The St. Louis Rams enter their off week on a three-game skid, capped by Sunday’s humiliating 45-7 loss to the Patriots in London.
For the third straight week, the defense failed to force a turnover. And after scoring a touchdown on their opening possession, the Rams were blanked on their final nine series.
This 3-5 team needs to regroup and get back to the feistiness it showed the first five weeks.
Offense: D
QB Sam Bradford hit 23 of 30 passes, but for only 205 yards. When deep threat Chris Givens went out with a toe injury, the offense looked incapable of making a big play. Givens returned but the game soon got out of hand. RB Steven Jackson, the subject of trade speculation, gained just 23 yards on seven carries. Rookies Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead combined for 85 yards on 10 carries. Previous game's grade: C
Defense: F
St. Louis allowed QB Tom Brady to lead touchdown drives on New England’s first five possessions. Rams safeties were no match for tight end Rob Gronkowski, who caught eight balls for 146 yards and two scores. Rookie corner Janoris Jenkins got burned repeatedly for the second straight week, and corner Bradley Fletcher drew three pass-interference flags. The Rams did not sack Brady or put him under serious pressure. Previous game's grade: D
Special teams: C-
Special teams didn’t determine the outcome, but the Rams blew a chance to cut the deficit late in the second quarter. PK Greg Zuerlein never got a chance to try a 53-yard field goal because holder Johnny Hekker bobbled the snap. Hekker was tackled for a 9-yard loss. Hekker, however, averaged 48.8 yards on four punts. Previous game's grade: B-
Coaching: D
In getting blown out for the first time, the Rams seemed confused and unprepared on defense. Coach Jeff Fisher and his staff get a chance to stop this downward spiral when the Rams visit San Francisco on Nov. 11. Previous game's grade: D
Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein @CBSRams.
