Trading for Brandon Lloyd has shown immediate dividends, but he is doing more for the Rams than just catch passes. After two years in Denver, he shows up in St Louis as the man who knows Josh McDaniels' playbook better than anyone. That knowledge and a dose of veteran savvy both showed on coach Spagnuolo's biggest gamble of the game: a must-have 4th and 2 from the New Orleans 40 yard line.
Some plays are won from their design, some are won on blocking, others on a perfect throw, but this one is won in the first two steps after the snap. Lloyd's first two steps, to be precise.
Here's how the play lined up: Feeley sets up in the shotgun, but Jackson is right next to him as an obvious running threat, especially with Hoomanawanui lined up immediately in front of him. Saffold's pad level is low, which could mean run play as well. New Orleans responds by cheating two linebackers and a DB in the box to Jackson's side of the ball.
With a single-high safety, th...
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