Interim coach Joe Vitt will guide the Rams against the Colts on Monday in the absence of coach Mike Martz. Vitt sat down to answer questions ahead of the matchup.
- How important will ball control be against Indianapolis? "Our offense is going to run the offense, [with] multiple sets [and] multiple formations. We're going to run our routes, and we're going to throw our passes."
- What makes Colts QB Peyton Manning a formidable opponent? "The scheme that he's in right now is really good. He's setting deep in the pocket with his gun sets. They are really running on offense a run and shoot offense with a lot of option routes. His pre-snap reads, where to go with the ball; he has great anticipation. The receivers are outstanding. He and [WR Marvin] Harrison have been together for so long now. Now you take in conjunction with that, they are a 50-50 offense with running the ball right now. It presents problems for you."
- Why has the Rams defense played well on third downs, but not as well on first downs? "Obviously we have has some blown coverages on first-and-10, which is inexcusable. You just can't do it. If we can play better on first-and-10, and get ahead of the downs, we're going to be where we want to be on defense. First-and-10 is a key down for us, because, again, we are one of the top teams on third-down conversions."
- How will the Rams prevent the Colts from having a big game? "We have to out execute them. They are going to get some yards, and they are going to move the ball some. We can't give up the big play. We have to keep the ball in front of us. We have to rally to his [Peyton Manning's] throws and make sure we tackle well."
- How much has the Colts improvements on defense complicate the preparations? "Well, it complicates it in two factors. Number one, they are a lot quicker and faster than they were a year ago. The second thing is, they are playing a lot of Tampa Two, the same kind of defense that we threw up when Lovie [Smith] was here. Our offense is used to facing that every day in practice for the last three years."
The Colts have been more than the NFL's best defense this season. They've been one of the best defenses the NFL ever has seen after five games. Are they really
that good? We'll find out how the Colts stack up tonight, when Indianapolis hosts the high-powered Rams offensive attack on
Monday Night Football.
See what else Schefter has to say about the Monday night game.
October 17
Marcus Washington, WAS
Maurice Sonnier, TEN
Devonte Edwards, MIN
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