The Rams have drawn scrutiny since attacking the Lions' offensive line on a pair of kneel downs to close Sunday's game.
Much of the criticism has been directed at Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. But Fisher said Monday that criticism has been misdirected because the Rams' players acted on their own.
MORE: Sunday Takeaways: Can anyone stop the Patriots?
"This approach did not come from the sideline — it was not a call, it was not something that we practiced or that we preached," Fisher said. "I think it was a byproduct of frustration and things that (DT) Aaron (Donald) endured during the game and the players took it on themselves to do it.