Overtime Dance in the Desert
By Rams Nation's Oscar F Lopez
Coming into Sundays contest versus the St. Louis Rams, the Cards truly believed
that they would pull out a victory. But miracles just don't happen in the Arizona
sun. In the end the Rams win 30-27 in overtime heat.
The story and saga continues. The backup quarterback starting to look like
the starting quarterback in more ways than one. The totaling of interceptions
an NFL high. The questionable force passes under pressure. And the reality of
the NFL weekly pounding. This backup is starting to play no better than the
starting quarterback when getting by with squeaking wins in the last couple
games.
Marc Bulger who was 28 of 44 for 329 yards and one touchdown has played admirably,
but is he starting to show wear and tear. He seems very razzed by defenses and
has been forcing many critical plays when he could have just thrown the ball
out of bounce or take the loss. Coming into the game versus the Cards. It would
have seemed like Marc was back in form. With his first series of completions
that led the Rams to a 14-0 lead early. With Marshall Faulk gaining over 100
yards and Isaac Bruce seven for 99 yards combining for first half scores.
Once the second quarter began, it would seem that Marc Bulger begins the transformation
of warrior to ordinary Joe. He started the quarter with an interception by David Barrett for a 25 yard return. Forcing a throw on third and eleven. He followed
up with the next series being intercepted by Renaldo Hill for a 68 yard touchdown
return. And this was first and ten at the Cards 37 yard line. And ended the
game with a total of four interceptions.
When asked about making a change. Coach Martz stated." If I wasn't confident
in marc, he wouldn't have been out there at the end of the game." He continued
and made it clear that Marc Bulger is the quarterback of the Rams.
The Rams have had a weird season to say the least, but somehow are finding
the way to win games. With a perfect record at home and now a good five hundred
record on the road. It would seem that they hold the key to their playoff hopes.
As for the Cards. Jeff Blake, Anquan Boldin, and Renaldo Hill played great.
They truly deserved to win. It was just not to be. Anquan was not a happy guy
in the end and still believed. He stated after the game, "If we would have
got the ball in the overtime, we would have went right down their throat and
scored." Blake finished 15 of 28 for 192 yards with two touchdowns. Anquan
Boldin has six receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns. As for Renaldo Hill
he had two key interceptions, but left the game with an ankle sprain.
Overall the game was a very competitive game. It should have been a blowout
but that was the latter. For the Rams to stay on track in the coming weeks,
Marc Bulger will have to limit his interception stats. If not we could see Kurt Warner as soon as the next Seattle contest. The overtime drive by Bulger was
admirable, but it should have not been that close and or necessary. So I ask
do we need a changing of the guard?
All I am going to say is this. Minnesota is coming to town and we are undefeated
at home. But with the way the Lions gave up the game, it seemed no different
from the Rams letting the Cards get back into it. So are the Vikings any better
than the Rams at this stage? Or are the Rams any better than the Vikings? Will
we see Warner back if Marc struggles in this contest? And finally. What will
it take for Mike Martz to bring in Warner again?
So many questions and so little time for a playoff run. Being on top of the
NFC west is very funny given the way the Rams have won in the last couple weeks.
It could have easily been the Cards in first. Get the feeling I am not convinced
that this team is ready for a playoff run. If I was a betting man, I would say
the Bengals have a better chance. But i will take the wins anyway possible.
The Field Goal