All Things Considered, Rams Like Their Luck
The Ram offense still hasn’t arrived, the defense gets burned on big plays and the special teams haven’t been so special. But according to Ram Coach John Robinson, his team has one thing on its side--luck.
Robinson, speaking at a Monday press luncheon, wasn’t bashful about admitting that some of the credit for the Rams’ 16-13 victory over the San Francisco 49ers Sunday and their 2-0 record must go to luck.
“I think we were lucky to drive 92 yards in the last minutes of Sunday’s game,” said Robinson of the final drive that set up Mike Lansford’s game-winning 18-yard field goal with two seconds remaining. “I think we were lucky to hold the 49ers to one touchdown.
“But I had a San Francisco reporter ask me about the lucky blocked field goal. I don’t think of that as luck unless it’s bad luck for them. Certain teams block field goals and return punts more often than others. Luck depends a lot on where your loyalty lies.”
Does Robinson feel guilty about his good fortune? No. He said he had had his share of hardships since coming to Rams. “In 1983 we were just ill-equipped. In 1984 we had a quarterback who wasn’t ready. In 1985, admittedly we had turmoil with Eric (Dickerson) holding out.
“This is my fourth season, and we’ve had four starting quarterbacks. There may not be many coaches who have survived four quarterbacks in four seasons.”
Steve Bartkowski (13 for 24 for 114 yards) got a low rating from Robinson.
“He’s trying to do everything,” Robinson said. “He’s pressing a bit. But he continues to do those things that let us win. He impresses me more each time out.”
About his offense that produced a grand total of no touchdowns, just 205 yards in total offense and as of Monday, ranks 27th out of 28 in passing offense, Robinson found this silver lining.
“We didn’t turn the ball over.”
San Francisco’s only touchdown came on a 66-yard pass from Jeff Kemp to Jerry Rice.
“Our biggest problem on defense is that we’re giving up the big play,” he said. “You look at the Denver (exhibition) game, the game against St. Louis and Sunday’s game. If we don’t allow the big play, we could conceivably have not allowed a touchdown yet.”
The Rams rank first in rushing defense, 10th overall. Put it all together it spells unspectacular football to this point, but a 2-0 record.
“The hard part is finding a way to win when you’re not going right with your team,” Robinson said. “Usually it takes you down to the last two seconds of the game.”