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W2W4 revisited: St. Louis Rams
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13767/w2w4-revisited-st-louis-rams-13
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Looking back at three things to watch from the St. Louis Rams' 22-7 win Sunday afternoon against the Denver Broncos:
1. The best defense: Any time you play Peyton Manning and the Broncos, it's imperative to try to run the ball and keep your offense on the field so he has to spend more time on the sideline. This year, that's been easier said than done with Denver's top-ranked rushing defense entering the game. But the Rams offered the right prescription in the form of a surging offensive line and rookie runner Tre Mason. Mason finished with 113 yards on 29 carries, both career highs for the youngster and the most rushing yards by a back against Denver this season. With Mason and the ground game getting it done, the Rams controlled the ball and the clock, winning the time of possession battle 35:50 to 24:10.
2. Getting after Manning: Unofficially, the Rams had two sacks and four quarterback hits but make no mistake, Manning found himself under duress for most of the day. The Rams had 12 pass breakups on the day with five of those coming from end Robert Quinn and linebacker Alec Ogletree. The Rams didn't entirely abandon the blitz, bringing it at Manning 21 times, but it was mostly effective when they did. Both sacks came on blitzes and one of Manning's two interceptions also came against the blitz. Regardless, Manning looked mostly uncomfortable with so many bodies in his face and he finished with a QBR of 17 when the Rams brought extra pass rushers.
3. Turning to Hill: In going back to Shaun Hill as the starting quarterback, Rams coach Jeff Fisher hoped he would have a steady hand capable of making big plays when the opportunity presented itself but, more important, wouldn't turn the ball over. For one game, at least, Hill was exactly what the doctor ordered. He was unfazed by pressure and even made something out of nothing a few times as he finished 20-of-29 for 220 yards and a touchdown for a passer rating of 102.7 and a QBR of 69. His 63-yard touchdown pass to receiver Kenny Britt was the team's first completion of the season on a ball thrown 40 or more yards in the air and the longest play from scrimmage for the Rams this season. Most important, Hill didn't turn the ball over and the Rams finished plus-2 in turnover margin.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13767/w2w4-revisited-st-louis-rams-13
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Looking back at three things to watch from the St. Louis Rams' 22-7 win Sunday afternoon against the Denver Broncos:
1. The best defense: Any time you play Peyton Manning and the Broncos, it's imperative to try to run the ball and keep your offense on the field so he has to spend more time on the sideline. This year, that's been easier said than done with Denver's top-ranked rushing defense entering the game. But the Rams offered the right prescription in the form of a surging offensive line and rookie runner Tre Mason. Mason finished with 113 yards on 29 carries, both career highs for the youngster and the most rushing yards by a back against Denver this season. With Mason and the ground game getting it done, the Rams controlled the ball and the clock, winning the time of possession battle 35:50 to 24:10.
2. Getting after Manning: Unofficially, the Rams had two sacks and four quarterback hits but make no mistake, Manning found himself under duress for most of the day. The Rams had 12 pass breakups on the day with five of those coming from end Robert Quinn and linebacker Alec Ogletree. The Rams didn't entirely abandon the blitz, bringing it at Manning 21 times, but it was mostly effective when they did. Both sacks came on blitzes and one of Manning's two interceptions also came against the blitz. Regardless, Manning looked mostly uncomfortable with so many bodies in his face and he finished with a QBR of 17 when the Rams brought extra pass rushers.
3. Turning to Hill: In going back to Shaun Hill as the starting quarterback, Rams coach Jeff Fisher hoped he would have a steady hand capable of making big plays when the opportunity presented itself but, more important, wouldn't turn the ball over. For one game, at least, Hill was exactly what the doctor ordered. He was unfazed by pressure and even made something out of nothing a few times as he finished 20-of-29 for 220 yards and a touchdown for a passer rating of 102.7 and a QBR of 69. His 63-yard touchdown pass to receiver Kenny Britt was the team's first completion of the season on a ball thrown 40 or more yards in the air and the longest play from scrimmage for the Rams this season. Most important, Hill didn't turn the ball over and the Rams finished plus-2 in turnover margin.