ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/19/2007

Grading the Rams after their 13-9 victory over San Francisco:


Quarterback

Bulger's been sharper, but no turnovers for second game in a row was huge.

GRADE: B minus


Running back

Jackson pounded away on the ground against a pretty good run defense; several negative plays late cost him 100 yards.

GRADE: B


Receivers

Rams couldn't get anything going downfield with no pass plays over 17 yards, but Bruce and Holt made clutch grabs early.

GRADE: B minus


Offensive line

There were some coverage sacks, but also some breakdowns that resulted in six sacks of Bulger.

GRADE: C minus


Defensive line

Carriker was a force in the middle as Rams shut down Gore and *****' running game; more pressure still needed against the pass.

GRADE: B


Linebacker

Witherspoon notched his team-high fourth sack and made key fourth-down stop; Tinoisamoa, Chillar and Draft all contributed.

GRADE: B +


Secondary

Atogwe's INT on last play of day sealed the deal; Hill had first INT of season and three pass breakups.

GRADE: A


Special teams

Hall's 29-yard punt return set up victory-preserving field goal; botched kickoff by Wilkins led to ***** field goal.

GRADE: B


Coaching

Ugly or not, it's all about finishing, and the Rams found a way to finish, making this a small step forward.

GRADE: B minus