The Rams bucked a lot of trends today in a win in the Windy (and Rainy) City. Here are the reasons they bucked today:
Offense winning drive
It's been a while since the Rams' offense has scored after the other team scores to take the lead. Today, the Rams had a game-winning drive of their own. Wilkins kicked a 44-yarder to propel the Rams to a 23-21 win.
Balanced offense
A pathetically unbalanced first half had the Rams running 8 times and passing 24 times (these are Don's unofficial stats). This resulted in a 3 to 14 point deficit at the half. The Rams adjusted in the second half and ran the ball as often as passing. The play selection was 15 runs to 14 passes when the Rams took a 20-17 lead. Granted the final drive blew away the balance (2 runs to 11 passes) but with time running out, I don't blame Martz for not running the ball. Overall, the Rams ran 25 runs to 51 passes (again 8 and 24 in the first half and 17 to 27 in the second with most of the lack of balance due to the final two drives). The offense was so unbalanced that the Rams' first drive of the game was the only time the Rams ran the ball more than they threw it in the first half (2 plays to 1). The next time the Rams had more runs than passes was 4th drive of the second half.
Winning on the road
In 2003, the Rams are supposed to be a bad road team. With their 1 and 3 record, they were supporting that thought. With their 2nd win on the road, the Rams improved to 2-3 on the road. Since 2002, the Rams were 2-10 on the road.
The Rams won despite weather was under 50 degrees
At the beginning the game, Fox shared with us a Tampa Bay-like statistic. The Rams are 2-10 (since 1995 when they moved to STL) when the temperature is below 50 degrees. The Rams won this game and it was 48 degrees at kickoff.
In Rainy weather, the Rams are supposed to be bad. They are supposedly a "turf team" and therefore cannot play in the rain. The Rams won again in the rain after winning earlier this year in Pittsburgh. Talking to Joe, who was at the Steeler game, I had to ask, why do people think the offense cannot handle the rain? As a kid I remember that wet conditions always favored the offense. They knew where they were going. The defense however, often has to adjust and that is harder in slippery conditions. I don't know where this idea comes from but in the rainy second half, the Rams receivers were open and running. So much for that statistic.
Beyond those trends, here are my various thoughts on the game:
Wilkins is MVP
Most people forget or overlook how important Wilkins is to this offense. His three field goals (41, 44, and 31 yards respectively) were critical in this game. I've loved Wilkins since we stole him from San Francisco. Talking to Pen Cap Ram during the game, we both came to the same conclusion. He is our MVP this year. Thanks, Jeff!
Nintendo Football
Mike Martz plays football the way I do on game systems. His "gamble" on fourth and 2 (Faulk for 52 of his 103 yards) turned the game around and I believe was the reason the Rams won the game. Furrey's conversion on 4th and 2 was more of the football I enjoy. There's no way to defend Martz' system. You never know who will touch the ball. I love Martz' Nintendo football and have to think the players love it too!
Bad First Half
The first half was bad. The first Rams possession was a 3 and out and this was an indicator of how the first half would go. I was pleased to see RW McQuarters of the Bears dropped for no gain on the first punt. The Rams led the league with 4 returns for touchdowns and not giving up one yard on the first punt was nice to see. But it wouldn't last and later the Rams' special teams would prove to be TNT-worthy with all of its "drama."
The offense sputtered early and Bulger threw his first interception in the first quarter. Luckily for the Rams, Bulter took the ball back on a nice interception on the Bears' first play. Kudos to the defense for keeping this game within reach. The Rams played a poor first half and 3 to 14 really wasn't too bad. The Rams caught a break when the Bears' kicker missed a 34 yarder and Gage (87) could only get one foot in bounds. That's 10 points the Rams avoided. Whew!! However, just down by 11, at the half I can only think about the potential that Holt, Bruce, and Looker provide and I always have hope.
For Edinger, I can only think the next time he turns around to kick a field goal, he should keep going.
Not-So-Special Teams
Again the Special Teams were a true weakness. On multiple plays I see bad plays. First, why is Spencer Nead (47) "returning" kicks? He almost lost the ball on his first touch and did lose it the second time he touched the ball.
I also see Rams players near the bouncing ball on punts. I thought the idea was to stay clear and I've seen return men waving their arms telling others to stay clear. With the Rams I consistently see players near the ball. Since a football is NOT round, it bounces funny and punting teams lose those easy turnovers. The worst example I saw was on the last punt of the first half. The Rams blocker has his back to the bouncing ball blocking a Bear. To continue the alliteration, bad, bad, bad!
Strong D
On top of holding the Bears to 21 points, the Rams also dropped three sure interceptions. I hate to see dropped balls by defenders but have to remind myself of two things: 1. The D is preventing the catch with their opportunities 2. If they could catch, they would play wide receiver. The defense did try some kind of Cover 2 "prevent" defense which the Bears thoroughly shredded with 3 passing plays for 62 yards. Beyond that drive, the D did their job again stopping the Bears on their final drive of the game. One beautiful play was Fisher's tackle of Dez White during the final drive. Keeping him in bounds probably saved the game. Well done, defense!
Offensive Steps Up in Final Drive
I was sick watching this game after Chicago scored to take the lead. But I felt much better after the Rams converted the 3 and 10 with just over 2 minutes left. The 13-drive 67-yard play ate up all but 38 seconds and was perfect for the situation. Though they did not score a touchdown (an ideal result), that drive has been lacking this year. Hopefully, this is a sign of what is to come during the stretch run.
Looker Continues to Improve
I miss Ricky Proehl but his doppleganger looks to be Dane Looker. He continues to improve and impress each week. I think we finally have our third receiver!