FOXBOROUGH — Much-maligned this season for its porous coverage, the Patriots’ secondary was put on the spot at the start of last Sunday’s game against the Rams in London’s Wembley Stadium.

Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, seizing upon an opportunity to take his shots downfield against a secondary prone to giving up big plays, gave St. Louis a 7-0 lead when he lofted a 50-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Chris Givens.