Outtakes: Rams spend day giving ball away
October 15th, 2007 | by Kevin Morris |
By
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
BALTIMORE — In a cruel turn of irony, punter Donnie Jones — arguably the Rams’
most effective player during this 0-6 season — didn’t get much of a chance to
show off his left leg Sunday. The Rams’ first two series ended with Jones
punts; he didn’t get on the field thereafter.
That’s mainly because the Rams were busy handing the ball back to the Baltimore
Ravens, who collected 12 points off turnovers in their 22-3 victory.
Quarterback Gus Frerotte, a 14-year veteran, tossed a career-high five
interceptions and also lost a fumble.
“Turnovers were the difference,” coach Scott Linehan said. “We started out the
year with fumbles; now it’s interceptions.” Rams quarterbacks have tossed 12
interceptions, all in the past four games. Last season, they yielded a total of
eight.
PLAY OF THE DAY
Streaking down the right sideline early in the second quarter, wide receiver
Drew Bennett was 5 yards behind Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister. A catch
would’ve meant a sure touchdown and a Rams lead. But Frerotte was pressured as
he rolled out, his off-the-back-foot floater came up short, and the ball landed
in McAlister’s hands.
GAME BALLS
Rams — rookie nose tackle Clifton Ryan, who was credited in the unofficial
press-box stats with five tackles and a forced fumble in limited duty.
Ravens — kicker Matt Stover, whose five field goals tied his career high and
the team record.
BULGER BACK?
Nursing broken ribs and a sore knee, starting quarterback Marc Bulger has sat
out two games in which Frerotte has tossed a total of eight interceptions.
After Sunday’s defeat, Bulger was asked how he was feeling. “Fine,” he replied.
Has the pain lessened? “Broken ribs, they don’t heal in two weeks.” Could you
possibly play next week? “It’s up to the coach.” End of interview.
BUSY RETURN FOR HILL
Cornerback Tye Hill returned after missing four games with a back injury and
wound up playing more than expected. The plan was for Hill to come in only on
passing downs, but after starter Ron Bartell jammed a finger, Hill filled in on
the base defense. “The back felt pretty good,” he said. “It held up, really
didn’t bother me at all.”
BYRD SOARS
Second-year tight end Dominique Byrd doubled his career receptions total by
grabbing four for 44 yards. “I’m just trying to do whatever I can to get on the
field,” he said. How long he remains there, though, is questionable. Byrd is
scheduled to go to trial Tuesday — the players’ day off — in Los Angeles on a
DUI charge.
FIRST CARRIES
Running back Antonio Pittman, an undrafted rookie out of Ohio State who had
been limited to special teams, saw his first action on offense. After getting
11 yards on five runs, Pittman said, “It feels good to finally get some
carries. You just wait patiently, and today my chance came. Hopefully, I can
build on it.”
