Patriots stuff high-flying Rams' offense

NEW ORLEANS -- The "Greatest Show on Turf" got grounded.

The St. Louis Rams are the only team in NFL history to score more than 500 points three straight seasons and are loaded with playmakers. They've grown accustomed to scoring touchdowns with ridiculous ease.

Not in the Super Bowl.

They misfired more often than not in their 20-17 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday night, committing three costly turnovers and squandering a chance for their second championship in three seasons. The Rams' mantra all season was that the only team that could stop them was the Rams -- and it happened.

"It wasn't a matter of execution," Marshall Faulk said. "It was a matter of taking care of the ball."

All but three of the Patriots' points came as a result of St. Louis mistakes.

Kurt Warner, the league MVP, threw two interceptions. He often threw into coverage and appeared somewhat jumpy in the pocket. Marshall Faulk, the Offensive Player of the Year the last three years, was neutralized.

"I don't think we were confused," Warner said. "I think we played well. It was just those turnovers."

Even sure-handed wide receiver Ricky Proehl coughed it up. Proehl fumbled after his first catch of the postseason, leading to a Patriots touchdown before the end of the half that put New England ahead 14-3.

"He put a helmet on the ball," Proehl said. "Everybody fumbles. I'm human."

Proehl atoned for the mistake with a 26-yard touchdown catch with 1:30 to go to tie the game. But then the Rams' defense failed as the Patriots drove into position for Adam Vinatieri's 48-yard field goal as time ran out.

"When it came time to step up and make some plays, we didn't do it," defensive coordinator Lovie Smith said. "You've got to be able to stop them at the end."

The result left a very sour taste for the 14-point favorites.

"For a long time, this is going to be painful," defensive tackle Tyoka Jackson said. "I was really looking forward to that parade."

Martz reacted angrily when asked if the Rams had overlooked the Patriots.

"Oh please, that's insulting to me," he said. "How can you overlook somebody in the Super Bowl?"