Rams-Raiders: How St. Louis Will Win in Week 2

Week 1 was a mixed bag for the Rams.

On the plus side, the Rams played a competitive game and probably would have won if a couple of fluke plays had gone the other way.

Sam Bradford made a strong first showing, and the defense did a good job of pressuring Derek Anderson.

On the minus side, the Rams lost. Ultimately, there are no moral victories in the NFL. The Rams need to find ways to win games.

So here we are approaching Week 2—another opportunity for the young Rams team as they travel to Oakland to face the Raiders.

There will be opportunities for the Rams to gain the advantage and get their first win.

Here's how I see it happening.

The Story: Oh, the O-Lines!

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams calls out the play as Jason Brown #60 and Adam Goldberg #73 wait in the first half against the New England Patriots on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo b

The progress of the teams' respective offensive lines will be the determining factor.

The Rams' offensive line, which features a first-year (Rodger Saffold) and second-year (Jason Smith) player at the tackle spots, had a decent first showing. Though Bradford was sacked twice and hit several times more, the line held up fairly well on 57 pass attempts against a blitzing Arizona defense.

The run blocking was inconsistent. Early in the game, Steven Jackson had few opportunities but fairly good success. Later in the game, Jackson found little room to run.

The Raiders' offensive line was somewhat bipolar in Week 1. The running game was strong, though hardly a factor in the outcome. The pass protection, on the other hand, was problematic, as Jason Campbell was sacked four times. At this point, I think it's safe to say that Raiders fans view this as a major concern.

The Rams need to get the run blocking going early, allowing Jackson to take pressure off Bradford. I'd like to see Bradford's pass attempts somewhere in the 30-40 range rather than 50-60.

The Raiders need to keep Campbell's jersey clean. As Steve Spagnuolo becomes more comfortable with the Rams' front seven personnel, you can expect to see numerous blitz packages. If the Rams get to Campbell on a regular basis, the Raiders will be in trouble.

The Subplot: If Not Clayton, Then Who?

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OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 03: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders in action against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on January 3, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

After only three days of practice with the team, Mark Clayton caught 10 passes for 119 yards in the Rams' opener. In doing so, he may have become Bradford's go-to guy.

If the Raiders view Clayton in this manner, they will assign Nnamdi Asomugha to cover him—and cover him he will. Asomugha has the ability to shut down elite WRs, and he should have little trouble doing the same to Clayton if that is his assignment.

At that point, the rest of the Rams' receiving corps must step up. The Rams' next best option seems to be Danny "Don't Call Me Baby Welker" Amendola. He had a productive first week and is dangerous after the catch.

That won't be enough, though. Laurent Robinson, Brandon Gibson, Mardy Gilyard, and the tight ends must also get open. Bradford demonstrated the ability to spread the ball around (completed passes to eight receivers). That is the formula the Rams need to utilize to be successful.

The Key Matchup: Richard Seymour Vs. Rams Interior Line

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Richard Seymour #92 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after making a tackle against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 15, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

When I look at the Raiders' front seven, the guy who worries me most is Richard Seymour.

He is a player who can singlehandedly disrupt the offense, both against the run and the pass.

Jason Brown is the best antidote to Seymour's potential impact, but guards Adam Goldberg and Jacob Bell will have to do their part as well.

The Rams should also try to avoid Seymour at the point of attack. I'd like to see more outside runs by Jackson (who is much faster than most realize) and also use Bradford in designed roll-out plays.

Seymour will make plays, but the Rams need to keep him from making impact plays.

The Forecast: Rams 23, Raiders 16

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams warms up before the game against the New England Patriots on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Sam Bradford will not have to wait much longer to get his first regular season victory.

Steven Jackson will rush for over 100 yards, including 70-plus in the first half of the game.

Bradford will pass for 200 yards and will have no more than one turnover.

The Rams' blitz will get to Jason Campbell, sacking him at least three times and forcing at least one fumble.

Darren McFadden will pad his stats with a couple of long runs but again won't impact the outcome.

Ron Bartell and O.J. Atogwe will each have an interception.

The Rams will get out in front and hold off a late charge by the Raiders to move to 1-1.

That's how I see it.