Little and Co. Rout Vikes 48-17
By Rams Nation's Oscar F Lopez
For Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss, facing the Rams seemed like a good test.
The battle for NFC division leaders was on the line. The separation from the
contenders and pretenders began today. Who was going to be the best team in
the end?
Well, the question had answers and that test we took earlier. The Rams scored
an a plus when it was all said and done. Leading the way was the resurgence
of Marshall Faulk with 3 touchdowns on the day. Faulk rushed for over 100 yards
for the third straight week. And make his mark once again in the record books,
by surpassing Hall Of Famers Jim Brown and Walter Payton for career touchdowns
with 127, placing Marshall Faulk fifth alltime.Marshall commented by stating,"Those
are huge names, guys that I idolized."
Coming into the contest,Marc Bulger was being criticized for his poor turnover
stats in the last couple outings. Winning ugly was beginning to be the norm.
But Marc is a warrior and he takes great pride in leading this team to a championship
someday.Marc Bulger was 15 of 20 for 222 yards with one interception and one
touchdown.
The road to Houston began in this contest versus a top notch opponent like
the Vikings.Daunte Culpepper and Co. can only blame themselves with plenty of
turnovers and costly penalties throughout the game. Almost every series for
the Vikings began or ending in a bad result. Penalties were also key drive killers.
Only Moe Williams was able to make an impact on the ground with a touchdown.
Michael Bennett was held to 14 carries for 98 yards.
But we must give credit where credit is deserved. The Rams offensive was once
again explosive. With Torry Holt leading the way with eight catches for 102
yards. Giving him 25 career 100 yard games tying the great Jerry Rice within
the first five seasons. And he also leads the league in catches with 92 for
1,387 yards.
Defensively Lovie's Boys came to play. Blitz was the key to keeping and forcing
Culpepper to create the turnovers needed. With his return from injury, Leonard Little proved that he is a playmaker with the likes of Ray Lewis. Leonard Little,
Tyoka Jackson, and Damione Lewis all combined for an outstanding rush. Tyoka
Jackson had an interception, Leonard Little forced fumbles and one led to Aeneas Williams 90 yd touchdown return.
With the eight sack totals the unit combined great speed and tackling. From
Adam Archuleta's two sacks to Leonard Little's four sacks, to Tyoka Jackson's
interception. Afterwards Tyoka commented on Little's play,"The guy does
it every single week." Coach Tice stated,"Were just very disappointed."
And added."I just know they manhandled us up front with the blitz."
Culpepper finished the day 33of 47 for 330 yards and one touchdown. He also
created two fumbles. Poor protection up front allowed the Rams to sack Culpepper
eight times. The area of major disappointment for the Vikings was the defense
who just could not stop the run today. Randy Moss finished second in league
leaders behind Torry Holt. Moss had ten catches for 160 yards, one touchdown,
and one fumble.
As for the overall feeling of the victory. The 12th home victory dating back
to last year and the sixth this year. Coach Martz stated,"I can't wait
to get home to hear them say,'Marshall,Marshall,Marshall on TV." The Rams
are now 9-3 and tied with the Eagles for the best of the best in the NFC. And
as for the who is the quarterback in St.Louis? Kyle Turley has that answer when
he shouted it out during an ESPN interview with Marc Bulger by stating,"
This is our quarterback Marc Bulger!
The Field Goal