling. These are the drawbacks of a young team, but Coach Fisher must ensure that the fundamentals do not slip and opposing running backs are contained with more success.

Other thoughts and observations…           Greg The Leg is welcome to marry my daughter…Robert Quinn is playing a massive role in the run defense…Sack City is looking like a ghost town at the moment…with Stedman Bailey’s return imminent, Austin Pettis came up big at the right time…the Jenkins-Johnson-Joyner-Gaines quartet is suddenly looking very good indeed…