The eight-game losing streak is over. And so is the Lawrence Phillips saga, put to rest by two running backs who helped lead the St. Louis Rams to their first victory since September.
Jerald Moore and Amp Lee both scored touchdowns Sunday, and Lee’s 45-yard reception set up Jeff Wilkins’ game-winning 25-yard field goal with 4 seconds to play as the Rams beat the punchless Washington Redskins 23-20.
“I haven’t jumped ship on them, and they haven’t jumped ship on me,” said St. Louis coach Dick Vermeil after the team’s first road win of the season. “I hope the glass of wine feels better tonight. We didn’t win the Super Bowl, but hopefully we gave something back to some good people.”
The overwhelming feeling of relief from the Rams (3-10) in the locker room was matched by a sense of bewilderment from their counterparts across the hall. The Redskins (6-6-1) will now need help if they are to make the playoffs for the first time since 1992.
“I don’t know how it got away,” said cornerback Darrell Green, shaking his head. “I wish I knew.”
After Brian Mitchell’s 2-yard touchdown run tied the score 20-20 with 1:50 to play, the Rams moved 53 yards in seven plays to set up the winning kick. The key play was a third-and-10 completion from Tony Banks (19 for 38, 298 yards) to Lee, who beat rookie Keith Thibodeaux for a 45-yard gain to the Redskins 5.
Banks took a knee on the next play to move the ball to the center of the field, setting up Wilkins’ third field goal and joyous celebrations on the Rams’ sideline.
Moore, whose promotion to starting back led to Phillips’ walkout and eventual release, rushed for 92 yards on 22 carries. Lee caught six passes for 128 yards.
“As players, we have to move on,” Lee said of the Phillips situation. “That’s something for the front office to worry about.”
But it was the Rams’ defense that led the way for most of the game. The Redskins scored a touchdown on the game’s opening drive and did little else offensively until converting two long fourth downs on a late 15-play, 78-yard drive that tied the game.
