THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams defense isnt often embarrassed, and it is rarely humbled.Its veterans have been one of the NFLs best units for the past few years, and theyve been among the best again this season. Even after the past 64:02, theyre still ranked ninth in the league in total defense.And thats remarkable, considering everything thats gone wrong over the past 64:02.The Rams (4-7) flew to New England on Friday after a week of rededication and recovery from their most humiliating defensive performance in years. Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints dropped 49 points and 555 yards last weekend in Los Angeles sixth loss in seven games.Its going to tell a lot about us this week, said cornerback Trumaine Johnson, the Rams highest-paid player. After that game last week, hopefully we go out there and compete. Man, I really dont like going back and talking about it. But everything wasnt working, as a whole defense.Combined with the Miami Dolphins two long touchdown drives in the final minutes to win a game otherwise dominated by Los Angeles defense two weeks ago, the Rams have given up nine touchdowns and 707 yards on their opponents last 15 drives.Johnson realizes thats an inauspicious way to go into another long road trip and a cold-weather game against Tom Brady. The Rams cant change much about their personnel or schemes in such a short time, but Los Angeles is hoping the embarrassment will spark a return to form.Sometimes you get a wake-up call, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said. Weve been pretty dominant for four or five weeks, and all of a sudden, that wakes you up. I havent had any problem holding their attention in the meetings this week.The numbers are grim: New Orleans 555 yards were the third-most allowed in the 80-year-old franchises history. It was easily the Rams worst defensive game under Williams, the third-year coordinator, or head coach Jeff Fisher, who needs a huge finish to avoid his fifth straight losing season. The Saints 49 points were the most allowed by the Rams since 2002, and one fewer than Los Angeles had given up in its previous four games combined.The reasons for the problems are varied. Middle linebacker Alec Ogletree acknowledges his defense wasnt lined up properly on several key plays, while Williams alluded to young players making positional mistakes that cost the Rams dearly.But if the Rams mental toughness was dented by the failures, they havent indicated it during the week of practices for the Patriots.We definitely were mad about it, and disappointed, defensive lineman Aaron Donald said. But we know what weve got to do. Weve got to eliminate the mistakes, and weve got to play better. Thats not the way we play. We know that.Johnson and the Rams secondary realize theyve got the most work to do. Including Miamis final two drives, the Rams have yielded nearly 20 percent of all the yards passing theyve allowed in the entire season over the past 4 1/2 quarters.Even without Rob Gronkowski as a target, the Rams understand the challenge they face in their first meeting with the Patriots since Fishers first season in charge in 2012. Brady passed for 304 yards and four touchdowns that year while New England shredded St. Louis 45-7 in London.Weve got Tom Brady this week, Johnson said. We couldnt feel sorry for ourselves. Its another great quarterback were facing. We expect it to be a challenge.Game notes The defense might not have DE Robert Quinn, who is in the NFLs concussion protocol. He missed practice all week, but is listed as questionable for Sunday. .... Tavon Austin, the Rams receiver and kick returner, is doubtful after missing the weeks practices with a chest injury. ... C Tim Barnes (foot), OT Andrew Donnal (hip) and OG Rodger Saffold (hand) practiced on a limited basis Friday.---For more NFL coverage: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Ken Giles Blue Jays Jersey . -- Jacksonville wide receiver Cecil Shorts will likely be a game-time decision whether hell play Sunday in the Jaguars home game against the San Diego Chargers. Bud Norris Blue Jays Jersey .com) - The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward James Neal on injured reserve Tuesday. http://www.bluejaysonline.com/blue-jays-jack-morris-jersey/ . The Cincinnati Reds remain perfect with their speedy rookie outfielder in the starting lineup. Justin Smoak Jersey . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Dave Winfield Blue Jays Jersey . The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lions have not announced the hiring, which was first reported by ESPN. Lombardi, the grandson of former Green Bay Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, has been an offensive assistant on Sean Paytons New Orleans staff since 2007. CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Matt Willms scored 22 points and Dominic Artis finished an assist shy of a triple-double in UTEPs 85-75 victory over Western Michigan on Friday at the Charleston Classic.The Miners (2-1) will play for fifth-place in the eight-team tournament on Sunday. Western Michigan (1-3) fell to 0-5 all-time in the Charleston tournament after losing all three in 2008 and its first two games here this week. The Broncos will try and end that streak in Sundays game for seventh.WWillms, a 7-foot-1 junior, powered UTEP after it had squandered almost all of a 12-point lead and was up just 64-62.dddddddddddd Willms had a basket, blocked Brandon Johnsons shot on the other end, then hit a foul shot to help the Miners regain control.Artis had 20 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.Tucker Haymond had 20 points to lead Western Michigan. ' ' '