Here's a look at the first half of the season for the Los Angeles Rams (3-5) and a preview for what to expect in the second half:

Grade: C- This is reflective of the Rams' general state of mediocrity. They won three in a row, then lost four in a row, and in that stretch, six of seven games were decided by seven points or fewer. Their offense ranks among the bottom two in yards and points per game, with quarterback Case Keenum committing too many costly turnovers and the offensive line not doing nearly enough to set Todd Gurley free. Their defense has made several big plays in key situations, but hasn't been consistent enough against the pass or run.

Midseason MVP: This season's first half has only solidified Aaron Donald's case as the game's best defensive player, regardless of position. Donald had a huge game in Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers and has now compiled five sacks and 49 total pressures, tied for the NFL lead despite the constant double- and triple-teams in the interior. As a defensive tackle, nobody is even close to Donald when it comes to getting to the quarterback. The crazy thing is that not even the game's best edge rushers have been on par.

Best moment: It came with less than a minute remaining on Sept. 18. Russell Wilson threw a short pass to Christine Michael, and first-year middle linebacker Alec Ogletree caused a strip, jumped on the football and ran to the stands to gift the souvenir to his parents. It sealed a 9-3 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in the Rams' highly anticipated return to Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which was stuffed with more than 91,000 fans. And it avenged an embarrassing 28-0 season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.

Worst moment: The Rams were 5,500 miles from home but only 15 yards from a game-tying touchdown. In London on Oct. 23, trailing 17-10 with less than a minute remaining against the New York Giants, Keenum called an audible at the line of scrimmage. He intended to throw a fade route to Brian Quick in the corner of the end zone. Problem is, Quick never got the signal. He ran a short route, then helplessly watched Keenum's pass float into the arms of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for an interception. It was Keenum's fourth of the day and it dropped the Rams to 3-4 heading into their bye week.

Player to watch: At some point, you have to think Gurley will get going. He's too gifted a runner. Gurley finished third in rushing yards as a rookie in 2015, even though recovering from a torn ACL meant he started only 12 games. This was the year many expected Gurley to ascend as the game's best running back. Instead, he has struggled mightily to find space against opposing defenses that are stacking the box and behind an offensive line that is not blocking well. He has been a lot more involved in the passing game, but it has not been enough.

Second-half outlook: The Rams begin with a trio of games against beatable opponents in the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints, then face a hellish three-week stretch against the New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons and Seahawks. The Rams have gone 12 years without a winning record. Their only hope of snapping that is Gurley getting hot. And the biggest thing to monitor will be the status of No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff, who remained a backup throughout the first half but could be installed as the starting quarterback if the Rams fall out of it.