St. Louis Rams Update: Thoughts on the 1st Half vs. the Eagles

Here are some random thoughts on the St. Louis Rams football team after watching the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles.

1. Is it time to label Jason Smith as a bust? The guy was the No. 2 overall pick when he was drafted by the Rams. When you draft an offensive tackle that high, he is supposed to be a left tackle, the guy to protect your QB's blind side.

Smith never became the LT; the Rams have played him at RT since he was drafted. Apparently we wasted a No. 2 pick on a RIGHT FRICKIN' TACKLE! What's worse, he looks really bad in pass protection. I just hope he doesn't get Sam Bradford killed.

2. I like Quintin Mikell, the free agent that the Rams signed to play safety. He looks very good so far. He comes up to support the run and he also looks good blitzing from the secondary. This was a great signing by the Rams.

3. What's up with Steven Jackson? The guy rips off a long TD run to start the half and then he is on the sideline riding a bike? Seriously? The Rams have made a lot of good moves, but if Jackson can't stay on the field, it's going to be a long year.

4. I like the way Cadillac Williams is running the football. He gave the Rams a huge lift when Jackson was on the sideline. If Jackson could get healthy, Williams (who looks like he is fully healthy) would be a great backup.

5. I know the Eagles secondary is really, really good, but come on, guys, catch the ball! The Rams have dropped at least three easy passes that could have kept the chains moving. Brandon Gibson and Danny Amendola just don't have the talent to beat elite coverage consistently, so they have to catch the easy passes. 

6. What's up with Robert Quinn and Austin Pettis being on the inactive list? I don't think GM Billy Devaney has taken enough heat for how many draft picks haven't panned out. How can we start the season with our first- and third-round picks on the inactive list? Unless they are hurt, this is inexcusable.

7. The last point to make is that neither QB looks sharp. Vick has hit Desean Jackson on one long throw. He has really hurt the Rams D by breaking some long runs, but he looks very inaccurate. Bradford has missed a couple of throws and he has been under constant pressure. Of course, it would help Bradford if his guys could catch the ball for him—Lance Kendricks, we are looking at you!

Bottom line, the Rams could steal this game, but it's going to be hard with no Steven Jackson, receivers dropping passes and the O-line letting Bradford get killed. The Rams should easily be up 13-7 at the half. Instead, they are down 17-10. 

This is not the start to the season that Rams fans were hoping for.