17 Dec 10 Falcons vs. Rams: Sam Bradford and St. Louis Buried by Atlanta's Shovel

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty ImagesStick a fork in 'em cause they're done. The Rams' 34-17 loss is its fourth in six games. On the bright side, Seattle lost in New Orleans which keeps them only one back of the division lead. Winning the division would be nice, but let's be honest, the Rams aren't winningReebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
a playoff game. Can you say LOTTERY? Say it with me now: l-o-t-t-e-r-y.The Rams looked great early on its only two touchdown drives, aside from that they were terrible. Sam Bradford set the NFL's rookie record for most completions without an interception with 169 in a row before he threw a shovel pass inside the Falcons 10-yd line as the clock wound down on the Rams' comeback hopes.Who cramps indoors?Come on guys! For reals? Please somebody fire the training staff for this absurdity. OJ Atogwe, Justin King and Ron Bartell all missed time because of cramping.The game was played INDOORS at a comfortable 72 degrees.After giving up over 300 yards in the air last week in San Francisco, you'd think they would've shown up ready to play against Atlanta.#INEXCUSABLEThird down woesSam Bradford and the Rams' offense converted only one of 10 third down attempts. The lone conversion came on its second to last drive of the game. Heading into the game they were converting 38% of third downs, which ranks them in the bottom half of the league.Dilip Vishwanat/Getty ImagesA 10% success rate isn't going to cut it this league.On the other side of the ball, Atlanta converted nine of 17 (52%) on third down. The lackluster performance is very surprising considering the Rams were only allowing opponents to convert at 32.5% heading into the game.What happened to Illinois Mike?Michael Hoomanawanui caught four passes for 46 yards and a touchdown against the Falcons. Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
His impact was felt in the first half, contributing gains of 18 yards and 25 yards on scoring drives. But he disappeared in the second.Is it a coincidence that the offense stalled when Illinois Mike was on the sideline? Wasn't he supposed to be the real deal? Has he lost a step since the preseason?SacklessWould you believe me if I told you that the Rams were tied for the league lead with 28 sacks heading into Week 11 action? The Rams' defense has made a name for itself this season because of its ability to get to the quarterback consistently.There's a reason the Rams only won two games last season; the defense wasn't pressuring the quarterback. And there's a reason why the Rams have won four games already this season.Sack or no sack, its the pressure that's key and they put very little on Matt Ryan.How many wins will it take to win the NFC West?How many wins will it take to win the NFC West?50.8%60.8%726.6%849.2%921.8%100.8%Total votes: 124Buried by the shovelTrailing by nine, with the ball on the Falcons 2-yd Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
line with three minutes left in the game, Bradford attempted to shovel the ball to Illinois Mike's way but he never made it to the spot Sam threw the ball to.Atlanta intercepted the shovel thus burying the Rams' hope of winning game No. 5.Next up: at the Denver BroncosQuestions? Comments? Concerns? Leave 'em in the comments section below. Let's discuss people!