ST. LOUIS — The Broncos had a rough day in the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday, but the Broncos did get key performances from some of their top players, including an emerging defender.

Miller and Ware bring pass rush, but no turnovers for defense

The Broncos' talented pass rush duo of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware looked to get back on track against the Rams after failing to combine for two or more sacks in each game since Week 7 after recording a combined 15 sacks in their first six games.

Miller got back on the board with his 10th sack of the season and Ware had a big one in the fourth quarter, which could have been a game-changing moment.

Ware came off the edge like he was shot out of a cannon, and hit Rams quarterback Shaun Hill from his blind side. Hill dropped the ball but had the good fortune for it to bounce right back to him as he fell.

The defense's need for turnover to help their efforts and give the offense a short field was not lost on Chris Harris Jr.

"We just got to force some turnovers," Harris said. "We've got to figure out a way to light a spark in the game. Ware forced one; the ball just, like, landed right back in (Hill's) lap. That would have been a perfect opportunity but when the offense is struggling like that, we've got to be able to get some type of spark, some type of turnover."

Thomas continues receiving streak

Demaryius Thomas had seven catches for 103 yards against the Rams, good for his seventh consecutive game with at least 100 receiving yards. Not only has he left the previous franchise record (three) in the dust, he now approaches Calvin Johnson's NFL record, which sits at eight.

Despite another good game from Thomas, the Broncos' offense struggled to find continuity, especially in the second half. Of their seven second-half drives, the longest went for eight plays and 40 yards, ending after the Broncos failed to convert on fourth down.

The Rams defense forced the Broncos into a tough day with their physicality from top to bottom. The pass rush, which had totaled 16 sacks in the previous four games, continued at their recent high level, and the entire defensive squad made the game tough sledding for Denver's offense.

"We were able to make plays on defense," Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher said. "They got behind, pretty much had to go one-dimensional on offense. Even when [Peyton Manning's] one-dimensional he's excellent, and we made the plays."

Amid the troubles the banged-up offense faced in the Rams, Thomas' day stood out as yet another game in what's shaping up to be a spectacular year for him.

Marshall sets career high in tackles

The defense has gotten huge performances from Brandon Marshall each week in filling in for Danny Trevathan, and he again had a big day, racking up 15 tackles against the Rams.

Marshall has been a big factor in the rushing defense's successes this year as he's gained confidence and improved in the starting role. With good tackling and instincts as he moved into a leadership role, he's been a key part in the run defense, and increasingly in the pass defense.

Unfortunately, the game was a tough one in spite of his good performance. The normally outstanding Broncos rushing defense was uncharacteristically inconsistent. Tre Mason gathered 113 yards on nearly 30 carries, which allowed the Rams to extend drives while eating up the clock. Marshall was all over the place in making plays both to try to stop the run and against the Rams' passing attack.

Like Thomas, Ware and Miller's performances, Marshall's was also one that stood out on an individual level in a difficult loss on the road.