Advertisement

Things you may have missed in the Rams’ 26-10 loss to the Patriots

Rams receiver Brian Quick mkaes a catch in front of Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan during the third quarter.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Share

Here are some things you might have missed during the Rams’ 26-10 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass.:

First quarter

The Patriots used three running backs on their first drive and all three ran for more yards on their first carry than Todd Gurley. Dion Lewis rushed for three yards, and LeGarrette Blount and and James White both ran for nine yards. Gurley’s first carry resulted in a one-yard loss, although center Tim Barnes blocked his man into the running back.

Advertisement

The Patriots needed one yard to convert a fourth down on their first drive, and Blount delivered. On the play, Trumaine Johnson took an inside route against a run off right tackle and got caught in the traffic of the Patriots’ offensive line. Blount bounced outside and ran the ball 43 yards for a touchdown.

The Rams nearly came up with the second interception of a Tom Brady pass this season. Nose tackle Michael Brockers batted the ball into the air at the line of scrimmage, but the Rams couldn’t come down with it, despite outnumbering the Patriots in the area.

Second quarter

Chris Hogan’s nickname with the Dolphins was “7-Eleven” because he’s always open, like the convenience store. But on Hogan’s touchdown catch the front doors were closed by corner E.J. Gaines, so Brady took another route: a 14-yard back-shoulder throw.

The Patriots’ first sack of Jared Goff came on a delayed blitz by cornerback Logan Ryan. After the snap, Gurley eyed the oncoming defensive line and stepped forward to help block, leaving Ryan unchecked and Goff on the ground.

Brady got away with intentional grounding on a third and eight, avoiding a sack by throwing the ball into the ground well behind the line with no receiver in the area. As a consolation prize, safety T.J. McDonald was able to get a solid hit on the quarterback without drawing a flag.

Advertisement

Third quarter

Left tackle Greg Robinson’s hold on linebacker Kyle Van Noy was his ninth flag for holding this season.

Goff’s wounded-duck interception was caused by defensive tackle Jabaal Sheard getting his hand on the quarterback’s arm as he threw.

Jeff Fisher won his only challenge of the game, but he nearly lost the battle with his puffy winter jacket as he struggled to find his red flag.

Fourth quarter

Advertisement

Patriots corner Cyrus Jones was one-and-done as a punt returner after muffing his first attempt in the first quarter. Danny Amendola took over until he was injured. Jones was then allowed to return punts again in the fourth quarter.

Kenny Britt failed to catch a pass until the Rams’ final possession. Britt had dropped two passes in the first half before hauling in a 66-yard pass in the final two minutes. He caught the next ball thrown his way for a one-yard touchdown.

matt.wilhalme@latimes.com

Twitter: @mattwilhalme

Advertisement