Rams News

High-flying Vikings bring show to St. Louis

09/12/98 06:28:23 PM

By JASON STRAIT Associated Press Writer

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis Rams coach Dick Vermeil plans to accentuate the passing game against the Minnesota Vikings, and it's not tough to guess why.

The Rams rushed for just 47 yards on 24 carries and fumbled five times in a 24-17 opening loss to the New Orleans Saints last week. And although the Vikings beat Tampa Bay 31-7 in their opener, the Buccaneers threw for 251 yards and one touchdown against a shaky Minnesota secondary.

``If you can pass protect them you can throw the ball on them,'' Vermeil said. ``Once you give the ball back to Minnesota, you have some problems.''

Armed with a new owner, the return of its starting quarterback from a neck injury and the addition of rookie receiver Randy Moss, the Vikings were a popular preseason pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Last week, the Vikings lived up to those expectations.

Quarterback Brad Johnson threw four touchdown passes, two to Moss and two to perennial all-pro receiver Cris Carter, and the defense held the Bucs to just one touchdown and 68 yards rushing.

Rams defensive back Ryan McNeil, a former Detroit Lion, has faced the Vikings several times and believes the Rams match up well with Minnesota's lanky receivers. McNeil led the NFL with nine interceptions last year, but was limited to special teams in the opener after missing all of the preseason as a contract holdout.

``That's one thing that we can look forward to, the ball being up in the air,'' McNeil said. ``We're hungry for the ball.''

Vikings coach Dennis Green said he was impressed with Tony Banks in the opener. Banks had a career-high 29 completions in 44 attempts for 298 yards and one touchdown. Receiver Isaac Bruce caught 10 passes for 131 yards.

``They have outstanding speed at receiver. And the quarterback is a talent,'' Green said. ``They get in the shotgun and throw the ball a great deal.''

The Rams have made one significant lineup change, demoting running back Jerald Moore, who fumbled three times in the opener. Moore will be replaced by Greg Hill, a free agent pickup during the summer.

Hill played well in the preseason. But Hill was inactive for the opener because Vermeil said he didn't fully comprehend the playbook.

``In the preseason I was trying to vie for a starting job anyway, so I'll prepare myself the same way,'' Hill said. ``I've worked hard for this.''

Though the Vikings are favored by more than a touchdown, defensive end John Randle said this is the kind of game Minnesota has stumbled on in the past.

``We don't want that to happen,'' Randle said. ``We need to stay focused.''

ARCHIVE

HOME