Vikes end Rams playoff hopes

Preseason Pick: WIN 30-20, Tied 3rd in NFC West (4-10)
Actual Results: LOSS 36-22, 3rd in NFC West (6-7-1)

First off, let me say that the next few posts will be brief due to the busy holiday season. Now, to the game. Boy, what a disappointment. The Rams needed help getting into the playoffs going into this game, and with a loss the Rams have all but eliminated themselves from any playoff hopes. Furthermore, Vikings runningback Adrian Peterson continued to threaten one of the greatest Rams records in NFL history, Eric Dickerson's single season rushing yardage mark. This game was certainly disappointing on many fronts, but hope springs eternal for a feisty Rams team that never seems to give up. I like this team going forward, and I see them becoming just as good as the top teams in the NFC in a few years time.

Offensively, the Rams needed to play catchup most of the game. There were mistakes, but there were also many surprises. Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson are the building blocks of this team, and with Jackson potentially gone next year, there is the hope that Bradford can carry this team with his arm. He certainly proved he can be a passer, all things considered.

Defensively, the Rams are solid unit that will be very dangerous in the next year or two. They are strong up front, in the secondary, and in the middle. The only weaknesses include tackling and keeping opponents in front. It would also be nice to see more press coverage.

Special teams had a bad day, with Johnny Hekker and Greg Zuerlein both off in the comfy confines of the Dome. Despite the growing pains, this group had the potential to be very dangerous and a key part of the team. The only issue to work on will be consistency, both at home and on the road.

Overall, the Rams can hold their own with any team, so long as they keep the game close. Down 30-7 to the Vikings early, the Rams had little chance to make any sort of comeback (although they did make a concerted effort). The Rams could use more consistency, but they are playing like a team on the rise.

LOOKING AHEAD: The Rams go to Tampa next week. Although Tampa got shutout by the Saints, they are still looking to finish the year strong, just like the Rams. I always thought Tampa was a dangerous team, but they are playing a little erratically right now. The Rams could certainly steal this one, so long as they stick to the game plan of keeping things close (or blowing them out).