A lot of this happened today... (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Final score: 0-27.  Rams get blanked in Pittsburgh.

First series started out with promise as the Rams converted on their first third and long (12) with a hand off to Steven Jackson.  The line went left and he wrapped around right for the first down.

But eventually the drive stalled and the Rams punted back to the Steelers.

Back up veteran/old man Charlie Batch makes a youthful Big Ben-esque move to escape Rams DE James Hall for a big loss.  HE gets the pass off to a waiting Mendenhall who made a huge gain.

Luckily (?) the Rams held the Steelers’ first drive to a field goal by Shaun Suisham.

It’s the usual Rams football.  Let’s take a look at the list, shall we?

- Not being able to tackle: check.

- False start on the o-line: check.

- Disasterous trick play or failed pass attempt by punter Donnie Jones forced to run to miss the first down by one yard play: check.

- Sack on Clemens by LB James Harrison, Ziggy Hood, Lawrence Timmons: check. check. check.

- Missed field goal attempt(s) by K Josh Brown: check. check.

- Give up another 30+ yard punt return on special teams to Antonio Brown: check.

The only bright spot in the game today was the play of RB Steven Jackson rushing for 103 yards on 23 carries.  At least he did what he could.  He joins Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas, Eric Dickerson, Curtis Martin and LaDainian Tomlinson in the only players to rush 1,000 yards in seven consecutive seasons.

You could see the frustration on Spags’ face as the game begame to unfold on the field.  There’s only so much “coaching” one can do from afar.  It’s up to the players to execute and make the plays.

Even Rams LB James Laurinaitis looked gassed and it wasn’t even the second quarter.  I expected the offense to sputter but the Rams defense wasn’t playing “their game.”  I think they were beat even before the first snap.

Stats

You can compare the numbers from the game and see the possession of time, first downs, no turnovers, etc. – for the most part are hanging right in there with the Steelers.  It’s just the Rams for some ungodly reason cannot finish the drives and score.

The two missed field goals don’t help but to only make it into the the red zone once in a game is maddening.  They were even able to hold the penalties to a minimum yet in the end they were blanked at Heinz Field.

Minnesota Vikings won their game against the Redskins putting the Rams in great position to win the Suck for Luck sweepstakes.  The only team standing in the Rams’ way is the Colts.

Woohoo!  It could be another draft with the first pick for the Rams.