Report Card: Tops for coaches, QB, LBs

**RamWraith** · #1 (**permalink**) -12-11-2007

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/12/2007

Quarterback
Bulger showed what he can do with a little time and his full complement of skill-position players. GRADE: A

Running backs
The numbers weren't overwhelming against a rugged run defense, but it's night-and-day when Jackson's in the lineup. GRADE: B

Receivers
Whether it was Bennett, Bruce, Holt, or McMichael, the Rams' playmakers all made big plays in the passing game. GRADE: B+

Offensive line
Quite a showing for the unit, which featured only one opening-day starter (Barron), and three starters who were street free agents. GRADE: B+

Defensive line
Did a good job of keeping Reggie Bush in check on the ground; some pressures but no sacks against Brees. GRADE: C+

Linebackers
Maybe the best overall game of the season by this unit. Big plays by Witherspoon (sack) and Tinoisamoa (interception). GRADE: A

Secondary
Atogwe's interception helped set the tone for the day, though Saints piled up some numbers in the fourth quarter. GRADE: B-

Special teams
Kickoff coverage unit was gashed for a 64-yard return by Pierre Thomas; otherwise a solid overall effort. GRADE: C-

Coaching
An aggressive approach on offense (trick plays) and defense (lots of blitzing) paid dividends all day. GRADE: A

*TekeRam* · #2 (**permalink**) -12-11-2007

That last part is the best one in my mind... they finally opened up the book of tricks and started to be unpredictable in every form of the game. Predictability gets you(and usually one of the players) killed.

*RAM-BO* · #3 (**permalink**) -12-11-2007

Offensive Line did very well. With Steussie coming back in a few weeks I like our odds to finish out strong.

*r8rh8rmike* · #4 (**permalink**) -13-11-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by TekeRam

That last part is the best one in my mind... they finally opened up the book of tricks and started to be unpredictable in every form of the game. Predictability gets you(and usually one of the players) killed.

The fact that the OL was getting it done from the start allowed things to open up on offense and get away from that predictability. With reasonable protection, Bulger had time to make multiple reads, the receivers were able to get downfield and the backs and McMichael got the opportunity to become involved and make plays. It all starts up front.