St. Louis Rams: 5 Keys for Getting Back on Track vs. the Ravens

In 2010 the St. Louis Rams gave the city of St. Louis hope with a solid defense, Steven Jackson's running and Sam Bradford winning offensive rookie of the year. That combination was supposed to take the team to new heights this season. Thus far, many fans are disappointed.

All is not yet lost.

Despite an 0-2 start, the St. Louis Rams can still salvage the 2011 season and win the mediocre NFC West division. With an upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens looming, here are five keys for the Rams' Week 3 matchup.

KEY 1: Utilize Mike Sims-Walker More

Sam Bradford cannot be blamed for the early offensive woes in St. Louis. The receiving core lacks consistency, as evidenced by their dropped balls and lack of explosive plays so far this season. 

The offense needs to better utilize Mike Sims-Walker, their free-agent acquisition from Jacksonville. Sims-Walker's seven receptions for 97 yards in two games is not enough. The Rams might begin to shape an offense that seems out of sync by using Sims-Walker consistently.

KEY 2: Cause Turnovers on Defense

The St. Louis Rams defense has not played poorly this season. In both of their games this year, the Rams created pass rushes from both their front-four defensive linemen and through exotic blitz schemes (see the first half against the Giants).

That being said, the unit needs to cause more turnovers. This should help the up-and-down offense create more points by placing them in favorable situations through takeaways.

KEY 3: Limit Hits on Sam Bradford

After two games, the Rams are tied for first in the NFL in hits allowed on the quarterback. The Rams have allowed Sam Bradford to be hit 18 times. On average, that's more than once per quarter.

Protecting their young quarterback must be of the utmost importance for St. Louis against the athletic and physical Baltimore defense.

KEY 4: Score First

The St. Louis Rams are a young team and need to build confidence. Against the Ravens, an early lead could transform into great things for an offense that lacks results so far in 2011. An early score would help the unit build momentum in a battle against one of the NFL's most feared defenses.

Also, the Ravens are a run-heavy team that would struggle playing from behind.

KEY 5: Use Danario Alexander Repeatedly in the Red Zone

If the Rams' loss to the Giants had one bright spot, it was Danario Alexander. Alexander's leaping touchdown grab signified the Rams' need to simplify their red-zone tactics. Sam Bradford rolling out or Cadillac Williams struggling up the middle of the defense has not yet worked.

Take, for example, the Detroit Lions. In their win over the Chiefs in Week 2, they threw back-to-back red-zone passes to Calvin Johnson after the first pass fell incomplete. Johnson was singled up against a smaller cornerback and the Lions did not hesitate to exploit a favorable matchup, even on back-to-back plays. 

The Rams should use the same strategy with their 6'5" Alexander against the Ravens and going forward in 2011.