Rams News

Bruce puts on show of greatness but says there's no glory in defeat
09/13 09:43 PM

By Elizabethe Holland
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

Last week, Minnesota Vikings rookie receiver Randy Moss lopped Rams fifth-year player Isaac Bruce off his list of NFL receivers from whom he might be able to pick up a few pointers.
After Bruce's performance Sunday against the Vikings, Moss may do well to add Bruce to the register.
"He's a great football player," Rams coach Dick Vermeil said. "He comes to play. And there isn't anybody that can cover him. Especially on AstroTurf."
Bruce tallied 192 yards and a touchdown on 11 receptions in the Rams' 38-31 loss to the Vikings at the Trans World Dome. His touchdown, which knotted the score 31-31, came with his longest career reception, an 80-yard pass from Tony Banks early in the fourth quarter. Before Sunday, his longest career reception was a 72-yarder at Indianapolis on Oct. 1, 1995.
"Tony stood in the pocket and I told him I was going to get open, so he delivered it," said Bruce, who extended his arms, caught the ball and ran it in without letting up on the gas. "Perfect pass, perfect execution, perfect result."
Banks produced another career high in the game as well when he rushed 30 yards on a reverse play near the end of the first quarter.
Moss, meanwhile, tabbed a total of 89 yards and no touchdowns on six receptions.
"For me, it was just a blessing from God," Bruce said. "He gives me the ability to do everything I do out on the football field. (And) it's Tony Banks and the way he threw the ball today. . . . I just went out and did my job. Tony Banks made it easier for me."
Banks, who otherwise struggled throughout the game, was grateful for the rapport he had with Bruce.
"It's hard not to connect with Isaac," the quarterback said. "He's a great football player and my hat's off to him. He played his heart out. I think he hurt something on that last drive, but he was still my go-to guy and he made some plays to get down there and give us a chance."
Late in the game, Bruce left the field with a slight limp caused by cramps from dehydration, but he went back in shortly thereafter. That was in stark contrast to what limps meant to him last season, when he missed almost all of the Rams' first five games with a hamstring injury.
Despite his resilience and standout performance, Bruce was glum after the loss. He commended the team for having character and fight, appeared somewhat pleased with his own game, and even joked that he heard no boos from the fans, only "BRUCE." But he added that nothing could be built from a loss.
"It's important to win games, and that's the number one stat," he said. "If you don't win, you get no glory. . . . We just have to go back to the drawing board and get a 'W' against Buffalo."

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