Second Bye Week
By Rams Nation's Don Ackerman
Before I go on, I have to say that this was a very special game for me. I
enjoyed the Rams live in San Francisco from section 12 thanks to Rick Young.
Thanks, Rick for making a dream come true! Go Rams!
Now back to the game... Torry Holt was incredible with 200 yards receiving.
As if that wasn't enough, Isaac Bruce tacked on another 93 yards. All I can
say is, "Wow!"
Bulger did a great job himself. For this Halloween game, Marc was "The
Fugitive." Running for his life, Marc completed 26 of 42 passes for an
amazing 378 yards. He also had one 41-yard touchdown to Torry Holt and 2 interceptions.
For the rest of the team, this game was a complete disaster and the Rams played
as poorly as the officials.
Throw it Away
Marc has a tendency to not throw the ball away but instead wait and wait and
wait and wait (you get the idea). I would be much happier if he didn't risk
his life but instead throw it away if the play doesn't turn out as planned and
he doesn't see anyone open. When I say "Throw it away", I mean throw
it out of bounds. I don't mean throw it away to the defense. Bulger threw some
bad passes and instead of throwing it away, Bulger lofted one right to safety
Tony Parrish (33) who was wide open over the middle. The official report may
say Bulger's first pass was "intended" for Isaac Bruce, but I don't
see how he could have caught that pass. From section 12, it looked like he was
throwing the ball away trying to avoid the sack.
Down 7 and No Way To Punch Right Back
In 2000, I was at the game in which the Atlanta Falcons returned the opening
kick against the Rams in Saint Louis. The Rams fans were shocked and silent.
A hush hit the crowd and "Now What?" ran through everyone's heads.
The next play, the Rams' Tony Horne ran back the next kickoff for a touchdown.
After about 30 seconds, it's now 7 to 7. The crowd is rockin' and I'm yelling,
"Bring it on!!" and "It that all you got!"
Today things are completely different. We have lost that potential and now
we have virtually no chance to take it to the house. Once the referees picked
up their flag, the Whiners were up and we do not have the ability to pop their
balloon like we did to the Falcons in 2000. Man, I miss that!!
Take the Timeout!!
I'm probably wrong but there's no way I let the Whiners get a free opportunity
to kick a field goal as the first half ends. With time expiring in the second
quarter, the Whiners ran the clock down to 2 seconds then took their second
timeout. I am hoping to see an explanation as to why the Martz would not call
a time out after stopping the Whiners on 3rd and 22 with more than 30 seconds
on the clock. It was 4th and 10 on the 35-yard line and the Whiners were planning
on attempting a 53-yard field goal. Knowing that (I knew it so I can only believe
Martz did!), why let the Whiners run the clock and take a no-risk play?? Martz
should stop the clock and make them think about it.
Now, I know as a Rams coach that you want to get into the locker room as soon
as possible but 24 to 3 is a three touchdown lead. 27 to 3 requires 4 scores.
Obviously the Rams did not come back in the second half but why give San Fran,
especially with their kicking woes, a free chance to score? Call timeout and
give them something to consider. With 30 second left, if the Whiners miss the
kick, the Rams get the ball on the 42-yard line. With 3 timeouts, the Rams have
plenty of opportunity to try something. Instead, Todd Peterson (#2) misses a
53-yarder and the half expires. What the Rams should have done seems obvious
to me!!
Home Field Advantage
I have heard of home field advantage but never saw it abused like I did at the
game. I believe it was on the Rams' third drive in the first quarter. The score
was 3 to 14 and it was critical the Rams get back into this game with a touchdown.
Bulger seemingly completed to Torry Holt but the official ruled that Holt was
out of bounds. From my vantage point, it looked like he was in bounds (in fact,
Mike next to me swore he was!). Wanting to see the play, everyone looked to
the scoreboard screen to see what happened and to see if he in fact, was in
bounds. The play was shown to all. Bulger throws the pass and Holt stretches
to catch the ball. Holt's arms reach out and his hands open. I squinted to see
the ball and his feet only to see a blank screen. The hometown operator killed
the replay. They didn't want the Rams to know what happened. I was surprised
to see a blatant move (well, I'm not surprised since it's the Whiners) and was
proud of Martz when the red flag flew onto the field.
Well, after further review (and no replay for those in the stadium), the referees
reversed the call. I'm still shocked to see such poor gamesmanship exhibited.
I'll be watching the screen carefully at my next game in Saint Louis. I believe
the Rams will run the play either way. I hope I'm right.
Meeting Los Angeles Rams Fans
Before the game, I met many long-time fans include Jesse & Joe from Fresno.
During the game, I had Rams fans from the L.A. Rams days next to me. It was
great talking football with Mike and Tammy. These Rams fans were a blast to
talk to and I enjoyed meeting them in San Fran.
Ram on,
Don
Don, the Rams Nation columnist can be contacted at Don@RamsNation.org.