2011 Rams First Quarter Report - bkrich83's Dynasty

bkrich83's Dynasty Blog

2011 Rams First Quarter Report

Posted on September 6, 2011 at 11:59 PM.

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Record:1-3, 3rd Place NFC West

First Quarter Report Card

Pass Game:
Sam Bradford is experience what most first year quarterbacks do, and he's had some slight regression. Still he's completing his passes at a 55% clip, he's just not getting a lot of big plays out of the pass game. The pass protection has been spotty at times, and the Rams lack a true #1 receiver.

Mark Clayton however has been playing very well at the WR position and is averaging almost 16 yards per catch. Rookie TE Lance Kendricks is showing signs of being a very good receiving tight end.

Pass Game Grade: C+

Run Game:
Steven Jackson is still Steven Jackson. He's a bruiser between the tackles with speed to run away from defenders. This hasn't changed as Jackson is averaging 90 rush yards a game. They need to get more production our of change of pace back Jerious Norwood who's averaging less than 3 yards per attempt.

Run Game Grade: B+

Rush Defense
The Rams have not shown any ability to stop their opponents run game. They are giving up 190 yards per game on the ground. With that many first rounders on their defensive front there is no excuse for this. James Lauranaitis has performed admirably at MLB. Outside of him, the LB corps. have largely been pedestrian.

Rush Defense Grade: F

Pass Defense
Outside of the Redskins game, the Rams pass defense has been markedly better than it has in the past. Their front 4 have constantly harrassed opposing quarterbacks. Rookie 1st round pick Robert Quinn looks like he will make the perfect bookend for 2009 first round pick Chris Long. The two have combined for 7 sacks on the season. Al Harris has been a veteran stabilizing force in what is a young secondary.

Pass Defense Grade: B

Overall
The Rams have stumbled to a 1-3 start. But given the fact they've faced Philly, Baltimore and New York, it's tough to imagine such a young and developing team doing much better. Bradford and the offense continue to mature while going through the expected growing pains.

The Defensive front 4 has been outstanding against the pass, but has not been very stout vs. the Run. That needs to be improved if they have any hope of improving on their record.

The schedule doesn't get easier for a while. Next up they have back to back road games with the Packers and the Cowboys, before hosting the Saints at home. The schedule does ease up considerably after the Saints game however.

First Quarter Rams Transactions
Released QB Thadeus Lewis, DT D.Scott, C D.Miller, LB B.Kehl

Signed QB Dennis Dixon, LB Kirk Morrison, C Kristopher O'Dowd, G Leonard Davis

Placed CB J.King on IR. Signed CB D.Butler

Re-signed G Renardo Foster to a 3 yr deal worth $4.50M
Re-Signed QB Dennis Dixon to a 2 Yr Deal worth $2.02M
Re-Signed WR Danny Amendola to a 2 Yr Deal worth $1.44M
Re-Signed C Shaun O'Hara to a 3 yr Deal worth $7.86M