- Joined
- Jul 31, 2010
- Messages
- 8,874
7 things to watch: Rams vs. Raiders
• By Jim Thomas
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_2ba4fd9f-362d-532b-9c83-88dff9a5d0d1.html
For eight consecutive games, the Rams have faced a quarterback who had either been named to a Pro Bowl, or played in the Super Bowl — or both — over the past two seasons. On Sunday, that streak ends when they play rookie QB Derek Carr. A second-round pick out of Fresno State, Carr has been the starter since opening day and has played more than any other rookie QB in the league, completing 59.1 percent of his 406 passes for 2,249 yards, 14 TDs, nine interceptions and a passer rating of 76.7. “They’ve found their quarterback,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “He’s got legs to escape, a quick release and he’s very accurate.” Only seven QBs in the NFL have thrown more passes than Carr, yet he has been sacked a modest 12 times. But after facing Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning the past two weeks, this is a QB the Rams need to handle.
ALONG CAME JONES
Who knows where the Raiders’ passing game would be without veteran WR James Jones, the former Packer who signed last offseason as a free agent. As it is they’re near the bottom of the pile, ranking 26th in passing offense. Jones leads the team in catches (54) and yards (545). “He’s been a settling influence in that rather young group of guys that he’s with,” Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said. “He’s a big body. Extremely talented receiver.”
THE OTHER GUYS
Last year’s receiving leader, Rod Streater, remains out with a foot fracture suffered in Week 3. That leaves the Raiders with largely a bunch of no-names at WR, although third-year man Andre Holmes has decent numbers with 32 catches for 474 yards and four TDs to go with good size (6-4, 210). Second-year TE Mychal Rivera has been productive, ranking second to Jones in receptions (38). The only other Raider with more than 19 catches is RB Darren McFadden.
TIGHTEN IT UP
The Rams played it conservatively against San Diego, using a lot of off-coverage. With Rams corners consistently playing 7-8 yards off the line of scrimmage, Rivers carved them up with underneath stuff and bubble screens. Rivers had been in the midst of one of the worst four-game slumps of his career; the Rams’ approach helped him get in rhythm. Hopefully that’s not the strategy against Carr, who ranks 32nd in yards per attempt (5.54).
BACKFIELD WOES
Despite the presence of veterans McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew, the Raiders rank last in the NFL in rushing offense. Latavius Murray provided an unanticipated spark last week against KC with 112 yards and two TDs on just four carries, but he’s been ruled out Sunday with a concussion. As Fisher points out, the rushing numbers are misleading because the Raiders have a league-low 19.5 carries per game — seven carries a game lower than the league average.
HOLD THAT LINE
The Raiders are near the bottom of the league in running defense (25th), but again the numbers are a bit misleading. Yes, the Raiders are yielding 126.7 rushing yards a game, but they’re allowing only 3.8 yards per carry, which is pretty decent. The high overall total in rushing yards allowed is due in part to the fact that teams have rushed 363 times against Oakland’s defense; only Tennessee (365) has faced more running plays on defense this season.
SPECIAL CHANCES
The Raiders gave up 169 yards in returns in their 24-20 victory over Kansas City on Nov. 20, including a 28-yard punt return and kickoff returns of 46 and 58 yards for the Chiefs. Benny Cunningham is hanging in among NFL kickoff return leaders, ranking fifth with a 28.9-yard average. And Tavon Austin has been cranking it up on punt returns lately, nearly returning one for a touchdown last week. So there could be some opportunities here for the Rams.
• By Jim Thomas
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_2ba4fd9f-362d-532b-9c83-88dff9a5d0d1.html
For eight consecutive games, the Rams have faced a quarterback who had either been named to a Pro Bowl, or played in the Super Bowl — or both — over the past two seasons. On Sunday, that streak ends when they play rookie QB Derek Carr. A second-round pick out of Fresno State, Carr has been the starter since opening day and has played more than any other rookie QB in the league, completing 59.1 percent of his 406 passes for 2,249 yards, 14 TDs, nine interceptions and a passer rating of 76.7. “They’ve found their quarterback,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “He’s got legs to escape, a quick release and he’s very accurate.” Only seven QBs in the NFL have thrown more passes than Carr, yet he has been sacked a modest 12 times. But after facing Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning the past two weeks, this is a QB the Rams need to handle.
ALONG CAME JONES
Who knows where the Raiders’ passing game would be without veteran WR James Jones, the former Packer who signed last offseason as a free agent. As it is they’re near the bottom of the pile, ranking 26th in passing offense. Jones leads the team in catches (54) and yards (545). “He’s been a settling influence in that rather young group of guys that he’s with,” Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said. “He’s a big body. Extremely talented receiver.”
THE OTHER GUYS
Last year’s receiving leader, Rod Streater, remains out with a foot fracture suffered in Week 3. That leaves the Raiders with largely a bunch of no-names at WR, although third-year man Andre Holmes has decent numbers with 32 catches for 474 yards and four TDs to go with good size (6-4, 210). Second-year TE Mychal Rivera has been productive, ranking second to Jones in receptions (38). The only other Raider with more than 19 catches is RB Darren McFadden.
TIGHTEN IT UP
The Rams played it conservatively against San Diego, using a lot of off-coverage. With Rams corners consistently playing 7-8 yards off the line of scrimmage, Rivers carved them up with underneath stuff and bubble screens. Rivers had been in the midst of one of the worst four-game slumps of his career; the Rams’ approach helped him get in rhythm. Hopefully that’s not the strategy against Carr, who ranks 32nd in yards per attempt (5.54).
BACKFIELD WOES
Despite the presence of veterans McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew, the Raiders rank last in the NFL in rushing offense. Latavius Murray provided an unanticipated spark last week against KC with 112 yards and two TDs on just four carries, but he’s been ruled out Sunday with a concussion. As Fisher points out, the rushing numbers are misleading because the Raiders have a league-low 19.5 carries per game — seven carries a game lower than the league average.
HOLD THAT LINE
The Raiders are near the bottom of the league in running defense (25th), but again the numbers are a bit misleading. Yes, the Raiders are yielding 126.7 rushing yards a game, but they’re allowing only 3.8 yards per carry, which is pretty decent. The high overall total in rushing yards allowed is due in part to the fact that teams have rushed 363 times against Oakland’s defense; only Tennessee (365) has faced more running plays on defense this season.
SPECIAL CHANCES
The Raiders gave up 169 yards in returns in their 24-20 victory over Kansas City on Nov. 20, including a 28-yard punt return and kickoff returns of 46 and 58 yards for the Chiefs. Benny Cunningham is hanging in among NFL kickoff return leaders, ranking fifth with a 28.9-yard average. And Tavon Austin has been cranking it up on punt returns lately, nearly returning one for a touchdown last week. So there could be some opportunities here for the Rams.