(0-1-0) Week 1: versus Detroit
Detroit 48 Rams 34
This game was closer then the score indicates. Six very ill advised and costly turnovers (5 int/1 fumble) by Sam Bradford sealed the game as it was too much for the Rams to overcome. After the game Sam was devastated. Steven Jackson was ineffective and lacked the drive expected from a veteran leader. Rookie TE Cole showed the league why he was the number two pick as he led all receivers with 126 yards including 1 TD (long 65 yards). WR Sales returned a 2nd half kickoff 99 yards to give the team a much needed boost. Defense was ineffective against the pass allowing 6 TDs and 352 yards through the air. The inability to stop opposing TEs is concerning.
(1-1-0) Week 2: versus Seattle
Seattle 35 Rams 38
Luckily QB Bradford has a very short memory, following his 6 turnover game with an impressive 5 TD day against the Seahawks. RB Jackson first 2 runs, 2 yards...benched. He has lost the heart to compete and clearly does not appreciate Coach Digig's style. RB Dial filled in gaining 67 yards on 15 attempts against a very stout run Defense. TE Cole once again demonstrated his potential aging 162 yards on 9 receptions and 2 TDs. WR Alexander provided a solid and dependable target to Bradford the entire game gaining 116 yards on 5 receptions. WR Sales was a dagger in the heart of Seattle's hopes of winning scoring a HUGE 80 yard TD with only 15 seconds left!!! The defense was once again suspect against the pass, allowing 355 yards, 3 TDs with only one INT. WR Welker had a field day against our coverage. On the positive note, the Defense was spectacular in stopping Seattle's HIGH power run game, allowing only 60 yards in the game. Though the team received the win Coach Digigdawg demands improvement all around. He realizes wins like this are not sustainable throughout the season and challenges his team to get better.
(1-2-0) Week 3: versus Dolphins
Rams 17 Dolphins 24
This game was not as close as the score indicates. Though the Rams had multiple chances to make it a game, they failed to take advantage of the opportunities. Though the stats of the game show both teams pretty even, the Rams offense was in a slump, again with another ineffective showing with the run. THIS HAS TO CHANGE TO BE COMPETITIVE!!! Defense was improved against the pass but opposing TE's still present coverage problems as TE Miller was MIA leading receiver with 145 yards. MIA receivers were kept in check the entire game. Big plays are still the number one issue for the defense as they contain the team the majority of the game and then allow 1 or 2 huge plays. TE Cole came back to Earth a bit catching only 45 yards on 4 receptions. WR Sales continues to demonstrate his big play potential with 86 yards on 1 reception.
(1-3-0) Week 4: versus Bucaneers
Rams 14 Bucs 42
This game was not pretty. The season is looking to spiral out of control as moral is starting to drop. The offense lacked aggressiveness and simply could not score. WR Alexander was the one lone bright spot in the offense with 154 yards on 5 receptions and one TD. TE Cole had one reception for 26 yards . Things are starting to look bad for the team. Again the opposing TE wreaked havoc on our Defense. Though this almost seems to be the beginning of the end for the season, the team held a meeting and renewed their drive to win.
(1-3-0) Week 5: BYE
During the bye, Coach Digig focused on fundamentals and execution. He ensured the team that talent is not the issue and took full responsibility for their lack of aggressiveness throughout the year promising a renewed sense of urgency. The team responded very well and spirits appear high.
(2-3-0) Week 6: versus Redskins
Rams 31 Redskins 17
The bye week adjustments seemed to prove effective. The team was firing on all cylinders and pulled out a big win against a very strong opponent. QB Bradford was nearly perfect going 8/9 for 212 yards and 2 TD's no INTs. RB Taylor exploded with 276 yards on only 15 attempts with 2 TD's. TE Cole had 99 yards on 4 reception and 1 TD. Unfortunately hurt and will be out 9 weeks. WR Sales continues to prove potent with 93 yards on 2 receptions. The defense was much improved against the pass only allowing 120 yards through the air. No huge plays were allowed!!!
(3-3-0) Week 7: versus NE
Rams 27 NE 20
This was a huge win for the team!! The Defense allowed QB Brady to throw for 274 yards but had 4 INT's!!! RB Dyer was held to under 100 yards!!! RB Taylor had another impressive day with 195 yards on 16 touches and a TD!! The offense had a difficult time getting the pass going but the run game and Defense provided ample support for the win.
(4-3-0) Week 8: versus Bears
Rams 21 Bears 10
The down and out Bears put up a big fight but could not finish off the game. This game was closer then the score indicates but a few key turnovers by CHI sealed the deal for the team. The defense had 3 more picks but allowed WR Jones to have a big Day. This week the running game would not get going. This type of inconsistency really news to be put to bed. CB Murphy was named the Defensive Player Of The Week for the week with his efforts of 6 TKLS, 1 INT, and 1 FF.
(4-4-0) Week 9: versus Packers
Rams 7 Packers 27
The teams winning streak has come to a hard felt end. The team played with little heart and demonstrated some potential deficiencies in Coach Digig's gameplan. Though the Defense held QB Rodgers to only 170 yards, RB Starks had a breakout game with 192 yards including a back breaking 92 yard run to put the game out of reach. Though the team did not play badly, execution and the inability scoring was an issue.
(5-4-0) Week 10: versus Jets
Rams 16 Jets 10
The Rams squeaked a win out against the hapless Jets. Though the Jets have won only one game this year they were able to force the game into overtime. 5 costly INT's by QB Sanchez allowed the Rams to stay in this one. LT ended the game on a 32 yard scamper in OT after another INT. (More info when XFN updated)
Summary
Power Ranking: 18th League Description: "Pretender"
Already won more than double the games from last year. Tied for second in NFC West at 5-4-0. 1.5 games behind leading SF at 6-2-1. Hardest part of schedule played. 3 games remain against teams with winning records and are all with Division rivals (2 SF, 1 Seattle). Leaving 4 games remaining against teams with a combined record of 9-23-1. Playoff Chances: Pretending I have a shot. Coach Digig believes he has the personnel in place to make a strong run. He realizes he needs to fine tune his game plan and increase his knowledge of the game. Though they are not the most intimidating team around, the team is in control of it's destiny as of today, and this is in stark contrast to the broken team Coach Digigdawg inherited last year.
Subject: St. Louis Rams Mid-Season Report 
Sun Mar 04, 2012 3:09 am
