First-string units play well
Belleville News-Democrat
DETROIT - Quarterback
Marc Bulger threw for a touchdown and ran for a touchdown as the St. Louis Rams led the Detroit Lions 37-6 Monday in the fourth quarter of their preseason game.
Bulger and the Rams' first-string offense put together three long touchdown drives -- 78, 90 and 69 yards -- in the first half of what was essentially the team's dress rehearsal for regular season.
The Rams (1-1) had 15 first downs and 237 yards off offense in the first half.
The first-string offense was so impressive that they logged only one series in the second half before retiring for the game.
The Rams' first-string defense also had a strong performance, allowing only two field goals and making a key stop on a fourth-and-1 deep inside Rams territory.
The Lions managed only 53 rushing yards through three quarters against the Rams, who were shredded for 215 rushing yards in their 36-21 loss to the San Diego Chargers last week.
The Rams had a scary moment in the first half when safety Terry Fair was injured attempting to tackle Lions running back Kevin Jones. Fair, whose head got snapped back when it struck Jones thigh and knee, lay on the field on his stomach for several minutes.
Fair gave the thumbs-up sign with his right arm he was taken off the field by cart. He was transported to Henry Ford Hospital. The initial report on Fair was that he had a sprained neck. He reportedly had feeling and range of motion in both his arms and legs.
Bulger completed 11 of 14 passes for 167 yards. He had one interception and one touchdown.
The Lions (0-2), who unveiled their new black jerseys for the first time, had trouble protecting quarterback Joey Harrington. Harrington was sacked three times in the first half. He completed nine of 18 passes for 106 yards in the game.
Running back Steven
The Rams went up 14-0 on a 3-yard touchdown run by Jackson that capped 11-play, 90-yard drive.
Rams kicker Jeff Wilkins was injured on the extra-point attempt when Terrence Holt, the younger brother of Rams wide receiver
Torry Holt, hit him after bolting across the line of scrimmage prior to the ball being snapped.
Holt was called for off sides, but backup kicker Remy Hamilton had to come in the game to kick the extra-point.
Wilkins would return to action in the second quarter after Bulger thew a 31-yard touchdown pass to Isaac Bruce. Wilkins booted the extra point to put the Rams ahead 21-3.
Lions kicker Jeff Hanson, who kicked a 54-yard field goal earlier in the game, connected from 38 yards out to cut his team's deficit to 21-6 late in the first half.
The Rams initially forced a turnover late in the first half as Anthony Hargrove sacked Harrington, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Jimmy Kennedy.
However, the play was ruled as an incomplete pass on a replay challenge by Lions coach Steve Mariucci.
On the opening possession of the first half, the Rams were driving when Bruce fumbled after catching a pass.
Former Ram Dre' Bly forced the fumble that was recovered by Fernando Bryant, who ended up toss a lateral to Bly for a few extra yards on the return.
There was also a 15-yard penalty against Rams left tackle
Orlando Pace for hitting Bly out of bounds at the end of the play.
The Rams kept the Lions from capitalizing on the opportunity by stopping fullback Shawn Bryson for no gain on a fourth-and-1 at the St. Louis.
Leonard Little was credited with the tackle on Bryson.
Rams backup quaterback Jamie Martin replaced Bulger and engineered two drives that ended with field goals of 35 and 31 yards by Wilkins and another drive that ended with a 11-yard touchdown reception by rookie Madison Hedgecock.
The Rams close out the preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs at 7 p.m. Friday at the Edward Jones Dome.
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