Smash-mouth football the only way Rams can beat Washington

By Jeff Dickinson  |   Friday, October 10, 2008  |  Comments( 4 )

St. Louis Rams
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This is one of those no-brainers on which you can bet the house and feel safe in knowing that you’ll win. The 0-4 St. Louis Rams traveling to Washington to face the 4-1 Redskins this weekend is sure money, right?

But before you put this game in the 'L' column for St. Louis, remember that NFL can be a crazy place.

How can the Rams beat the Redskins? Let us count the ways.

Commentary: Should the Rams lose to the Redskins? Definitely. Will the Rams lose to the Redskins? Probably. But there is a reason that they play the games, and Sunday in Washington will be no different.

The first thing the St. Louis has to do to have a shot against the Redskins is to get Steven Jackson going early. Jackson, one of the best running backs in the NFL, has started slowly after his protracted holdout during the preseason. Jackson has improved each week, rushing for 40, 53, 66 and 110 yards in the Rams’ four games. If Jackson can establish himself early, it will allow quarterback Marc Bulger to keep the Redskins off-balance with his passing.

The Rams also have to contain Clinton Portis to have any chance of beating Washington. The Redskins are fifth in the league in rushing yards per game, thanks mainly to Portis’ 514 yards and four touchdowns.

Washington quarterback Jason Campbell isn’t the type of player who looks to pass first and run later. If the Rams can force Campbell to pass more often, they will have a chance at the upset. Campbell only has six touchdown passes in five games, but he also has yet to throw an interception. Campbell is smart and doesn’t force the ball or make bad decisions.

Fan Pulse: Utilizing Jackson to pound the Redskins is the only way fans think the Rams have any reason for hope in Washington. While the odds are against them, there are still some loyal Rams fans who want to believe their team has a shot.

Fantasy Football Impact: If you own Jackson in your fantasy football league, continue to play him. Despite the Rams’ dismal offense thus far this season, Jackson is a sure bet to post decent fantasy numbers. Expect Torry Holt and Bulger to start to resemble their more normal fantasy numbers in the coming weeks, but you might want to wait to start them unless your regulars are on a bye week.

Injury Watch: Tight end Randy McMichael is done for the season with his broken leg. The Rams are thin at the receiver position, with Drew Bennett, Dane Looker and Keenan Burton all out with injuries. Eddie Kennison re-signed to help out, but don’t look for anything special from him this week.
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About Jeff Dickinson

I have been writing and editing professionally for 18 years. I spent the first three years of my career as a sportswriter for a daily newspaper in Alabama and got to cover sports and get paid for it! It was great until I got married and then it wasn't too much fun being away from my wife every...
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