The2008 season was theSt. Louis Rams' 71st in theNational Football League (NFL) and their 14th inSt. Louis. They failed to improve upon their 3–13 record from the previous season and dropped to a dismal 2–14 record.

On September 29, 2008, following a 0–4 start, head coachScott Linehan was fired and replaced by defensive coordinatorJim Haslett, who occupied the head coach position with the team for the remainder of the 2008 season.

This was the first time the Rams suffered from consecutive losing seasons since1997 and1998.

After having been hospitalized for several months withbreast cancer, ownerGeorgia Frontiere died on January 18, 2008.^[1] Frontiere's son and Rams ownerChip Rosenbloom wanted to have the team wear its old blue and yellow uniforms from the 1999 season, but was denied his request by the NFL stating that he needed to give a one-year notice.^[2][3] Rosenbloom announced on April 24, 2008 that the Rams will have a patch on the left shoulder of the jersey with the word "Georgia" written the way Frontiere signed her name during the 2008 season.^[4]

On March 1, the first day of free agency, the Rams signed place kickerJosh Brown fromthe Seattle Seahawks to a five-year, $14.2 million contract to replace retiredJeff Wilkins.^[5] On March 3, the Rams signed Offensive LinemanJacob Bell as a free agent fromthe Tennessee Titans to a six-year, $36 million deal, and includes a $7 million signing bonus.^[6]On March 6, the Rams signed Tight EndAnthony Becht as a free agent fromthe Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an undisclosed amount.^[7]

Prior to the draft, Billy Devaney was named vice president of player personnel, and took over decisions in for the off season and draft. TheDenver Broncos traded their sixth-round selection (180th overall) to the Rams for defensive tackleJimmy Kennedy.^[8] The Rams traded their seventh-round selection (209th overall) to theMinnesota Vikings for offensive tackleAdam Goldberg.^[9] The Rams received theCincinnati Bengals' seventh-round pick (217th overall) in exchange forRyan Fitzpatrick.^[10] The Rams received one seventh-round pick (252nd overall) as a compensatory selection.

During Draft Day,the Washington Redskins traded their fifth-round and seventh-round selections (#157 and #228 overall) to the Rams for its two sixth-round selections (#168 and #180 overall).

Steven Jackson held out of camp because he believed he was underpaid, and there was only one year left on his rookie contract. He later ended his holdout and said that he would report to camp. Jackson ended his holdout officially, after he signed a six-year contract worth a maximum of $49.3 million, including $21 million in guarantees. The final two years of the deal can be voided upon performance so it can be a three-year extension worth $29.3 million. At the time, this made him the highest paidrunning back in theNFL.^[11]

The Eagles raced out of the gates to dismantle the Rams 38–3, the Eagles’ largest opening week margin-of-victory ever. RookieDeSean Jackson pulled down a 47-yard reception on the second play overTye Hill, and the drive finished with a shovel pass touchdown toBrian Westbrook.Donovan McNabb marched the Eagles down the field again on their second possession, findingL.J. Smith in the back of the end zone to make it 14–0. During the drive, Hill was beat again, this time byGreg Lewis on a double move and was benched for the game. Late in the second quarter, receiverHank Baskett beat the coverage and scored on a 90-yard reception. FullbackTony Hunt scored from a yard out in the third quarter and the rout was on. DeSean Jackson's 60-yard punt return set up a short field goal forDavid Akers, and Philadelphia's lead grew to 31–0. Westbrook added a 6-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter beforeJosh Brown kicked a 46-yard field goal to avoid the shutout.

McNabb had a vintage performance, throwing for 361 yards (mostly in the first half) and three scores. Jackson,Greg Lewis, and Baskett each had over 100 yards receiving. Westbrook ran for 91 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense completely shut down the St. Louis offense. The Rams didn't convert on all 11 3rd down plays, the first time since 1991.Steven Jackson had 40 yards on 14 carries and the team averaged 2.4 yards rushing.

In addition to beginning the season 0–1, the Rams suffered injuries withLeonard Little leaving the game with a hamstring injury,Drew Bennett with a foot injury andOrlando Pace with bruised ribs.^[12]

Hoping to rebound from their dismal road loss to the Eagles, the Rams played their Week 2 home opener against the defending Super Bowl champions,the New York Giants. In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Giants QBEli Manning completed a 33-yard TD pass to WRPlaxico Burress. In the second quarter, the Rams responded with kickerJosh Brown getting a 54-yard field goal, yet New York answered with kickerJohn Carney kicking a 39-yard field goal. St. Louis would reply with Brown's 54-yard field goal, yet the Giants answered with Carney nailing a 33-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, New York increased its lead with Manning completing a 10-yard TD pass to WRAmani Toomer. In the fourth quarter, the Rams tried to rally as WRTorry Holt made a 45-yard juggling, circus catch in the end zone from QBMarc Bulger, making the Rams down 20–13 with 10 minutes 46 seconds left to play. However, the Giants pulled away with Manning's 18-yard TD pass to RBAhmad Bradshaw, DEJustin Tuck’s 41-yard interception return for a touchdown, and Bradshaw's 31-yard TD run.

With the loss, St. Louis fell to 0–2. Over the course of two games the defense gave up almost 1,000 yards. The Rams offense has yet to be in the red zone all season.^[14]

Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Rams flew toQwest Field for a Week 3 NFC West duel withthe Seattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Seahawks kickerOlindo Mare got a 28-yard field goal, QBMatt Hasselbeck completing a 10-yard TD pass to WRMichael Bumpus, and RBJulius Jones getting a 29-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Rams got on the board as former Seahawk kickerJosh Brown got a 43-yard field goal, yet Seattle responded with RBT.J. Duckett getting a 4-yard TD run. St. Louis would answer with Brown kicking a 29-yard field goal, yet the Seahawks increased its lead with Mare kicking a 38-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Rams tried to rally as QBMarc Bulger completed a 21-yard TD pass to WRDane Looker. However, in the fourth quarter, Seattle pulled away with Duckett's 1-yard TD run and Mare's 38-yard field goal.

With the loss, St. Louis fell to 0–3.

Still searching for their first win, the Rams went home for a Week 4 interconference duel withthe Buffalo Bills. Hoping to find consistency, QBMarc Bulger was benched in favor ofTrent Green.

In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Bills kickerRian Lindell got a 45-yard field goal. The Rams would respond with rookie WRDonnie Avery getting a 37-yard TD run. Buffalo would answer with Lindell kicking a 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, St. Louis increased its lead with RBSteven Jackson getting a 29-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, the Bills crept closer as RBFred Jackson got a 22-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Buffalo sealed the win with CBJabari Greer returning an interception 33 yards for a touchdown, QBTrent Edwards completing a 39-yard TD pass to WRLee Evans, and Lindell nailing a 45-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Rams went into their bye week at 0–4. Head coachScott Linehan was fired after the loss and was replaced byJim Haslett.

Coming off their bye week, the Rams flew toFedex Field for a Week 6 duel withthe Washington Redskins. In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Redskins RBClinton Portis got a 3-yard TD run. The Rams would respond with kickerJosh Brown getting a 51-yard field goal. In the second quarter, St. Louis took the lead as free safetyOshiomogho Atogwe returned a fumble 75 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter, the Rams increased their lead as Brown kicked a 25-yard and a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Washington rallied as kickerShaun Suisham got a 38-yard field goal and Portis got a 2-yard TD run. Fortunately, St. Louis was able to prevail as Brown nailed the game-winning 49-yard field goal as time expired.

With the upset win, the Rams improved to 1–4.

Hoping to build on their last-second road win over the Redskins, the Rams went home for a Week 7 duel withthe Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Cowboys RBMarion Barber got a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Rams offense exploded with points as QBMarc Bulger completed a 42-yard TD pass to rookie WRDonnie Avery, along with RBSteven Jackson getting an 8-yard and a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, St. Louis added onto their lead as kickerJosh Brown got a 52-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Rams continued their victory march as Jackson got a 56-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis’ domination ended with Brown nailing a 35-yard field goal. Dallas ended the game's scoring with QBBrad Johnson completing a 34-yard TD pass to TEMartellus Bennett.

With their second straight win, the Rams improved to 2–4. The game also marked the first time that the Rams wore white jerseys at home, instead of their usual blue jerseys, since moving fromLos Angeles in1995, forcing the Cowboys to wear their "jinxed" navy blue jerseys.

Hoping to build on their two-game win streak, the Rams flew toGillette Stadium for a Week 8 interconference duel withthe New England Patriots. In the first quarter, St. Louis struck first as kickerJosh Brown got a 20-yard field goal. The Patriots answered with RBBenJarvus Green-Ellis getting a 2-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Rams regained the lead as QBMarc Bulger completed a 69-yard TD pass to rookie WRDonnie Avery. New England would get its lead back as kickerStephen Gostkowski got a 30-yard and a 27-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, St. Louis tied the game as Brown made a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Rams regained the lead on Brown's 25-yard field goal. However, the Patriots sealed the win — Gostkowski nailing a 41-yard field goal, along with QBMatt Cassel completing a 15-yard TD pass to RBKevin Faulk.

With the loss, St. Louis fell to 2–5.

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Patriots, the Rams went home for a Week 9 NFC West duel withthe Arizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, St. Louis struck first as QBMarc Bulger completed an 80-yard TD pass to WRDerek Stanley. In the second quarter, the Cardinals responded with a vengeance as safetyAntrel Rolle returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown, kickerNeil Rackers got a 36-yard field goal, RBTim Hightower got a 30-yard TD run, and former Rams QBKurt Warner completed a 56-yard TD pass to WRJerheme Urban.

In the third quarter, Arizona increased its lead as Warner completed a 7-yard TD pass to WRAnquan Boldin. In the fourth quarter, the Rams tried to come back as Bulger completed a 3-yard TD pass to WRTorry Holt (with a failed 2-point conversion). However, the Cardinals flew away as Rackers nailed a 30-yard field goal.

With the loss, St. Louis fell to 2–6.

During the game, the Rams inducted former head coachDick Vermeil (who helped the franchise winSuper Bowl XXXIV) onto the Rams Ring of Honor.

Trying to snap a two-game losing streak, the Rams flew toThe Meadowlands for a Week 10 interconference duel withthe New York Jets. In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Jet RBThomas Jones got a 13-yard TD run, kickerJay Feely got a 22-yard field goal, and LBCalvin Pace returned a fumble 50 yards for a touchdown.

In the second quarter, the Rams’ misery continued as Jones got a 2-yard TD run, Feely got a 49-yard and a 46-yard field goal, QBBrett Favre completed a 1-yard TD pass to TEDustin Keller, and Feely made a 55-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, St. Louis would get their only score of the game as kickerJosh Brown nailed a 37-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New York flew away as Jones got a 6-yard TD run.

With the loss, the Rams fell to 2–7.

• 
  Coin toss before the Rams-Jets game
• 
  Jets QBBrett Favre passing
• 
  Jets handoff to Thomas Jones
• 
  Jets TD byJones, November 9

Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the Rams flew toCandlestick Park for a Week 11 NFC West duel with their rival, theSan Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as 49ers RBFrank Gore got a 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Rams responded with kickerJosh Brown getting a 24-yard field goal. However, San Francisco took a commanding lead as QBShaun Hill completed a 2-yard TD pass to TEVernon Davis, Gore got a 1-yard TD run, Hill got a 1-yard TD run, and Hill completed a 2-yard TD pass to WRBryant Johnson.

In the third quarter, St. Louis hacked at their deficit as Brown nailed a 48-yard and a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Rams tried to complete their comeback as QBMarc Bulger completed a 2-yard TD pass to WRDane Looker. However, the 49ers' defense was too much to overcome.

With their fourth-straight loss, St. Louis fell to 2–8.

Trying to snap a four-game losing streak, the Rams went home for a Week 12 duel withthe Chicago Bears. In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Bears RBMatt Forte got a 13-yard TD run, while QBKyle Orton completed a 7-yard TD pass to FBJason McKie. In the second quarter, the Rams’ struggles continued as Forté got a 47-yard TD run. St. Louis would respond with kickerJosh Brown getting a 43-yard field goal. Chicago would close out the half with Gould making a 43-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Bears pulled away with Gould nailing a 38-yard field goal. From there on out, Chicago's defense stiffened for the win.

With their fifth-straight loss, the Rams fell to 2–9.

Trying to snap a five-game losing streak, the Rams stayed at home for a Week 13 interconference duel withthe Miami Dolphins. The Rams would welcome backSteven Jackson to the lineup after weeks of sitting out with a thigh injury. Jackson gave the Rams a good enough boost to strike first with a first possession field goal byJosh Brown from 23 yards. Brown would kick a 51-yard field goal to give the Rams a 6–0 lead. In the second quarter, the Dolphins responded as RBRonnie Brown got a 3-yard TD run. The Rams would answer with Brown making a 33-yard field goal, but Miami replied with kickerDan Carpenter getting a 37-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Dolphins increased their lead as Carpenter got a 47-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis tried to keep up as Brown made a 38-yard field goal, yet Miami answered right back with Carpenter nailing a 42-yard field goal. The Rams tried to come back, but a late-game interception shattered any hope of a comeback.

With their sixth-straight loss, St. Louis fell to 2–10.

With the loss, the Rams fell to 2–11.

The Rams played a solid 1st half but the Seahawks turned the tables with 10 points in the final 2:47 for a 23–20 victory Sunday. T.J. Duckett's 1-yard run tied it, the Rams fizzled while going three-and-out, and Olindo Mare's 27-yard field goal as time expired ended the Seahawks' six-game losing streak and extended the Rams’ losing streak to 8 as they fell to 2–12.

Hoping to snap an eight-game losing streak, the Rams stayed at home for a Week 16 NFC West rematch withthe San Francisco 49ers. St. Louis would trail in the first quarter as 49ers kickerJoe Nedney got a 48-yard field goal. The Rams would take the lead in the second quarter as kickerJosh Brown got a 43-yard field goal, quarterbackMarc Bulger completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiverKeenan Burton, and Brown making a 38-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, St. Louis added onto their lead as Brown nailed a 22-yard field goal. However, San Francisco rallied with quarterbackShaun Hill completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to former Rams wide receiverIsaac Bruce and a 48-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverJosh Morgan.

With their ninth-straight loss, St. Louis fell to 2–13 and were swept by the 49ers for the first time since 2005.

Hoping to end a miserable season on a high note, the Rams flew to theGeorgia Dome for a Week 17 duel with the playoff-boundAtlanta Falcons. St. Louis trailed early in the first quarter as Falcons kickerJason Elam got a 39-yard field goal. The Rams would respond with running backSteven Jackson getting a tough 4-yard touchdown run. Atlanta would answer in the second quarter with running backMichael Turner getting a 9-yard touchdown run, yet St. Louis would strike right back as quarterbackMarc Bulger completed a 16-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiverDonnie Avery. However, it would be the Falcons who took the halftime lead as running backJerious Norwood got an 8-yard touchdown run.

Atlanta would increase their lead in the third quarter as quarterbackMatt Ryan completed an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverRoddy White. The Rams would begin to rally as kickerJosh Brown nailed a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis would regain the lead as Jackson got a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by Brown's 27-yard field goal. However, the Falcons got the last laugh as Norwood got a 45-yard touchdown run.

With the loss, the Rams closed out their season at 2–14 and on a ten-game losing streak.

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