Preview: Patriots VS. Rams

Last Week: Matt Cassel threw for three touchdowns, two of them to Randy Moss, Sammy Morris rushed for a career-high 138 yards, and the Patriots walloped the Denver Broncos 41-7 on Monday Night Football at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots rushed for 257 yards as a team, the most in a game by the Patriots since a 1985 game against Cincinnati. The Broncos suffered three lost fumbles and two interceptions, but surprisingly sacked Cassel six times. The Patriots are now 4-2 and host the St. Louis Rams at home. The Rams last week had Steven Jackson run for 160 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Rams to a 34-14 dismantling at home of the Cowboys. This was the Rams second consecutive win under interim coach Jim Haslett.

Patriots vs. Rams: Things to watch for...

PATRIOTS:

Patriots QB Matt Cassel had his best performance of the season on Monday night, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions. Cassel appears to be getting more comfortable in the Patriots' offense, but he still has a tendency to hold on to the ball too long. He's being sacked an average of four times a game after going down six times in the Denver game.

With Rodney Harrison lost for the season, the Patriots' secondary will have to regroup, likely starting second-year DB Brandon Meriweather in his place. Meriweather has been a bright spot in a shaky Patriots defensive backfield, recording three interceptions in his last five games.

A player like Kevin Faulk could see an expanded role, as the Patriots are shorthanded at running back. Look for BenJarvus Green-Ellis to be the primary ball carrier for the Patriots. "He knows where the hole is at, he finds it, he hits it and he is not going to try to do much sideline-to-sideline running."

RAMS:

The Rams are a faster-style defense, and will sometimes stress the opposition's protections with zone blitzes. Leonard Little (team-high 4.5 sacks) is a top pass rusher, while Chris Long is coming off his best game of the season in terms of generating pressure. In turn, the Rams have had their struggles defending the run.

Steven Jackson is the lead rusher and receiver on the team, leading the Rams with 508 rushing yards and 25 receptions. The Patriots will likely commit their resources to ensuring Jackson doesn't beat them, assuming Jackson, who is battling a thigh injury, is healthy enough to play.

Having spent the first five years of his career with the Seahawks, Josh Brown delivered some clutch kicks to help beat the Rams late in games. He's already delivered one winning kick, nailing a 49-yarder with no time left against the Redskins. In a close game, Brown to could be a key to the offense.