ATLANTA — Rams wanted to reach the playoffs in the worst possible way.
Mission accomplished. They're heading into the playoffs in the worst way imaginable.
Monday evening defeat with a score of 27-24 was an abomination for the Atlanta Falcons – the kind of atmosphere you could feel in the locker room after the game – but the Rams need to look into it, even if it requires some eye-opening contraptions.
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Gary Klein breaks down what went wrong for the Rams in their 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.
“I think if we play like we did in the first half… we'll be at home watching everything go wrong in two weeks,” defensive tackle. Coby Turner said. “We need to put everything together.”
This was one of three times in a row Sean McVayFor nine seasons, his team has gone goalless in the first half, which is bad enough. But the fact that the stranded Falcons jumped out to a three-touchdown lead at halftime is absurd. It wasn't that long ago that Atlanta lost seven of eight.
The Rams looked nothing like the team that nearly everyone had at the top of their rankings for most of the season. Matthew Stafford there were three interceptions. Filling left tackle DJ Humphreys there were a couple of penalties that negated two huge moves. And Atlanta Sesame Robinson would still be running now, but decided to stop once he reached the end zone (after a 93-yard touchdown, mind you).
Those Rams who started 9-2 (and should have won those games against Philadelphia and San Francisco) are remembered. Since then they have lost three of five.
Now all the other NFC contenders are getting hot – Seattle, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago – and the Rams are shivering in an emotional ice bath.
Suddenly, their once insignificant finale against Arizona on Sunday became vitally important. They need to rediscover their rhythm rather than hope to make it in the first round of the playoffs. They can't change their mind in the middle of a golf tournament. They need to sort out the shortcomings on the training ground.
The key is the return of wide receiver Davante Adams, and he looked good in warmups, running as if his hamstring issues were behind him. But he's sorely needed in the red zone and it will take some weight off his shoulders Puka Nacua.
Just as important, the team needs a left tackle. Alaric Jackson and right back Kevin Dotson returned from injuries. The Rams are getting a taste of what the Chargers have been through all season, with their offensive line making changes every week.
And the defense should benefit greatly from the return Quentin Lakedefender on that side of the ball.
However, good teams overcome the loss of key players and find ways to win with the help of backups. Every team would like to be at full strength.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua threw a long pass over Atlanta Falcons cornerback C.J. Henderson in the first half Monday.
(Brynn Anderson/Associated Press)
And while the Rams should have been in position to kick the tying field goal, there was an unflagged pass interference against Tutu Atwellwho made a good attempt to catch a deep ball with his hand but was not tackled – they should not have been in such a predicament in the first place.
As the Falcons watched their lead evaporate, they must have been reminded of their disastrous 25-point loss to New England in the Super Bowl. The Rams eventually outscored them 21-6 in the second half.
But all this was cold comfort to the guests who failed to close the deal.
The Rams had lost two straight games and were looking for momentum after blowing a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter in Seattle. Instead, they got a slap on the wrist.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford speaks to reporters following Monday's 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
(Brynn Anderson/Associated Press)
It's rare for a team to enter the playoffs on a low note but still reach the top of the mountain. The last team to do this was Baltimore in 2012, a franchise that lost four of its last five games (though without many of its stars injured) and then beat back-to-back teams led by quarterbacks Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and a Colin Kaepernick in his prime.
So it can be done. A clumsy team can find its way. And for a moment Monday night, it looked like the Rams had turned the corner.
Jared Wehrs blocked the Falcons' field goal attempt, picked up the bouncing ball and returned it for a 76-yard touchdown. As he drove past Atlanta's sideline, he looked back and playfully raised his hand in a G-rated gesture.
Unless there's a dramatic change, that's a message the rest of the playoff teams could say to the Rams.
World.
