The statline wasn’t pretty. 11/30 for 141 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. Nick Foles easily had his worst game of the season today, possibly the worst of his career. It came when the St. Louis Rams really needed a big performance from their quarterback in a game where they stayed with the undefeated Green Bay Packers and had many chances to capitalize but failed to do so.
The Rams lost 24-10. Foles had an awful game but he isn’t the one who should take the blaming for the loss. The real ones who should take the majority blame for the loss are the five guys up front; the offensive line. Foles had no time to throw the ball. He was pressured on nearly every passing play that I can remember. The stats on CBS early in the game said Foles was sacked, hit, or hurried on eight of his first nine throws. I’m not sure how that statline was at the end of the game but I’m sure it wasn’t pretty. Here’s how much faith Jeff Fisher had in the offense: he would rather the Rams have attempted a 63-yard field goal rather than trying to convert a 4th & 7.
Nick Foles being sacked by a trio of Packers. Photo via Getty Images.
Foles had happy feet all day in pocket because the pocket he was standing in closed in an instant. The Rams offensive line apparently didn’t get the memo that they needed to block LB Clay Matthews. He applied pressure on Foles all day. Todd Gurley wasn’t having it though, as he flipped Clay Matthews when he was blocking on a pass.
The offensive line looked good when run blocking, as RB Todd Gurley rushed for over 140 yards for the second consecutive week, finishing with 159 rushing yards against the Pack. We’ve seen how Nick Foles can play when he has quality protection; look at his games against the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals.
Foles is a great quarterback, but with terrible pass blocking, he’s going to continue to play like he did today. Yes, he is partially to blame, but the offensive line is way more responsible.
A popular sight from today’s game: Nick Foles being pressured on a throw. Photo via Getty Images.
In a game where the Rams forced Aaron Rodgers to throw his first interception(s) at Lambeau since 2012 and also forcing him to fumble, the offense really let down when the Rams had chances to capitalize. This was a winnable game for the Rams but the offense let it slip away, particularly the guys up front. Their run blocking is improving greatly but they have to pass block better and give Foles time to throw if the Rams are going to play good, winning football.
Luckily, the Rams are headed into their bye week and have some time to get their heads together before they take on the Cleveland Browns at home in Week 7. Let’s be honest, all of Rams Nation needs some time off from watching the Rams offense after today. See you guys in Week 7,
