I like the fire!

I like the fire!
By Rams Nation's Don Ackerman

Okay, the Rams will not go undefeated this year. Unfortunately, they continue to show us the problems they experienced in 2001: turnovers, untimely timeouts, and a lack of offense consistently. Fortunately, the Rams still have a tenacious, relentless defense and when on, the Rams can score in less than 32 seconds. Also, Mike Martz shows us his fire and goes after the Broncos. Even though it doesn't work out, I like the fire!

A winless pre-season was not a worry for the Saint Louis Rams. However, being winless after one game is something of a concern for a team that many expect to see in Super Bowl XXXVII. I'm concerned about the loss today by the Rams but more concerned with how they lost. To me, this game looked like a continuation of the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

Where's the Fire?

On offense, Faulk and Holt looked great today. Besides those two all-starts, the Rams didn't show the fire I expect from a team that wants, maybe even needs to win an NFL championship. I just don't get it. I expect the Rams to offensively dominate and put up to shut up all the detractors. I also know that the Rams want to offensively earn the "Greatest Team on Turf" title (heck, the Rams sell the t-shirts, they should earn that right this year - shirts are available on the Rams site. Thus far, the offense still looks like they need a training camp to get on track. For goodness sakes, the offense accumulated only 32 yards rushing!

Defense Solid

The D, on the other hand, did their job. They held Brian Griese (maybe a great, maybe not) to 202 yards passing and intercepted him twice. They also collected 1 fumble and held the Broncos to two field goals deep in Rams territory. If the Rams D can't hold on either drive, the Broncos run away with this game much earlier than the 4th quarter.

Offense Still Has Potential

On three drives, the Rams offense lit it up. In the second quarter, down 10 to 0, the Rams drove 46 yards on 11 plays and settled for a 41-yard field goal. That was nice but beauty was shown in crunch time. There were 32 seconds left in the first half. The Rams had the ball on their own 29 after Denver put another field goal on the board to lead Saint Louis 16 to 3. The Broncos were going to get the ball in the second half so this was the Ram's chance to put some points on the board and give the Rams something to get excited about during halftime.

With precision not seen often in the game, Kurt Warner completed a 36-yarder to Torry Holt. This is the kind of play that gives me hope! Though the Rams settled for a 43-yard field goal, the Rams looked like they were back.

The Rams locker room at halftime must have been one heck of a place to be. The Rams came out firing in the second half. A bad pass by Brian Griese was picked off by Aeneas Williams and the Rams were back in business. 46 seconds later, the Rams are only down by 3 - 13 to 16. Not bad for playing this poorly!

Mike Takes His Chance (And Loses)

Late in the third quarter, the Rams are down by three. They have played poorly and still have a good chance to win the game. The Broncos are shaken. After dominating the Rams, they only lead by 3. I'm betting they are worried and so does Mike Martz. After getting the ball to the Denver 9-yard line, Martz goes for it on 4th and 1. Rather than punch it up the middle, Kurt rolls out right and looks for an open receiver. He doesn't see anyone open though I saw 2 open Rams and he throws the ball away.
The announcers are going crazy. They call this a wasted opportunity. Me, I see the Broncos on the 90-yard line with our D ready. Mike did gamble, and lose, but a score here breaks Denver's back. I like that gusto. BTW, the D did their job. The Broncos go 3 and out and punt it away. The play did not kill anyone and if the Rams can get on track, they would get another chance. Just because the Rams didn't, I wouldn't call Martz a failure. I blame the offense for not executing.

Giants Game is Big

Now, the Rams home opener is truly a Giant game. This week the Rams will have a lot to think about. How they respond next Sunday will tell us a lot about the 2002 Rams. This will be a long week for me but I'm sure it will pass quickly for a Rams club that has a lot to work on.

Until next Sunday, Ram on!
Don