Rams Beat Titans 17-16

The St. Louis Rams scored on the first play of the game and the last play of the game in their 17-16 victory Saturday night over the Tennessee Titans. In between the Rams were outscored 16-7 and only gained 200 total yards. The Rams were not as sharp as they were last week against the Colts. The Titans killed the Rams on the ground gaining 198 yards on 35 carries for a 5.3 yard average. Luckily Chris Johnson did not play or a couple of the runs would have been taken to the house. Chris Long badly overplayed several cut back runs by the Titans. In addition the interior of the Rams D-line did not play well at all throughout the game. The Rams who were nearly perfect last week committed 7 penalties and one costly interception against the Titans.

The game started with a scintillating 83 yard touchdown pass from Sam Bradford to Brandon Gibson. Sam Bradford finished 8 of 15 for 138 yards with 1 TD and 1 interception. Bradford was hounded the entire half and took some brutal shots from the aggressive blitzing Titans front. The Rams O-line did not perform well and their blitz pickup was not solid either, as they allowed 3 sacks. A.J. Feeley took over in the second half and finished 5 of 9 for 44 yards and a nice TD pass to Donnie Avery. Again Rams fans need to know Feeley is a very solid NFL backup QB. Thaddeus Lewis took over late in the game and led the Rams on a 12 play 67 yard drive that ended with a game winning Josh Brown 42-yard field goal.

On the ground Steven Jackson who usually plays little if any in the preseason started in the backfield for the Rams. The Rams O-line was equally as inept run blocking as the Rams could only gain 44 yards on 21 carries. Jackson finished with 10 yards on 6 carries. Carnell Williams was the most effective back with 23 yards on 6 carries. Through the air Greg Salas and Fendi Onobun led the team with 3 catches each. It was nice Donnie Avery on the field and contributing with a nice touchdown catch, now we will have to see if he can stay on the field week in and week out.

The Rams will have plenty to work on prior to their third preseason game coming up on Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs (0-2).

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com/