St. Louis Rams Vs. Washington Redskins 9/16/12 Elijah's Free NFL Pick Against ... - Sports Chat Place

St. Louis Rams Vs. Washington Redskins 9/16/12 Elijah’s Free NFL Pick Against the Spread Free Football Picks

The Washington Redskins travel St. Louis for their second straight road game to open the 2012 season. Heading into this match-up the Redskins are coming off a 40-32 upset of the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome. For the St. Louis Rams, this will be their home opener in the Edward Jones Dome and they will be looking to bounce back from a 27-23 loss in Detroit against the Lions.

The Redskins looked as complete on offense as a team could look with a rookie quarterback starting. RG3's 320 yards passing (19/26 comp.) against the New Orleans defense in week one was a rookie single game record in a victory. The team total of 40 points scored is an NFL expansion era record for a team starting a rookie QB on opening day. Combined with another rags to riches running back that Head Coach Mike Shanahan has found in Alfred Morris who ran for 96 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. The offense of the Redskins has multiple weapons surrounding Griffin III including Pierre Garcon who also showed his worth in the opener grabbing an 88-yd TD reception in the first quarter. One thing that stood out also with RG3 was his ability to throw guys open and spread the ball around extremely well. Griffin III had 7 different receivers or backs catch at least one pass for over 20 yards. On the other side of the ball the Redskins defense played just as good if not better considering the match-up in week one. The Washington defense held Drew Brees to a completion percentage under 50, forced two interceptions, one fumble, and gave up only 2 out of 11 third down conversions. The front seven of the Redskins defense pretty much dominated all day only allowing 32 total yards rushing against a talented Saints backfield that included both Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas(and Darren Sproles at times).

St. Louis is coming off of a disappointing loss on the road against the Detroit Lions. A game that the Rams were winning late in the fourth quarter slipped away as Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense drove down the field to score a game-winning touchdown with under 20 seconds left. Overall on offense the Rams still have the same problem they have had for a few years now, not enough weapons around Sam Bradford. Running back Stephen Jackson finished with only 53 yards rushing on 21 carries in week one. Two starters on the offensive-line for the Rams were injured, LT Rodger Saffold may have a serious neck injury and Pro-Bowl free-agent C Scott Wells left the game after a foot problem. On offense, in some regards, couldn't have started any worse for the St. Louis Rams. Defensively though, under new head coach Jeff Fisher, the Rams have a few positives to build on after grabbing three interceptions and having newcomer CB Cortland Finnegan return one for a touchdown. Second year DE Robert Quinn could have a big year if he can stay healthy playing opposite Chris Long. Quinn recorded a sack in their game one loss. The Rams will have some ups and downs the entire 2012 season but should show some vast improvements under new head coach Fisher and his plans for the team.

For St. Louis to have a chance in not only this game, but throughout the season, someone will have to step up on offense for Sam Bradford. Whether its a WR like Danny Amendola or Brandon Gibson, or a TE like Lance Kendricks. Either way, the Rams offense will need a spark somewhere to put up points against a solid Redskins defense. I also have a strong feeling that head coach Mike Shanahan and the Redskins have somewhat tailor made their offense around RG3 when it comes to all of those option reads and things he is doing that we have all seen him do at Baylor. Week 2 will be another opportunity for Griffin III to use his track speed and pistol arm in that nice comfortable Dome in St. Louis. The hype will continue for Washington and Griffin. Along with the fact that I just don't see Sam Bradford or even an aging Stephen Jackson lighting up that Redskins defense in anyway.