The Rams had three special teams players named to the All-Pro team, but a fumble on special teams cost them the first points of Saturday’s game.
The Falcons went three-and-out on their first two drives, which started at their own 6 and their own 10 after spectacular punts by Johnny Hekker.
But Matt Bosher’s second punt hit Rams cornerback Blake Countess in the foot and All-Pro returner Pharoh Cooper couldn’t recover it. Instead, Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds covered it at the Los Angeles 17.
The Rams defense stymied the Falcons again, as Atlanta gained only 6 yards before a Matt Bryant chip-shot field goal gave the Falcons a 3-0 lead with 7:13 remaining in the first quarter.
It’s been a defensive battle so far in Los Angeles.