Even with relatively limited touches (37) in a struggling offense, St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson still ranks ninth in the NFC in yards from scrimmage (186). But he’d be near the top had the Rams’ mistake-prone offense been able to avoid penalties.

_ Against Seattle, a 21-yard run was reduced to an eight-yard gain because of a spot foul against wide receiver Donnie Avery for an illegal block.

_ Against Washington, a 67-yard run by Jackson was reduced to a 59-yarder, again because of an illegal downfield block by Avery.

_ Jackson also had an 11-yard pass reception wiped out against the Redskins by a holding penalty against left tackle Alex Barron.

But the biggest mistake, and one that went largely overlooked in the 9-7 loss to Washington, came in the third quarter _ early in the drive that resulted in the lost fumble by Avery on the Washington 5.

With the Rams’ line blocking left, Jackson took a pitch from Marc Bulger to the right on third-and-1 from the St. Louis 34. The Redkskins’ defense was totally fooled. Jackson was already at the 50, with a step or two on a Redskins linebacker. The only other Washington defender who might have had a chance to tackle Jackson was a defensive back _ 20 yards or so downfield, with a Rams receiver in front of him. So it very well could’ve been a 66-yard touchdown. . .except that tight end Daniels Fells was flagged for a false start. Fells flinched just before the snap.

Thirteen of the 16 penalties called against the Rams this season have been against the offense.