Rams defense leads the way to halftime lead

When this game began, it was very apparent that we were watching two 4-8 teams battle it out in a meaningless December game. However, there were moments of excitement sprinkled in, ultimately leading to a 7-0 lead for the St. Louis Rams. St. Louis opened the game with four consecutive punts prior to Trumaine Johnson’s interception that lead to the only touchdown of the half. The Detroit Lions were driving at the end of the half until a questionable chop-block penalty on Theo Riddick killed their drive.

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It’s been all defense so far this half for St. Louis. In addition to the pick-six, the Rams have racked up two sacks and allowed only 133 total yards of offense to the Lions. With starting cornerback Janori Jenkins (concussion) out, St. Louis was going to rely heavily on Johnson to vill the void and he did just that. Johnson jumped a route over the middle and took his fifth interception of the year back almost 60-yards for the only score of the half. It highlights what the Rams have done all year and that’s rely on their defense.

Offensively, however, has been a different story. Case Keenum cleared the league’s concussion protocol this week and is your starter this afternoon. He has racked up 43 passing yards on eight completions and threw an interception at the end of the half killing another drive at midfield. He’s held onto the ball too long and took a big sack in the first quarter that pushed the team out of field goal range. Keenum and this offense has looked about as inept as they have all year long. New offensive coordinator Rob Boras is trying to playing a new song with all the same old instruments and it’s just not working.

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) attempts a pass against the Detroit Lions during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Luck for St. Louis, the Detroit offense has been just as bad. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Lions were rolling. In fact, there was talk they could take a shot at the postseason, but a last second loss to the Green Bay Packers crushed all of that in one play.

Now Matt Stafford is back to his old ways and the St. Louis defense is making him pay. Stafford finished the half 12 of 17 for 86-yards and an interception. It’s not unusual to see opposing quarterbacks with high completion percentages against the Rams as it’s been a trend all year long.

These two teams combined for 235-yards of offense through the first half. It’s really been a disappointing display for both teams now simply playing for respect and job security.

St. Louis needs to get things going for running back Todd Gurley in the second half if they hope to jump start this offense. Gurley has 13-yards on seven carries and has been a non-factor all afternoon. Running back Tre Mason and wide receiver Tavon Austin have been more productive moving the ball than Gurley has been.

Detroit will need to get back to wha they do best, throwing the ball. Their rush offense produced just 46-yards in the first half against the stout Rams defensive front. Stafford needs to find Calvin Johnson if they hope to score some points. Johnson was held without a catch in the first half as running back Theo Riddik and wider recover TJ Jones did all the heaving lifting with eight targets combined.