#TBT to the last Patriots-Rams matchup
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| Elise Amendola | AP Photo |
LAST TIME OUT
Things looked quite differently for the Los Angeles Rams than they do now the last time they squared off with the New England Patriots on Dec. 4, 2016. New England came away with a 26-10 victory to move to 10-2 on the season.
For the Patriots, this was their seventh win in eight outings, while the Rams dropped their seventh in eight games to bring them to 4-8 on the season.
Los Angeles struggled on offense and managed just 25 yards in the first half. Rookie Jared Goff was picked off twice in just his third career start.
On the flip side, Tom Brady became the league’s leader in victories among quarterbacks, earing his 201st win.
NOTEWORTHY
Things were slightly lopsided in this game – as New England had more fourth-down conversions (two) than Los Angeles had total first downs (one) in the first half. The Rams ran just 18 offensive plays compared to 42 for the Patriots.
THE STATS
Tom Brady was 33-of-46 for 269 yards and one touchdown, while Jared Goff was 14-of-32 for 161 yards, one touchdown and two picks.
LeGarrette Blount led the way for New England’s rushing efforts with 18 carries for 88 yards and one score, while Todd Gurley II had 11 rushes for 38 yards for the Rams.
For New England, Julian Edelman and Malcom Mitchell each had eight receptions going for 101 yards and 82 yards respectively. The Patriots’ lone receiving touchdown was from Chris Hogan who had four receptions for 23 yards.
Kenny Britt led the way for Los Angeles with two catches for 67 yards and the team’s lone touchdown of the game.
Shea McClellin led the way for the Patriots’ defense with seven total tackles, one solo, one sack and 1.5 tackles for a loss. Logan Ryan, Rob Ninkovich and Chris Long each added a sack apiece, bring New England’s total to four on the day.
For the Rams, it was Alec Ogletree with a solid defensive day. He had 14 total tackles, four solo and 0.5 tackles for a loss. Los Angeles had no sacks in the game but did accumulate six tackles for losses overall.
Malcom Butler and Kyle Van Noy added two interceptions for New England.
Stephen Gostkowski was 100 percent on the day with four-of-four field goals made and two-for-two extra points. Greg Zuerlein added a field goal and an extra point for the Rams.
AND NOW
The New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams will face off in Super Bowl LIII on Sunday, Feb. 3. Gametime is set for 6:30pm from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.
Follow Megan on Twitter: @carnahanmegan
