|
 Kellen Clemens averaged an eye-popping 27 yards per completion his
latest outing for the St. Louis Rams.
Though jobs aren't in jeopardy for the hobbled starters, both teams'
offenses are doing just fine.
McCown has thrown for five touchdowns with no interceptions in 101
passes overall for Chicago (6-4) entering his third straight start
Sunday. Jay Cutler is out at least one more week with a high left
ankle sprain, and there's a bit of fuel added to the situation given
Cutler's contract is due to expire.
Regarding McCown, coach Marc Trestman said: "I didn't have any
expectations. I didn't really know Josh before I got here. I think
the key, like most quarterbacks, he's extremely hard working."
Clemens is in the midst of his first open-ended run as a starter
since 2007 with the Jets. He goes in place of Sam Bradford, out for
the year with a left knee injury. Clemens made the most out of every
chance in a surprising 38-8 romp at Indianapolis his last time out,
going 9 for 16 for 247 yards and two touchdowns — the first multi-TD
game of his career.
"Hopefully the guys are getting more comfortable with me being in
there," Clemens said. "It was a good week against Indianapolis, but
you're not going to win the next game based on your performance from
that week."
According to STATS, the average per completion was the NFL's best
since Seattle's Trent Dilfer averaged 29 yards on Oct. 20, 2002 at
St. Louis.
Entering his fourth start this year and 16th in eight seasons,
Clemens is not worried about the likelihood rookie Tavon Austin will
get double-teamed coming off a breakout game against the Colts.
Austin had two TD receptions of 55-plus yards along with a 98-yard
punt return.
"We don't have 'Megatron,'" Clemens said, referring to the Lions'
Calvin Johnson, "but we have a lot of playmakers that can make big
plays at any time."
Five things to watch for in Bears against Rams (4-6):
BROTHER VS. BROTHER: After practice Wednesday, Rams defensive end
Chris Long pretended not to notice all the photos of his younger
brother, Bears guard Kyle Long, taped around his locker stall. He
plays wide-eyed and oblivious really well and pretended to be
unaware they'll be opponents for the first time, loudly complaining,
"That's not funny. I'm not even thinking about it at all." Because
Chris is three years older, they've never even been teammates. Plus,
their father, TV analyst Howie Long, a Pro Football Hall of Fame
member, will be in the house. "He's probably picked a side," Chris
Long said.
[to top of second column] |
STOPPING THE BACKUPS: The Bears have gotten over
a spate of injuries and gotten stingier on defense, allowing an
average of 20 points the last three games after giving up 29
points per game in the first seven. A rejuvenated Julius Peppers
had two sacks to double his season total against the Ravens, and
could keep the mobile Clemens on the move. The Rams have had a
pair of dominant defensive efforts the last three games, earning
five turnovers against the Colts and holding the Seahawks to 135
total yards, although in between those games they laid an egg at
home to the Titans.
MOMENTUM SWING: The Bears gained confidence outlasting the
elements and the Ravens in overtime last week, a game delayed
nearly two hours by heavy rain and wind that prompted hundreds
to flee for the safety of sports bars. The Rams are coming off
their bye, often a positive, and the 30-point margin of victory
against the NFC South-leading Colts was the largest in a decade
for the franchise. Chicago goes for five straight in the series
and the elements won't be a factor in the Edward Jones Dome.
IT KEEPS YOU RUNNING: Zac Stacy's production has made it easier
on Clemens. NFL rookies have seven 100-yard games, two by
Vanderbilt's career leading rusher, and the Rams want to keep
the fifth-rounder rolling a week after Baltimore's Ray Rice had
131 yards and a score against Chicago. The Bears' Matt Forte is
among the league leaders with 774 yards and needs 66 to pass
Neal Anderson (6,166) for second place on the franchise list
behind Walter Payton. The Colts managed 18 yards rushing against
St. Louis.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Rams punter Johnny Hekker leads the NFL with a
net average of 43.5 yards, surrendering just 73 return yards in
53 attempts. Directional skills will come in handy against
ever-dangerous Devin Hester, who returned his 13th career punt
for a score in Week 7 against Washington. Austin's even hotter,
off that daring 98-yarder against Indianapolis, although on the
year he's averaging just 8.9 yards. Bears kicker Robbie Gould is
second on the career field goal accuracy list at 86.3 percent
and is 19 for 20 this year.
___
Online:
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http://pro32.ap.org/
[Associated
Press; R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer]
Copyright 2013 The Associated
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