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 Getty Images. Rams Edge Chargers
Saturday, August 16, 2008 Text Size Text Size NFL.com - Gamecenter - Box Score - Play by Play - Drive Chart Rams
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7 By Nick Wagoner Senior Writer The Rams had hoped a return to the Edward Jones Dome would give them the spark they have been searching for in each of the past three exhibition seasons. A stout defensive performance from all groups, starters and backups alike and one impressive touchdown drive was enough to get the Rams a 7-6 win in the preseason home opener against San Diego. The win evens the Rams record at 1-1 for this exhibition season while the Chargers, playing without 14 starters, fall to the same mark. Although there was
nothing fancy about the win, Rams coach Scott Linehan didn’t care much for style
points in the aftermath of the win only a week after dropping a 34-13 loss to
“Our goal was to come back after last week and improve and get a win,” Linehan said. “To be honest with you, we accomplished our goal. I know you will have questions about a number of things but it doesn’t matter to me because we got our first win of the preseason and our first win at home.” While the first team offense extended its streak of preseason games without a touchdown to 10, it was the backups that provided the winning points. After getting a stop from the defense to open the third quarter, Bruce Gradkowski led an impressive drive that featured a 24-yard strike to Marques Hagans, a 12-yarder to tight end Joe Klopfenstein and a 13-yard scramble by Gradkowski. All of that setup a 3-yard touchdown run for Travis Minor that represented the game’s lone touchdown. Josh Brown’s extra point provided the winning tally. The score was especially sweet for Gradkowski, who got almost no opportunity to prove himself against the Titans because the defense couldn’t get the ball back for the offense. Mired in a battle
with Brock “It’s tough not getting that many series,” Gradkowski said. “So you feel like you have to get a lot with what you get. It felt good to get out there and get a feel for everything.” After struggling to stop the run defensively and failing to put together any rhythm offensively against the Titans last week, the Rams saw plenty of defensive progress Saturday. Things started well
enough as that top offensive group marched into But quarterback Marc Bulger missed an open Randy McMichael as the ball grazed his fingertips and fell into the waiting arms of rookie cornerback Antoine Cason. After Nate Kaeding booted a 27-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead, Bulger promptly threw another interception, this time to Cletis Gordon. The Rams wasted no time turning to the running game after the consecutive turnovers. Antonio Pittman had his finest performance as a Ram, picking up 50 yards on four carries on the ensuing possession. Brian Leonard chipped in his share as well, gaining 28 yards on the drive. Just when it appeared the Rams would get on the board with a touchdown, Bulger’s fourth-down pass to Leonard came up short following an incompletion and two Leonard carries that netted 1 yard. Pittman finished with 67 yards on nine carries and Leonard added 38 yards on eight carries. Leonard left with a shoulder injury and did not return not long after. Although they didn’t get a touchdown, the Rams seemed determined to get in the end zone. They went for it on fourth down twice in the second quarter alone. “It wasn’t so much breaking the preseason touchdown whatever,” Linehan said. “It was more of a determination check.” The Chargers connected on another field goal to take a 6-0 lead into the half. Put in difficult positions for most of the first half, the Rams defense came up with numerous stops to hold the Chargers to field goals and force punts. Leading the surge for the defense was a pass rush that was nowhere to be found against the Titans. Linehan and defensive line coach Brian Baker put the heat on that group to find a way to get to the quarterback. Leonard Little set the tone with a sack and a pressure early in the game. Quinton Culberson, Will Witherspoon and Clifton Ryan also chipped in sacks. “I thought the defense played outstanding,” Linehan said. “If you’re fragile and you get deflated and ‘Oh, our offense just put us here,’ then you could just let them score. They went out there and they were bouncing around, running to the ball…we’ve had a couple weeks in a row where our first unit was down in the red zone and had them come away with a non-score. That response didn’t
just come from the first team defense. The backups held the Chargers scoreless
in the second half and “I just really thought the defense responded this week,” Linehan said. “I am proud of the entire defense.”
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