(Written on 12/16/15)
The St. Louis Rams have looked uneventful and uninspired this season but don’t tell them that. Following a thrilling 21-14 victory over the Detroit Lions this past Sunday, they enter Thursday’s Prime Time match-up against the 6-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers with some momentum. Rookie running back Todd Gurley found his stride again, carrying the ball 16 times for 140 yards and a touchdown; four of their wins have come when his carries reach double defense. Despite a depleted defense, the Rams held an offense with plenty of firepower to a lowly 14 points, their third lowest offensive outing this season. Receiver Calvin Johnson was held to one reception.
On paper, this isn’t much of an intriguing Prime Time game; 5-8 vs. 6-7 isn’t’ exactly compelling football. It is, however, a match-up of two young, talented teams as the Rams rank first (24.94 years per player) and the Bucs rank 11th (25.91) in youngest roster. The Rams Opening Day offensive line featured three rookies while Gurley and Winston are showing signs that they could be the best at their respective positions in the next years, and beyond. Evans and ASJ is only in their second seasons and Martin still has four years before he hits the magical age of 30, the seemingly inevitable decline of running backs. While the uniforms are disappointing and completely unappealing, sit back and admire the young talent on the field this Thursday.
The St. Louis Rams have looked uneventful and uninspired this season but don’t tell them that. Following a thrilling 21-14 victory over the Detroit Lions this past Sunday, they enter Thursday’s Prime Time match-up against the 6-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers with some momentum. Rookie running back Todd Gurley found his stride again, carrying the ball 16 times for 140 yards and a touchdown; four of their wins have come when his carries reach double defense. Despite a depleted defense, the Rams held an offense with plenty of firepower to a lowly 14 points, their third lowest offensive outing this season. Receiver Calvin Johnson was held to one reception.
While the Rams scored a huge victory, being featured on Thursday Night Football’s Color Rush is exposure they, and the Bucs, deserve. Tamps Bay is coming off a disastrous 2-14 record in 2014 and was at the forefront of the most discussed and debated NFL Draft’s. Florida State quarterback Jamies Winston was regarded as an unbelievable, can’t-miss prospect that seems to be living up to the bill as he has guided them to a 6-7 season. The Buccaneers have built a strong defense but their offense is a collection of pass catchers in receivers Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and running back Doug Martin who is proving that his 2012 campaign was no fluke as 2013 and 2014 were decimated by injuries.
On paper, this isn’t much of an intriguing Prime Time game; 5-8 vs. 6-7 isn’t’ exactly compelling football. It is, however, a match-up of two young, talented teams as the Rams rank first (24.94 years per player) and the Bucs rank 11th (25.91) in youngest roster. The Rams Opening Day offensive line featured three rookies while Gurley and Winston are showing signs that they could be the best at their respective positions in the next years, and beyond. Evans and ASJ is only in their second seasons and Martin still has four years before he hits the magical age of 30, the seemingly inevitable decline of running backs. While the uniforms are disappointing and completely unappealing, sit back and admire the young talent on the field this Thursday.
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