Over the course of the first eight games of the season, the St. Louis Rams have shown the ability to lose in a variety of different ways. However, in the 19-13 (OT) loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams found a way to lose in the most heartbreaking fashion possible. After blowing numerous opportunities to potentially win the game in regulation, the Rams gave up a 99-yard punt return TD to Patrick Peterson to seal the loss.
While losing in that fashion was certainly heartbreaking, the Rams will be most frustrated by even allowing the game to get to OT. After a TD by Larry Fitzgerald tied the game at 13, the Rams appeared to be driving for a game-winning field goal. However, instead of attempting a 50-yard field goal, Steve Spagnuolo elected to try and convert on fourth and short. Unfortunately, Steven Jackson came up short, which seemed to give the Cardinals a chance to win the game.
Instead of buckling under pressure, the Rams defense held the Cardinals and forced a punt. After a couple of quick completions to Austin Pettis, the Rams were in position to attempt a game-winning field goal as time expired. In stunning fashion, Calais Campbell blocked the 42-yard attempt to force OT.
In the loss, Steven Jackson ran for 130 yards on 29 carries. Sam Bradford completed 23/26 for 255 yards in his return from an ankle injury. However, the inability to get into the endzone doomed the Rams to a frustrating loss. St. Louis will hope to bounce back when it visits Cleveland next week.
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