St. Louis Rams: Top 4 Plays from Week 2

The Steven Jackson-less St. Louis Rams struggled offensively and couldn't catch any breaks, losing to the New York Giants 28-16 on Monday Night Football.

Rams quarterback Sam Bradford did what he could, but Bradford was harassed the majority of the contest without a consistent running game to alleviate St. Louis' potent passing attack.

The loss is certainly deflating and the Rams are now 0-2, but some good did come of the outing, particularly the emergence of second-year pro Danario Alexander, who caught three passes for 122 yards and a touchdown.

It's difficult to find top plays in a disappointing defeat, but there were some that ought to make Rams fans optimistic about the remaining 14 games.

Here are the top four from Week 2. 

Mikell Interception

During the first quarter, Giants quarterback Eli Manning launched a pass up the sideline to a seemingly wide-open Mario Manningham, but safety Quintin Mikell—who appeared completely out of position—took a remarkable angle and intercepted the pass.

Mikell more than likely took seven off the board and preserved what was a 0-0 ball game early in the contest.

With a huge sack and a forced fumble during Week 1's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Mikell continues his defensive hot streak, which he'll be called upon if the Rams do make a playoff push.

Alexander's Acrobatic Catch, Part 1

Following the Mikell interception, Bradford launched a pass to Alexander on 3rd-and-11, and what ensued was nothing short of genius. 

Alexander made a brilliant catch, rolled to the ground and stayed in-bounds while Giants' defenders stared at him rather than touch him down. Alexander got up and sprinted 68-yards to the goal line before being brought down at the 1-yard line.

The drive sputtered and the Rams had to settle for a field goal, but there was an instant feeling of, "This kid's special."

More to come from Alexander later on. 

Hall's Sack on 3rd-and-Long

Yeah, I get it. Chris Long's in the picture. Couldn't find one of James Hall...

Down 28-16 in the fourth quarter, the Rams desperately needed a huge play on defense if they were to stay in the game.

The Giants were within field-goal range and threatening to put the game to bed, but on 3rd-and-10, defensive end James Hall beat his blocker and put Manning to the ground, pushing the Giants out of field-goal range and giving the Rams a prayer. 

Not to say Long doesn't deserve credit, as he also had a sack in the game.

Alexander's Acrobatic Catch, Part 2

In the third quarter, Bradford led the Rams on a 13-play, 87-yard drive capped off with a brilliant pitch and catch to Alexander.

On 3rd-and-10 from the Giants' 19-yard line, Bradford floated the ball to the end zone and Alexander jumped up and caught it over a draping Michael Coe.

The catch cut the deficit to 12 and gave the Rams a shot to rally, but Bradford and company stalled after the incredible drive. 

Alexander seems to be the lone bright spot in this dismal offensive execution, and the Rams severely need either Cadillac Williams to step his game up or for Steven Jackson to quickly return.