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Random Ramsdom 9/16: Rams fall short in another comeback attempt, fall to 1-1

Sam Bradford posted another impressive statistical performance, but it wasn't nearly enough as the Falcons' high-octane offense made more than enough big plays.

Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Rams are back to even following a crushing 31-24 defeat by the hosting Atlanta Falcons.

It's back to practice as Jeff Fisher continues to iron out the kinks holding his team back. Mistakes - many mistakes - are becoming a sickening trend for the youngest team in football.

They will now prepare to travel to the home of another team fresh off a disappointing loss: the Dallas Cowboys. Tony Romo's 'Boys don't present nearly as much of a threat as Matt Ryan's, but they are certainly as capable of running up the scoreboard.

Until then, head on to some Monday links.

Rams can't finish comeback - They came close - they really did - but the St. Louis Rams fell short in their second fourth quarter-comeback of 2013. There are several positives, nonetheless, to take away from their performance. In 2013 the Rams show more attitude and resiliency than any St. Louis squad in recent history.

Post-game report card - Quarterback Sam Bradford and his receiving corps continue to earn positive marks, but, again, it was the defense which turned in a less than spectacular performance. The linebackers and secondary were torched early and often as Matt Ryan threw the ball at will. Special teams did the offense no favors in the field position battle.

Bradford becoming a quality quarterback - Refrain from overreacting, but Sam Bradford is on pace to join both the 5,000-yard and 40-touchdown club. His 63.4 completion percentage and 93.1 passer rating are easily the best of his young career. Although a couple improbable pick-sixes blemish Sam's overall season stats and performances, few can dispute - at this point - that he belongs behind center in St. Louis.

Too many mistakes to overcome - Penalties continue to haunt the Rams, but it was one play in particular that inevitably doomed the team. A dump-off pass tipped off the hands of Daryl Richardson was returned for a touchdown by Atlanta defensive end Osi Umenyiora before halftime and St. Louis failed to recover from the blow.

Three key notes from the game - The Rams' defensive line spent a better part of the afternoon disrupting Matt Ryan in the pocket, but didn't do nearly as well as many had hoped, recording only two sacks. Tight end Jared Cook was held in check by the Falcons' secondary and St. Louis' ground game, well, remains grounded.

Long frustrated with off-sides penalty - With Atlanta falling short on third-and-long on their opening possession, the Rams appeared to force a momentum-swinging three-and-out. But not quite. Chris Long was flagged for off-sides and the Falcons' drive continued, ending with a touchdown. After an early ankle injury, tackle Rodger Saffold did not return.

NFL.com Game Center - Relive the highlights and review the statistics from yesterday's contest.

Cardinals take down Lions - Patrick Peterson may be starting to give Richard Sherman some competition as the league's No. 1 corner. He's already a better quarterback. Arizona got their first win of 2013 over the Detroit Lions in a dramatic finish. Here is more from John Weinfuss.