Rams' offense has unwelcome flashback

ST. LOUIS -- Sam Bradford absorbed six sacks and Steven Jackson rushed for just 29 yards. The St. Louis offense, so potent the first two weeks, found no holes in Week 3.

The 23-6 loss at Chicago was an uncomfortable flashback to 2011, when the Rams were at the bottom of the NFL with a 12-point scoring average.

But there's absolutely no scent of dissension from a defense that contained the Bears, holding them to 16 points and 274 yards.

"No, it's nothing like that," safety Quintin Mikell said Monday, mentioning a handful of missed big-play opportunities. "I don't even want to talk about last year. That's over and done with. Right now we're looking to the future, and we're excited."

The Rams (1-2) largely were betrayed by a patchwork line that was missing three projected starters from the beginning of training camp. Wide receivers who struggled to get open shared the blame, along with Bradford for waiting too long with the ball on some of the sacks.

Mistakes on defense and special teams also hurt, keeping Bears drives alive for a 10-0 lead in the second quarter.

Mario Haggan was whistled for roughing the kicker after hitting punter Adam Podlesh well after the ball was gone, which led to a field goal. A personal foul on safety Darian Stewart for a helmet-to-helmet hit on quarterback Jay Cutler led to a 3-yard scoring run by Michael Bush late in the second quarter.

The positive news heading into Week 4 against Seattle centers on a defense that held Chicago to 16 points. Tackle Michael Brockers, the Rams' first-round pick, could return to practice this week after missing the first three games with a high right ankle sprain.

"He had a good workout prior to the game, so we'll keep you abreast of that," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. "It will be great to get him back."