In Week Six of the 2008 NFL regular season, the red hot Washington Redskins host the ice cold St. Louis Rams. At first glance, the Rams post no real threat to the Redskins. Their statistics are low enough in league wide rankings that one might assume that the Rams stand little or no chance of being competitive.
The highest ranking in any of the four significant defensive rankings is 28th, and their highest offensive ranking isn't much better, 26th. But it will be important for the Redskins to understand that while the Rams are certainly struggling, and have been for quite some time, this team has talent on both sides of the ball.
With Jim Haslett being named interim head coach entering their bye week, the Rams hope to have shaken things up enough to get those players to "step up" and lead this team out of free fall THIS SEASON.
As I look closely at the Rams defense, Haslett was defensive coordinator before being elevated to head coach, this turnaround could start with La'Roi Glover and Adam Carricker at the two tackle spots on the defensive line along with rookie defensive end Chris Long.
Glover has been, at times in his career, a disruptive force in the middle. And while some may consider Carricker a bit of a disappointment, he is likely playing out of position at tackle, he was mostly considered an end coming out of college. Rookie right defensive end Chris Long has played well at times, having recorded two sacks and 16 tackles on the season.
Glover may simply have lost a step or three at 34 years old, but he is still a capable tackle. But with only two tackles in each game this season, he has been largely invisible. Carricker hasn't done any better, finishing the game against Kansas City Chiefs without a single tackle, his status as an "up and comer" will need to be re-defined if he cannot get things going soon.
Carricker added weight last year to play inside, but in doing so he seems to have lost the quickness that intrigued so many as he entered the 2007 draft. Long may be the catalyst for change however.
He plays with energy, but has been susceptible to the run. He will need to hold the edge this week in order to slow down the Redskins' 5th ranked running game. And Carricker and Glover will need to find the gaps in the interior of the Redskins' offensive line in order to slow the league's number two running back, Redskins' Clinton Portis.
Portis is averaging over 100 yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry this season. There is no secret as to how the Redskins are doing what they do with Portis. The Redskins predominantly run to the offensive left side, behind pro-bowl left tackle Chris Samuels and veteran left guard Pete Kendall. This means Long and Carricker will be tested early and often.
The only team to slow down Portis this season was the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants in Week One. They were able to do it with penetration at the point of attack and prevent Portis from picking his holes. They also were able to commit a safety to the line of scrimmage as Redksins' quarterback Jason Campbell was out of sync early and stayed that way for the entirety of the game.
And there is the formula. Get Campbell out of his comfort zone and keep him there so the Rams can help the linebackers in run support.
8 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
James Williamson 8 months ago
You will slaughter em dude. Portis is the MVP of the year if he keeps this up.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Thanks James, honestly I hope so, they need to keep things rolling.
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James Williamson 8 months ago
I don't cause I'm a Cowboy. LOLOLOLOL
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Peter Fleischer 8 months ago
Nice article. Crazy game and result.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Thanks Peter, it was kinda crazy, but the Rams made the right plays at the right time, good for them.
Maybe a loss like this can server a long term service to the Skins to stay focused at all times.
Another great weekend of football for sure!
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Well they couldn't stop Portis, but it turns out they didn't have to, just let the Skins self destruct and play hard and smart, good job Rams.
Oh, and kill the Skins on special teams, definitely won the special teams battle hands down.
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Jeremy Hurd 8 months ago
well i was part of the 6.1% that said yes that the Rams would defeat the Redskins! Am I crazy? With my pick on this one, Well maby! My reason, new coach,new look,new attitude. Or it could be that i am a Rams fan? I think it is all of the above. I will root for the Rams all year. My question is, should i root for them to loose or win? Should i root for a 1st (seems like cincinatti will take this one) or a 2nd pick overall? Why should i root for them to win since all they could get is a middle of the lottery pick. What would ya'll do?
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Thanks for the comments Jeremy, that is such a difficult thing too, you want to win, ALL THE TIME, but in some cases winning isn't the best thing over the long run.
Personally, I'm not sure that Haslett is the answer for the Rams, the big question has the be what happens in the front office first.
Personally, when I have been in this situation as a fan, I root for them to win, and when they lose, I take as consolation the fact it may help in the long run.
I was a bit concerned about this game, too much confidence from the Skins as the week progressed, and the Rams were ready to play, at least on defense. Sad for the Skins, hold a team without an offensive touchdown and still lose, bad bad bad thing.
Zorn has work to do, and now it's obvious. Thank you Rams, you may have just pulled the Redskins back into the right attitude for the long run of the season!
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