Rams end the season with rival victory
By Rams Nation's Oscar F Lopez
The ending to a frustrating season finally ended on Monday Night December 30th.
In front of a packed house at the Edward Jones Dome in the Gateway City. The Rams
stunned themselves by ending the season on a positive note. The former NFC champions
came to life late in the fourth quarter to defeat the playoff bound 49ers 31-20.
In the process of creating a win ultimately. The Rams were horrible for three
quarters against the 49ers second squad. The mind set of the Rams coaching staff
to produce the shocking news of starting quarterback Scott Covington was a true
joke to everyone in attendance. The Rams produced only 33 total yards in the first
half. Scott Covington a former Bengals star if there is one, was ineffective for
two series before the coaching staff realized it had made a great error in judgement.
Mike Martz stated that Scott Covington ," He just got a little excited."
And added " He had a couple of plays called backwards that hurt us early
in the game.Instead of making a bad situation worse and ruining it, I got Jamie
in there."
And to the thousands of Rams' fans the presence of Jamie Martin was no relief.
The same Jamie Martin who can't throw a bomb strike to save his career. The same
Jamie Martin who gets consistenly sacked. The same Jamie Martin who can't scramble
to save his life. WOW i am getting sick here. The same Jamie Martin who helped
this team tonight win the game against the 49ers. Should i apologize now ? Not
a fat chance, cause i still don't think Jamie Martin is our first choice for the
2003 season. Nice guy, but horrible starting quarterback.
The 49ers were having their way from the start. Jeff Garcia took the 49ers on
a 20 play, 81 yard march capped by Jeff Chandler's 19 yard field goal. Then came
backup quarterback Tim Rattay, who threw touchdown passes to Tai Streets to make
the score 17-0 at the half.The 49ers outgained the Rams 224-33. Tim Rattay stated,"
It was fun. It was good to get out there and move the ball." The only offense
by the Rams was two completions by Martin to Torry Holt near the end of the half
totaling 23 yards. Martin started to drive but was intercepted by Ronnie Heard
near the 49ers redzone with 10 seconds left on a pass intended for Isaac Bruce
that stayed in the air forever.
In the second half the Rams came out refocused against the 49ers second unit after
being booed off the field before the half. The fans came out to see a competitive
game and they let them know. My weekend was just great until this day. The thought
of going home a loser was not good. Then to my surprise Jamie Martin began playing
like an NFL star. Martin began the comeback by short passing and hitting Brandon
Manumaleuna for a 6 yard touchdown. And he continued his performance to my surprise
with a 26 yard strike to Isaac Bruce to cut the lead to three points 17-14. Martin
finished the night 22 for 35 for 245 yards and three touchdowns. His last strike
touchdown was to Ernie Conwell with 1:53 remaining for 32 yards.
The St. Louis trip was a success after all thanks to Jamie Martin. How i hate
to say that but it's true. Thanks Jamie once again. Dre' Bly summed up the outcome
by saying." It ended the season in a perfect way. It's a tremendous way to
finish and it's a great feeling." And coach Martz stated ," I wish we'd
have played a little better in the first half. But what the heck." The Rams
finish 7-9 and it's a positive towards 2003.
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