Rams Fall Hard to Patriots

Preseason Pick: LOSS 27-3, 3rd in NFC West (3-5)
Actual Results: LOSS 45-7, 4th in NFC West (3-5)

What began as a promising start for the game across the pond ended just as quickly as the Rams got embarrassed by the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. I must admit, after seeing the Pats last week eek out one against New York, I thought the Rams would put up more of a fight. A quick 50 yard touchdown to Chris Givens was a promising start, but in the end the offense couldn't move downfield and the defense couldn't stop Tom Brady. The Rams came to showcase the parity of American football and ended up coming home licking their wounds. Thankfully, the trip to London will no longer be a distraction for the foreseeable future. And with the Rams getting a much needed bye, it's time to recapture that early divisional magic just in time for the home stretch.

The offense struggled at times, to say the least. Sam Bradford was competent but never completely comfortable. It looked like he forced too many balls down the stretch, but in reality, his receivers simply could not get open. The running game wasn't much to boast about either, as the Patriots quickly sniffed out the likes of Steven Jackson and Daryl Richardson, although Isaiah Pead performed admirably late (against second stringers nonetheless). The receiving corps will get a much-needed boost from the likely return of Danny Amendola just after the bye ends. The O-line continued to shuffle around a bit, but hopefully the Rams will figure out some semblance of stability after the bye. Their best combo seems to be Hunter, Williams, Turner, Dahl, and Richardson, although the potential return of Rodger Saffold could move Hunter to the right. We'll have to wait and see what they decide.

The defense looked lost at times, but it was simply outperformed by the tenacious Patriot weapons on offense. There was little to no pressure on Tom Brady all day, and his receivers masterfully weaved into open seams in which Brady could deliver perfect balls. The defense never really got a groove and spent too much time on the field, becoming tired as the Pats continually harassed them over the top. Too many weapons can cause slip-ups, and loose coverage was prevalent as the game went on. The Rams have a quality defense that can play tough most of the time, but the Patriots figured out how to smash them in the mouth and then some.

Special teams play was average at best. Johnny Hekker had a busy day but performed well once again. Greg Zuerlein barely had a chance to show off his powerful leg. Kick returns and punt returns were good but not game-changing. Nothing to like or dislike in this department, really.

Overall, the Rams were demolished, destroyed, and whatever other word can be used to describe a 45-7 beatdown. The Patriots found their groove and the Rams didn't. It just goes to show how the Rams measure up to other sorry teams in the NFL. They really need to step up and figure something out on offense. Rolling pockets, play actions, whatever works. Simply put, this team could be in for a long second half of the season.

LOOKING AHEAD: The Rams have a bye week to analyze their season thus far before facing the San Francisco 49ers in 2 weeks. At 3-5, the Rams have certainly made progress this season. But a 3-13 record shows little to no improvement from going 2-14 the year before. The Rams had a signature win against the Cardinals earlier in the year, but the Cards just got crumbled by the 49ers tonight on MNF. The 49ers offense is slowly coming along, and their defense is always spectacular. If the Rams can't figure out a way to score points on this 49ers squad, a win will be out of the question. The Rams don't have the necessary tools to stall San Francisco on many drives, so they must convert first downs and whittle down as much time as possible. It's an ungodly task, and I expect the Rams will need a few more weeks to nurse their wounds and the laydown in London.