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**RamsFan28** · 10-18-2005, 03:44 PM

Last week, we saw Isaac Bruce praying on the Rams sidelines. He had the right idea.

God I hope it's just a bruised shoulder so Bulger can play.

**imported_Sjack39** · 10-18-2005, 03:45 PM

They are saying he won't be back untill @Seahawks. I hope Fitz will start instead of martin

**RamsFan28** · 10-18-2005, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lilant2398@Oct 18th '05 @ 4:45 pm
They are saying he won't be back untill @Seahawks. I hope Fitz will start instead of martin

Has someone made it official? Last night they said it was bruised and the X-Rays were negative and the P.D. claims that it's a sprain. I'd figure the P.D. would be on top of it if it were a seperated shoulder. Has the MRI come back yet?

SDOGO · 10-18-2005, 04:28 PM

Why To Watch

There is a good chance even hardcore fans will not recognize some players in this game. Both teams are decimated by injuries. But dropping to 2-5 will be an even bigger blow for teams that entered the season with playoff aspirations.

The Rams probably will be without quarterback Marc Bulger, who sprained his throwing shoulder against the Colts. Journeyman Jamie Martin probably will start in his place. Wide receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce are both nursing injuries, the defense is porous and coach Mike Martz is nursing a heart ailment.

There is one positive for the Rams: They probably will be forced to run the ball. At long last, the offense will lean on running backs Steven Jackson and Marshall Faulk to carry the offense.

Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks is in a fix. His receiving corps is hobbled and featured back Deuce McAllister is out for the season. Running backs Antowain Smith and Aaron Stecker filled in admirably last week and will be key to keeping pressure off Brooks in this game. The defense is reeling because of injuries and is guilty of poor tackling and mental lapses. But it has playmakers, especially in the pass rush.

Despite all the gloom and doom, if the Saints can run the ball and get to the quarterback they may have enough to win.

Saints Keys For Success

1. Run the draw. With Bulger likely out, interim head coach Joe Vitt must simplify the offensive scheme for either Martin or untested rookie Ryan Fitzpatrick. Martz, though not with the team, will have a hand in scripting the offense.

The first option is to establish a running attack. Defensive ends Darren Howard and Charles Grant like to jump off at the snap and get to the edge. Tackles Orlando Pace and Alex Barron will use their aggressiveness against the ends, pushing them past the play and creating lanes for delayed handoffs to Jackson, the power back, or Faulk, the crafty veteran.

2. Use tight ends in the passing game. There is no easier way for a fill-in quarterback to establish himself than to make simple throws to tight ends. Brandon Manumaleuna is back in the lineup, and the offense must make use of his size advantage against Saints linebackers. Former Saints tight end Cam Cleeland is also a receiving option and excels in the red zone.

3: Get production from linebackers. Starters Chris Claiborne, Dexter Coakley and Pisa Tinoisamoa were ineffective against the Colts. This week they must stop fill-in backs instead of a quality featured back. Linebackers must do a better job of attacking the running game and forcing turnovers by stripping the ball. They must make big plays.

Rams Keys For Success

1. Brooks must step up. The question is, will he step up? Coaches, teammates and fans have patiently waited for Brooks to direct this team back to the playoffs. But his lack of accuracy and propensity for turnovers stunt his growth and stall the team. Brooks must realize that this is his team now and he must make plays a leader should. Look for coaches to get him into shotgun formations, in which Brooks is comfortable, to buy him time to find the open receiver.

2. Blitz, blitz, blitz. A sure-fire way to rattle a backup quarterback is to attack him. Defensive coordinator Rick Venturi must devise blitz schemes that tee off on the quarterback. Venturi is shorthanded because of injuries to linebackers and safeties Mel Mitchell and Dwight Smith. That gives him even more incentive to blitz. Any backup defensive player knows the easiest thing to do is attack the quarterback. By putting constant pressure on the offense, the Saints can hide deficiencies as well as create havoc for the Rams.

3. Keep Devery Henderson and Az-Zahir Hakim involved. Both wide receivers have stepped into leading roles, and they have excelled. Hakim has an uncanny ability to find openings in the center of the defense. Henderson is Brook's main option in the red zone because of his size and leaping ability. Hakim must take advantage of his former team by attacking the area patrolled by strong safety Adam Archuleta. Hakim is too quick for Archuleta to cover. Henderson must use his size versus the Rams' smaller cornerbacks.

Injuries at a glance

Saints injuries

10/18/05 Donte' Stallworth WR Hamstring Questionable for Week 7
10/18/05 Joe Horn WR Hamstring "Very" questionable for Week 7
9/27/05 Jay Bellamy S Right rotator cuff Out for the season

Rams injuries

10/18/05 Marc Bulger QB Shoulder Week 7 status uncertain
10/16/05 Isaac Bruce WR Toe Out Week 6
10/3/05 Roland Williams TE Knee Out for season

The Bottom Line

Bulger's Week 6 shoulder injury will go a long way toward determining the game's outcome. If he plays or his replacement is somewhat effective, the Rams have a chance. If not, the Saints will win. Brooks will make enough plays to keep his team in the game, and the Saints defense will cause a key turnover to seal the win.

Pick: Saints 17, Rams 14

**imported_Golden Hornz** · 10-18-2005, 04:29 PM

Man, Marc Bulger

It sucks man.

**berzerker21** · 10-18-2005, 05:54 PM

yeah,that's just what we need. Bulger was looking real good in the first quarter last night. Totally comfortable,in control and accurate. Why did he have to try and be a linebacker. They're saying it's the same type of injury he suffered last season,which held him out of two games,but we'll see. Vitt is fully confident in Martin,says he was "born in this system". All i know is he'd better be careful with his decisions,we can't afford to make any dumb mistakes,this is a must win game for us especially at home.

Please let Jackson run everyone over,and control the game clock so we don't have to air it out the whole game.