ST. LOUIS — A week after losing by 38 points to the Detroit Lions, the St. Louis Rams used their defense to rebound in a big way.
The Rams’ defense sacked San Diego’s Philip Rivers seven times to set the tone, stuffing the NFL’s top offense in a 20-17 victory over the Chargers on Sunday.
James Hall, Chris Long and Larry Grant had two sacks apiece for surprising St. Louis (3-3), which won only one game last season.
“We thought we could get pressure. We might have exceeded our expectations,” Long said. “You have to aim high.”
Sam Bradford threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to fellow rookie Danario Alexander, making his NFL debut, to help build a 14-point cushion in the first half.
Steven Jackson had 109 yards and a touchdown and added several key late carries for the Rams, who, after entering the season with a 14-game losing streak, won their third straight at home for the first time since 2004.
The Rams dominated most of the way on both sides of the ball against the Chargers, who had been averaging 28 points. San Diego was held to 287 total yards, 175 fewer than its league-leading average.
“We can’t keep saying what we are but we’re doing this,” Rivers said. “What we are is 2-4 and making mistakes that allow us to be 2-4. We’ve got to get them straightened out and keep grinding or it’ll get away from us.”
