Despite evidence, Vikings say Rams are not that bad

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Despite evidence, Vikings say Rams are not that bad

Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune

Rams star Steven Jackson is the NFL’s fourth-leading rusher, but he is playing for a team that is averaging six points per game.

St. Louis has scored only 24 points, but Pat Williams says it's still dangerous because of Steven Jackson.

By CHIP SCOGGINS, Star Tribune

Last update: October 9, 2009 - 12:01 AM
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The St. Louis Rams offense was once dubbed the "Greatest Show on Turf."

This season? Not so much.

The Rams enter Sunday's home game against the Vikings last in the NFL in scoring, 30th in total offense and 30th in passing. They have been shut out twice and have scored 24 points in four games.

Predictably, the Vikings insist they are not taking anything for granted. Even nose tackle Pat Williams, never afraid to speak openly and honestly about an opponent, had kind words for the Rams.

"It's not as bad as it looks," Williams said. "They might be 0-4, but they don't look like that on tape. We can't go down there thinking they're 0-4 and sorry. We have to go down there and play them hard."

The Vikings know all too well that the Rams have at least one dynamic offensive talent in running back Steven Jackson, who rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns and added 24 receiving yards and one touchdown catch in a 41-21 victory over the Vikings three years ago.

"I'm mindful of seeing Steven Jackson and all his tools back in 2006 where he came and ran up and down the field on us," coach Brad Childress said. "There are guys here that can vividly remember that. He's a big back. He's a beast."

The 6-2, 231-pound Jackson is trying to become the first running back in Rams history to reach 1,000 yards rushing in five consecutive seasons. He has eclipsed 100 yards rushing twice this season and is the NFL's fourth-leading rusher (367) despite all the team's problems on offense.

He's also dangerous as a receiver. Since the start of 2006, Jackson leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage average per game (124.1) and is second in touches (1,099).

"He's about 90 percent of their offense," Williams said. "He's running the ball, catching the ball, Steven Jackson is everywhere. He basically does everything for them."

The Vikings had to commit an extra defender to stop the run against Detroit in Week 2, but Williams said he is confident the front seven can get the job done on its own.

"We still keep seven in the box," he said. "We're not trying to be like anybody else. Our seven is better than anybody's eight. We'll keep our seven and stop the run like we always do."

Rams quarterback Marc Bulger missed last week's game against San Francisco because of a right shoulder injury and might not be ready to play Sunday either. Kyle Boller would start in his place.

The line has been hit by injuries and ineffective play, and they don't have a receiver ranked in the top 50 in the NFL in receptions. The Rams also have committed eight turnovers, including two that were returned for touchdowns by the 49ers last week.

"I'm sure their coaches are talking to them about playing some error-free football and, of course, on the other end we're talking about getting turnovers and helping our team," Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. "But you have to always remind yourself that you're in the National Football League. We've all seen it where teams have not played very well but that one particular Sunday they play their best ball. And you just have to make sure that you're up to the task. It happens. That's the NFL."