Patriots 23, Rams 16

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Short-handed but sure-handed, the New England Patriots got by the St. Louis Rams on a fingertip touchdown catch by Kevin Faulk.

The Patriots’ best pass-catching running back hung on to Matt Cassel’s 15-yard pass on the left edge of the end zone with 3:19 remaining as the Patriots rallied for a 23-16 win.

Another timely grab -- a juggling interception by Deltha O’Neal with 1:08 left -- ended the Rams’ last threat.

Faulk had shouldered a bigger running load than usual with Laurence Maroney sidelined for the season. But Faulk did what he does best -- catching the ball -- just in time as the Patriots (5-2) gained their second consecutive win.

The Rams (2-5) couldn’t overcome the absence of Steven Jackson, their leading rusher and receiver who missed the game with a strained right thigh muscle.

Quoteworthy: “Four weeks ago, we would have looked at this game as a win” because it was close, “but we’re disappointed.” -- Marc Bulger, Rams quarterback