Rams' Balanced Attack Beats Packers 34 to 24

Today the Rams threw through and ran over the Green Bay Packers. The Rams defense contributed by collecting 4 turnovers (1 interception and 3 fumbles) from the Packers. This was overall a balanced attack on offense, defense, and special teams.

Rams' Balanced Attack Beats Packers 34 to 24
By Rams Nation's Don Ackerman

On offense, the Rams showed their poise and their ability to "play well with others." Bulger contributed greatly, the wide receivers were running loose in the Ed, and the running game was pounding play after play.

Bulger Just Off
In the pocket, Marc Bulger (#10) showed his presence. Throughout the game, Marc slid around the pocket, ducked and dodged Packer defenders, and avoided making any stupid plays. Throwing, Bulger had 2 interceptions but both were picked because they were slightly off. His first INT was a ball that was tipped straight up into the air and caught 3 to 4 yards from where he threw it. His second intercepted pass was a ball tipped by Isaac Bruce. Including those two "glitches", Marc was 22 of 34 (that's 64.7%) for 247 yards and 3 touchdowns. Bulger often put the ball exactly where it needed to be. It's hard not to look at his efficiency and call it Warneresque.

Running Rams
With RB Lamar Gordon (#34) out, Arlene Harris (#33) pounded out 87 yards on 18 carries. Averaging 4.8 yards per rush, it's amazing to see the Rams have a dominating running game with their third string running back. Harris ran well but it's the rest of his game that is noticeable. In the 3rd quarter, he lost a fumble (an area of serious concern as turnovers kill!) but impressively recovered his own fumble in the midst of 3 or 4 Packers. Hey Arlen, getting the ball is great, but keeping it means your job!

Milestone #1
10,000 yards for Isaac Bruce (#80). The ex-Los Angeles Rams passed a major milestone (he's the 18th player to do so) as he passed 10,000 yards receiving. The Rev put yet another football in his football collection. Congrats, Bruuuuuce!

Looker, the Human Highlight
Isaac Bruce received his deserved due. Holt reeled in two touchdown, but Dane Looker
Yes, #89 Dane Looker is looking to make more than the team. His drive will put him all over the 2003 highlight reel. On his touchdown pass, Looker was shaken but not stirred. He was hit at the 5-yard line and was heading out of bound. However, Looker sniffed out the end zone by walking the sideline like a tight-rope. He was stepping left foot over right foot while moving sideways and forward all at the same time.

On defense, the Rams did what they had to do. In the first half the Rams held tough. If not for Bulger's two interceptions, who knows if Packers score 24 points. However, the Rams are getting beat up and battered.

Battered Rams
Injuries are beginning to cost the Rams. On defense, they lost Tommy Polley (#52) and Travis Fisher (#22) in this game. The injuries showed in the second half when the defense played not as well as the first half. But the Rams are good and getting deeper. Lovie's defense is very versatile and it seems that each week players step up to contribute. This week, Adam Archuletta's (#35) replacement, #25 Rich Coady, recovered a fumble. With a mix of new players and veterans, on defense, there are many developing weapons on D. On the veteran side, Aeneas still shines in his new role. On back-to-back plays, Aeneas broke up a long pass play on 2nd down, then blitzes and knocks away a pass on 3rd down. Even though he was acquired at the beginning of 2002, I still have to say "What a pickup!"

Highlight #2
Congrats to Leonard Little (#91) who had his first interception from Brett Favre (#4). Well done and best wishes for many more to come!

Special Teams Impact
Though it was called back by an illegal block, the first possession by the Rams showed that they are looking to make an impact on special teams. On their first punt, the Rams recovered the ball on a punt after it bounced off Green Bay Packer Al Harris. Though it won't show up on the stat sheet and it won't make any highlight reel, the Rams dodged a bullet when an on-side attempt by the Packers bounced over Jermetrius Butler's (#23) head. The ball was just out of the reach of Antuan Edwards (#24). If he recovers the ball, he scores with about 1:40 left in the game. That would have made the score 31 to 34. I suspect Bobby April will highlight that play this week while the Rams prepare for the game in Pittsburgh.

Overall, a solid game against a solid opponent. Though at home, the Rams still wanted to win. Now the Rams hit the road for two weeks. They will focus completely on squeezing a victory out of Heinz Field. The pressure stays on the Rams as the Seahawks needed a late fourth quarter touchdown to beat the Chicago Bears.

Ram on,
Don