National Football League

Spagnuolo upbeat with Rams at 0-4 ahead of bye

Published Oct. 4, 2011 4:56 a.m. ET

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Despite an 0-4 start, St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo is trying to stay positive heading into the team's bye week.

The Rams fell behind 17-0 against the Washington Redskins on Sunday before rallying for 10 points in the final 10 minutes to get within striking distance.

Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis intercepted Rex Grossman with just over five minutes left to give the offense the ball at the Redskins 19, but an illegal shift penalty and two sacks ended the potential game-trying threat and the Redskins won 17-10.

''I'd be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated,'' Laurinaitis said. ''I think everybody in this organization is frustrated.''

St. Louis, which is 13-55 since the start of the 2007 season, has been outscored 113-46 this season. The rough beginning has taken its toll on Spagnuolo, who entered the season with high hopes.

''I've got a wonderful wife, that's my only sanity,'' he said. ''It's not easy. I'm hanging my hat on the fact that I see no quit in this football team.''

The Rams gave up seven sacks against Washington. The pounding wore down quarterback Sam Bradford, who was 20 of 43 for 164 yards.

''Sam has got a hip that's a little sore, a contusion,'' Spagnuolo said. ''We'll see where he is tomorrow as far as practicing.''

St. Louis was outscored 96-36 in its first three games, including a 31-13 season-opening loss to Philadelphia and a 37-7 loss at home to Baltimore in Week 3.

The Rams were hoping to break through against Washington.

Instead, they face a tough stretch with consecutive road games at Green Bay and Dallas after the bye week.

But for now, the team will enjoy a little time off.

''I'm kind of glad the bye week is here,'' Spagnuolo said. ''Get a little time away and then come back ready to go.''

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