What a bitterly disappointing loss. I don't think there's any doubt that at this point in time, help at the Wide Receiver position is going to be critical to any successes we're going to have moving forward. The officiating was far from competent today, and we had a number of bad calls go against us that turned into pivotal points in the game.
Bradford's INT was simply a bad throw by a young player at the worst possible time in the game. That's the second time this season and I think that both of those passes are going to be cornerstones from which he'll continue to grow and learn as a young player.
I'm not calling for Pat Shurmur's head. To a point, I understand the gameplan he called wholeheartedly. The fact that the receivers dropped every pass attempt but one that went for more than ten yards is a testament to why we haven't thrown the ball deep often this season: we just can't. As a matter of fact, every drive that we attempted which featured a pass attempt of more than ten yards was either a three-and-out or ended in a turnover. I don't think that that is Pat Shurmur's fault.
I will, however, be the first to admit that Shurmur desperately needed to involve Steven Jackson more today. Seven carries in the first half is nowhere near good enough. He's a player who is proven to be more effective when he receives his touches as the game continues, and tonight, Shurmur didn't call enough plays wherein Steven Jackson was the focal point.
Now, I'd like to address a couple of wild criticisms which I'm predicting will be thrown out in the next hour or so.
Firstly, Steve Spagnuolo is not overrated, and he will and fully deserves to keep his job next year. He's taken a 1-15 team and has turned them into a playoff contender. With a few more pieces, we could make a deep playoff run next year.
Secondly, Sam Bradford is not overrated, and he will and fully deserves to keep his job next year. He's taken a 1-15 team and has turned them into a playoff contender. With a few more pieces, we could make a deep playoff run next year.
It's been a promising year for Rams fans. We're now in an ideal position in the NFL Draft to add one of the best WR's in the 2011 class, and I fully expect us to make a real dash at adding one of them to our roster. We have a Quarterback of the Future and starters entrenched at both OT positions and at Center. We have a pro bowl running back and the all-purpose yardage leader in 2010 on our roster already. If we get Bradford somebody to throw to, if we can find starters on the interior line, and if we can address the holes at the OLB and SS positions on our roster, we could be in for a big season next year.
Commendable effort, guys, and here's to a big offseason, a new CBA, and an even bigger 2011 Season!!
