Rams offense reaches new low in loss to Arizona

The ineptitude of the St. Louis Rams offense has reached new levels. Their inability to score points, maintain drives and convert on third down has sunk this ship. Sunday’s 27-3 loss to the Arizona Cardinals dropped the Rams to 4-8 on the season and solidified their spot as the worst offense in the league.

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It all starts with the quarterback and Nick Foles had one of the worst games of the season against Arizona. Foles finished 15 of 35 for 146-yards and an interception. Foles was constantly overthrowing or under throwing receivers and never created any type of tempo or rhythm with his receivers. Back up quarterback Case Keenum was dressed and on the sideline after passing the NFL’s concussion protocol, but never made an appearance in the game. Rookie Sean Mannion was inactive.

Foles never looked confident in his throws or reads. His offensive line, for the first time in a long time, provided decent protection and gave Foles time to make his reads. Foles simply could not make those plays. His receivers weren’t quick to provide much help, but it was a difficult proposition given the poor quality of throws headed their way.

With the St. Louis running game neutralized due to the high score, running back Todd Gurley never got going. Gurley finished with 41 rushing yards, 34 of which came on one run in the third quarter. As a team the Rams rushed the ball just 15 times, as opposed to the 26 rushes in the first meeting got these two teams. Gurley rushed for 146-yards in that contest.

Dec 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) reacts after being injured during a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams defense kept things close in the first half only allowing 10 points, three coming on a late field goal, but the food gates opened up in the second half. Plagued by injuries entering the game, they lost some key contributors as if to add insult to injury. Defensive end Robert Quinn and cornerback Trumaine Johnson were inactive today, and defensive tackle Michael Brockers and cornerback Janoris Jenkins were both lost to injury during the game.

Jenkins was injured after colliding with safety Mark Barron in the second half attempting to make a play on an eventual touchdown by David Johnson. Jenkins also collided with safety TJ McDonald early in the first quarter. Both occasions saw Jenkins leave the game to be evaluated for a concussion. After the second collision, Jenkins did not return to the game.

With the win, Arizona moved to 10-2 on the season and took one step closer to a division title. Quarterback Carson Palmer finished 26 of 40 for 356-yards and two touchdowns. Palmer enjoyed his eight game recording at least 300 passing yards. With the game out of reach late, back up quarterback Drew Stanton took over the offense to close things out. The Carnivals out gained the Rams to the tune of 524 yards to 212.

The running game, as bad as it was St. Louis, was that much better for Arizona. As a team, the Cardinals posted 175 rushing yards. Rookie David Johnson was given the start in place of the injured Chris Johnson. The rookie ran for 99-yards on 22 carries, while Kerwynn Williams added a touchdown. The Arizona running game was constantly finding holes and gaining yards at 5-6 yards per clip. Their ability to run the ball was a huge part of their success on Sunday.

In other notes, St. Louis also solidified their title as the worst team on third down. The Rams converted just once on third down against Arizona going 1 for 12. St. Louis gained only nine first downs and committed seven penalties giving up 104-yards. The Cardinals also possessed the ball almost twice as long as the Rams.

Another abysmal outing has guaranteed St. Louis can finish no better than .500. Head coach Jeff Fisher will have failed to reach .500 in his four years with the Rams if they are unable to do so this year. It’s difficult to see how Fisher has a spot on the sidelines in St. Louis for much longer should the team continue to struggle.

St. Louis will attempt to stop their five-game losing streak next week when they host the Detroit Lions.