Following the Bouncing Ball
By Rams Nation's Don Ackerman
After a Ray Lewis (#52) interception, Jamal Lewis (#28) converted a fourth
and one then Tommy Polley stripped the ball. The Rams recovered the bouncing
ball, and avoided giving up more points.
The Rams' Adam Archuleta (#31) scored his first career touchdown after following
the bouncing ball. The ball was knocked loose from Baltimore QB Kyle Boller's
hands. Arch was coming in so quickly that Jamal Lewis knocked the ball loose
his teammate trying to block Archuleta. Arch ran 45 yards for the score and
increased the Rams lead to 21 to 12.
And the ball kept bouncing. In the fourth quarter, Pisa Tinoisamoa (#50) created
a fumble and Brian Young (#66) picked up Jamal Lewis' second fumble of the game.
Fittingly, the game ended after Tyoka Jackson (#97) knocked the ball loose
and Brian Young recovered the fumble. Bulger kneeled and the last 14 seconds
of this unbelievable game ticked away.
Offense MIA
Honestly, this was an ugly game for the Rams. The offense was
ineffective. Fortunately, the Rams defense was in championship form. The defense
swarmed and won this game for Saint Louis. Back to the offense. The Rams offense
managed only 110 yards passing and 48 yards running. So much for billing this
game as the greatest offense versus the best defense. This game was strictly
about the D.
Welcome Back Marshall
This game featured the return of many Rams who had a sudden impact. First, Marshall Faulk (#28) was back. This was not special because Marshall was back as running
back. To me, the return of Marshall meant that Arlen Harris (#33) could return
kicks. In 2003, the Rams really have not had a threat to return the ball deep.
Harris gives the Rams that possibility. Harris had 3 returns for 25.7 yards.
I think his experience as running back will help him hold onto the ball and
I welcome his return to special teams. Thanks Marshall and welcome back!
Adam Archuleta also returned Sunday. His impact has already been mentioned
but all evening long he also smacked around the Ravens' offensive players. Good
to see you back, Arch!
Tommy Polley (#52) also returned. His presence was felt on defense especially
with him fourth quarter interception to give the Rams offense the ball. Welcome
back, Tommy!
Special Teams Contributed
I mentioned Looker's contribution which led to an easy touchdown. On top of
that Jeff Wilkins (#14) added four field goals. Often overlooked, Wilkins is
a big part of the Rams' "Greatest Show." His four field goals were
the only "offense" the Rams could muster.
The Ray Lewis Show on ESPN?
I really wish I could have been at this game. No, it wasn't to be part of a
bizarre game. No, it would be to avoid the ESPN lovefest for Ray Lewis. Granted,
he made a big impact in the game and he was wired so we constantly got to hear
him speak. But Lewis' words weren't the problem. It was the ESPN announcers
who were driving me nuts. They relished discussing his greatness. Now, don't
get me wrong, Ray Lewis is a football machine. However, there's a lot more to
discuss when two teams are playing in a close game. There are hundreds of stories
collected by reporters that could be discussed. Instead, it's Ray Lewis this
and Ray Lewis that. It was too much for me.
What's Next?
The Rams take to the road over the next two weeks in very winnable games. Next
Sunday, they face the Bears in Chicago. This might be a good game for the offense
to get back into sync. After that, they take the trip to the desert to face
the Arizona Cardinals. This might be a home crowd for Saint Louis. The Card's
have played poorly and many Rampagers will be waiting for the Rams in Arizona.
That game should also be good for the struggling Rams offense.
Ram on,
Don
Don, the Rams Nation columnist can be contacted at Don@RamsNation.org.