Running Game Non-Existent: Rams 0-4
By Rams Nation's Oscar F Lopez
The game on Sunday Sept. 29th at the Edward Jones Dome was to be the turning
point for the defending NFC champions. It was to prove that this team was good
enough for a win. But , it was not meant to be. On this day, it was the Cowboys
who would be the better team by a field goal in the end.
The gameplan was the same as last week. Why run? We can beat this team with
the almighty passing game. Frankly , I'm now sick and tired of this scheme.
Football 101. Running the football tires the opponents defense, with the result
being a better chance to drive down the field for a touchdown and or field goal
and setting up the passing game. The concept is simple. But Coach Martz still
refuses to adjust to the running game at least 60-40.
The game began with a promise for a win. Kurt Warner looked great with a couple
completions on the first series. Then the broken pinky finger in the throwing
arm, then his 8th interception by Greg Ellis, intended for Marshall under pressure
resulted. Kurt left the game.
Mike Martz then send in Jamie Martin. Martin finished the game with good solid
numbers, but could have used the running game to better help his situation.
Martin was 24 of 37 for 262 yards , and one interception.
The receiving corps were also a lot better. Lead by Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce,
these guys truly played better. Holt for the second week went over the 100 yard
mark. Holt finished with 9 catches for 106 yards. For Isaac Bruce , he should
have had two touchdowns on the day. But on one play in the 2nd quarter, Jamie
Martin underthrew a pass that was intercepted by Darren Woodson in the redzone.
Isaac did score before the half on a 21 yard pass by Jamie Martin to even the
score at 7-7.
The defense led by Leonard Little and Grant Wistrom was just all over the field
all day long. These guys registered two sacks and were just tormenting Quincy
Carter all game. The penalties were also improved.
Defensively the group played well enough to win this game, and if they can improve
on their tackling, they will be tough to beat.
At the end of the game Mike Martz was still optimistic about next week. And
had already forgotten this game. His comments truly tell us what he's thinking.
"That's life. You can't sit and stew about it. That's where we are (0-4),
and what's important is what we do about it". To sum up the 2002 season
so far. Ernie Conwell offered his perspective by stating the follwing. "This
week, it is like a nightmare. Somebody please turn the lights on and wake me
up."
Well, next week doesn't get any easier. The archrival 49ers coming off the bye
week , will be looking forward to a win. For the Rams this is a MUST WIN game.
This is a divisional game. And I don't know about you, but losing to the 49ers
is not an option. This is TRADITION ON THE LINE!