Finally, a sign of life!  After I conveyed my frustration with the Rams last week for a lack of excitement and a “spark”, they finally showed up this week.  While the Jaguars stuck with the Rams for much of the first half, I thought we were in for another long game against the Houston Texans.  Admitting I was wrong is often difficult to do, but today I feel no regret in admitting it; I WAS WRONG. 

First off, it’s important to not jump the expectations to a dangerously high level.  However, the team showed promise and excitement unlike any energy seen throughout the entire season.  Although the offense was unable to capitalize in the first possessions, the defense came out with vengeance to get the ball back.

The Rams struck first with a 2 yard pass that Bradford connected with Tight End Cory Harkey.  While it took much of the first quarter to capitalize, scoring first in the game was something new to the team.  In addition, Bradford only threw the ball 16 times.  All of this was made possible because of the use of the running game.  The team has finally found someone that can continue to move the chains in rookie Zac Stacy.  He carried the ball 18 times throughout the course of the game for 78 yards. 

This opened up Bradford’s throwing attempts allowing him to complete 12 of his 16 passes for 117 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.  The key stat that stands out is no interceptions and no turnovers from the offense.  The ability to function without turnovers allows the Rams to play tough and basic football; this is the type of football that is typical of a Jeff Fisher squad.  Most importantly, the team is taking a stand against all of the naysayers (which included myself), proving that there might be more this season than we originally expected.  We will know more about the change when the defense faces a real test in Carolina’s quarterback Cam Newton.  Are the Rams for real?  That is something that we will be anxious learn about in the weeks to come.