LT Must Have Snapped More Than Theismann's Leg

I've never been a fan of "Joe Theismann - NFL Analyst". Surely Theismann is a nice enough guy, but he always seems woefully unprepared. PFT (a misguided, though sometimes pretty hilarious outlet) refers to Theismann as "Joey Sunshine". Why? Because Theismann tends to call the game like he's seeing it for the first time. Once a player does one thing right, that player is headed for Canton.

Listening to Theismann the last few years on ESPN's Sunday night broadcasts was painful, and it was disappointing when ESPN decided to stick with him when they purchased the rights to Monday Night Football.

Don't believe me? Let's take a look at what Theismann says about this week's premier match-ups over at ESPN.com:

How much are the Patriots in the heads of the Colts? What type of reaction will kicker Adam Vinateri receive from the crowd? Will the Patriots utilize a lot of 3-4 like they have in the past against the Colts or will they switch it up a bit?

The Patriots are in the heads of the Colts? Were they in there when the Colts went into Foxborough last season? On a Sunday night (which Theismann called), the Colts beat the Patriots 40-21. Also, most teams do not run a 3-4 alignment, which is partly responsible for why it's so effective. Teams that don't see it frequently struggle to adjust to it. If the Patriots go away from it, Peyton Manning won't have nearly as hard a time reading the defense.

This is the first must-win game of the new Joe Gibbs era in Washington.

Really? What about the two playoff games the Redskins played in last year? Were those not "must-win" games?

This should be a humdinger of a game with a lot of scoring. I anticipate a 38-35 final score, with two teams that can run and pass very well and that have strong offensive identities. The only thing that could stop this from being a shootout is Rams defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. He has done a fine job this season of instilling a toughness and a belief that every player on his defense can make a big play.

Here are some numbers on this "tough" Rams defense under Jim Haslett:

23rd-ranked scoring defense.
27th-ranked in total defense.
27th-ranked run defense.
21st-ranked pass defense.
30th-ranked defense on 3rd downs. Opponents are converting nearly 48% of their 3rd downs against St. Louis.
The defense only has 14 QB sacks, or 2.0 per game.

Yes, Haslett has improved the defense. But after a year where the Rams ranked 30th in total defense, and rarely created turnovers, do not be confused. This is still a below-average unit.

Unless you're Joe Theismann.
The Rams have just 14 QB sacks this year.