Report Card: Defense struggles to poor marks

**RamWraith** · #1 (**permalink**) -21-12-2007

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/21/2007

QUARTERBACK
Bulger was playing well enough to win until late, when Pittsburgh turned up the pass rush with the lead. GRADE: C+

RUNNING BACK
Jackson ran well but had only 12 carries, but the Rams only had the ball for 23 minutes, 44 seconds. GRADE: B-

RECEIVERS
Bruce, Bennett and McMichael made some tough catches; Holt wasn't much of a factor for second straight game. GRADE: B

OFFENSIVE LINE
Decent job of run blocking but could not keep the Steelers out of Bulger's face in predictable passing situations. GRADE: C+

DEFENSIVE LINE
Good job of rushing Roethlisberger, but it didn't seem too interested in tackling Davenport. GRADE: D

LINEBACKER
Good job of rushing Roethlisberger, but it didn't seem too interested in tackling Davenport. GRADE: D

SECONDARY
Didn't come close to covering a Pittsburgh receiver all night; Wade picked on much of the time. GRADE: F

SPECIAL TEAMS
Good job by Stanley on kickoff returns, but punt return unit was totally fooled on fake punt by Steelers. GRADE: D+

COACHING
What happened to the defense? And why not have offense go for it on fourth and 6 from the Pittsburgh 38? GRADE: D

*moloch41* · #2 (**permalink**) -21-12-2007

Now, I know this is a stretch here, but isn't it possible that our defense probably just isn't as good as some people think it is? We've fared well against bad teams, but not so good against teams with some talent. I know the popular response is to blame the offense for the defensive woes, but I don't think that's going to be hold water this time. Maybe some were a little too quick to annoint Haslett the next Head Coach...

*RamsInfiniti* · #3 (**permalink**) -21-12-2007

Bafflling first half performance from the D. They showed energy early, then looked tired and disinterested ...

They were a little better in the 2nd half, but it didn't matter as Killihan destoryed any chance of us coming back with his baffling calls ...

**txramsfan** · #4 (**permalink**) -21-12-2007

I knew our secondary couldn't handle the Steelers. Look at my score predicition.

*RamsInfiniti* · #5 (**permalink**) -21-12-2007

Secondary struggles or not, we SHOULD have won this game ...

*TheBritishRam* · #6 (**permalink**) -21-12-2007

Was anyone else annoyed at the fact that the D just ignored Hines Ward on the 3rd down, the routes were predictable and yet no one did anything about it