Preview: Green Bay Packers at Rams

by Brandon on Sep 25, 2009 8:01 AM CDT in Analysis Comment 25 comments

In the first two games this season, the Rams have been outscored 37 to 7. Allowing 37 points makes them tied for 13th in fewest points allowed. But no other team is close to their 7 points scored. Washington and Cleveland are tied for 2nd worst; both have only scored 26 points this season. Of course, the Bengals only managed 7 points in their first game before scoring 31 against the Packers last week.

The Rams offense is working with an unknown group of wide receivers. The group only has a combined total of 32 career starts, and 9 of those are by former Packer WR Ruvell Martin, who hasn't yet caught a pass as a Ram. QB Marc Bulger missed most of the preseason with a finger injury, so that in addition to inexperience and a new coaching staff, and it's easy to see why their pass offense has gotten off to a slow start. The Packers pass defense has given up some yards, but they've grabbed 6 INTs in the first two games. However, Bulger has yet to commit a turnover. Meanwhile, RB Steven Jackson has gotten off to a solid start; averaging 5.2 yards per carry. The Packers run defense has been Jekyll and Hyde; shutting down RB Matt Forte in week 1 and then struggling against RB Cedric Benson.

The Packers offense was great in the preseason, but it's been a slow start in the regular season. They only have 165 yards rushing, 23rd best this season, but that is somewhat self-inflicted since they've only attempted 40 rushes this season (2nd fewest this season). Only the Rams, with 39 rushing attempts, have attempted fewer. QB Aaron Rodgers has gotten off to a slow start, completing only 56.7% of his passes, but has yet to commit a turnover either. The big problem remains the pass protection which has allowed 10 sacks (and numerous hits) in the first 2 games, after only allowing 2 sacks/game in 2008. However, the Rams have only recorded 1 sack this season.

The Rams have the added advantage of playing in their home opener and the fans might be excited to watch new head coach in Steve Spagnuolo, who's made a good impression in St. Louis, for the first time in person. But the fans and coaches won't be playing on the field. The Rams have still only managed to score over 20 points twice in their last 18 games. The Rams anemic pass rush will help the offensive line catch it's breath, but it's not time to get carried away as the Rams defense is improving. Packers 21, Rams 9.

Rankings by yards gained/allowed from NFL.com:

Teams	Run Offense	Pass Offense	Run Defense	Pass Defense
Packers	23	25	18	15
Rams	20	31	25	25

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Comments

Here's a haiku for ya.

KICK THEIR ASS, PACKERS!
no, seriously, do it.
we need a damn win.

by Thaddeus? on Sep 25, 2009 9:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Another one

Greatest show on turf:
Left town a few years ago
Time to kick some ass

by Danwood on Sep 25, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Oline was bad
We need opponent to beat
Time for the Rams

by TrevorR on Sep 25, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haiku

Comments in haiku
Almost brings tears to my eyes
NOT!! But thanks the same. :)
http://PackerHaiku.com

Clark Osborn - PackerHaiku.com | FavreHaiku.com | BadgerHaiku.com

by PackerHaiku on Sep 25, 2009 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Imitation ,

is the most sincere form of flattery . take it when you can get it .

take a kid fishing, it's good for the soul. not only yours, but the child's as well !

by whanabarf on Sep 26, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

good...

cause I think your haiku comments all the time are L A M E!

by TrevorR on Sep 28, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In the ninties
There was a show called Wayne’s World
“Not” is not cool

by TrevorR on Sep 28, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

domb and domber

two straight indoor games then a bye.. it might be snowing and the grass might be dead by then. the NFL should get rid of turf. and the Vikings. they’re both ugly and shorten careers.

by warvette on Sep 25, 2009 11:38 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

I hate to be the guy to say it...

but I’m pretty sure the Vikes extended at least one career this year.

by texwestern on Sep 25, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought the same, but didn't want to be that guy ;-)

by Danwood on Sep 25, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

have you ever seen the new turf?

it is not the same as the old concrete with carpet over it. The new turf is actually even better than grass. It has a give to help the knees and any hard hits against it. My high school installed it my senior year it was awesome to play on.

by bizzle4 on Sep 25, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last week was a wake up call.

Hope the Pack will respond positively. I’m anxious to see Raji on the field!

by chewie on Sep 25, 2009 12:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Scary Game

This game could be a scary one for the Packers. Ruvell Martin & Steven Jackson are probably licking their chops right now as they see the Packers’ defense get destroyed by a mediocre team like the Bengals on the game video tape. And I wonder what no- name Ram defensive player (s) will have an All-Pro day at the expense of the Packers’ gelded offense. I hope I’m wrong,and the Pack turns the Rams into mutton,but I’ve seen too many games where an inferior team mops up the floor with the Packers,and I sure hope MM will not let them have a hangover from the Bengals game!

Sometimes you kick...sometimes you get kicked-INXS

by FondyShotgun28 on Sep 25, 2009 1:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Packers should beat the Rams handily, but you are right, the last two weeks we have turned opponents’ defensive ends into Pro Bowlers.

by ktenreb on Sep 25, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

Not sure if I would mention Ruvell Martin in the same sentence with Steven Jackson.

by packallday555 on Sep 25, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ram Haiku

Rams look pretty bad
Packers have something to prove
And a lot to lose
http://PackerHaiku.com

Clark Osborn - PackerHaiku.com | FavreHaiku.com | BadgerHaiku.com

by PackerHaiku on Sep 25, 2009 4:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Is this a good week to pick the Packers in my survivor league

Besides Baltimore vs clev this game seems like the biggest lock of the day, right?
www.SportsMumboJumbo.com

by EricFeld on Sep 25, 2009 7:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ha

Biggest lock? Far from it. If it were me I’d spend my pick on Jacksonville or Oakland.

by Danwood on Sep 25, 2009 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Running Game

Hopefully this is a game that McCarthy looks at with a very simple game plan on offense to keep Rodgers from getting hit as much. If the Packers are as good as we think they are they should be able to pound the ball right at the Rams with Grant and use basic play action passes to move the ball. Getting back to basics by beating the man across from you, using ability not scheme to beat the other team would be a nice way to restart the season. My feeling is that the train gets back on track alittle with basics and cutting Rouse riles up the D just a little. GB 24 STL 6

by Dogg Pound on Sep 25, 2009 10:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Quinn

I agree. Very simple, Lombardi style. Have Quinn line up, Grant follows him through the whole and gets 4 yards. Do it again and you are left with 3rd and 2.

Seriously, Quinn loves to hit people, let him hit people with Grant running behind him.

Stop this zone blocking cr*p that our O-Line hasn’t been able to figure out for the past 3 years!!

by Acme on Sep 26, 2009 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In the preseason, Quinn Johnson was hitting people just fine...

most often, though, they weren’t the right people. Effort and intensity are good, but he hasn’t adapted to the speed of the NFL yet. The competition is a little more talented than he saw at LSU. He’ll get there, probably. For now, he’s stashed as the 53rd man on the roster to keep him from being exposed to other teams on the practice squad.

by RobertArthur on Sep 26, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your offensive linemen have to deliver in order to have a running game

As long as we have the existing interior offensive linemen, we will struggle in the running game. Nobody wants to admit that the emperor is naked, but I will say it, because it must be said:

“The interior offensive line is bereft of talent.”

There. Let the hate-responses fly!

by ktenreb on Sep 26, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree.

Boom. Roasted.

"Brandon Jennings needs a nickname before he gives himself one. Oh wait, Young Money, he already did."

by Mitchell_M on Sep 26, 2009 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just don’t get how people can say that. When Grant has been successful it’s been up the middle. Of course it will all depend on how Wells does today but with the normal starters at LG, C, and RG I think we’re actually pretty good.

by packallday555 on Sep 27, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs