St. Louis quarterback Sam Bradford throws under pressure from Atlanta defensive tackle Corey Peters during Sunday's game in Atlanta. DAVID GOLDMAN / Associated Press
ATLANTA - The St. Louis Rams were really rolling by the second half.
If only the hole before halftime wasn't so deep.
Sam Bradford threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns, but the Rams came up short in their bid to start a season 2-0 for the first time in a dozen years, falling to the Atlanta Falcons 31-24 on Sunday.
The Rams (1-1) fell behind 21-0 by early in the second quarter, and they were down 24-3 at the break.
"No one gave up," Bradford said. "We kept fighting, made a game out of it."
Bradford hooked up with Tavon Austin on a 6-yard TD pass late and then went to Austin Pettis on a 3-yarder that brought the Rams to 24-17 and left plenty of time - just under 12 minutes - to complete the comeback.
But the Falcons (1-1) put together the drive they had to have, throwing on eight straight plays before Jason Snelling ripped off an 11-yard TD run - Atlanta's longest ground gain.
Atlanta's Julio Jones had a huge game, catching 11 passes and matching his career-best with 182 yards. Matt Ryan threw for 374 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
St. Louis' biggest miscue came early in the second quarter. Trailing 14-0 but driving, Bradford swung a short pass to Daryl Richardson out of the backfield. The ball deflected off his hands - and right into the arms of defensive end Osi Umenyiora, who lumbered 68 yards for a TD.
"I kind of took my eyes off the ball looking to run," Richardson said. "I've got to make sure I eyeball that ball in."
There were plenty of flaws in the Falcons' performance but they'll take it considering all the players who went down.
Five starters were done by halftime: running back Steven Jackson (thigh), linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (foot), defensive end Kroy Biermann (right ankle), cornerback Asante Samuel (thigh) and fullback Bradie Ewing (shoulder).
The Rams also had a couple of significant injuries. Backup safety Matt Daniels broke his ankle blocking on a kickoff return and will need surgery. Starting right tackle Rodger Saffold was hit on the left knee and was out.
After Umenyiora's return, it looked like a blowout. But, the Rams rallied.
"We never believe we're out of the game until the clock says zero," defensive end Robert Quinn said. "We just fell a play or two short."
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