Game 1 Observations

WillParks · Joined: 24 Feb 2009 Posts: 291

I just finished watching the game and figured I would share my observations and see how other people saw things:

1. Our run defense was pretty good. Steven Jackson usually burns the Lions but we kept their running game bottle up. They were pretty good on screens also. Suh's one-armed tackle on Jackson was ridiculous (in a good way).

2. The passing game was completely disjointed until the last 10 minutes of the game today. Where was the Titus Young that everyone said was poised for a breakout season? I think St. Louis has more talent on defense than they are generally given credit for but are they really that good?

3. Jonte Green; loaded with potential but is definitely going through some growing pains. He had good position on the touchdown he gave up but never turned his head around. Still, that was a pass that would be tough for a a lot of CBs to defend.

4. Brandon Pettigrew; why are we still dealing with his inconsistent hands? He had some good catches today but dropped a TD pass. Granted the pass was high but it was a catch he should have made. I think it is time to just say that he is a solid all-around TE but in terms of pass-catching just solid but not spectacular.

5. Lions secondary; they did pretty well against a group of Rams receivers that isn't that great. We got by today but I am curious to what will happen against a stronger group of receivers.

6. Erik Coleman John Wendling; They had a really solid game. Good run support, good open field tackling and kept most everything in front of them.

7. Bill Bentley; solid game even though he left with an injury. I suspect that during the second half of our season Bill Bentley and Jonte Green will be settled into their roles. There will be some growing pains between now and then though.

What does everyone else think?

Louis Friend · Joined: 07 Apr 2010 Posts: 7130

I think this belongs in the game thread.

lions on top · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 1359 Location: Washington

Some other things I noticed...

1. Everyone was talking about the Rams D-line, well our offensive line shut that up quickly. This group of five had a very solid game, only one sacked allowed and some really good holes for the running game.

2. We need Bentley, it is scary the way they said "shaken up", I hope it's not another concussion, it's ridiculous how many injuries we have to go through year in and year out exclusively in our secondary. Jonte... just is not ready to play in the NFL, wouldn't be surprised at all if we sign Alphonso Smith this week.

Also why didn't Barnes play? If Florence was out there without really knowing the system why not Barnes? I guarantee he is better than Green at this point, I was sweating when I saw Jonte was on the field, he doesn't even look for the ball.

3. Kevin Smith had a nice game running, catching and blocking for Stafford, I am comfortable with him as a starter.

4. Defense overall played very well, not sure if the Ram's O is just that bad or if things are finally starting to turn around after that terrible stretch last year.

detroitroar · Joined: 24 Jan 2011 Posts: 2883 Location: USA

Get the bad out of the way:

-I was very disappointed with how long it took for our Offense to adjust to what they were doing. I thought it was obvious after the first INT that we were going to need to take shots deep to stretch the field; we didnt do so until the third INT.

-Also thought we should of run the ball more. It was a tight game, our D was playing well, passing game struggling, we were running well, yet we chose to be arrogant, IMO.

The good:

-Good ST's play.

-LB's played very well.

-Limited the penalties.

-Great overall Oline play.

-Dline dominated.

-Secondary held their own.

-Stafford proves yet again he has the clutch gene. He needs time often to get going, but he without a doubt has the resolve to finish games, no matter the situation.

I am neither encouraged nor discouraged overall with this team. I rather have a wait-and-see approach. I said before the game I expect the Rams to be one of the most improved teams in the league, and looking back later, this may prove to be a solid win, rather than a near gaffe.

We will learn a ton more about this team come next Sunday night.
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studdogs · Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Posts: 816 Location: Linden, Mi

Jrugges · Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 8235

2 things.

Lions can't cover very well. Please draft some coverage talent!

Stafford is looking erry similiar to Jay Cutler in the early days of Denver. Just saying. Laughing

detfan782004 · Joined: 01 Apr 2005 Posts: 39115 Location: Montana

diehardlionfan · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 21504 Location: Ottawa

TL-TwoWinsAway · Joined: 19 Feb 2008 Posts: 24074

Sllim Pickens · Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 8:47 pm Post subject:

TL-TwoWinsAway · Joined: 19 Feb 2008 Posts: 24074

usedaschwartz · Joined: 10 Feb 2009 Posts: 280

In the words of Cleveland Brown, Jonte Green is "turrible". Please practice squad this guy, no one is going to put in a waiver for him.

Big Cat · Joined: 13 Jan 2007 Posts: 2581

IDOG_det · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 11695 Location: here

We really need Delmas. Can't wait for Leshoure. Hope Bentleys alright. I also want to know what happened to Barnes?
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Sllim Pickens · Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 9:30 pm Post subject:

I thought I read Bentley had a conclusion. I hope it's not too bad of one if true.
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