Rams vs. Steelers: 5 Things We Learned in St. Louis' 27-0 Loss

It really can't shock anyone anymore. It's been a tough year. The St. Louis Rams fell to 2-13 on Sunday. They were dominated by a superior team and organization in the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With one game to go, it's sad that the more interesting topic than the play on the field is the Rams' possible 2012 draft choices. It's come to that again in St. Louis.

There were few bright spots, many lows and a few tidbits from Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. Here are the five things we learned in the 27-0 loss.

Failed Fake Punt Showed Life

You know it's been a bad year when a failed fake punt is a highlight.

Rams punter Donnie Jones was held short on a second-quarter fake punt. It was the right call. The Rams have struggled to create productive plays all season on offense. The call showed some "life" out of the coaching staff.

The call showed that the team is doing its best to play out these last two weeks. It showed the coaching staff wants to win these games. The lack of an offense forced the Rams to take some chances. The fake punt was a good call and one to be applauded.

The Rams Offense Has Reached a New Low

The Rams offense is amongst the most inept and anemic groups in recent NFL history. With their total yardage output of 232 yards on Sunday, including 68 yards passing, the group is officially the worst in pro football.

The Rams are now averaging 11.1 points per game. That's the worst in the league by over two-and-a-half points (31st is Kansas City).

The Rams are almost unwatchable offensively unless you truly love the game and this team. Their play is frustrating beyond expression.

Steven Jackson Is a Great Professional

Steven Jackson has been a consummate professional this season. He has continued to battle and run hard for the worst offense in recent pro football history. He hasn't complained. He hasn't pointed fingers at any teammates or coaches.

Jackson carried the ball 24 times for 103 yards in the loss. He did all of this without the threat of a real passing game.

It's been a pleasure to watch him in this miserable season.

QB Is the Last Position the Rams Need to Address

It doesn't matter how good Andrew Luck might be. The Rams can't afford to take him if they end up with the first selection in the draft.

The team needs massive help at linebacker, safety, offensive line and wide receiver, just to name a few positions. Yes, it's that bad personnel-wise for the Rams.

Quarterback play for the Rams needs to be better in 2012, but there are so many other areas that the Rams must first address in order to win more games next season. Drafting another quarterback would be counterproductive in the effort to rebuild the franchise.

The Secondary Needs Help

The Rams might be best served in the early rounds of the NFL draft or in free agency to acquire a big-time defensive back.

Mike Wallace's 50-plus-yard catch in the fourth quarter showed the Rams' lack of a defensive game-changer in the secondary again. The Rams must improve this area. It needs to be a top-three priority in the offseason along with wide receiver and offensive line.