Bulger (1 Viewer)

[go corn]

Weeks 3-9, Bulger's QB rating averaged 110/game, he averaged 316 yds/game and 2 TD/game passing. Over those six weeks, he had only one INT.

Over the last two weeks, his QB rating averaged 61/game, he averaged 179 yds/game and 0 TD/game passing. He's had an INT in each of those games.

The root cause seems fairly obvious: Pace was lost for the year in Week 10 against the Seahawks, leading to Bulger's abysmal stats the past two weeks.

3 (all home games) of the next 5 games are favorable match ups, including SF and AZ the next two weeks, and WAS in week 16, when most FF championship games take place. One could also argue that the last two games were away game, with less than favorable passing match ups (SEA and CAR). So, perhaps there's incentive to stick with Bulger.

Can Linehan and OC Olson adjust to Pace's absence by reducing Bulger's drops and allowing him to get rid of the ball sooner? Or does that negatively impact the timing that's been established between Bulger and Holt/Bruce/etc.?

Let me hear from the STL homers and Sharks out there -- what are you all doing or what should be done with Bulger the rest of the way?

Cheers!

 

[yohan77]

I'd like people's insight on this too as Bulger has been thrust into my starting lineup with the injury to McNabb. Having Bulger as my backup felt like a great idea 3 weeks ago when he was hot, hell, I was even considering replacing McNabb with Bulger with McNabb's recent troubles pre-injury. But, Bulger is now struggling with the loss of Pace and my Plan B of inserting another great fantasy QB with almost no loss in production doesn't seem to be viable anymore.

I've already picked up Alex Smith and thinking about picking up Leinert as well and going with a committee if Bulger doesn't turn it around. I agree with your assessment that he played 2 quality defenses away and that could be a big reason why he's been struggling. But, if he doesn't show something above average against the niners at home, Bulger may have to be relegated to be part of a committee approach for me.

I'm hoping with the renewed focus on the run game, it'll help Bulger's passing game as well.

 

[einstein2u]

i think some home cooking against SF....is going to cure things this week. i am sticking with him, he will be a top 10 QB at the end of the year. my only concern is that he is getting hit too much.....and will likely break down.

last week....his WR got a case of the droppies...his numbers would have been a little different.

 

[Brewzers]

Summaries from the FBG game recap. Looks to me the Rams faced a hot Panther team on the road. Dropped passes, penalties & fumbles killed what might have been a much better game for Bulger. Also, the RAMS did not move Alex Barron RT to the left side because he faced Julius Peppers, Peppers did not record a sack. I did not see the game, sounds like it was awful. Perhaps they move Barron to LT, put the CAR game behind them and tee off at home against SF, I'm counting on it.

QB Marc Bulger, Pass: 19 - 34 - 142 - 0 TD / 1 INT

Bulger faced a very heavy pass rush through the first half. He was dropped five times and hurried on several other throws. The Rams were forced to go conservative with their play calling to try and keep Bulger upright. He misses LT Orlando Pace more than words can express. Bulger simply didn’t have a chance to be successful throwing the ball because he isn’t mobile enough to avoid the pass rush by himself.

WR Torry Holt, Rec: 7 - 68 - 0 (11 targets)

Holt had his first catch negated by a penalty, and followed that up with a drop on his third target. Holt saw the majority of his targets on short crossing routes. He was able to turn two of them up the field for longer gains, but realistically Holt didn’t have much of a chance due to the dynamic of the weak Saint Louis offensive line and strong Panthers’ pass rush. Holt ended the game on a down note as well. Just when the Rams started to click at the start of the fourth quarter Holt fumbled to kill a drive. He was switching the ball from one hand to the other as he was getting hit and the ball popped out.

WR Isaac Bruce, Rec: 1 - 6 - 0 (6 targets)

Bruce suffered from the Rams’ lack of protection for QB Marc Bulger. However, he didn’t help himself either with two dropped passes in the first half.

WR Shaun McDonald, Rec: 1 - 5 - 0 (2 targets)

McDonald dropped a sure catch on third down to start the game, killing the Rams’ opening drive. His only catch was on another third down in the third quarter. McDonald caught a short out on third and 8, but only ran the route five yards.

 

[go corn]

Great insight and feedback!

I only saw highlights from the game the next day, so I was unaware of the drops AND only 7 carries to SJax, all of which will lead to poor play from Bulger. In the SJax thread on the board, it looks like there will be a stronger commitment to the run, which, I believe, should keep the D honest and allow Bulger more time to find his receivers further down the field and, more often than not, open to score some points.

Personally speaking, I'm 9-2 and a lock for the playoffs, so I can afford to take a "wait and see" approach and see what Bulger, the OLine, and coaching staff do against Niners.

Cheers!

Summaries from the FBG game recap. Looks to me the Rams faced a hot Panther team on the road. Dropped passes, penalties & fumbles killed what might have been a much better game for Bulger. Also, the RAMS did not move Alex Barron RT to the left side because he faced Julius Peppers, Peppers did not record a sack. I did not see the game, sounds like it was awful. Perhaps they move Barron to LT, put the CAR game behind them and tee off at home against SF, I'm counting on it.

QB Marc Bulger, Pass: 19 - 34 - 142 - 0 TD / 1 INT

Bulger faced a very heavy pass rush through the first half. He was dropped five times and hurried on several other throws. The Rams were forced to go conservative with their play calling to try and keep Bulger upright. He misses LT Orlando Pace more than words can express. Bulger simply didn’t have a chance to be successful throwing the ball because he isn’t mobile enough to avoid the pass rush by himself.

WR Torry Holt, Rec: 7 - 68 - 0 (11 targets)

Holt had his first catch negated by a penalty, and followed that up with a drop on his third target. Holt saw the majority of his targets on short crossing routes. He was able to turn two of them up the field for longer gains, but realistically Holt didn’t have much of a chance due to the dynamic of the weak Saint Louis offensive line and strong Panthers’ pass rush. Holt ended the game on a down note as well. Just when the Rams started to click at the start of the fourth quarter Holt fumbled to kill a drive. He was switching the ball from one hand to the other as he was getting hit and the ball popped out.

WR Isaac Bruce, Rec: 1 - 6 - 0 (6 targets)

Bruce suffered from the Rams’ lack of protection for QB Marc Bulger. However, he didn’t help himself either with two dropped passes in the first half.

WR Shaun McDonald, Rec: 1 - 5 - 0 (2 targets)

McDonald dropped a sure catch on third down to start the game, killing the Rams’ opening drive. His only catch was on another third down in the third quarter. McDonald caught a short out on third and 8, but only ran the route five yards.

 

[EdwardCat]

i think some home cooking against SF....is going to cure things this week. i am sticking with him, he will be a top 10 QB at the end of the year. my only concern is that he is getting hit too much.....and will likely break down.last week....his WR got a case of the droppies...his numbers would have been a little different.

Considering how SF has done lately, I don't think it is a slam dunk that Bulger will light it up against their defense. This could very easily end 17-14 in favor of SF.

 

[kensat30]

Niner's on the road = big points. Bulger is going to get his this weekend, guaranteed.

 

[losgalacticos]

Knowing what I know about that team, I would think that Alex Barron needs to move to LT- this Goldberg sounds like a journyman. I read they considered that move last wek but kept Barron at RT because that is Pepper's side.

Any insight on their OL moves would help........

 

[Stealthycat]

regardless of WHY I'm stating the SF Defense this week - should be goof for 2 INT's and 6+ sacks !

 

[I'm Rick James]

I watched the St. Louis game last week with Bulger and Holt in my lineup.

The O-line was a problem but Bulger seems to hang on to the ball like Bledsoe. So many times, I'm screaming throw the ball away! It seems like he has no internal clock.

I know in the past, SF has given it up in the air, but the last few weeks their D has been tough.

I'm actually starting Leinert vs. Minnesota instead. Too much egg nog.

Linnehan said he's putting the ball in Steven Jackson's hands this week. I see a ton of runs for both teams. Eating up the clock and keeping QB stats in check.

Minnesota has a stellar run D, but their pass D is suspect. Even if Leinert chucks a couple interceptions I think he's good for 1-2 td's in the dome to Boldin, Bryant or Fitzie.