NFL Nation

          Johnny Hekker up, Nick Foles, run defense down in Rams' loss

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          Cardinals don't miss a beat with David Johnson at running back (1:54)

          ST. LOUIS -- A look at St. Louis Rams players who were "up" and those who were "down" in Sunday's 27-3 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

          UP

          P Johnny Hekker -- Hekker should probably get more credit than he does for his consistent excellence working behind an abysmal Rams offense. But Hekker was in the spotlight even more Sunday because he had to handle kickoff duties with Greg Zuerlein out with a groin injury and Zach Hocker apparently tweaking his leg in pre-game warmups. Hekker punted eight times with an average of 54.5 yards and dropped five of those punts inside the 20. Not many Rams are deserving, but Hekker absolutely belongs back in the Pro Bowl.

          DT Aaron Donald -- Donald gets a spot here in perpetuity, especially now with so many of his teammates failing to offer much help. But Donald was his usual, disruptive self again in this one. He had seven tackles, a sack and three quarterback hits.

          DOWN

          QB Nick Foles -- Foles started again because Case Keenum hadn't cleared the concussion protocol earlier in the week, and he was atrocious again, going 15-of-35 for 146 yards with no touchdowns and an interception for a passer rating of 43.3. Not that we should be surprised. Both statistically and from the eye test, the Rams are getting the worst quarterback play in the NFL.

          The run defense -- It's hard to put much blame on the defense when the offense is so bad, but the Rams have had issues stopping the run in recent weeks and the Cardinals took advantage even without the services of veteran Chris Johnson. Arizona rookie David Johnson and running mate Kerwynn Williams pounded away to the tune of a combined 158 yards on 28 carries with a 35-yard touchdown from Williams to boot.

          The offense -- While many of the offensive woes fall at the feet of Foles, everyone should share in the blame, including the coaching staff. The game plan remains dull and the production continues to match it. Before garbage time (the final five minutes), the Rams had just nine first downs, 207 yards and had the ball for more than 17 fewer minutes than the Cardinals.