St. Louis Rams Lose Two on Sunday, 44-6 to Lions and Mark Clayton to Injury

Wasn't it just last week that we were taking about the Rams possibly being the class of the NFC West? 

My oh my, how things have changed.

Dun, dun, dun, another one bites the dust and so on the for the Rams receiving core. 

Not even halfway through the first quarter Bradford dropped back and threw to Mark Clayton as he was running down the left side. Mid-route he was inadvertently tripped by Lions CB Alphonso Smith causing him to go to the ground awkwardly.

Clayton was carted off the field after the medical staff put what looked to be an aircast on the injured knee. 

He did not return to the game. Updates will be made when they become available.

As for the rest of the game? 

I'll give it to you in a nutshell. Please beware, it's not pretty. 

Rams onside kick to open the game. Fail miserably, leads to Lions FG

Mark Clayton gets injured(knee)

Rams drive 5 plays/ 67 yards, Danny Amendola fumbles in the red zone

Rams drive 12 plays/ 67 yards and settle for a FG, 3-3

Lions drive 13 plays/ 91 yards for a TD, lead 17-3

Rams drive 12 plays for a WHOPPING 46 yards, settle again for a FG, 17-6 Lions

Then you aren't going to believe what happened next!

Another long drive for the Lions and seven points, 24-6

Sprinkle in a few Sam Bradford interceptions, bad play-calling, a handful of missed tackles, and 20 more points by the Lions and you have yourself a final. 

Steven Jackson was the long bright spot for St. Louis. He carried the ball 25 times for a season high 125 yards. 

Jackson looked frustrated throughout the game....with his own offensive line. Even though he is battling a groin injury, it looked like he was constantly waiting for blocks to fall into place.

Follow along for this week's Quick Hits.

-The bend but don't break defensive mentality doesn't always work. Coach Spags needs to realize that and make the second half adjustment.

-Rams safeties need to do a better job of helping out underneath on the 3-step drop.

-Brandon Gibson needs to see more targets. With Clayton out, six targets out of 45 attempts is not enough for the young speedster. 

-Is it just me or does Mardy Gilyard slip and fall every time he returns a kick?

-The loss of Mark Clayton will force the Rams front office to make a move for WR.

-Not enough yards on first and second down.

Fourteen total third down attempts:

3rd and 5 or less- two attempts

3rd and 5 or more- 11 attempts (Four attempts were 3rd and 10 or more)

Overall, not a good effort by the Rams but there is still plenty of time to right the ship. 

Check back throughout the week for Rams news+ injury updates.

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