How The West Is Won – NFL Week One
Sep 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis (9) attempts to pass the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Minnesota Vikings defeat St. Louis Rams 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
St Louis Rams
It is very difficult to feel anything but sorry for this team. Sam Bradford their franchise QB could have easily been replaced in 2 out of the last 3 drafts. St. Louis Rams’ front office chose not to and it looks like it is going to backfire on them. During the preseason Bradford tore his ACL for the second time, in his left knee. That left Shaun Hill to take over. As fate would have it, Shaun Hill would go down in the first half as well thus leaving their 3rd string man Austin Davis in the game. It is important to note that the Rams have signed Case Keenum from the Texans, who has yet to win an NFL game, but at this point it looks as though he will get some playing time as well.
To rub salt in their wounds, the Rams were informed that their star defensive end, Chris Long, would need ankle surgery. The injury will keep Long out for at least 2 months. This isn’t the best news to hear as the opposing Minnesota Vikings would come to town. The Vikings possessed perhaps the best ground threat in the game, “All Day” himself Adrian Peterson. The Rams were so worried about #28 that the damage came from a different source, receiver Cordarelle Patterson, who rushed for over 100 yards. Yes I did say rushed! The Rams have slumped to an uninspiring 0-1 start and the offense looks to be historically bad. Sorry Rams fans.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have been involved in a number of offseason distractions this far. Jim Harbaugh dallied with the Browns coaching role, Aldon Smith was arrested and subsequently banned for a DUI and a bomb hoax at LAX. Colin Kapernick involved in an alleged sexual assault which was unfounded, and now DL starter Ray McDonald involved in a domestic assault, just days after the league issued their new policy on conduct. McDonald may be in trouble now that TMZ has all the videos necessary to get people in trouble. The good news for the Niners was their Week One opponent, the Dallas Cowboys! The Dallas Cowboys had the worst defense in NFL history last season, and that defense maybe worse due to trade or injury. Dallas does have weapons on offense but Tony Romo looked rusty as he barely played in the preseason. He is coming off of back surgery so a slow start is expected. Romo was off, and the Niners jumped off to a big lead early. The lead was too much for Dallas to handle and the Niners would have a fairly easy win. Niners go 1-0 but we need to see them tested before we draw conclusions. When Smith and Bowman come back it might be too late.