Saturday, August 16, 2014

Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

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Both the Green Bay Packers and the St. Louis Rams lost close games last week and will be looking to play a bit more solidly in their Week 2 preseason matchup on Saturday night.

The Green Bay Packers were able to hold the Tennessee Titans to just 267 total yards last week, but they still ended up losing the game 20-16. They weren't playing in the best conditions that day, so the Packers focused on their running game and finished with 148 rushing yards.

James Starks, who is expected to be the Packers' backup running back again this season, rushed for 49 yards on six carries, including a 20-yard touchdown run. Jarrett Bush, who is battling for the third cornerback job, had eight tackles and a sack in the game.

In one of the tighter games of the preseason so far, the St. Louis Rams were barely beaten by the New Orleans Saints last week by a score of 26-24. The Rams had 388 total yards in that loss, but their defense also gave up 375 yards. The one big positive that the Rams could take away from that game is that they didn't turn the ball over.

Third strong quarterback Ryan Griffin was impressive for the Rams, completing 16 of his 23 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown. Rookie defensive end Michael Sam had one tackle and a quarterback hit in the game.

Josh's Pick: Take Green Bay

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