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Green Bay Packers topped by St. Louis Rams 24-34
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003
Preview | Boxscore

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- The St. Louis Rams added to the Green Bay Packers' misery indoors.

Marc Bulger threw three touchdown passes, including a pair to red-hot Torry Holt, and Isaac Bruce went over the 10,000 mark in career receiving yards as the Rams defeated the Packers, 34-24, for their 10th straight home victory.

"I think we are getting better," St. Louis coach Mike Martz said. "I don't know how good we are yet. I'm very proud of where this team is and how far a lot of these players have come. The attitude of this group is fantastic."

Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre, who was making his first appearance in St. Louis since his nightmare performance in a January 2002 divisional playoff game, dropped to just 10-20 in domes.

In a 45-17 playoff loss here, Favre threw a playoff record-tying six interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns.

In this one, the Rams (4-2) converted four Green Bay turnovers into 17 points and were never seriously threatened after opening a 14-3 lead in the first period.

"That was the deciding factor today," Favre said. "Our turnovers and their ability to get something out of them was the difference. It just kills you."

"We just played stupid football today," Green Bay coach Mike Sherman added. "You're on the road, you turn the ball over four times, it's going to be very difficult to win."

Holt, who caught touchdown passes of 39 yards in the first quarter and nine yards in the second period, has 27 receptions for 358 yards and five TDs in the last three games. He finished with four catches for 64 yards against the Packers (3-4).

"I'm just going out and just playing ball and focusing on my job," Holt said. "Coach has a lot of confidence in me in the red zone and he's (Bulger) getting me the ball. The offensive line is doing a great job in protecting Marc to give him time to find us and we're catching it and doing our thing."

Dane Looker gave the Rams a 28-17 lead with 4:14 left in the third quarter with a nifty 20-yard TD reception. He caught a pass along the left sideline at the 10-yard line and tip-toed his way into the end zone.

Bruce grabbed nine passes for 129 yards, raising his career receiving total to 10,006. He became the 18th player in NFL history with at least 10,000 receiving yards.

"I'm happy I was able to do it here in St. Louis and I'll keep pushing," Bruce said of his milestone. "It's huge. Not many guys have 10,000 yards."

Jeff Wilkins tacked on two field goals in the fourth period before the Packers got a late score on Najeh Davenport's 76-yard TD burst.

Bulger improved to 9-0 at home, completing 22-of-34 passes for 247 yards with a pair of interceptions.

"Our offensive line and defense stole the show," Bulger said. "A couple mistakes, but nothing too bad. A couple turnovers, tipped balls, but there is nothing you can do about that."

Favre completed 23-of-34 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns, but the Packers were hurt by three fumbles in the first half. Ahman Green, who came in leading the NFC in rushing with 699 yards, was limited to just 35 yards on 20 carries.

"I'm very impressed with not only their scheme on both sides of the ball but their level of intensity," Favre said. "They hustle to the ball and create turnovers. They are a lot like Tampa Bay, built around speed."

Green Bay grabbed a 3-0 lead on Ryan Longwell's 33-yard field goal with 10:08 left in the first period, but linebacker Tommy Polley recovered a fumble at the Packers' 40-yard-line, leading to Bulger's 39-yard TD strike to Holt.

The Rams needed just three plays and 62 seconds to increase their lead on Arlen Harris' three-yard TD scamper that capped a 40-yard drive. Bulger set up the score with completions of 24 yards to Bruce and 20 yards to tight end Brandon Manumaleuna.

Green Bay's defense came up with a turnover early in the second as cornerback Al Harris picked off Bulger at the Rams 47. The Packers cashed the interception into Favre's 21-yard TD pass to Green with 13:23 remaining in the first half.

The Rams put together a 10-play, 71-yard drive late in the second quarter to regain their 11-point margin on Bulger's nine-yard TD toss to Holt with 57 seconds left in the half.

"Marc is jelling with all of them (receivers)," Martz said. "I thought he played very well. I thought he managed the game very well."

Green Bay answered on the opening possession of the first half, closing to 21-17 on William Henderson's one-yard TD plunge. From there, the Packers' offense sputtered and the Rams slowly pulled away.



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