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- May 9, 2018
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When the Rams get the ball, they are productive.
Don't believe me?
Here are the Rams' yards/drive and points/drive #s (and rankings):
Yards/Drive: 38.05 (3rd/tied)
Points/Drive: 2.69 (3rd)
So why are the Rams not scoring more? Well...
Average Time of Possession: 27.5 minutes (29th)
Total Offensive Drives: 111 (27th/tied)
While some of these stats can be explained by a positive factor - quick scoring drives - I think that overall, and particularly in recent weeks, it has been due to the "bend don't break" defensive approach that is allowing teams to eat up yards and clock. Its keeping the offense off the field.
Look at last Sunday. The Packers' first drive lasted 15 plays and ate up more than half a quarter (8:08). Even though it didn't result in points, it kept the Rams' offense from getting back on the field and getting into a rhythm. Even worse was the opening drive of the second half, which ate up over half the quarter (7:42), and resulted in a Packer TD.
The Rams need to alter their approach and pressure defenses with tighter man coverage (particularly on 3rd down). While this could result in the occasional big play over the top, that would be better than the "death by a 1,000 cuts" we've been seeing.
At least the offense would get more chances which, statistically speaking, would lead to good things.
Don't believe me?
Here are the Rams' yards/drive and points/drive #s (and rankings):
Yards/Drive: 38.05 (3rd/tied)
Points/Drive: 2.69 (3rd)
So why are the Rams not scoring more? Well...
Average Time of Possession: 27.5 minutes (29th)
Total Offensive Drives: 111 (27th/tied)
While some of these stats can be explained by a positive factor - quick scoring drives - I think that overall, and particularly in recent weeks, it has been due to the "bend don't break" defensive approach that is allowing teams to eat up yards and clock. Its keeping the offense off the field.
Look at last Sunday. The Packers' first drive lasted 15 plays and ate up more than half a quarter (8:08). Even though it didn't result in points, it kept the Rams' offense from getting back on the field and getting into a rhythm. Even worse was the opening drive of the second half, which ate up over half the quarter (7:42), and resulted in a Packer TD.
The Rams need to alter their approach and pressure defenses with tighter man coverage (particularly on 3rd down). While this could result in the occasional big play over the top, that would be better than the "death by a 1,000 cuts" we've been seeing.
At least the offense would get more chances which, statistically speaking, would lead to good things.