It’s better to give, then receive

By Steve Reynolds  |   Monday, September 25, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

St. Louis Rams
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The Rams had all but given the game away in Arizona on Sunday, and then a funny thing happened.

The Cardinals gave it right back.

Claiming victory in the contest between the Rams and Cardinals was akin to eating one of the seven holiday fruitcakes that have been circling the globe for centuries: they'd rather give it away than take a bite.

With 2:03 remaining, the Rams, nursing a two-point lead, needed only to run the clock out to claim victory. Rams quarterback Marc Bulger then proceeded to inexplicably fumble the ball on his own 34-yard line, effectively snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Then, in a bizarre game of one-upmanship, Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner needed to only run out what little time remained and let kicker Neil Rackers hit an easy field goal for a miracle victory.

Then he fumbled.

The Rams fell on the ball, counted their blessings and left the field with a record of 2-1 and some decent grades:

Offense

Quarterback: Other than the aforementioned attempt to give the game away at the end, Bulger played extremely well. Bulger threw for 309 yards and a touchdown at a scintillating 68 percent completion rate, easily his best stats of the season. Bulger needs to protect the ball better (he fumbled twice) and is still failing to find the end zone as often as he should; still, a sound effort. Grade: B +

Running backs: Steven Jackson came crashing back down to earth this week, rushing for 62 yards at an ugly 2.6 yards per carry. Jackson continued his weekly dance recital in the backfield, hurting the Rams by putting them in long second- and third-down situations. Hopefully, Jackson will eventually discern that one, two or even no yardage is better than getting hit for a loss and will simply slam into the line when no holes are evident. If this lesson can ever be learned, Jackson's combination of strength and speed will be devastating. A contribution of 59 yards receiving helps an otherwise subpar performance. Grade: C +

Receivers: Somewhere, Arizona cornerback Matt Ware may still be trying to find Torry Holt. Holt scorched the Cardinals for 120 yards on eight catches and a touchdown. Holt was robbed of a second touchdown when he made a grab in the end zone but was shoved out of bounds by Ware straight into an official (who was too busy fleeing to see the infraction). Issac Bruce turned in another strong performance, contributing 79 yards. The Cardinals failed to capitalize on an ill-timed Shaun McDonald fumble. Grade: A -

Offensive line: The Rams showed signs that they can weather the potential storm left by Andy McCollum's season ending injury. The line gave up only a single sack on Sunday. Veteran Todd Steussie looks as if he can do a respectable job filling in the guard position vacated by Richie Incognito's move to center. Unfortunately, the Cardinals' defense was able to stymie Steven Jackson, and the Rams' linemen have to take some of the blame. If the line can keep Bulger upright, look for continued improvement from the Rams' passing attack. Grade: B -

Defense

Defensive line: The line certainly didn't set the world on fire. Edgerrin James rushed for 94 yards and got stronger in the fourth quarter as the Rams' defenders wilted. St. Louis managed only one sack against the Cardinals' mammoth offensive line and pressured Warner sparingly, leading to 256 passing yards. Grade: C

Linebackers: Will Witherspoon fell on the game-deciding fumble and continues to impress in leading the Rams' defense. Warner forgot he was a former Ram and threw a strike to quality backup Dexter Coakley in the end zone for a game-altering interception. Grade: B -

Secondary: Although O.J. Atogwe and Fakhir Brown each managed to pick off Warner, the Rams' defenders were absolutely incinerated by Cards receiver Anquan Boldin to the tune of 129 yards. Warner moved the ball seemingly at will. If not for the timely interceptions, the Rams lose this game. Grade: B -

Special teams: Stop me if you've heard this one: Jeff Wilkins' reliable leg bailed out the stalling offense. Wilkins nailed a trio of field goals to provide the Rams their second win of the season. Punter Matt Turk regressed a bit and didn't look like his leg had the power the team's fans have become accustomed to. The Rams' coverage unit was impressive, disallowing any kick returns beyond the Cardinals' 28-yard line. Grade: B +

Although once more limited to a single touchdown, the offense looks as if it is on the fast track to returning to form. The Rams' defense, meanwhile, while not spectacular, has shown signs of major improvement in limiting the opposition to an average of two touchdowns per game. With continued solid special teams play and a renewed dedication to excising the dumb penalties and poor execution that have plagued them during this young season, the Rams could be in for many more victories.

Perhaps we'll finally see a few less fruitcakes in circulation.

Original St. Louis Rams coverage, courtesy of RealFootball365.com
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