Armchair Quarterback: Don’t count the Rams out
Is the dynasty over after three years or was the Denver Broncos’ dismantling of the St. Louis Rams last Sunday a one-time thing?
The Broncos, behind quarterback Brian Griese, who was on the proverbial hotseat for much of opening day with veteran backup Steve Beuerlein ready to replace him in the huddle, were able to knock off the Rams 23-16. The loss sparked speculation the Rams’ run may be done after three years of being “The Greatest Show on Turf.”
At the heart of the speculation are events which began in last year’s Super Bowl when the New England Patriots surprised the heavily favored Rams 20-17, despite the fact most everybody believed the Rams were the best team. The wrap on the Patriot win was that their defense was able to put big hits on Kurt Warner and the other Rams skill players, thereby taking them out of their game.
Sunday, the Broncos applied the same strategy, tagging Warner and Faulk several times, not allowing the Rams to get into their high octane passing offense and stretch the field with Ike Bruce and Torry Holt. In fact, Bruce’s first catch didn’t come until the last minute of the first half, quite a telling story seeing its not unusual to see Bruce catch 10 balls a game as he is the team’s deep threat.
Added to the breakdown in the long game, the Rams had virtually no running game with Marshal Faulk getting only 19 yards on 10 carries, representing his lowest output since joining the Rams.
While many are ready to stick a fork in the Rams, I’m one of those who believe it may be a bit premature to pronounce them DOA this season. Let’s remember this is a team which has been dominant for the past three years, appearing in two Super Bowls, winning one. However, each of the three years, it appeared they were the best team in the league. Of course, they only proved it one year.
Granted, defenses are going to begin to understand the Rams’ offensive strategy after three years, but understanding doesn’t necessarily mean you can stop it. If there are too many weapons, how do you counteract them even if you know their tendencies? This is especially true when you consider much of the Rams’ offensive scheme is based on checking at the line and running plays after seeing the defensive set. Warner along with his teammates have also become adept to knowing what the other is doing on the fly, thereby allowing them to cut off routes and run hot routes as the defense dictates. Despite the loss, Warner still had 315 yards passing and Faulk had 14 catches.
We also shouldn’t forget the Rams have one of the better defenses in the NFL behind defensive coordinator Lovie Smith. They actually sacked Griese four times, one more time than did the Broncos sack Warner.
Also, we shouldn’t diminish the Broncos. With Easy Ed McCaffrey back, they are again one of the most talented teams in the league. Last year they hurt by injuries and Griese’s lack of mental focus. The Broncos, with their three superstar running backs, along with Rod Smith and McCaffrey are a formidable team. Plus, they were playing at home where they’ve had dominance in the thin air for years.
To get a sense of what it’s like in the thin air of Mile High, go run three miles today with a surgical mask over your face, then you’ll understand what a different world it is playing in Denver. Losing by seven in Denver isn’t exactly the sign of a failing team.
I still believe the Rams are the Atlanta Braves of the NFL. I think they will be the best team as long as they keep the unit together; however, they’ve shown tendencies to choke when it’s all on the line.
Will they be in the Super Bowl? Who knows, but I’ll wager they’ll still be considered the best team in the league when the regular season ends.