SB Nation St. Louis - St. Louis Rams Defeat San Diego Chargers, 20-17https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49009/stl-fave.png2010-10-18T03:55:30-05:00http://stlouis.sbnation.com/rss/stream/15195872010-10-18T03:55:30-05:002010-10-18T03:55:30-05:00St. Louis Rams Defeat San Diego Chargers 20-17
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<p>St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) – Steven Jackson rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown, and iced the game with some clutch running late in the fourth quarter, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> held on for a 20-17 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> at the Edward Jones Dome.</p>
<p><span>Sam Bradford</span> managed the game well, throwing for 198 yards and a score on 18- of-31 efficiency for the Rams (3-3), who recovered after getting hammered 44-6 by Detroit last Sunday. St. Louis has won three of it last four.</p>
<p>“I think the way we played today and the way we prepared this week says a lot about the guys we have on our team,” Bradford said. “After a loss like last week, it’s not easy to come in and get back to work. But I feel like everyone put it in the past.”</p>
<p><span>Danario Alexander</span> caught four passes for 72 yards and a score — his first career <span class="caps">NFL</span> touchdown — while the Rams’ defense combined for seven sacks. <span>Josh Brown</span> added a pair of field goals in the victory.</p>
<p><span>Philip Rivers</span> completed 22-of-37 throws for 249 yards with one touchdown and an interception for San Diego (2-4), which suffered a setback at Oakland last weekend and has lost in back-to-back weeks for the first time since a three- game slide from November 16-30, 2008.</p>
<p>“From my standpoint I wasn’t as accurate as I can be and should be,” Rivers said. “You miss a few third-down throws and you are punting and those are huge possessions.”</p>
<p><span>Patrick Crayton</span> had six receptions for 117 yards and a TD while <span>Mike Tolbert</span> rushed for a one-yard score in defeat.</p>
<p>Brown’s 39-yard field goal early in the first quarter gave the Rams the lead.</p>
<p>After an exchange of punts, O.J. Atogwe’s interception in the end zone put an end to a Chargers’ threat and St. Louis turned it into seven more.</p>
<p>Bradford’s 38-yard strike to Alexander made it a 10-0 game with 43 seconds left in the opening quarter. After the pick, Jackson ran for five and Bradford connected with <span>Brandon Gibson</span> for a 12-yard completion. A five-yard offsides penalty moved the ball back to the Rams’ 42 and three plays later Alexander’s diving grab in the end zone capped the brief five-play, 80-yard drive.</p>
<p>San Diego went three-and-out on its next two possessions and the hosts tacked on another score with 1:39 left in the half. Jackson led a time-consuming drive that took nearly eight minutes off the game clock. Then with the Rams facing a 3rd-and-13 from the Chargers 13, Bradford’s 11-yard pass to <span>Danny Amendola</span> coupled with a roughing-the-passer penalty gave the Rams a first-and- goal at the one-yard line. Following a six-yard sack, Jackson finished off the 17-play, 67-yard drive with an inside trap run.</p>
<p><span>Nate Kaeding</span>’s 41-yard field goal with 23 seconds to play got the Chargers on the board at 17-3, which would be the score heading into the intermission.</p>
<p>Tolbert banged in from a yard out to complete an 11-play, 68-yard set to get the Chargers within 17-10 with 4:41 remaining in the third.</p>
<p>San Diego then had a lengthy drive end in misery when Kaeding slipped on a 49- year field goal attempt and had it blocked with 8:18 remaining in the fourth.</p>
<p>The miss led to Brown’s 48-yard boot and a 20-10 Rams’ lead with 3:56 left. However, the visitors quickly answered, going 76 yards on five plays. A Rivers-to-Buster Davis five-yard touchdown hookup made it a 20-17 contest just 40 seconds later.</p>
<p>On the ensuing possession with St. Louis facing a key third-and-six from its own 36, Jackson burst over left guard for a nine-yard gain and a first down that took the clock to the two-minute warning. Jackson then picked up another first down on a 12-yard run before Bradford took a trio of knees to kill off the remaining time.</p>
<p>St. Louis will visit Tampa Bay next Sunday, while the Chargers host New England…Chargers starting offensive tackle <span>Marcus McNeill</span> appeared in his first game of the season after recently ending his holdout. He agreed to a five-year contract extension on Wednesday…San Diego tight end <span>Antonio Gates</span> caught two passes for 12 yards before leaving late in the second quarter with a left ankle injury and did not return. He had caught touchdowns in nine straight games, which was an <span class="caps">NFL</span> record for tight ends…Chargers wide receiver <span>Malcom Floyd</span> left the game with a hamstring injury after pulling in two passes for 15 yards…The Rams hold a 6-4 edge in their all- time series with the Chargers…<span>Larry Grant</span>, <span>James Hall</span> and <span>Chris Long</span> each had a pair of sacks for St. Louis.</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2010/10/18/1758573/st-louis-rams-defeat-san-diego-chargers-20-17Dan Moore2010-10-17T13:55:06-05:002010-10-17T13:55:06-05:00NFL Update: Danario Alexander Catches Touchdown In First NFL Game
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<p><span>Danario Alexander</span>, the former Mizzou wide receiver who’s spent the entire regular season rehabbing on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>’ practice squad after knee surgery, caught a touchdown pass in his first <span class="caps">NFL</span> game Sunday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a>.</p>
<p>Alexander, who wasn’t expected to contribute so soon after his knee injury, was rushed onto the active roster after <span>Mark Clayton</span>’s season-ending injury. So far, it’s been a good decision.</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2010/10/17/1757381/nfl-update-danario-alexander-catches-touchdown-in-first-nfl-gameDan Moore2010-10-16T12:28:36-05:002010-10-16T12:28:36-05:00St. Louis Rams Preview: Steven Jackson Coming Off Best Game Of Season
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> didn’t have much to celebrate after last week’s 44-6 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>, but the return to form of running back Steven Jackson, hobbled by a groin injury since Week 3, was certainly worth remembering. Jackson racked up a season-high 114 yards on the ground, 4.5 yards per carry, after picking up no more than 81 in his first four games.</p>
<p>With <span>Mark Clayton</span> out for the season and rookie quarterback <span>Sam Bradford</span> starved for targets, the Rams might be well-served by reintroducing Steven Jackson to the passing game — this year Jackson, who peaked at 90 receptions for 806 yards in 2006, has just 13 receptions.</p>
<p>He’s unlikely to get the 141 yards he needs to <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_1ddb700c-a7cc-509d-a03e-51d90ff12f5e.html">pass Eric Dickerson</a> as the all-time Rams rushing leader in just one game, but 141 total yards would be a good place for him to shoot, with Bradford down to one receiver he trusts.</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2010/10/16/1755569/st-louis-rams-preview-steven-jackson-coming-off-best-game-of-seasonDan Moore2010-10-16T12:20:03-05:002010-10-16T12:20:03-05:00St. Louis Rams Hope To Get Back To .500 Against The San Diego Chargers
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<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">(Sports Network) - It is still October, so that must mean the <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #c61c17; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego Chargers</a> are struggling again.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Off to their fourth straight 2-3 start, the Chargers will try to avoid losing on consecutive weeks for the first time since 2008 when they battle the <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #c61c17; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> Sunday at Edward Jones Dome.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Notorious for slow starts under head coach Norv Turner, the Chargers have dropped all three of their road games so far this year while picking up home wins over Jacksonville (Week 2) and Arizona (Week 4). This past Sunday saw San Diego fall 35-27 to the <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #c61c17; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Raiders</a>, who blocked a pair of Charger punts and snapped a 13-game series losing streak.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">"We came in here and dug ourselves a hole," said Turner. "I thought we did a good job throughout the second quarter of getting out of it. It was a back- and-forth game. [The Raiders] made a number of plays. They were able to drive the ball and control the clock in the second half."</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">San Diego will now try to avoid losing on two straight weekends for the first time since a three-game slide from Nov. 16-30, 2008. The Chargers sandwiched a pair of losses around a bye week a season ago.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">History is on San Diego's side, as the club has won its sixth game in each of the previous three seasons.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">The Rams will hope to alter that trend on Sunday, one week after getting hammered, 44-6, at Detroit. St. Louis allowed three passing touchdowns, gave up a score on a kick return and also saw Detroit return an interception for a touchdown.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">"All three phases had a hand in the disappointment in getting beat, and usually when that happens in all three phases, the score gets lopsided and it was," said Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">The Rams had won two straight prior to the setback, but have now lost 11 of their last 13 games overall.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">St. Louis also lost dependable receiver <span>Mark Clayton</span> in the game due to a knee injury that will end his season. Clayton now joins fellow wideout <span>Donnie Avery</span> (knee) on injured reserve.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">While Clayton's injury shakes up the Rams' passing game, the Chargers have also made some roster moves prior to this contest. While former Pro Bowl offensive tackle <span>Marcus McNeill</span> could make his season debut this weekend, linebacker <span>Shawne Merriman</span> was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Merriman, who missed a pair of games this year, was placed on IR with a minor- injury designation. That means that when the team and Merriman agree he is recovered from a bothersome calf issue, he will be released and will be able to sign with any team as a free agent.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">After tallying 39 1/2 sacks in his first three seasons, the former Pro Bowl selection has had just four since.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">The Chargers replaced Merriman on the roster by signing linebacker <span>Antwan Barnes</span> on Wednesday.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">McNeill, meanwhile, didn't sine his one-year tender with the Chargers until Sept. 25 and was on the roster-exempt list for the last three games. He could start in this contest after signing a five-year contract extension on Wednesday.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">SERIES HISTORY</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">The Rams hold a 5-4 edge in their all-time series with the Chargers, but were 38-24 road losers when the teams last met, during the 2006 season. St. Louis won the previous two meetings, including a 28-24 triumph when the teams last met in the Gateway City, in 2002. The Chargers are 0-2 against the Rams in St. Louis all-time, with their last road win in the series coming at the then-Los Angeles Rams in 1991. San Diego is 0-3 in St. Louis all-time, including a loss to the <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #c61c17; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> there in 1983.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Turner is 4-1 in his career against the Rams, with each of those contests coming during his tenure with the<a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #c61c17; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Redskins</a> (1994-2000). Turner's final win as head coach of the Redskins came against the Rams on Nov. 20, 2000. Turner was an assistant with the L.A. Rams from 1985 through 1990. Spagnuolo will be meeting both Turner and the Chargers for the first time as a head coach.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">WHEN THE CHARGERS HAVE THE BALL</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Offense is not what is holding the Chargers back. They currently rank second in scoring (28.0 points per game) while also posting the NFL's best total offense (461.8 yards per game) and passing attack (337.8 ypg). Quarterback Philip Rivers surpassed the 400-yard passing mark for the second time this season -- both losses -- with 431 yards versus the Raiders. Rivers (1759 passing yards, 11 TD, 4 INT) completed 27-of-42 attempts and completed a pair of touchdown throws without an interception for a second straight week as the Chargers racked up 506 yards of offense versus the Raiders. Wide receiver <span>Malcom Floyd</span> (22 receptions, 3 TD) had a career day with eight catches for a personal-best 213 yards. He also hauled in a scoring pass, as did tight end <span>Antonio Gates</span> (29 receptions, 7 TD). Gates has caught a touchdown in nine straight games, the longest such streak in NFL history by a tight end and even with Lance Alworth (1963) for the longest run in team history. Gates ended with five receptions for 92 yards, but wideout <span>Legedu Naanee</span> (11 receptions, 1 TD) was held without a catch. Running back <span>Mike Tolbert</span> (292 rushing yards, 4 TD) carried the ball a team-high 12 times for just 11 yards, while rookie <span>Ryan Mathews</span> (218 rushing yards, 1 TD) had 59 yards on nine attempts. San Diego is 12th overall with 124.0 yards per game on the ground.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Despite getting tagged last week by the <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #c61c17; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lions</a>, the Rams still rank 11th in scoring defense at 19.2 points per game allowed. The defense was on the field for three touchdowns and three field goals a week ago, while the special teams unit allowed a 105-yard kickoff return for a score early in the second quarter. In all, St. Louis gave up 322 total yards of offense and 233 yards through the air. That isn't surprising, given that the club ranks 20th (342.0 ypg) in total defense and 22nd against the pass (231.2 ypg). Corners Ron Bartell (13 tackles) and<span>Bradley Fletcher</span> (23 tackles, 2 INT) figure to have their work cut out for them, while the rest of the Rams' defense, including middle linebacker <span>James Laurinaitis</span> (33 tackles, 1 sack) and free safety <span>Oshiomogho Atogwe</span> (25 tackles), will need to account for Gates. Pressure by the front four would help, though end <span>James Hall</span> (16 tackles, 4 sacks) was held without a sack for only the first time in four games last weekend. Hall also has three forced fumbles over his last four games, while end <span>George Selvie</span> (9 tackles, 2 sacks) had the club's lone sack last weekend. Laurinaitis led the club with seven tackles, while Atogwe and Fletcher had six each.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">WHEN THE RAMS HAVE THE BALL</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Rookie quarterback <span>Sam Bradford</span> (1159 passing yards, 6 TD, 8 INT) had a rough go of it versus Detroit, throwing for 215 yards on 23-of-45 passing while getting picked off twice. The top pick of the 2010 draft also failed to connect on a touchdown pass for the first time in his five NFL starts. St. Louis ranks 27th in scoring (16.6 ppg) and 20th in total offense (318.0 ypg) and things don't figure to be an easier without Clayton, who led the club with 306 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 23 grabs. Without Clayton, <span>Laurent Robinson</span> (5 receptions, 1 TD), who missed the last two games due to injury before making one catch for 11 yards against Detroit, could see a bigger role, as could <span>Brandon Gibson</span> (8 receptions, 1 TD) and Mardy Gilyard. Danny Amendola (33 receptions, 0 TD) stepped up after Clayton's injury with a career-high 12 catches for 95 yards. Showing little sign of a groin injury that hampered him two weeks ago, running back Steven Jackson (398 rushing yards, 1 TD) ran for 114 yards on 25 attempts and became the second player in team history -- along with Eric Dickerson -- to run for over 7,000 yards in their Rams career. Tight end <span>Daniel Fells</span> (14 receptions, 1 TD) had three or more catches for a third straight game.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Though the Chargers are one of the top defenses in the league, they rank just 20th in scoring at 21.2 points per game allowed. San Diego held Oakland to just 279 yards of offense, but blocked kicks and turnovers helped the Raiders put up points. Still, the Chargers are the second-ranked defense in the NFL (246.2 ypg) and are holding teams to just 159.8 yards per game through the air. <span>Antwan Applewhite</span> (11 tackles, 1 sack) has started the last two games in place of outside linebacker Merriman, but made just one tackle last weekend. Strong safety<span>Paul Oliver</span> (17 tackles) led the way with eight tackles against Oakland and linebacker <span>Kevin Burnett</span> (29 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 INT) added five. San Diego was able to record three sacks versus the Raiders, getting two from Burnett and one by linebacker <span>Stephen Cooper</span> (12 tackles, 1 sack). Burnett has posted a pair of sacks in two straight games and has never faced the Rams before. San Diego will look to force Bradford into making some mistakes after failing to come away with an interception last weekend. The Chargers picked off a pair of passes in their Week 4 game versus Arizona and have seven as a team this year. Cornerback Antoine Cason (21 tackles) leads the way with two.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">FANTASY FOCUS</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">San Diego's offense features a plethora of fantasy starters, including Rivers, Floyd and Gates. Things are a little less certain in the running game, as the Chargers are working Mathews back from a previously sprained ankle. Though points are never a problem with San Diego's offense, split duty between Mathews and Tolbert lowers both of their values significantly. Mathews can make plays, he just needs the opportunity. The Chargers defense is an excellent play this weekend given its matchup with a rookie quarterback.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">While Bradford is showing signs he can be a solid NFL starter, he hasn't reached the must-start fantasy level. The loss of Clayton doesn't help his case, nor does his inability to rack up yards or make big plays. Amendola is the St. Louis receiver to start, though it is uncertain who will take over Clayton's catches. Jackson's groin is no longer a concern, but the Chargers' run defense is. He could be in for a long day this Sunday and it might not see much production. Avoid St. Louis' defense.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">OVERALL ANALYSIS</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">This is around the time the Chargers start to get going, and a matchup against the still-rebuilding Rams comes at a great time. St. Louis was dealt a reality check last weekend and should come into this game more focused, but that might not matter given the opponent. San Diego is the better team on both sides of the ball and even though it has struggled on the road this year, the club should have more than enough firepower to down St. Louis. The Chargers will use the Edward Jones Dome as a gateway to their usual midseason hot streak.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Chargers 31, Rams 13</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/2010/10/16/2322670/st-louis-rams-hope-to-get-back-to-500-against-the-san-diego-chargersDan Moore