| Rams rookie CB Janoris Jenkins celebrated one of his two pick-6s on Sunday in St. Louis' win over Arizona. (US Presswire) |
The Rams found an answer to their takeaway problem: Arizona rookie quarterback Ryan Lindley.
St. Louis, which had no takeaways in the previous five games, picked him off four times in a 31-17 win. The Rams’ first road win snapped their five-game winless skid and moved them to 3-0-1 within the division. St. Louis (4-6-1) swept Arizona (4-7) and jumped into third place in the NFC West behind the 49ers and Seahawks.
Rookie corner Janoris Jenkins snagged two of the interceptions, returning them for 36- and 39-yard touchdowns. He became the first Ram ever with two interception returns for scores in one game.
Offense: B
Steven Jackson ran for a season-high 139 yards on 24 carries, going over 100 yards for the second time in three weeks. With C Scott Wells returning from a fractured foot, the offensive line was intact for the first time since the opener. Sam Bradford was intercepted in the end zone by Patrick Peterson, but he bounced back with a pair of 37-yard scoring throws. The second, to Chris Givens, was a perfectly thrown ball that the rookie laid out for. St. Louis averaged a healthy 6.8 yards per play. Previous game's grade: D
Defense: A-
Jenkins was the headliner, but MLB James Laurinaitis had a remarkable game too: 14 tackles, seven solo and an interception. The Rams held Arizona to 4 of 15 on third and fourth down and allowed just 3.2 yards per carry. DL William Hayes and LB Rocky McIntosh each had a second-half sack as St. Louis ratcheted up the pressure. Previous game's grade: D
Special teams: C+
The Rams allowed Peterson to average 14.8 yards on four punt returns, while Austin Pettis averaged 4.5 yards on his four punt returns. Rookie Greg Zuerlein made one of two field goals. Givens had a 31-yard kickoff return. Previous game's grade: C
Coaching: A
Facing a quarterback making his first start, the Rams had to have this one. They won it by playing more aggressively in the secondary, and by sticking with the running game. Jackson and rookie Daryl Richardson combined for 171 yards on 31 carries. The rushing success opened up play action for Bradford, who found tight end Lance Kendricks wide open for a second-quarter TD. Previous game's grade: F
Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein on Twitter @CBSRams.