Embarrassed Rams defense eager to redeem itself against Tom Brady and the PatriotsBy RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER
THOUSAND OAKS – How poorly did the Rams play on defense last week? They’re openly talking about their eagerness to get back on the field and face New England and quarterback Tom Brady.
For most teams, anxious would be a better word than eager. The sight of Brady and the Patriots, dominant NFL forces for almost two full decades, rarely is a welcoming one for NFL defenses, but the Rams seem nearly blind with anger after their devastatingly poor effort against New Orleans last Sunday.
“That was embarrassing,” defensive end William Hayes said after Tuesday’s practice at Cal Lutheran. “We should have played for free, the way we got our (butts) kicked out there.”
The direct deposits from owner Stan Kroenke will continue as scheduled, but Rams defenders didn’t mince words Tuesday. They’re expected to be the strength of the team, and they’re coming off a game in which they allowed 555 yards, third-most in any game in the Rams’ 80-year history.
Now, with the Rams (4-7) holding on to the potential of a winning season by their fingernails, they must fly to New England, likely play in frigid weather and attempt to stop the ageless Brady.
“We’re ready,” safety T.J. McDonald said. “We were ready to go play (Monday), after how we felt on Sunday. We put it behind us, and now we’re ready to go back out there and get back to playing defense how we know how to play. We want to put it all together.”
That’s what it will take against the Patriots and Brady, who rarely has been slowed since he returned from a season-opening, four-game suspension related to the “Deflategate” controversy.
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