ST. LOUIS -- A few thoughts on the St. Louis Rams' 34-31 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at the Edward Jones Dome:
What it means: It's hard to believe the Rams held a 21-0 lead and looked to be headed toward their second consecutive win. But although the Rams' offense didn't muster many more points, this loss was on the defense. This group was supposed to be capable of taking over games, but through three contests, it's been more liability than bedrock. Dallas put up 20 unanswered points and went on a 34-3 scoring tear after its rough start. At 1-2 with eight tough games coming after the bye, the Rams enter next week in danger of letting this season slip away.
Stock watch: Down -- The Rams' pass rush. Losing Chris Long was a big blow, but the depth of this group was supposed to be enough to help cover for him. End Robert Quinn is getting double- and triple-teamed, and nobody else is taking advantage. Through three games, the Rams have one sack, and they didn't have any against Dallas on Sunday.
Jenkins' day: In the first two years under coach Jeff Fisher, the Rams haven't often shadowed opposing receivers with one cornerback, normally electing to let their corners stay at home on one side of the field. But that philosophy changed Sunday with cornerback Janoris Jenkins following Dallas receiver Dez Bryant everywhere he went. The first-half results of the experiment were mostly positive, as Bryant had four catches for 18 yards and Jenkins came up with an interception return for a touchdown, the fifth of his career (and most in the NFL since 2012). But Bryant got a measure of revenge in the second half with a 68-yard touchdown catch. It appeared Jenkins thought he was supposed to leave Bryant to safety help over the top, but no matter who was at fault, it was a big play that helped turn the game. Later, Bryant drew a 33-yard pass interference flag on Jenkins that set up the touchdown to give Dallas the lead.
Game ball: QB Austin Davis. Fisher can insist the job belongs to Shaun Hill when he returns from a thigh injury, but Davis has done enough in his two starts to give the coach something to think about over the bye. The fourth-quarter pick-six he threw was brutal and his second interception was simply him trying to make a play, but he was excellent otherwise. Davis finished 30-of-42 for 327 yards with three touchdowns for a passer rating of 98.0.
What's next: The Rams head into an early bye week before beginning an eight-game stretch that includes nothing but 2013 playoff opponents and the Arizona Cardinals.
