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Rams coach Jeff Fisher has a habit of protecting high draft picks from situations they’re not prepared for.

And after benching former No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson, Fisher said his left tackle needed a chance to catch his breath after a string of bad performances.

“We made a decision during the week to give Greg Robinson a break, a week off, because he needed it,” Fisher said, via

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. “There was just a lot going on, too many mental errors and too many penalties.

“But I would expect Greg to return to the lineup. Just one of those things. I’ve dealt with them before with young players. He just needed a moment, he needed a break, so we’ll get him back and get him going.”

Robinson was penalized 12 times in the first nine games, which is high even by Rams standards.

He had started 38 consecutive games for the Rams, but they plugged right tackle Rodger Saffold into that spot (before he left with a hand injury). That left the job to reserve guard Andrew Donnal, who was asked the last time he played tackle and replied: “Maybe [organized team activities] or high school.”

The Saints aren’t exactly what you’d call “good at playing defense,” but they were able to pressure quarterback Jared Goff throughout the game, but especially in the second half when the deficit grew and it was clear the Rams were going to have to throw.