RAMS @ Bengals -6 1/2

[laram0]

Our last matchup with the Bengals happened back on December 21, 2003. The game was at our house and we won 27-10. (for whatever that's worth?) So it's only fair that we would be traveling to Cincinnati for our next contest. The 2007 Bengals have had a disappointing season with a record of (4-8). They are however (3-3) at home. This is a strong offensive team but leave alot to be desired on the defensive side of the ball. (That sounds familiar)

Cincinnati Bengals Rankings:

OFFENSE
#7-- Overall (351.8 ypg)
#7-- Scoring (24.2 ppg)
#26- Rushing (89.2 ypg)
#4-- Passing (262.6 ypg)
#11- Turnover Ratio (+4)
#2-- Sacks allowed (16)

Note***
The Bengals offense has 41 offensive plays of 20+ yards and 4 of 40+ yards. Only 2 of the big plays have been on the ground.

DEFENSE
#29- Overall (357.2 ypg)
#29- Pts Allowed (26.3)
#23- Rush D (118.9)
#26- Pass D (238.3)
#30- Sacks (18)

Note***
The Bengals defense has allowed 46 plays of 20+ yards and 11 plays of 40+ yards.


ST. LOUIS RAMS RANKINGS:

OFFENSE
#25- Overall (300.4 ypg)
#27- Scoring (16.3)
#24- Rushing (91.8)
#16- Passing (208.7)
#26- Turnover Ratio (-8)
#29- Sacks Allowed (40)

Note***
Our RAMS offense has 41 plays of 20+ yards and 4 of 40+ yards.

DEFENSE
#17- Overall (330.2)
#27- Pts Allowed (24.8)
#19- Rush D (109.3)
#20- Pass D (220.9)
#15- Sacks (26)

Note***
Our RAMS defense has allowed 41 plays of 20+ yards and 4 plays of 40+ yards.

I find it fun and interesting to look at how the opposition and our RAMS stack up against the rest of the NFL teams. Of course the stats/numbers don't tell the whole story but they are a pretty fair barometer of a teams success or lack thereof.
Unfortunately the 12 game stats are not a fair barometer of how poorly our RAMS play on the road "OUTDOORS". Our "DOME" games vs. "OUTDOOR" games is like comparing night and day. We've played 5 games of the "OUTDOOR" variety compiling a record of (1-4). All the games have been of the ugly variety even the win was ugly.

ROAD/OUTDOOR Ugly Facts: 5 games

1. Our offense has scored 1 touchdown (That's right O-N-E in 5 games!) our only other touchdown was scored on a punt return by Dante' Hall at Dallas.
2. We have not scored a touchdown in the 2nd half of any of these games.
3. We've been outscored (43-20) in the 1st half.
4. We've been outscored (80-12) in the 2nd half.
5. 15 turnovers with 7 takeaways = -8 Turnover Ratio
6. Jeff Wilikins is 6/11 on field goal attempts

Can we beat the Bengals? Yes, if we play a perfect game. By perfect I mean no turnovers and 2 to 3 takeaways. Also, Jeff Wilkins has to be on his game. 4 of the 5 "OUTDOOR" games that we have lost so far were lost by our offense. Our offense has put our defense on the field with their backs against the wall more often than not.
The only win we have saw our offense go without any turnovers and our defense came up with 2 takeaways. (We scored a whopping 13 points!!!) Which by the way is the most we've scored in any one "OUTDOOR" game this season. I feel very confident in saying that we will need to score more than 13 points if we're going to beat the Bengals.


It's time for our RAMS to change this pitiful trend and start playing like we've seen them play in DOMES.

:r:l