Week 2 Preview: Giants @ Rams
By Staff
With the Giants and Rams set to take the field on Sunday in Week 2, I was able to ask Vince Vitale of Ramblin’ Fan some questions about the match-up and get his take on the St. Louis Rams this season.
NK: A tough loss in Philadelphia for the Rams in Week 1, what went wrong for St. Louis in the season opener?
VV: Everything went wrong in the opener and it could have been worse. We will start where every game starts and that is the O-line. During the game the Eagles blitzed from everywhere and the Rams seemed unprepared. It’s the Eagles, they blitz, hello. Orlando Pace and Jacob Bell both went out during the game making the line even worse.
NK: What do the Rams need to improve on in the coming weeks to make sure a result like the one against the Eagles doesn’t happen again?
I personally think the results will continue, mostly based on the schedule. When the schedule came out I said the Rams would be very lucky if they started off better than 1-6. I still stick by that after the awful lack of effort in week 1. With every NFC East team and the New England Patriots within the first 7 weeks it is bad news for the Rams. To go better than 1-6 they will need to play as a team, not individuals, and they will need to rise above the ineptness of Scott Linehan and Jim Haslett.
NK: What do you expect from the Rams in 2008 season? What type of record will they have?
Well I must admit I was much more optimistic back in April. However Linehan’s time has been up for a while, and the Rams do not seem to have any more respect for him in 08′. The schedule along with the lack of depth and passion on the Rams will spell doom. I thought if Orlando Pace could play 16 games the best case would e 7-9. However after the worst opening loss in team history and Pace already coming out of a pre-season game and now the first regular season game I am going to go with 5-11.
NK: With games against the NFC East as well as games against the AFC East, how do you feel about the Rams schedule this season?
The Rams schedule is way too tough for this squad. It is unfortunate that after starting a season 0-8 in 2007 that they received this schedule for 2008. I think by the time the first 7 games are up the team will have completely quit on Scott Linehan.
NK: What do the Rams need to do to try to get a win against the Giants at home? What is your prediction of the score?
What the Rams need to do is simple, run the rock! The Rams need to start simple, let the big guys run block, and give Marc Bulger some quick easy completions. They will need to limit the plays in the game by trying to control the ball. Also, they need to remember it is ok to punt, just not 10 times in a row. Steven Jackson is your friend, and family according to his own words, use him! The Giants are just too tough for a team that is never fired up, motivated, or prepared. Madison Hedgecock up the middle with Brandon Jacobs behind him will just be a nightmare for the Rams. Giants 23, Rams 10.
Thanks again to Vince for taking the time answer some questions about this week’s game. Make sure to check out his blog, Ramblin’ Fan, for information and analysis on the St. Louis Rams.