Why S Jax could return BIG this week (1 Viewer)

[spitkickers]

Wouldn't St. Louis be thinking playoffs or bust this week? Meaning Steven Jackson not only comes back, but comes back full-force and featured heavily in the offense. They rush Bulger and Bruce back last week, Holt stays in there slightly hobbled too. I saw in another post where they just got two CB's back. They could have rested Bulger last week, but the thinking could have been let him get the rust off before this week.

They are 0-7 but play Cleveland this week. They are in a very soft division. The division leader is barely over .500 at 4-3 (Seattle). The other teams are at 3-4 and 2-4.

Their schedule looks like this the rest of the season:

CLE

Bye

@NO

@SF

SEA

ATL

@CIN

GB

PIT

That is cake.

Beat Cleveland this week and go into the bye with a gameplan towards trying to make the playoffs, or lose this week and begin gameplanning for next year?

If that's the thinking, wouldn't it make sense they put S Jax in heavily this week?

 

[Texican]

I'm going up against the SJax owner in our league this week........I don't feel so good now. I can see STL and SJax in a shootout with CLE

 

[spitkickers]

ddi I just post that? they can't make the playoffs...sigh.

 

[MCguidance]

ha but sjax can finally produce some serious numbers, baby

 

[bulger2holt]

7-9 will win the division

 

[gruecd]

ha but sjax can finally produce some serious numbers, baby

I could see it. I'll probably end up starting him over MJD, especially if Garrard doesn't play.

 

[MCguidance]

ha but sjax can finally produce some serious numbers, baby

I could see it. I'll probably end up starting him over MJD, especially if Garrard doesn't play.

i dont have a choice, rhodes just isnt getting it done and it will be nice to FINALLY start Sjax AND Henry in the same week...

 

[spitkickers]

7-9 will win the division

 

[Magnus_CA]

i dont have a choice, rhodes just isnt getting it done and it will be nice to FINALLY start Sjax AND Henry in the same week...

Keep dreaming

 

[spitkickers]

According to Steven's weekly article, they ARE thinking 9-0 run. Pipe dream, maybe, but I'd suspect a good outing from all STL players this week as they throw everything they have into this game...uh, plus it's Cleveland. Starting Jackson with confidence until they lose a game.

 

[thayman]

According to Steven's weekly article, they ARE thinking 9-0 run. Pipe dream, maybe, but I'd suspect a good outing from all STL players this week as they throw everything they have into this game...uh, plus it's Cleveland. Starting Jackson with confidence until they lose a game.

This isn't the Cleveland everyone is used to from the past few years.

 

[MCguidance]

ha but sjax can finally produce some serious numbers, baby

I could see it. I'll probably end up starting him over MJD, especially if Garrard doesn't play.

i dont have a choice, rhodes just isnt getting it done and it will be nice to FINALLY start Sjax AND Henry in the same week...

So if I am able to start them in the same week, am I allowed to say what I want to say to this?

 

[HULLOBUDMAN]

Without looking name the Rams starting o-line. Can't?

How about 4 of them?

2 of them?

Any of them?

 

[shakeybarn]

Wouldn't St. Louis be thinking playoffs or bust this week? Meaning Steven Jackson not only comes back, but comes back full-force and featured heavily in the offense. They rush Bulger and Bruce back last week, Holt stays in there slightly hobbled too. I saw in another post where they just got two CB's back. They could have rested Bulger last week, but the thinking could have been let him get the rust off before this week.They are 0-7 but play Cleveland this week. They are in a very soft division. The division leader is barely over .500 at 4-3 (Seattle). The other teams are at 3-4 and 2-4.Their schedule looks like this the rest of the season:CLEBye@NO@SFSEAATL@CINGBPIT That is cake.Beat Cleveland this week and go into the bye with a gameplan towards trying to make the playoffs, or lose this week and begin gameplanning for next year?If that's the thinking, wouldn't it make sense they put S Jax in heavily this week?

Call me kooky... but SJax would need to practice a full week. It's not like a sprain or swelling, that you need to stay off and can bounce right back. This is test n' learn, test n' learn.... I am only seeing "he took reps" and will play. A couple practices, and send the guy out 100%. Lest we forget... BEFORE he got hurt.... he was averaging 3.4/carry, fumbled 3 times, was only catching 2.5 passes a game... and scored ZERO TDs. And that was the first three games, where the injuries woes weren't as severe as they were in weeks 4 & 5, and this week's team is about where week 2's team was. Anyone giddy thinking they are getting a repeat of 127 yd, 1 TD rush, 50 yd recv, 1 TD recv performance...You go right on ahead.. good luck with that.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Without looking name the Rams starting o-line. Can't?How about 4 of them?2 of them?Any of them?

I don't understand why nobody is understanding they have NO OFFENSIVE LINE.

 

[shakeybarn]

Additionally, this is a game Cleveland knows they can win, and need to win, in order to reach 9-7 and have a chance. They have every right to believe they can make the playoffs... 3-2 is 3-2 period... and with the schedule they have the rest of the way....

And before we jump on the Cleveland rushing D... they faced the...

#2 rushing offense

#20 (Cinncinati about #20 rush offense)

#4 rushing offense

#17 rushing offense

#7 rushing offense

Rams are 5th to last... granted not having SJax, but as my prior post indicates, they didn't have the rushing game before... and unless I hear 2/3 of the starting line is back this week...

 

[shakeybarn]

Without looking name the Rams starting o-line. Can't?How about 4 of them?2 of them?Any of them?

I don't understand why nobody is understanding they have NO OFFENSIVE LINE.

One advantage for STL is Cleveland avgs like 1 sack per game, and 1 INT per game... way down vs other teams. Course if you're Cleveland, and you have this pass defense-turnover thing going on, and want to correct it... install some confidence, and all.......what better team to try out some fangs on, than the St Louis Rams.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

This is a team that looks as if a demon busted through their ribcage and stole their souls. That demon's name, of course, is Scott Linehan. Sure they've had injuries, but how can three perennial top 20 guys nosedive simultaneously? If Linehan isn't escorted out of the Rams practice facility then tossed into a dumpster, oh, within the next hour, somebody should go check and see if team president John Shaw is being held against his will, rendition-style.

 

[Andy Herron]

While I can certainly appreciate the references to the depleted offensive line, this IS Steven Jackson we're talking about. Not, say...DeShaun Foster.

I don't know though. He was my first round draft pick and I still am not sold on starting him.

I'll bet that helps alot.

 

[replacements]

According to Steven's weekly article, they ARE thinking 9-0 run. Pipe dream, maybe, but I'd suspect a good outing from all STL players this week as they throw everything they have into this game...uh, plus it's Cleveland. Starting Jackson with confidence until they lose a game.

This isn't the Cleveland everyone is used to from the past few years.

This isn't the same cleveland offense. but it's the same cleveland defense. The rams may not have an offensive line, but the browns d-line is offensive.

 

[SteelerMurf]

According to Steven's weekly article, they ARE thinking 9-0 run. Pipe dream, maybe, but I'd suspect a good outing from all STL players this week as they throw everything they have into this game...uh, plus it's Cleveland. Starting Jackson with confidence until they lose a game.

This isn't the Cleveland everyone is used to from the past few years.

yep, against the pass Cleveland is bad.....but the run they have only given up ONE rushing TD and best rushing yardage total was 121 from Jordan and that took him 29 carries to do it.

 

[flooredyas]

Even if he is ineffictive, this definately boosts Bulgers hopes this week.

I believe he will play, just don't expect pick #1-3 numbers just yet.

 

[QuizGuy66]

This is slightly off topic, but the two closest examples to what SJax is talking about would be:

1970 Cincinnati Bengals. Started 1-6. Won their last 7 to win the newly created AFC Central in just their 3rd NFL season.

Some Who Dey History

The 1984 Oakland Invaders might be the closest comparison. They started 0-9, won 7 in a row in to get to 7-9 before losing their final 2. They almost made the playoffs that season.

Gotta Loves The Internet - Here's the 1984 Oakland Invaders game-by-game results

I'm pretty sure the Chargers were the only team to start as bad as 0-4 and make the playoffs. Don't recall the year.

-QG

 

[redjake]

Gotta Loves The Internet - Here's the 1984 Oakland Invaders game-by-game results

Man, I just wasted good amount of time on that USFL site. And, I'll never get it back...

 

[FakeAudible]

Without looking name the Rams starting o-line. Can't?How about 4 of them?2 of them?Any of them?

I don't understand why nobody is understanding they have NO OFFENSIVE LINE.

There is a difference between an o-line pass defense and an o-line that facilitates a rush. The argument is that their pass protection is bad but they still might be able to create holes.

 

[MCguidance]

Just an update without creating another thread: Per KFFL --

Oct 24 St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) practiced in full Wednesday, Oct. 24. Barring a setback, head coach Scott Linehan said Jackson will start Week 8.

Looking good in the neighborhood.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Gotta Loves The Internet - Here's the 1984 Oakland Invaders game-by-game results

Man, I just wasted good amount of time on that USFL site. And, I'll never get it back...

Per the ruling of the court in the antitrust suit that awarded $1 to the USFL (trebled to $3) from the NFL, you will get 3 minutes back end at the end of your life for every minute spent on that site -QG

 

[spitkickers]

I understand the Cleveland love now that they are winning games, and personally I like to see it, but 11 days ago MIAMI put up 31 on them.

This is despite an almost flawless offensive outing where CLE fumbled once and gave up one sack. Anderson threw no picks. Can they repeat that? Even if so against St. Louis -

Miami tossed up this against CLE:

Lemon threw for 256 and 2 TD's (with 2 ints)

Ronnie ran for 101, caught 9/69

Chambers caught 6/73

Even with OL problems, Bulger, Holt, Bruce, Jackson and crew can't match those numbers or do better? Than Lemon, Brown, and Chambers?

 

[dwashington]

Without looking name the Rams starting o-line. Can't?

How about 4 of them?

2 of them?

Any of them?

I don't understand why nobody is understanding they have NO OFFENSIVE LINE.

There is a difference between an o-line pass defense and an o-line that facilitates a rush. The argument is that their pass protection is bad but they still might be able to create holes.

Notes & quotes:

>>Newly signed tackle Rob Petitti likely will be on the game-day roster Sunday, Linehan said.

>>The current offensive line combination – Brandon Gorin at RT, Richie Incognito at RG, Andy McCollum at C, Milford Brown at LG and Alex Barron at LT – is the sixth in just eight games.

http://www.stltoday.com/blogs/sports-aroun...y-at-rams-park/

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

I just hope that the Rams game plan is to run the ball as much as possible just to keep that vaunted Cleveland Offense on the bench!!

 

[Ocho Cinco]

Safe to drop Leonard I assume?

 

[dwashington]

Safe to drop Leonard I assume?

I wouldn't. At least not until we see how Jackson's groin holds up under game conditions.

 

[shadyridr]

I understand the Cleveland love now that they are winning games, and personally I like to see it, but 11 days ago MIAMI put up 31 on them. This is despite an almost flawless offensive outing where CLE fumbled once and gave up one sack. Anderson threw no picks. Can they repeat that? Even if so against St. Louis - Miami tossed up this against CLE:Lemon threw for 256 and 2 TD's (with 2 ints) Ronnie ran for 101, caught 9/69Chambers caught 6/73Even with OL problems, Bulger, Holt, Bruce, Jackson and crew can't match those numbers or do better? Than Lemon, Brown, and Chambers?

Miami has been a good offensive team this year. STL hasnt

 

[shadyridr]

I just hope that the Rams game plan is to run the ball as much as possible just to keep that vaunted Cleveland Offense on the bench!!

THey will run 30 times with Jackson and Leonard just to protect Bulger IMO

 

[SCT]

I just hope that the Rams game plan is to run the ball as much as possible just to keep that vaunted Cleveland Offense on the bench!!

Wait, let me check.....yep, Scott Linehan is still the coach. Carry on.

 

[amnesiac]

saw a few really good posts in here.

if the current trends hold, Jackson should get a decent amount of yardage, but will likely not score.

i would like to add though that the Browns are coming off a bye, and i'd be willing to bet they spent the majority of the last two weeks on the defense. not sure if that will result in any meaningful changes, but it's a factor.

if St.Louis is to have a chance, they are going to have to pass a ton.

 

[Illegal Pants Downfield]

I could sure use some Blood Sugar SJax Magik this weekend...

</StrangeChiliPeppersReference>

 

[MCguidance]

Full practice again FYI, per rotoworld.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

{{{{ ALERT }}}}

-- The reports that Scott Linehan might be on the hot seat might have something to do with Steven Jackson playing this week. Then again, Marc Bulger used the media to force his way back into the lineup, so who's to say the inmates aren't already running the asylum. Jackson is practicing, though he's not taking contact and observers are telling me that he's far from 100%. I expect Jackson to play only a cameo role, taking no more than 10 or 12 carries, reminding people that he'll be back after the bye. He's not a good fantasy play, but if you're counting on him, take a good look to see if you like what you see.

By Will Carroll, Special to SI.com

 

[MCguidance]

{{{{ ALERT }}}}-- The reports that Scott Linehan might be on the hot seat might have something to do with Steven Jackson playing this week. Then again, Marc Bulger used the media to force his way back into the lineup, so who's to say the inmates aren't already running the asylum. Jackson is practicing, though he's not taking contact and observers are telling me that he's far from 100%. I expect Jackson to play only a cameo role, taking no more than 10 or 12 carries, reminding people that he'll be back after the bye. He's not a good fantasy play, but if you're counting on him, take a good look to see if you like what you see. By Will Carroll, Special to SI.com

ugh...not what i wanted to hear...why arent the local papers saying any of this? would love to hear more

 

[mt-wabo]

I dont know why you guys think he is a good start this week, lets look at it no o-line, bulger sucks their defense sucks and sjax is not the same guy as last year. If I were you I would wait and see how he does this weekend instead of getting burned, unless you dont have any other options.

Cleveland 24 Rams 13

 

[timschochet]

According to Steven's weekly article, they ARE thinking 9-0 run. Pipe dream, maybe, but I'd suspect a good outing from all STL players this week as they throw everything they have into this game...uh, plus it's Cleveland. Starting Jackson with confidence until they lose a game.

So who will you start next week?

 

[kutta]

According to Steven's weekly article, they ARE thinking 9-0 run. Pipe dream, maybe, but I'd suspect a good outing from all STL players this week as they throw everything they have into this game...uh, plus it's Cleveland. Starting Jackson with confidence until they lose a game.

This isn't the Cleveland everyone is used to from the past few years.

yep, against the pass Cleveland is bad.....but the run they have only given up ONE rushing TD and best rushing yardage total was 121 from Jordan and that took him 29 carries to do it.

But they are third worst in the league giving up 149.5 rush yards per game, and they are third worst in the league in yards per attempt, giving up 4.9 yards per attempt.

 

[MCguidance]

According to Steven's weekly article, they ARE thinking 9-0 run. Pipe dream, maybe, but I'd suspect a good outing from all STL players this week as they throw everything they have into this game...uh, plus it's Cleveland. Starting Jackson with confidence until they lose a game.

This isn't the Cleveland everyone is used to from the past few years.

yep, against the pass Cleveland is bad.....but the run they have only given up ONE rushing TD and best rushing yardage total was 121 from Jordan and that took him 29 carries to do it.

But they are third worst in the league giving up 149.5 rush yards per game, and they are third worst in the league in yards per attempt, giving up 4.9 yards per attempt.

I think if he is healthy he will have a solid day. Not spectacular, but solid. THis is a good game to come back for, with a BAD defense in CLE. I just hope he is healthy, otherwise he wont do anything but cameo. And I have no other options.

 

[MCguidance]

Per Sportsline:

According to Rams coach Scott Linehan, RB Steven Jackson could be limited this week in his return against the Browns. Jackson has missed the past three games with a partial tear in his groin. "It wouldn't be normal," Linehan said of Jackson's workload. "It will be modified from his normal (workload). It depends on how he feels, but it won't be every play of the game."

Welp, just hoping for 70 and a TD this week

 

[Banger]

Although it was only 3 games, SJax wasn't off to a great start to begin with (3.4 ypc vs. middle of the road opps). So now that they've lost their entire line, he's coming off an injury and the qb has busted ribs I don't see a lot to be excited about. He'll probably put up Jesse Chatman type numbers this week....

 

[MCguidance]

Although it was only 3 games, SJax wasn't off to a great start to begin with (3.4 ypc vs. middle of the road opps). So now that they've lost their entire line, he's coming off an injury and the qb has busted ribs I don't see a lot to be excited about. He'll probably put up Jesse Chatman type numbers this week....

I think that he will be an ok play because of a terrible run d in cleveland. Do i expect him to be old sjax? no, not until week 10. I think that if he gets 15-20 touches, he could still hit 100 yards...if you look up the stats, as i have here: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?s...2&year=2007then youll realize the brownies give up nearly 5.0 a rush attempt..so he should have some success.

 

[Banger]

Although it was only 3 games, SJax wasn't off to a great start to begin with (3.4 ypc vs. middle of the road opps). So now that they've lost their entire line, he's coming off an injury and the qb has busted ribs I don't see a lot to be excited about. He'll probably put up Jesse Chatman type numbers this week....

I think that he will be an ok play because of a terrible run d in cleveland. Do i expect him to be old sjax? no, not until week 10. I think that if he gets 15-20 touches, he could still hit 100 yards...if you look up the stats, as i have here: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?s...2&year=2007then youll realize the brownies give up nearly 5.0 a rush attempt..so he should have some success.

Ya, I realize that the Brown's are terrible vs. the run but there's a good chance that they are getting blown out by the half. I have no confidence in that line no matter who they are playing. I really can't remember a team experiencing that many injuries so early in the year to their line. I would start him if I had to but I would temper my expectations....ETA...CAR (18) 18-58 3.2 SF (23) 21-60 2.9 @TB (21) 30-115 3.8. Consider that with his line with probably 4-5 better lineman, when he was healthy and Bulger was healthy those are the stats he put up against the 18th, 23rd and 21st ranked run defenses. Not too good. Even if he were healthy SJax would have an unbelievably difficult time running behind that line with any effectiveness.

 

[MCguidance]

Although it was only 3 games, SJax wasn't off to a great start to begin with (3.4 ypc vs. middle of the road opps). So now that they've lost their entire line, he's coming off an injury and the qb has busted ribs I don't see a lot to be excited about. He'll probably put up Jesse Chatman type numbers this week....

I think that he will be an ok play because of a terrible run d in cleveland. Do i expect him to be old sjax? no, not until week 10. I think that if he gets 15-20 touches, he could still hit 100 yards...if you look up the stats, as i have here: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?s...2&year=2007then youll realize the brownies give up nearly 5.0 a rush attempt..so he should have some success.

Ya, I realize that the Brown's are terrible vs. the run but there's a good chance that they are getting blown out by the half. I have no confidence in that line no matter who they are playing. I really can't remember a team experiencing that many injuries so early in the year to their line. I would start him if I had to but I would temper my expectations....

Agreed, good point...you know what else helps your point too? I was looking at TDs given up via the rush, and CLE, surprisingly, has only given up 3 all year, strange right? Meaning I should not expect Sjax to get into the endzone (or into the endzone via the rush, at least)

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Although it was only 3 games, SJax wasn't off to a great start to begin with (3.4 ypc vs. middle of the road opps). So now that they've lost their entire line, he's coming off an injury and the qb has busted ribs I don't see a lot to be excited about. He'll probably put up Jesse Chatman type numbers this week....

I think that he will be an ok play because of a terrible run d in cleveland. Do i expect him to be old sjax? no, not until week 10. I think that if he gets 15-20 touches, he could still hit 100 yards...if you look up the stats, as i have here: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?s...2&year=2007then youll realize the brownies give up nearly 5.0 a rush attempt..so he should have some success.

Bulger: 2007 Game Log Passing WEEK OPP RESULT

1 CAR L 27-13

CMP ATT YDS CMP% LNG TD INT RAT

22 -- 42 - 167 - 52.4 - 18 - 1 - 0 - 70.2

2 SF L 17-16

CMP ATT YDS CMP% LNG TD INT RAT

24 --41 - 368 - 58.5 - 37 - 1 - 0 - 96.4 0

3 @TB L 24-3

CMP ATT YDS CMP% LNG TD INT RAT

17 -- 26 - 116 - 65.4 - 18 - 0 - 3 - 35.6 0

4 @DAL L 35-7

CMP ATT YDS CMP% LNG TD INT RAT

11 -- 24 - 114 - 45.8 - 24 - 0 - 1 - 42.7

5 ARI L 34-31 Did Not Play

6 @BAL L 22-3 Did Not Play

7 @SEA L 33-6

CMP ATT YDS CMP% LNG TD INT RAT

21 -- 40 - 225 - 52.5 - 31 - 0 - 3 - 38.0

Jackson:

2007 Game Log Rushing Receiving Fumbles

WEEK OPP RESULT ATT YDS AVG LNG TD REC YDS AVG LNG TD FUM LST

1 CAR L 27-13 18 58 3.2 13 0 1 3 3.0 3 0 2 2

2 SF L 17-16 21 60 2.9 9 0 3 36 12.0 20 0 0 0

3 @TB L 24-3 30 115 3.8 14 0 4 18 4.5 10 0 1 0

4 @DAL L 35-7 Did Not Play

5 ARI L 34-31 Did Not Play

6 @BAL L 22-3 Did Not Play

7 @SEA L 33-6 Did Not Play

All coincide with an injury to this fella:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/content?playerId=1232

September 10, 2007

Rams tackle Pace done for season

St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Orlando Pace tore the labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder in the season opener Sunday and will be sidelined for the rest of the season.

With both Bulger AND Stephen Jackson listed as PROBABLE, they both are injured but both will play. How effective they will play is more dependant upon thier offensive line rather than how the the Browns defense is viewed. Losing Pace has placed the offensive line in disaray.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3013232

Rams lose offensive line anchor Pace for season

... Linehan said the coaching staff hadn't decided how to fill the void.

... Both Linehan and Olson said they'll stick with whatever backup plan they settle on to avoid further strain on a young line. Center Brett Romberg is in his first year as a starter, guard Richie Incognito is in his second and guard Mark Setterstrom, a seventh-rounder last year, made his seventh career start in the opener.

Complicating matters, Incognito has a high ankle sprain that kept him out of the opener, and he'll likely miss Sunday's game against the 49ers.

... Goldberg, who made two starts in 2006, replaced Pace in Sunday's 27-13 loss to Carolina, and his play was judged by Linehan as "fine." The Rams allowed one sack, but the offense struggled without the anchor of a young line, managing 16 first downs and 238 yards total offense.

If they somehow fix all of the problems on the line and both Bulger and Jackson are back healthy then Steve Jax would earn a high fantasy ranking but they haven't fixed the issues on their line. Bulger isn't completely healthy and neither is Jackson.

Oh and the Browns are favored to win because they have turned their offense on the strength of hot shot OLT Joe Thomas who isn't nearly getting the props he desrves. Take a look at how the Rams offense fell apart once Pace went down. Steve Jax can prolly have a good game because of his pass receiving skills should the Browns offense remain on its single season club scoring pace of 32 points per game since QB Derek Anderson took over. I'm not sure Bulger is healthy and he's not getting the protection or running game to keep him standing in the pocket. Sure the Browns defense hasn't looked good but I think people are looking at this game backassward in saying the Ram offense will be cured by a poor Browns defense.

I think the Browns defense will look good against a poor Ram offense.