StanleySpadowski
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First and foremost, the Rams are not a bad football team. They've struggled with injuries but they are the most talented 0-3 team in the NFL. They easily could be 2-1.
Looking at the Rams' first three games, there's really only one conclusion to draw: Their conditioning/depth is terrible.
Teams have run the ball right down their throats in the second half of every game after being contained somewhat in the first half. They've allowed 17 first half points and 51 in the second half. They were ahead at the half against both the Panthers and 49ers and only trailed the Buccaneers 3-0 after the normally reliable Wilkens missed a makeable FG late in the half then Tampa turned that field position into their own FG to end the half.
If I was calling plays, we'd see something similar to the Bears' game, in that screens, draws etc. would be used to tire out a defense that has a history of tiring. Carolina did something similar but used short passes to Smith in place of screens then brought in a fresh DeAngelo Williams on a critical second half drive.
The biggest change I'd make though would be to de-emphasize Witten this week. Their LB's coverage abilities is the strength of their defense and their safeties aren't terrible in coverage.
The same can't be said for their corners. Bartell is a big play allowed or penalty waiting to happen. Hill has some athletic ability but hasn't put it all together yet. The Rams are going to need a big play like a defensive TD given their offensive injuries so I'd avoid Hill and isolate on Bartell.
Their other likely playmaker is Leonard Little. I dislike him more than any other player in the NFL and hope he doesn't get his first sack of the year against Dallas. Adams has done a solid job stopping pressure from Romo's blindside, especially critical when considering Romo's seemingly casual attitude concerning ball position at times. Little's still the one Dallas must plan for though so expect to see Fasano and Jones chipping him.
In the end, Dallas should tire the defense out, avoid deep drops that could turn into sack/fumbles and stay away from outs and other plays where there's a possibility of a return TD.
BTW, I can't believe that I'm advocating a slightly more conservative game plan..
Looking at the Rams' first three games, there's really only one conclusion to draw: Their conditioning/depth is terrible.
Teams have run the ball right down their throats in the second half of every game after being contained somewhat in the first half. They've allowed 17 first half points and 51 in the second half. They were ahead at the half against both the Panthers and 49ers and only trailed the Buccaneers 3-0 after the normally reliable Wilkens missed a makeable FG late in the half then Tampa turned that field position into their own FG to end the half.
If I was calling plays, we'd see something similar to the Bears' game, in that screens, draws etc. would be used to tire out a defense that has a history of tiring. Carolina did something similar but used short passes to Smith in place of screens then brought in a fresh DeAngelo Williams on a critical second half drive.
The biggest change I'd make though would be to de-emphasize Witten this week. Their LB's coverage abilities is the strength of their defense and their safeties aren't terrible in coverage.
The same can't be said for their corners. Bartell is a big play allowed or penalty waiting to happen. Hill has some athletic ability but hasn't put it all together yet. The Rams are going to need a big play like a defensive TD given their offensive injuries so I'd avoid Hill and isolate on Bartell.
Their other likely playmaker is Leonard Little. I dislike him more than any other player in the NFL and hope he doesn't get his first sack of the year against Dallas. Adams has done a solid job stopping pressure from Romo's blindside, especially critical when considering Romo's seemingly casual attitude concerning ball position at times. Little's still the one Dallas must plan for though so expect to see Fasano and Jones chipping him.
In the end, Dallas should tire the defense out, avoid deep drops that could turn into sack/fumbles and stay away from outs and other plays where there's a possibility of a return TD.
BTW, I can't believe that I'm advocating a slightly more conservative game plan..
