10 things we learned from the Patriots-Rams game

According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Patriots would have a 28% chance to make the playoffs if they win tonight, but that would fall to 6% with a loss.

New England has made the playoffs in 11 consecutive seasons, the longest streak in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/xrR6cWkffi

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 11, 2020

2002

Coming off the Super Bowl upset of the St. Louis Rams, the Patriots started 3-0 and lost four straight. Tom Brady was the QB. New England got to 8-5 but faltered and finished 9-7, second in the AFC East.

Here is a look at the latest Super Bowl Odds

This ends a 17-season streak of double-digit wins for the Patriots, which was the longest in NFL history. Their last non-10 win season was 2002 (when they were 9-7).

Consecutive 10-win seasons:
Patriots/17 (2003-19)
49ers/16 (1983-98)
Colts/9 (2002-2010)
Cowboys/7 (1975-81)

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 11, 2020

Avoiding a .500 season

New England came close to being 8-8. It trailed Miami with less than two minutes left in the final regular-season  Adam Vinatieri kicked a field goal with less than two minutes left and one in overtime and the Patriots finished 9-7.

Back to 2020

The Rams D holds strong on 4th & Goal. #RamsHouse

📺: #NEvsLAR on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/Tdb4lcWM4v

— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2020

The Patriots had clawed and scratched to get to .500. They clobbered the Los Angeles Chargers in the same stadium, 45-0, on Sunday. Different opponent, different result. The Patriots looked anemic and don’t have many playoff dreams as the season continues into the final three games.

Run Over By Rams

The Patriots had no answer for LA’s rushing attack, allowing 186 yards. In Super Bowl LIII, they allowed 62 rushing yards and 260 yards of total offense

Los Angeles Rams

Rams Were Goff and Running

It took the Rams 2:55 to do something they couldn’t do in 60 minutes in Super Bowl LIII: score a touchdown. A 35-yard run by Cam Akers set up a quarterback sneak by Jared Goff early in the game.

Cam Akers gaining big yardage early. #RamsHouse

📺: #NEvsLAR on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/KK7dvu6c2e

— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2020

Goff’s got it.@RamsNFL take a 7-0 lead on their opening drive. #RamsHouse

📺: #NEvsLAR on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/IGrrsgdheM

— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2020

Sean McVay Was Pumped for the Pick-6

Kenny Young picked Cam Newton and took it back 79 yards to make it 17-0 after the PAT. As impressive was Rams coach Sean McVay’s spring to the end zone.

Kenny Young got a 🏠 call!

The @RamsNFL Pick 6️⃣ extends their lead!

📺: #NEvsLAR on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO pic.twitter.com/PScqZQwo9s

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 11, 2020

Gotta love the energy from @RamsNFL HC Sean McVay on that pick-6 😂 pic.twitter.com/ErAUs3nABO

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 11, 2020

Three Straight Games with TDs for the Rams’ Defense

The Rams have a defensive touchdown in three straight games, their longest streak since 2003, which was also three games, per @ESPNStatsInfo.

— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) December 11, 2020

Aaron Donald Engulfed Cam Newton

There goes that man. @AaronDonald97

📺: #NEvsLAR on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/jK6ZZF72ef

— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2020

Goff Finds Kupp After Pats’ Gaffe

The Rams were going to go for it on fourth-and-short deep in Patriots’ territory. They tried to draw New England offside. Didn’t work and LA called a timeout. Kick the field goal, right, and go up 20-3? Nope. Try and draw New England off again and the Patriots obliged. Given a first down, Goff found Cooper Kupp in the end zone to make it 24-3 in the third quarter.

A dart to @CooperKupp. @JaredGoff16 extends the @RamsNFL lead to 24-3. #RamsHouse

📺: #NEvsLAR on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/4047qNmxLM

— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2020