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QB Marc Bulger, St. Louis Rams

HT: 6-3, WT: 210, Born: 4-5-1977, College: West Virginia, Drafted: Round 6

2009 Projections

Average draft position

Current as of June 29th. [Full ADP list]

Overall: Marc Bulger (186), B Quinn (188)
Position: S Hill (177-QB24), B Favre (183-QB25), Marc Bulger (186 - QB26), B Quinn (188-QB27), S Rosenfels (197-QB28)
Click here for a comparison of these players.

Best Case

The only time in Bulger's career that he played in all 16 games, he finished as the No.3 fantasy QB in 2006. Of course, that was with Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce as his primary receivers, and things have changed since then in St. Louis. He's been a top-ten fantasy QB three times in his career, so he has it in him. The Rams will have a pair athletic young tackles to protect Bulger (Alex Barron, drafted No. 19 overall in 2005, and Jason Smith drafted No.2 overall in 2009), and last year's second-round pick, Donnie Avery, gives Bulger a big-play WR who could develop into one of the league's more dynamic receivers. Given the state of flux that the Rams' offense is in, however, Bulger's upside is probably limited to that of a high-end fantasy QB2.

Worst Case

Bulger presides over the NFL offense with perhaps the greatest number of question marks. The Rams will instill a new (west coast style) offense this season. Although the team has some intriguing young players along the offensive line and WR positions, that talent is mostly unproven. At one tackle spot they'll start a rookie, and at the other they'll start a player more known for his false start penalties than for his pass-blocking skills. Although WR Donnie Avery had a strong rookie season, there is no proven, supporting depth. The 2009 season for the Rams' passing game could be a disaster. Bulger's ability to stay healthy remains in question (he has played 16 games only once in his seven-year career). Even if he does stay healthy, he may not be effective given his surroundings.

Outlook

Based on Marc Bulger's previous accomplishments, he is worth considering as a low-end QB2 in 12-team fantasy leagues. But with so many unproven players he'll have to rely on, playing in a new system that may take a while to jell; he is no better than a late-round flyer.

Relevant Articles

Latest News

Rams | Barron likely to begin season as starting left tackle (Wed Jul 1, 06:00 PM) - Bill Coats, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports that OT Alex Barron will begin the season as the starter at left tackle, barring injury or training camp developments. This means #2 overall pick Jason Smith will be at right tackle.

Our View: Not the greatest news for Marc Bulger, as Jason Smith is actually a very advanced pass blocker for a rookie because he played almost exclusively in a two-point stance at Baylor. Coats says the Rams will do this because they want to take a long look at Barron as a left tackle in the last year of his contract to see if he's worth keeping. One can assume that if Barron fails to protect Bulger early, the team will move Smith to left tackle, but the fragile Bulger could be hurt bad enough to miss multiple games by the time that happens.
link to story   

Rams | Bulger admits 2009 could be last chance (Sat Jun 20, 08:06 AM) - Alex Marvez, of FOXSports.com, reports St. Louis Rams QB Marc Bulger admits that the 2009 season may be his last chance with the team if he fails to perform.

Our View: 'I understand we have to win,' Bulger said. 'It's not fair to our fans or the ownership. If we don't, I know it starts with me. It's probably my final chance.'
link to story   

2009 Schedule

2008 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Plain and simple, this was an ugly game for Marc Bulger. He was under constant pressure and faced many a blitz from Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. Bulger and the Rams went 0-11 on third down conversions. In the first half Bulger looked out of sorts and needed to burn two separate time outs. However, even when there wasn't pressure Bulger appeared confused and many of his throws were off of his back foot. To be fair, the score was certainly a factor as the Eagles raced out to a quick 14 point lead and the Rams game plan was likely out the window too.

Week 2 - Bulger had another rough game as he was only able to complete 20 of 32 passes for 177 yards and a score. He seemingly settled for his third or fourth options in his progressions, being forced to check down most of the day. His lone touchdown pass also seemed to come from no where as Bulger launched a 45 yard strike which was tipped multiple times before dropping into the hands of Torry Holt, lying on his back in the end zone.

Week 3 - The Rams offense is sluggish but it isn't all Bulger's fault. He isn't being called on to carry the team. He's more of a game manager, alternating between handing off to Steven Jackson and throwing mainly safe short passes. He threw a touchdown pass to Dane Looker, one interception, and earned a QB rating of 72.5.

In his last three games against Seattle Bulger totaled one TD pass and five interceptions.

Week 6 - At face value, completing nearly 60% of your throws for 136 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions on the road against an NFC East powerhouse could very well appear solid. If that was all there was to the story, you could even say that the QB succeeded in managing the game and minimizing his mistakes. Luckily for Marc Bulger, two errant throws he slung for sure interceptions were dropped and had the defenders managed to hold on, the Rams could have very well left FedEx Field 0-5. Although the offensive line managed to protect Bulger a lot better than they had in the first four games, Bulger still looked lifeless and without any drive at all. Indeed, the team may have very well begun to give up on the season until they were gift-wrapped a road win against a strong NFC East team. The whole thing could very well give the Rams (and more importantly Marc Bulger) just what they needed to turn their season (and attitudes) around.

Week 7 - Bulger and the Rams benefited from good special team returns and multiple Dallas turnovers that gave them short fields to work with. However, the beneficiary of this was Steven Jackson and not Bulger. Dallas had some pressure on Bulger throughout the day and the Rams relied on the running game to move the ball. In the first quarter Bulger was given a clean pocket and hit a streaking Donnie Avery for a pretty score. This was the only touchdown on the day for the Rams passing game. Of note, Bulger missed a wide open Donnie Avery who simply ran down field almost uncovered as rookie Mike Jenkins of the Cowboys dropped his coverage. Unfortunately for Rams, Bulger over threw Avery or this would have gone for a score.

Week 8 - Bulger had his best day of the season statistically, but it wasn't quite enough in the end. Three long passes to Avery counted for nearly half of his total yardage. While he was successful with this newfound connection, he was clearly too locked on to one or two receivers, which eventually worked against him as the Patriots started to figure him out. He also appeared hesitant on too many occasions and was sacked a couple of times for a lot of yards because of it. For the most part, Bulger had time in the pocket, but too often was unable to find an open man.

Week 9 - Bulger had a mediocre game throwing for two scores (80 yards and three yards) and finished the game 16 for 33 for 186 yards. Bulger, who was pressured often, completed passes to six different receivers, yet did throw two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. Bulger was the team's leading rusher with 32 yards all on scrambles out of the pocket. He fumbled once.

Week 10 - Bulger was under consistent pressure and was not afforded time from his offensive line. It is hard to scold Bulger with the combination of the Jets early lead, other Ram turnovers and the team not having anything resembling a running game. It was a painless death as the Jets efficiently dismantled the Rams. Bulger was relieved of his duties to start the third quarter with the Rams facing a 40-0 score.

Week 11 - Bulger spread the ball around and did a good job throwing it short, but he did not seem comfortable in the pocket and was not very effective throwing the long ball. After a disastrous string of turnovers (one fumble and two INTs) in the second quarter led to three 49ers TDs, the game was essentially over. Bulger had eyes especially for rookie WR Donnie Avery, who was open all day. He kept WR Torry Holt involved, and also threw often to RBs Antonio Pittman and Kenneth Darby, especially during garbage time.

Week 12 - Bulger was shaken up following a sack to end the Rams' first drive. The injury was described as a blow to the head, and Trent Green came into the game the second drive. Bulger did not return.

Week 13 - Bulger completed just 46 percent of his passes and averaged only 4.3 yards per passing attempt against the Dolphins defense. Combined with three interceptions, Bulger finished with a passer rating of just 22.2. While he was not sacked all afternoon, the Dolphins kept pressure on the Bulger and made him look uncomfortable in the pocket. The Rams looked better running the ball in this back and forth game, but the Rams appeared to be committed to the pass in the second half when they felt that Steven Jackson was not ready to carry the same load as he had in the first.

Week 14 - Bulger's stats were aided by the Rams' abandoning the run game in the second half and playing catch up. His touchdown pass went to Steven Jackson (three yards) to bring the Rams within seven points. While only sacked once, Bulger was hit often and threw two interceptions, one that was returned 99 yards for a touchdown. He completed passes to ten difference receivers.

Week 15 - Bulger had a decent game (which, given the Rams season so far, is a high compliment). He was able to hook up with Torry Holt a few times on deep routes, while still spreading the ball around. He also made a rare reception (from Dane Looker).

Week 16 - Bulger took a lot of punishment and was wildly inconsistent in his play. He had some success finding his wide receivers, but had trouble getting any really long drives going He also had a six yard reception (from Dane Looker).

Week 17 - Bulger earned a QB rating of 91.9 based on his 19 completions on 32 attempts. He hit rookie Donny Avery for a touchdown with 32 seconds left in the first half for a short lived St. Louis lead. With Steven Jackson healthy and causing havoc Bulger was able to pick his spots.

With less than two minutes in the game, down two starters on the offensive line, Torry Holt a step slower, rookie wide receivers on the other side, he was still able to drive his team to the Atlanta 29 with a chance to win. In the end St. Louis lost on the road by four points to a playoff bound team.