St. Louis Rams Lose Again; At Least Chris Long's Great

The St. Louis Rams continue to struggle in what was supposed to be their breakout season, and would-be defensive genius Steve Spagnuolo has watched last year's stout D give way to one of the worst rushing defenses football has ever seen. But at least Chris Long is really good! The Rams' former second overall pick crashed into Andy Dalton for his 13th sack of the season in the Rams' 20-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, which is already 4.5 sacks more than he had all through his 2010 breakout.

After two indifferent seasons to start his career, Long has clearly arrived—those 13 sacks are the most a Ram has had since Leonard Little pulled it off in 2006. (In case you were wondering, the last time any Ram had more was Little's 14.5 in 2001.) 

With Long and Robert Quinn, who blocked another punt in his hyperactive rookie season, the Rams appear to be set as far as quarterback-terrifying defensive ends go. Past that—well, whoever's coaching in St. Louis in 2012 will be able to make the team over in his own image without too much trouble.