The Rams used 17 second quarter points to take a lead on Sunday, but they couldn't stop a fourth quarter surge by the Buccaneers and young quarterback Josh Freeman.
Freeman out-dueled Rams rookie Sam Bradford and his 1-yard touchdown pass to Cadillac Williams with 10 seconds was the difference in an 18-17 come-from-behind victory at Raymond James Stadium.
Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick, threw two second quarter touchdown passes — to Danny Amendola and rookie tight end Michael Hoomanawanui — and running back Steven Jackson gained 110 yards on 22 carries and passed Eric Dickerson to move into first place on the Rams' all-time rushing list.
But Bradford and Jackson couldn't keep the Rams from falling to 3-4 on the season. St. Louis will host Carolina this week.