As of Thursday night the Rams hadn’t even talked about Saturday’s game against the Chiefs. So don’t expect much game-planning.
But starters will play more than they did in Indianapolis. Jobs are on the line up and down the roster. And the Rams, coming off a 38-3 pasting by the Colts, certainly don’t want to get blown out in the first home game of the Jeff Fisher era.
Here are the big questions we’ll get answered:
Can they finish a drive? The Rams didn’t reach the end zone in Indy because they converted 5 of 13 third downs, mainly due to poor pass protection. They also failed to connect on two deep pass plays that were open. Sam Bradford missed the first one, and rookie Chris Givens dropped the second one. On the flip side, the Colts converted 11 of 15 third downs and hit five pass plays of 20-plus yards.
Will Quick carry it over? Rookie wideout Brian Quick (6-4, 220) turned it on in practice this week. He leaped high for a touchdown pass from Kellen Clemens on Thursday and displayed great hands throughout the week.
“Wow, it looked like the lightbulb came on today for him,” Bradford said Thursday. “He had a great practice, made a lot of tough catches in practice.”
Now Quick, who’s been working some with the starters, must show it in a game. He had a 9-yard catch against the Colts.
Can Jason Smith rebound? Smith allowed two sacks in the first preseason game and has fallen behind Chiefs castoff Barry Richardson at right tackle. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 draft, Smith says he’s trying to master the techniques drilled by new O-line coach Paul Boudreau.
“There's been flashes where I've done what he's asked me to do, or shown me,” Smith said. “And there's flashes where I just look like somebody who's not even capable of playing football. So I'm honest with myself. And at the end of the day I want to prove my own self and prove my own work. So that's what I see. I can see it, he can see it, the whole team can see it.”
Time is running out for Smith to salvage his career.
Which undrafted rookie will make it? Things are looking good for Rodney McLeod, a 5-11, 183-pound free safety out of Virginia who can also play strong safety. Due to Darian Stewart’s injury, McLeod played more than 30 snaps in Indy, making five tackles and forcing a fumble.
“I think it was a good start to what I’m trying to do here,” McLeod said. “It was a great start, actually.”
McLeod could be one of two undrafted rookies from UVA to make the roster, along with DT Matt Conrath.
“I’ll just do anything that is asked of me,” McLeod said. “On special teams, try to be an impact guy and then contribute on defense when my number is called. I have been handling things well and learning from all the veteran guys.”
Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein @CBSSportsNFLSTL.
