The last time the Saints visited the Rams, they found themselves down 17-0 at halftime on their way to a loss that would help keep them from getting a home game in the second round of the playoffs.
Things have unfolded in a familiar way in St. Louis this Sunday. The Rams jumped out to a 17-0 lead after two Drew Brees interceptions and added a 40-yard Zac Stacy touchdown run to build a 24-3 lead after the first two quarters. Should things hold in the second half, the Saints will have lost any chance at home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.
St. Louis has gotten 106 rushing yards from Stacy, an efficient performance from Kellen Clemens and some good gains after the catch by their receivers to keep the pressure on the Saints defense. That probably lessens any hurt feelings about the way Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan handled his flirtation with the Rams job this offseason.
Those two interceptions are evidence that Brees has had a tough time getting on track and he’s not getting much help from his teammates. The Saints offensive line has had a hard time holding off a Rams pass rush led by defensive end Robert Quinn, leading to sacks and penalties that have helped keep the Saints from getting the ball into the end zone.