Rams tape review: Loss to the Falcons was ugly in so many ways
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The Rams guaranteed themselves their 10th straight losing season with a loss to the Falcons, 42-14, on Sunday at the Coliseum.
Each week we take a look at what worked, what didn’t and some things you might have missed.
What: Falcons WR Justin Hardy scores on a three-yard catch
Down: First and goal
Time: 14:50 left in first quarter
Second-year receiver Justin Hardy (16) gives rookie reserve cornerback Mike Jordan (35), playing for injured veteran E.J. Gaines, a shake at the line and catches a dart to his back shoulder to begin the Falcons’ rout of the Rams.
What: Rams QB Jared Goff throws his first pick-six
Down: First and 15
Time: 8:54 left in second quarter
Deion Jones (45) is a rookie but here he makes a veteran move and reads Jared Goff’s eyes. Despite the short drop, Goff stares down receiver Kenny Britt (18), making it all to easy for Jones, though the linebacker does make an athletic grab before putting Atlanta up 21-0.
What: Falcons WR Taylor Gabriel scores on a 64-yard catch and run
Down: First and 10
Time: 13:18 in third quarter
The Falcons attack the Rams’ defense here with a big throw over the middle to Taylor Gabriel (18). The Rams bite on the play action and get caught looking inside as Gabriel sprints past every defender to the end zone for an easy score.
What: Rams RB Todd Gurley gets into the end zone in garbage time
Down: Third and goal
Time: 14:57 left in fourth quarter
The hero of this play has to be guard Rodger Saffold (76), who turns to his right and moves the line to create a hole for Todd Gurley (30) to run through. Also of note is what might be the first uncalled hold of the season on left tackle Greg Robinson (73).
What: Goff takes an unnecessary hit in garbage time for a touchdown
Down: Third and goal
Time: 2:44 left in the fourth quarter
The play call here is dubious. A zone read for the No. 1 overall pick with less than three minutes left in a blowout. Goff (16) sends the defense left with the fake handoff and goes right only to be high-lowed by linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (59) and cornerback Deji Olatoye (30).
Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme
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