ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Rams quarterback Marc Bulger misses injured receiver Laurent Robinson, particularly as a go-to option on third down.

The charts, produced by Hank Gargiulo of ESPN Stats & Information, break down Bulger's passer ratings by receiver and situation. The first chart isolates first and second downs, where Keenan Burton is evolving into a more reliable target. Burton played well against the Lions in particular.

Marc Bulger's passer rating differential by receiver on first and second downs Receiver Times targeted Passer Rating Rating to other receivers Differential Billy Bajema 1 118.8 74.7 +44.1 Keenan Burton 17 100.9 71.4 +29.4 Danny Amendola 9 95.4 73.3 +22.1 Laurent Robinson 13 91.2 73.8 +17.4 Donnie Avery 21 85.6 73.6 +12.0 Mike Karney 3 75.7 75.8 -0.1 Randy McMichael 18 75.5 75.8 -0.3 Steven Jackson 16 74.2 76.0 -1.8 Kenneth Darby 2 58.3 76.1 -17.7 Daniel Fells 6 57.6 76.7 -19.1 Tim Carter 2 56.3 76.1 -19.8 Brandon Gibson 1 39.6 76.4 -36.8

The second chart isolates third down. Bulger's rating when throwing to Robinson was 110.7 in those situations, compared to 55.3 for other receiving options.

Marc Bulger's passer rating differential by receiver on third down Receiver Times targeted Passer Rating Rating to other receivers Differential Billy Bajema 1 118.8 62.4 +56.4 Laurent Robinson 7 110.7 55.3 +55.4 Mike Karney 1 87.5 63.3 +24.2 Danny Amendola 5 80.4 62.4 +18.1 Randy McMichael 6 78.5 62.2 +16.3 Keenan Burton 7 67.6 63.6 +3.9 Donnie Avery 7 67.0 63.7 +3.3 Daniel Fells 3 42.4 65.7 -23.4 Kenneth Darby 1 39.6 65.4 -25.9 Tim Carter 3 39.6 68.1 -28.5 Steven Jackson 9 26.5 73.9 -47.5

Bulger played well against Detriot, in my view. It was only Detroit, of course, but these are only the Rams. Bulger was the least of their problems in that game.

Programming note: I'm about to board a plane for Chicago. Will check back here late tonight.