More evidence of a turnaround?

Mike Sando, ESPN's NFC West blogger has a look at the dreaded three-and-out possessions. Overall, the Rams have one of the highest percentages in the league of three-and-out possessions - 32%, tied with Seattle and Detroit, slightly better than only Cincinnati and Kansas City. The Rams had just one drive that saw the offense go three and out last week against Dallas. The week before, in their win over Washington, they went three and out five times out of twelve possessions.

Takin' and Givin'

The Rams now have a +3 turnover ratio for the season and +6 through the last two games. Against the Cowboys, the Rams had 4 takeaways (3 INTS, 1 fumble) and three against the Redskins (3 fumbles) while turning the ball over just once in that span. The Patriots have a +4 ratio, and turned the ball over just three times in their last three games. 

Sad Sack

Rams quarterbacks have been sacked 20 time this season, one of just 5 teams that have allowed 20 or more sacks. The good new this week: the Patriots have allowed 26 sacks on the season. They'll also be without starting RT Nick Kaczur for the second week in a row, relying instead on former Rams fill-in Mark LeVoir. The Broncos sacked Pat's QB Matt Cassel 6 times last week...still losing 41-7. The Donkeys have a 7.3% adjusted sack rate, the Rams, 8.3%. Little, Long, et al will need to rack up a few more sacks this week to win.

Predictions

Three out of the five talking heads on ESPN NFL Sunday Countdown are predicting the Rams to win. Oddsmakers have the Rams as a 7.5 point underdog.

Linkage

• Pats Pulpit previews the game. 
• One fantasy expert thinks Rams WR Donnie Avery makes a great play this week.
• The Rams have the league's best pass defense on third down...but rank 28th against the run on third downs. 
• Madden NFL 2009 predicts a 23-17 Pats win, thanks to a fourth quarter comeback. Hey, don't they know the Rams are nails in the second half now? Boom.
• The moment you've been waiting for...Steven Jackson's official web site, SJ39.com. It's a pretty cool site, and you can listen to the podcast version of his weekly radio show.