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Rams need more than Todd Gurley, defense to make playoff run
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...-than-todd-gurley-defense-to-make-playoff-run
A look at the highs and lows the first half of the season for the St. Louis Rams (4-4) and what to expect the second half:
Midseason MVP: RB Todd Gurley. In many cases, it would speak volumes about where the team is at the season's halfway point to have an MVP who didn't play in the first three games and was limited in the fourth. Consider this the exception. Gurley lands here because he has been such a revelation that it's clear the Rams wouldn't be in the position they're in without him. They were 1-2 before he became the starter. Since, they have a winning record and he has set myriad league records including the most rushing yards by a player in his first four starts in the Super Bowl era.
Best moment: Gurley falls down ... on purpose. As the Rams attempted to close out the Arizona Cardinals, Gurley broke a long run that could have been his first NFL touchdown. Instead, he fell down to keep the clock running and effectively end the game. It was a veteran, selfless move that instantly won Gurley favor with coaches, teammates and fans. Just as important, it gave the Rams their most impressive win of the season to date.
Worst moment: Lance Kendricks drops a possible game-winning touchdown against Pittsburgh. A stout defense and anemic offense left the Rams with a disappointing 12-6 loss to the Steelers in an eminently winnable week 3 game. The Rams just needed someone, anyone to make a big play on offense. Kendricks had his chance early in the third quarter as he ran open down the left sideline. Playing with a torn ligament in his finger, Kendricks said he lost the ball in the lights and dropped it. If the Rams come up just short of the postseason, that's a play that could haunt them.
One reason to be pessimistic: It was obvious that the Rams' young offensive line, and by extension the offense, would take some time to find cohesion. The question was whether the offense could do enough during that process to keep the team in the mix. It has, but the Rams' offense needs more than just Gurley and Tavon Austin to have a chance to make a real run. There have been occasional flashes but that line needs to grow up in a hurry and the receivers need to start getting open and catching the ball more consistently.
Key to second half: The Rams don't need quarterback Nick Foles to suddenly start throwing for 300 yards and four touchdowns every game. They do need him to do two things consistently: Hit on some big plays, preferably off play-action, and take care of the ball. If Foles can do both on a regular basis to go with an improved line, the Rams should stay in the hunt.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...-than-todd-gurley-defense-to-make-playoff-run
A look at the highs and lows the first half of the season for the St. Louis Rams (4-4) and what to expect the second half:
Midseason MVP: RB Todd Gurley. In many cases, it would speak volumes about where the team is at the season's halfway point to have an MVP who didn't play in the first three games and was limited in the fourth. Consider this the exception. Gurley lands here because he has been such a revelation that it's clear the Rams wouldn't be in the position they're in without him. They were 1-2 before he became the starter. Since, they have a winning record and he has set myriad league records including the most rushing yards by a player in his first four starts in the Super Bowl era.
Best moment: Gurley falls down ... on purpose. As the Rams attempted to close out the Arizona Cardinals, Gurley broke a long run that could have been his first NFL touchdown. Instead, he fell down to keep the clock running and effectively end the game. It was a veteran, selfless move that instantly won Gurley favor with coaches, teammates and fans. Just as important, it gave the Rams their most impressive win of the season to date.
Worst moment: Lance Kendricks drops a possible game-winning touchdown against Pittsburgh. A stout defense and anemic offense left the Rams with a disappointing 12-6 loss to the Steelers in an eminently winnable week 3 game. The Rams just needed someone, anyone to make a big play on offense. Kendricks had his chance early in the third quarter as he ran open down the left sideline. Playing with a torn ligament in his finger, Kendricks said he lost the ball in the lights and dropped it. If the Rams come up just short of the postseason, that's a play that could haunt them.
One reason to be pessimistic: It was obvious that the Rams' young offensive line, and by extension the offense, would take some time to find cohesion. The question was whether the offense could do enough during that process to keep the team in the mix. It has, but the Rams' offense needs more than just Gurley and Tavon Austin to have a chance to make a real run. There have been occasional flashes but that line needs to grow up in a hurry and the receivers need to start getting open and catching the ball more consistently.
Key to second half: The Rams don't need quarterback Nick Foles to suddenly start throwing for 300 yards and four touchdowns every game. They do need him to do two things consistently: Hit on some big plays, preferably off play-action, and take care of the ball. If Foles can do both on a regular basis to go with an improved line, the Rams should stay in the hunt.