What we learned in the Rams' 42-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons - Los Angeles Times
Advertisement

What we learned in the Rams’ 42-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons

Share via

Jared Goff is a work in progress

In his fourth start, the rookie quarterback struggled more than he flourished.

Goff had two passes intercepted, one that was returned for a touchdown. He also had a ball stripped and returned for a touchdown.

Goff completed 24 of 41 passes for 235 yards, with two interceptions. He was sacked three times.

Advertisement

Goff was victimized again by multiple drops by receivers. But he also missed several throws, most notably a pass to an open Tavon Austin on a wheel route out of the backfield.

Goff has passed for four touchdowns with five interceptions. He also has lost two fumbles.

Todd Gurley cannot stand lack of effort

Gurley was more animated than at any time this season — and not because things were going well for the offense.

Advertisement

The second-year running back was noticeably frustrated on the sideline during the game and in the locker room afterward, saying the Rams looked like a “middle school offense” against the Falcons.

Gurley rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown in 16 carries.

Gurley, who has rushed for 740 yards and five touchdowns, said some players were going through the motions, but could not put a finger on the solution to the Rams’ larger problems.

Receivers are still dropping passes

Advertisement

Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin and Brian Quick all had catchable passes bounce off their hands or body. A few balls ricocheted off their chests into the air or onto the turf.

That might be explained away by the elements and the cold at New England but not at the Coliseum — there was no excuse for Sunday’s display.

Penalties remain an issue

The Rams were flagged 11 times for 105 yards.

Holding penalties, illegal receivers down field, horse-collar tackles and unnecessary roughness. The list goes on.

During the second quarter, a penalty stifled four of five possessions.

Rams fans are not shy about making their feelings known

We got a taste of this midway through the season when the offense struggled with Case Keenum at quarterback.

Advertisement

Fans at the Coliseum booed the scheme and its execution and chanted ‘We want Goff!”

On Sunday, with Goff at quarterback, fans booed the play-calling and execution.

The stadium was emptying during the second half.

How many can the Rams expect to show up for a Christmas Eve game against the San Francisco 49ers or a New Year’s Day finale against the Arizona Cardinals?

Advertisement