Steven Jackson Injury: Can Rams Stay Afloat with Star RB's Status Uncertain?

No wonder they lost.

The St. Louis Rams were flat, made mental errors and were inefficient in the redzone on Monday Night.

If they eliminated their mistakes, they could have easily left New York with a solid road victory. 

Sam Bradford's rocket arm was on full display, but there was something missing from the Rams' offensive attack 

Steven Jackson.

We are all ready to see if Bradford can take the next step after his Rookie of the Year campaign of 2010, but Jackson is still the focal point of this offense, as he should be. 

Against the Giants, there were a handful of short-yardage situations, especially near the endzone, where he could have been utilized. 

Cadillac Williams isn't a horrible back-up, but it was very apparent that St. Louis will have a hard time consistently scoring touchdowns if Jackson is on the sidelines. 

The defense has enough youthful talent to win, especially within their wide open division. 

Bradford is good, too. 

Danario Alexander, a rather unknown wideout from Missouri, looks to be a matchup nightmare at 6'5'', 220, and Mike Sims-Walker is a viable second option. 

But without Jackson keeping the defense honest, the Rams will undoubtedly struggle. 

Josh McDaniels' offensive system is predicated on the play-action pass, which leads to a lot of shots downfield. 

His quarterback has the arm and accuracy to become deadly in the system, but if defenses aren't biting on the fake hand-off, it will be extremely difficult for Bradford to be successful. 

They may be able to win a few games with their star runner out, but they could really take control of this division when he returns. 

St. Louis isn't a juggernaut, but with Jackson carrying the load and Bradford maturing as a signal caller, they have good enough balance on offense to win the NFC West. 

If he stays on the sideline, the Rams will throw a way a fabulous opportunity to take the division.