1999 St. Louis Rams season (original) (raw)

NFL team season

1999 St. Louis Rams season
Owner Georgia Frontiere
General manager Dick Vermeil
Head coach Dick Vermeil
Offensive coordinator Mike Martz
Defensive coordinator Peter Giunta
Home field Trans World Dome
Local radio KSD–FM 93.7
Results
Record 13–3
Division place 1st NFC West
Playoff finish Won Divisional Playoffs(vs. Vikings) 49–37 Won NFC Championship(vs. Buccaneers) 11–6 Won Super Bowl XXXIV (vs. Titans) 23–16
Pro Bowlers QB Kurt WarnerRB Marshall FaulkWR Isaac BruceOT Orlando PaceDT D'Marco FarrDE Kevin CarterCB Todd Lyght
AP All-Pros QB Kurt Warner _(1st team)_RB Marshall Faulk _(1st team)_WR Isaac Bruce _(2nd team)_OT Orlando Pace _(1st team)_DE Kevin Carter _(1st team)_CB Todd Lyght _(2nd team)_KR Tony Horne (2nd team)
Team MVP Marshall Faulk
Team ROY Torry Holt
← 1998 Rams seasons 2000 →

The 1999 St. Louis Rams season was the team's 62nd year with the National Football League (NFL) and the fifth season in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams finished the regular-season with a record of 13–3, and defeated the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV.

It was the team's first playoff appearance in St. Louis, their first since 1989, and their first division title since 1985. The Rams were undefeated at home for the first time since 1973.[1] On the road, the Rams were 5–3.

In the post-season, they defeated the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 49–37 in the NFC Divisional Playoffs and went on to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11–6 in the NFC Championship Game. These were the first NFL playoff games ever played in St. Louis. The Rams then won their first ever Super Bowl title, defeating the Tennessee Titans by a score of 23–16 in Super Bowl XXXIV. The game was played on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. It was also the franchise's first NFL championship since 1951, when the Rams played in Los Angeles. The Rams also became the first “dome-field” (indoor home games) team to win a Super Bowl. It would be the franchise's only Super Bowl win during the St. Louis era; their next title would come in 2021, five years after their return to Los Angeles.

It was the first season of the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” offense. The 1999 Rams remain one of only five teams in NFL history to score more than 30 points twelve separate times in a single season.[note 1][2] On defense, the Rams recorded seven interceptions returned for touchdowns, third most in NFL history.[3]

The Rams were the third St. Louis–based pro sports team to win a major championship, joining the, then, nine-time World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball and the 1957–58 St. Louis (now Atlanta) Hawks of the NBA. They would be followed by two more World Series championships by the St. Louis Cardinals and a championship by the St. Louis Blues in the 2019 Stanley Cup Finals which made St. Louis the eighth city to win a championship in each of the four major U.S. sports.

Quarterback Kurt Warner was the MVP in both the regular season and in Super Bowl XXXIV.

It was the final season the Rams wore their 1973–1999 uniforms that had been synonymous with their time in Los Angeles (they brought them back as their home uniform set beginning in 2018 after their return to Los Angeles). This season would start a period of strength for the Rams, as they would post a winning record in all but one season from this year to 2003. The 1999 Rams team ranked No. 11 on the 100 greatest teams of all time presented by the NFL on its 100th anniversary.[4][5]

After a poor showing from the Rams offense in the previous 1998 season, Rams VP John Shaw suggested the Rams hire Redskins quarterbacks coach Mike Martz, and Vermeil and the team agreed. Martz advocated for the Rams to sign quarterback Trent Green from Washington, which the team did. This made Tony Banks expendable, and he was traded to the Ravens, which moved Kurt Warner from third-string to backup quarterback. VP Shaw also acquired Marshall Faulk from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two draft picks.[6] The team also signed guard Adam Timmerman and linebacker Todd Collins, both of whom became starters.

1999 St. Louis Rams draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 6 Torry Holt * Wide receiver NC State
2 41 Dré Bly * Cornerback North Carolina
3 68 Rich Coady Safety Texas A&M
4 101 Joe Germaine Quarterback Ohio State
5 145 Cameron Spikes Guard Texas A&M
6 176 Lionel Barnes Defensive end Louisiana–Monroe
7 252 Rodney Williams Punter Georgia Tech
Und Und James Hodgins Fullback San Jose State
Made roster * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

[7]

1999 St. Louis Rams staff | | Front office Chairman – Georgia Frontiere Vice chairman – Stan Kroenke President – John Shaw Senior vice president – Jay Zygmunt General manager/President of football operations – Dick Vermeil Vice president of football operations – Lynn Stiles Senior vice president of administration – Bob Wallace Director of player personnel – John Becker Head coaches Head coach – Dick Vermeil Associate head coach / wide receivers – Al Saunders Assistant head coach / offensive line – John Matsko Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Mike Martz Quarterbacks – John Ramsdell Running backs – Wilbert Montgomery Tight ends – Lynn Stiles Offensive line – Jim Hanifan Offensive assistant – Mike White | | | Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Peter Giunta Defensive coordinator / linebackers – John Bunting Defensive line – Carl Hairston Secondary – Steve Brown Defensive assistant – Sam Clark Defensive assistant – Todd Howard Special teams coaches Special teams – Frank Gansz Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Chris Clausen Strength and conditioning – Dana LeDuc | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

1999 St. Louis Rams roster | Quarterbacks (QB) 9 Joe Germaine 16 Paul Justin 13 Kurt Warner Running backs (RB) 28 Marshall Faulk 42 James Hodgins FB 25 Robert Holcombe FB 31 Amp Lee 36 Justin Watson Wide receivers (WR) 80 Isaac Bruce 81 Az-Zahir Hakim 88 Torry Holt 82 Tony Horne 87 Ricky Proehl 83 Chris Thomas Tight ends (TE) 84 Ernie Conwell 45 Jeff Robinson LS 86 Roland Williams | | Offensive linemen (OL) 60 Mike Gruttadauria C 64 Andy McCollum C 73 Fred Miller T 61 Tom Nütten G 76 Orlando Pace T 71 Cameron Spikes G 62 Adam Timmerman G 50 Ryan Tucker T 77 Matt Willig T Defensive linemen (DL) 99 Ray Agnew DT 92 Lionel Barnes DE 93 Kevin Carter DE 75 D'Marco Farr DT 95 Nate Hobgood-Chittick DT 96 Jay Williams DE 98 Grant Wistrom DE 90 Jeff Zgonina DT | | Linebackers (LB) 56 Charlie Clemons MLB 54 Todd Collins OLB 59 London Fletcher MLB 52 Mike Jones OLB 57 Leonard Little OLB 58 Mike Morton OLB 91 Troy Pelshak OLB 51 Lorenzo Styles MLB Defensive backs (DB) 20 Taje Allen CB 32 Dré Bly CB 23 Devin Bush SS 24 Ron Carpenter FS 38 Rich Coady SS 22 Billy Jenkins SS 41 Todd Lyght CB 35 Keith Lyle FS 21 Dexter McCleon CB Special teams 2 Mike Horan P 14 Jeff Wilkins K | | Practice squad -- Darrius Blevins WR 26 Clifton Crosby CB 33 Derrick Harris RB Reserve 63 John Flannery G (IR) 10 Trent Green QB (IR) 94 Gaylon Hyder DT (IR) 70 Willie Jones T (NF-Inj.) 11 Rick Tuten P (IR) _Rookies in italics_53 active, 5 reserve, 3 practice squad | | 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Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 7 Oakland Raiders L 17–18 0–1 Trans World Dome Recap
2 August 21 at Chicago Bears L 24–38 0–2 Soldier Field Recap
3 August 28 San Diego Chargers W 24–21 1–2 Trans World Dome Recap
4 September 2 at Detroit Lions W 17–6 2–2 Pontiac Silverdome Recap
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 12 Baltimore Ravens W 27–10 1–0 Trans World Dome Recap
2 Bye
3 September 26 Atlanta Falcons W 35–7 2–0 Trans World Dome Recap
4 October 3 at Cincinnati Bengals W 38–10 3–0 Cinergy Field Recap
5 October 10 San Francisco 49ers W 42–20 4–0 Trans World Dome Recap
6 October 17 at Atlanta Falcons W 41–13 5–0 Georgia Dome Recap
7 October 24 Cleveland Browns W 34–3 6–0 Trans World Dome Recap
8 October 31 at Tennessee Titans L 21–24 6–1 Adelphia Coliseum Recap
9 November 7 at Detroit Lions L 27–31 6–2 Pontiac Silverdome Recap
10 November 14 Carolina Panthers W 35–10 7–2 Trans World Dome Recap
11 November 21 at San Francisco 49ers W 23–7 8–2 3Com Park Recap
12 November 28 New Orleans Saints W 43–12 9–2 Trans World Dome Recap
13 December 5 at Carolina Panthers W 34–21 10–2 Ericsson Stadium Recap
14 December 12 at New Orleans Saints W 30–14 11–2 Louisiana Superdome Recap
15 December 19 New York Giants W 31–10 12–2 Trans World Dome Recap
16 December 26 Chicago Bears W 34–12 13–2 Trans World Dome Recap
17 January 2 at Philadelphia Eagles L 31–38 13–3 Veterans Stadium Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Week 1: vs. Baltimore Ravens

[edit]

Game information
First quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 36-yard field goal, 8:56. Rams 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 3:38. Second quarter STL – Roland Williams 6-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:28. Rams 10–0. Drive: 3 plays, 41 yards, 1:19. BAL – Matt Stover 25-yard field goal, 6:00. Rams 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, -1 yard, 1:22. STL – Isaac Bruce 2-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 0:33. Rams 17-3. Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 5:27. Third quarter BAL – Brandon Stokley 28-yard pass from Scott Mitchell (Matt Stover kick), 0:15. Rams 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:49. Fourth quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 51-yard field goal, 8:56. Rams 20–10. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 1:21. STL – Torry Holt 20-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 2:40. Rams 27-10. Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 5:15. Top passers BAL – Scott Mitchell – 17/40, 188 yards, TD, 2 INT STL – Kurt Warner – 28/44, 309 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers BAL – Priest Holmes – 12 rushes, 52 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 19 rushes, 54 yards Top receivers BAL – Justin Armour – 4 receptions, 76 yards STL – Isaac Bruce – 8 receptions, 92 yards, TD

Quarterback Kurt Warner threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns in his first NFL start. The Rams pass defense notched five sacks and two interceptions against Ravens quarterback Scott Mitchell.

Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons

[edit]

Week 3: Atlanta Falcons at St. Louis Rams – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
Falcons 0 0 7 0 7
Rams 7 21 7 0 35

at Trans World Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information
First quarter STL – Robert Holcombe 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:47. Rams 7–0. Drive: 17 plays, 80 yards, 10:13. Second quarter STL – Torry Holt 38-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 14:53. Rams 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:06. STL – Isaac Bruce 46-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 14:24. Rams 21–0. Drive: 1 play, 46 yards, 0:07. STL – Marshall Faulk 17-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 6:35. Rams 28–0. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:44. Third quarter ATL – Brian Kozlowski 1-yard pass from Tony Graziani (Morten Andersen kick), 7:32 Rams 28–7. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 7:28. STL – Kurt Warner 5-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 1:54. Rams 35–7. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 5:38. Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers ATL – Tony Graziani – 14/22, 152 yards, TD STL – Kurt Warner – 17/25, 275 yards, 3 TD Top rushers ATL – Byron Hanspard – 17 rushes, 50 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 17 rushes, 105 yards Top receivers ATL – Bob Christian – 5 receptions, 37 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 5 receptions, 67 yards, TD

Kurt Warner was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week, completing 17 of 25 passes for 275 yards, three touchdown passes and also ran for another. Warner threw his first touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter, hooking up with Torry Holt on a 38-yard strike. After an interception by safety Todd Lyght, Warner hit Isaac Bruce with a 46-yard touchdown. Bruce caught three passes for 68 yards. Marshall Faulk broke off with a 58-yard run down to the Falcons' 22-yard line. Three plays later, Warner's 17-yard scoring pass to Faulk gave the Rams a 28–0 lead. Faulk had his first 100-yard game for the Rams with 172 yards from scrimmage. After the Falcons got their only points midway through the third quarter. Warner broke loose for a 5-yard touchdown run as the Rams have their first win against Atlanta since 1996.

Week 4: at Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]

Game information
First quarter CIN – Doug Pelfrey 26-yard field goal, 8:05. Bengals 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 5:49. STL – Az-Zahir Hakim 9-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 5:35. Rams 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:30. Second quarter STL – Robert Holcombe 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 11:38. Rams 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 91 yards, 4:59. STL – Az-Zahir Hakim 51-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 3:05. Rams 21–3. Drive: 3 plays, 61 yards, 1:21. Third quarter STL – Az-Zahir Hakim 84-yard punt return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 12:59. Rams 28–3. STL – Az-Zahir Hakim 18-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 2:32. Rams 35–3. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 3:16. Fourth quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 19-yard field goal, 10:42. Rams 38–3. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 5:14. CIN – Akili Smith 1-yard run (Doug Pelfrey kick), 2:26. Rams 38–10. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 4:51. Top passers STL – Kurt Warner – 17/21, 310 yards, 3 TD CIN – Jeff Blake – 12/23, 114 yards Top rushers STL – Marshall Faulk – 11 rushes, 23 yards CIN – Corey Dillon – 15 rushes, 39 yards Top receivers STL – Isaac Bruce – 6 receptions, 152 yards CIN – Darnay Scott – 6 receptions, 61 yards

With this win the Rams moved to 3–0 in Kurt Warner's first three games as starting quarterback

Week 5: vs. San Francisco 49ers

[edit]

Week 5: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
49ers 3 14 3 0 20
Rams 21 7 7 7 42

at Trans World Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information
First quarter STL – Isaac Bruce 13-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 7:42. Rams 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 3:56. STL – Isaac Bruce 5-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:26. Rams 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 64 yards, 1:37. SF – Wade Richey 42-yard field goal, 1:34. Rams 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:52. STL – Isaac Bruce 45-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 1:12. Rams 21–3. Drive: 1 play, 45 yards, 0:22. Second quarter SF – Lawrence Phillips 2-yard run (Wade Richey kick), 12:24. Rams 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:48. STL – Jeff Robinson 22-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:09. Rams 28–10. Drive: 9 plays, 89 yards, 5:49. SF – Junior Bryant defensive fumble recovery in end zone (Wade Richey kick), 1:59. Rams 28–17. Third quarter SF – Wade Richey 43-yard field goal, 1:42. Rams 28–20. Drive: 11 plays, 67 yards, 5:41. STL – Tony Horne 97-yard kickoff return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 1:25. Rams 35–20. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:17. Fourth quarter STL – Isaac Bruce 42-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 11:11. Rams 42–20. Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 2:07. Top passers SF – Jeff Garcia – 22/36, 233 yards, 3 INT STL – Kurt Warner – 20/23, 323 yards, 5 TD, INT Top rushers SF – Charlie Garner – 13 rushes, 52 yards STL – Justin Watson – 11 rushes, 46 yards Top receivers SF – Terrell Owens – 6 receptions, 60 yards STL – Isaac Bruce – 5 receptions, 134 yards, 4 TD

The Rams got off to a strong start with Kurt Warner throwing touchdown passes to Isaac Bruce on each of the team's first three possessions. Isaac Bruce totaled 134 receiving yards and four touchdowns during the game. This game ended the Rams’ 17-game losing streak against the 49ers that began in 1990. It was also the Rams' first home win against the 49ers since 1986, when they were located in Los Angeles.

Week 6: at Atlanta Falcons

[edit]

Week 6: St. Louis Rams at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
Rams 14 14 6 7 41
Falcons 0 10 0 3 13

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information
First quarter STL – Isaac Bruce 4-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 9:20. Rams 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:40. STL – Marshall Faulk 6-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 2:03. Rams 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:18. Second quarter ATL – Bob Christian 13-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Morten Andersen kick), 11:19. Rams 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 2:10. STL – Tony Horne 101-yard kickoff return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 10:59. Rams 21–7. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:20. STL – Grant Wistrom 91-yard interception return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 1:42. Rams 28–7. ATL – Morten Andersen 19-yard field goal, 0:32, Rams 28–10. Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 1:10. Third quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 22-yard field goal, 12:42. Rams 31–10. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:22. STL – Jeff Wilkins 49-yard field goal, 7:26. Rams 34–10. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:53. Fourth quarter STL – Robert Holcombe 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 10:26. Rams 41–10. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:45. ATL – Morten Andersen 25-yard field goal, 4:25. Rams 41–13. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 6:01. Top passers STL – Kurt Warner – 13/20, 111 yards, TD ATL – Chris Chandler – 10/18, 168, TD, INT Top rushers STL – Marshall Faulk – 18 rushes, 181 yards, TD ATL – Ken Oxendine – 9 rushes, 32 yards Top receivers STL – Issac Bruce – 6 receptions, 48 yards, TD ATL – Terance Mathis – 7 receptions, 45 yards

Faulk gained 181 rushing yards, and the Rams defense generated two interceptions and four sacks. The Rams moved to 5–0 with this win over the 1998 NFC champions.

Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns

[edit]

Week 7: Cleveland Browns at St. Louis Rams – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
Browns 3 0 0 0 3
Rams 14 7 3 10 34

at Trans World Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information
First quarter STL – Roland Williams 1-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:34. Rams 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:26. STL – Isaac Bruce 4-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 6:49. Rams 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 28 yards, 1:33. CLE – Phil Dawson 47-yard field goal, 0:17. Rams 14–3. Drive: 13 plays, 51 yards, 6:32. Second quarter STL – Roland Williams 1-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 10:59. Rams 21–3. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 4:18. Third quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 28-yard field goal, 3:13. Rams 24–3. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:33. Fourth quarter STL – Marshall Faulk 33-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 14:50. Rams 31–3. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:57. STL – Jeff Wilkins 36-yard field goal, 4:06. Rams 34–3. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 5:38. Top passers CLE – Tim Couch – 22/40, 185 yards, 2 INT STL – Kurt Warner – 23/29, 203 yards, 3 TD Top rushers CLE – Karim Abdul-Jabbar – 6 rushes, 27 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 16 rushes, 133 yards, TD Top receivers CLE – Leslie Shepherd – 6 receptions, 85 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 9 receptions, 67 yards

Marshall Faulk ran for 133 yards, and the Rams defense racked up three turnovers. The Rams ran their record to 6–0 against the revived Cleveland franchise.

Week 8: at Tennessee Titans

[edit]

Game information
First quarter TEN – Lorenzo Neal 1-yard pass from Steve McNair (Al Del Greco kick), 8:28. Titans 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:32. TEN – Eddie George 17-yard pass from Steve McNair (Al Del Greco kick), 2:41. Titans 14–0. Drive: 1 play, 17 yards, 0:08. TEN – Steve McNair 10-yard run (Al Del Greco kick), 1:24. Titans 21–0. Drive: 2 plays, 26 yards, 0:24. Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter STL – Marshall Faulk 57-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 14:33. Titans 21–7. Drive: 2 plays, 57 yards, 0:27. STL – Isaac Bruce 3-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 7:55. Titans 21–14. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 2:30. TEN – Al Del Greco 27-yard field goal, 4:18. Titans 24–14. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 3:37. Fourth quarter STL – Amp Lee 15-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 2:14. Titans 24–21. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:01. Top passers STL – Kurt Warner – 29/46, 328 yards, 3 TD TEN – Steve McNair – 13/29, 186 yards, 2 TD Top rushers STL – Marshall Faulk – 16 rushes, 90 yards TEN – Eddie George – 17 rushes, 68 yards Top receivers STL – Marshall Faulk – 6 receptions, 94 yards, TD TEN – Jackie Harris – 3 receptions, 44 yards

Despite a second half comeback, 21 unanswered first half points by Titans, due in part to two first-quarter fumbles by Kurt Warner in the Rams’ own half that Tennessee converted into touchdowns, enables them to inflict the Rams’ first defeat in a Super Bowl preview. Rams right offensive tackle Fred Miller had a miserable game, committing five false starts and two holding penalties.

Week 9: at Detroit Lions

[edit]

Week 9: St. Louis Rams at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
Rams 2 10 0 15 27
Lions 0 10 11 10 31

at Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan

Game information
First quarter STL – Greg Hill tackled in end zone by London Fletcher for a safety, 6:58. Rams 2–0. Second quarter DET – Germane Crowell 4-yard pass from Charlie Batch (Jason Hanson kick), 14:19. Lions 7–2. Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 4:11. STL – Jeff Robinson 6-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 11:32. Rams 9–7. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 2:47. DET – Jason Hanson 29-yard field goal, 6:51. Lions 10–9. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 4:41. STL – Jeff Wilkins 34-yard field goal, 0:41. Rams 12–10. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 3:19. Third quarter DET – Cory Schlesinger 3-yard pass from Gus Ferotte (Germane Crowell–Gus Ferotte pass), 9:20. Lions 18–12. Drive: 4 plays, 12 yards, 1:59. DET – Jason Hanson 43-yard field goal, 4:49. Lions 21–12. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 2:16. Fourth quarter STL – Az-Zahir Hakim 75-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 10:06. Lions 21–19. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:58. DET – Jason Hanson 44-yard field goal, 6:10. Lions 24–19. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:56. STL – Ryan Tucker 2-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Kurt Warner–Isaac Bruce pass), 2:42. Rams 27–24. Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 3:28. DET – Johnnie Morton 12-yard pass from Gus Ferotte (Jason Hanson kick), 0:28. Lions 31–27. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 2:14. Top passers STL – Kurt Warner – 25/42, 305 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT DET – Gus Ferotte – 12/16, 209 yards, 2 TD Top rushers STL – Marshall Faulk – 11 rushes, 15 yards DET – Greg Hill – 11 ruses, 3 yards Top receivers STL – Marshall Faulk – 10 receptions, 78 yards DET – Germane Crowell – 8 receptions, 163 yards, TD

Hoping to rebound from the loss to Tennessee, the Rams rallied from a nine point second-half deficit in Detroit to take a 27–24 lead over the Lions with 2:42 remaining in regulation. However, Gus Frerotte would lead the Lions down the field to reclaim the lead, converting a 4th-and-26 with a 57-yard pass to Germane Crowell along the way. Detroit then took a 31–27 lead on a Johnnie Morton touchdown reception with 28 seconds remaining. The Rams failed to respond, as Ron Rice would intercept Kurt Warner on the final drive, sealing St. Louis's second straight loss.

Week 10: vs. Carolina Panthers

[edit]

Week 10: Carolina Panthers at St. Louis Rams – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
Panthers 7 3 0 0 10
Rams 14 7 7 7 35

at Trans World Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information
First quarter CAR – Wesley Walls 14-yard pass from Steve Beuerlein (John Kasay kick), 9:38. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:22. STL – Isaac Bruce 22-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 7:02. Tied 7–7. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:36. STL – Todd Lyght 57-yard interception return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 0:15. Rams 14–7. Second quarter STL – Roland Williams 19-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 5:31. Rams 21–7. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 8:16. CAR – John Kasay 24-yard field goal, 0:44. Rams 21–10. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 2:33. Third quarter STL – Mike Jones 37-yard defensive fumble return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 11:25. Rams 28–10. Fourth quarter STL – Marshall Faulk 18-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 1:11. Rams 35–10. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:18. Top passers CAR – Steve Beuerlein – 24/39, 286 yards, TD, 2 INT STL – Kurt Warner – 19/29, 284 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers CAR – Fred Lane – 13 rushes, 54 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 16 rushes, 73 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Muhsin Muhammad – 9 receptions, 125 yards STL – Isaac Bruce – 5 receptions, 69 yards, TD

Week 11: at San Francisco 49ers

[edit]

Game information
First quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 40-yard field goal, 4:47. Rams 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:29. Second quarter SF – Fred Beasley 1-yard run (Wade Richey kick), 8:13. 49ers 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:51. STL – Isaac Bruce 5-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 3:02. Rams 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 5:11. STL – Jeff Wilkins 20-yard field goal, 0:00. Rams 13–7. Drive: 15 plays, 78 yards, 1:41. Third quarter STL – Mike Jones 44-yard interception return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 9:41. Rams 20–7. STL – Jeff Wilkins 49-yard field goal, 2:23. Rams 23–7. Drive: 10 plays, 28 yards, 4:50. Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers STL – Kurt Warner – 22/40, 201 yards, TD, INT SF – Steve Stenstrom – 7/12, 108 yards, INT Top rushers STL – Marshall Faulk – 21 rushes, 126 yards SF – Charlie Garner – 16 rushes, 77 yards Top receivers STL – Isaac Bruce – 11 receptions, 93 yards, TD SF – Terrell Owens – 6 receptions, 120 yards

With this win the Rams swept the 49ers for the first time since the 1980 season nineteen years previously.

Week 12: vs. New Orleans Saints

[edit]

Week 12: New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
Saints 3 9 0 0 12
Rams 7 8 7 21 43

at Trans World Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information
First quarter STL – Torry Holt 25-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:58. Rams 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 1:02. NO – Doug Brien 51-yard field goal, 6:37. Rams 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 26 yards, 3:39. Second quarter NO – Doug Brien 42-yard field goal, 14:56. Rams 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 5:03. NO – Doug Brien 45-yard field goal, 9:08. Saints 9–7. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:09. STL – Marshall Faulk 1-yard run (Marshall Faulk run), 7:15. Rams 15–9. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 1:53. NO – Doug Brien 35-yard field goal, 0:07. Rams 15–12. Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 2:10. Third quarter STL – Marshall Faulk 6-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 3:08. Rams 22–12. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:11. Fourth quarter STL – Robert Holcombe 3-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 12:15. Rams 29–12. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:28. STL – Torry Holt 20-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 6:36. Rams 36–12. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:32. STL – James Hodgins 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 1:14. Rams 43–12. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 3:58. Top passers NO – Billy Joe Hobert – 23/41, 254 yards, 2 INT STL – Kurt Warner – 15/27, 213 yards, 2 TD Top rushers NO – Lamar Smith – 18 rushes, 54 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 18 rushes, 102 yards, 2 TD Top receivers NO – Andre Hastings – 9 receptions, 113 yards STL – Torry Holt – 5 receptions, 87 yards, 2 TD

Week 13: at Carolina Panthers

[edit]

Week 13: St. Louis Rams at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
Rams 14 7 0 13 34
Panthers 0 7 7 7 21

at Ericsson Stadium, Charlotte

Game information
First quarter STL – Roland Williams 14-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 10:12. Rams 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 4:48. STL – Az-Zahir Hakim 48-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 5:41. Rams 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 87 yards, 1:55. Second quarter STL – Az-Zahir Hakim 49-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:27. Rams 21–0. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 2:03. CAR – Wesley Walls 15-yard pass from Steve Beuerlein (John Kasay kick), 0:41. Rams 21–7. Drive: 15 plays, 70 yards, 3:46. Third quarter CAR – Donald Hayes 36-yard pass from Steve Beuerlein (John Kasay kick), 5:13. Rams 21–14. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 1:39. Fourth quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 44-yard field goal, 14:50. Rams 24–14. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 5:23. CAR – Patrick Jeffers 71-yard pass from Steve Beuerlein (John Kasay kick), 14:31. Rams 24–21. Drive: 1 play, 71 yards, 0:19. STL – Dre Bly 53-yard interception return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 9:48. Rams 31–21. STL – Jeff Wilkins 29-yard field goal, 3:39. Rams 34–21. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 4:17. Top passers STL – Kurt Warner – 22/31, 351 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT CAR – Steve Beuerlein – 21/42, 266 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers STL – Marshall Faulk – 22 rushes, 118 yards CAR – Tim Biakabutuka – 11 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers STL – Az-Zahir Hakim – 4 receptions, 122 yards, 2 TD CAR – Patrick Jeffers – 7 receptions, 107 yards, TD

The Rams won their tenth game and clinched the NFC West Division title for the first time since 1985.

Week 14: at New Orleans Saints

[edit]

Game information
First quarter NO – Doug Brien 29-yard field goal, 10:41, Saints 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 4:19. STL – Robert Holcombe 1-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 5:39. Rams 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 5:02. NO – Doug Brien 26-yard field goal, 1:29, Rams 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 4:10. Second quarter NO – Cam Cleeland 2-yard pass from Billy Joe Hobert (Billy Joe Hobert–Eddie Kennison pass), 9:09. Saints 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 3:46. STL – Jeff Wilkins 40-yard field goal, 7:24. Saints 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 1:45. STL – Marshall Faulk 4-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 3:28. Rams 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 2:55. STL – Marshall Faulk 30-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 0:51. Rams 24–14. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 1:06. Third quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 30-yard field goal, 5:40. Rams 27–14. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 2:42. Fourth quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 38-yard field goal, 2:29. Rams 30–14. Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards, 7:22. Top passers STL – Kurt Warner – 21/31, 346 yards, 2 TD, INT NO – Billy Joe Hobert – 12/28, 188 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers STL – Marshall Faulk – 29 rushes, 154 yards, TD NO – Wilmont Perry – 14 rushes, 54 yards Top receivers STL – Torry Holt – 6 receptions, 113 yards NO – Keith Poole – 3 receptions, 83 yards

The Rams pass defense pressured the Saints offense, racking up three interceptions and six sacks. The Rams clinched a first-round bye for the first time under the playoff format adopted in 1990.

Week 15: vs. New York Giants

[edit]

Week 15: New York Giants at St. Louis Rams – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
Giants 0 0 3 7 10
Rams 3 7 7 14 31

at Trans World Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information
First quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 47-yard field goal, 3:24. Rams 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:41. Second quarter STL – Az-Zahir Hakim 3-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:31. Rams 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:10. Third quarter NYG – Cary Blanchard 23-yard field goal, 10:08. Rams 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 4:52. STL – Devin Bush 45-yard interception return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 5:25. Rams 17–3. Fourth quarter STL – Az-Zahir Hakim 65-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:58. Rams 24–3. Drive: 2 plays, 67 yards, 0:52. STL – Mike Jones 22-yard interception return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 7:10. Rams 31–3. NYG – Ike Hilliard 7-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Cary Blanchard kick), 4:48. Rams 31–10. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:22. Top passers NYG – Kerry Collins – 21/37, 273 yards, TD, 2 INT STL – Kurt Warner – 18/32, 319 yards, 2 TD Top rushers NYG – Joe Montgomery – 12 rushes, 41 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 16 rushes, 68 yards Top receivers NYG – Amani Toomer – 9 receptions, 162 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 6 receptions, 97 yards

With a 12–2 record with two games remaining, the Rams clinched home field advantage for the first time since 1978.

Week 16: vs. Chicago Bears

[edit]

Week 16: Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
Bears 0 0 6 6 12
Rams 0 17 14 3 34

at Trans World Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information
First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter STL – Marshall Faulk 48-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:36. Rams 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 82 yards, 3:10. STL – Roland Williams 2-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 2:11. Rams 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 4:07. STL – Jeff Wilkins 38-yard field goal, 0:44. Rams 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 0:50. Third quarter STL – Isaac Bruce 4-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 9:59. Rams 24–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:01. STL – Grant Wistrom 40-yard interception return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:08. Rams 31–0. CHI – Bobby Engram 8-yard pass from Shane Matthews (kick failed, wide left), 3:00 Rams 31–6. Drive: 11 plays, 71 yards, 5:08. Fourth quarter CHI – Bobby Engram 4-yard pass from Shane Matthews (pass failed), 11:18 Rams 31–12. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 3:29. STL – Jeff Wilkins 28-yard field goal, 5:05. Rams 34–12. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 3:58. Top passers CHI – Shane Matthews – 23/39, 266 yards, 2 TD, INT STL – Kurt Warner – 24/35, 334 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers CHI – James Allen – 6 rushes, 30 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 10 rushes, 54 yards Top receivers CHI – Bobby Engram – 13 receptions, 143 yards, 2 TD STL – Marshall Faulk – 12 receptions, 204 yards, TD

Marshall Faulk racked up 204 receiving yards, in addition to 54 rushing yards on 10 carries. With this victory, the Rams set single-season franchise records for most home wins with 8 and most overall wins with 13 (a record they would break two years later). Additionally, the Rams finished with a perfect home record for the first time since the 1973 season.

Week 17: at Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

Week 17: St. Louis Rams at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
Rams 7 10 7 7 31
Eagles 3 14 7 14 38

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Game information
First quarter STL – Marshall Faulk 8-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 9:42. Rams 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 8 yards, 0:08. PHI – David Akers 46-yard field goal, 7:27. Rams 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, -2 yards, 2:15. Second quarter STL – Marshall Faulk 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 11:57. Rams 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 4:25. PHI – Torrance Small 63-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 10:14. Rams 14–10. Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:43. STL – Jeff Wilkins 47-yard field goal, 6:20. Rams 17–10. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:27. PHI – Duce Staley 3-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 0:32. Tied 17–17. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 1:29. Third quarter PHI – Mike Mamula 41-yard interception return (Norm Johnson kick), 12:15. Eagles 24–17. STL – Torry Holt 15-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 9:22. Tied 24–24. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:53. Fourth quarter PHI – Chad Lewis 5-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (Norm Johnson kick), 10:55. Eagles 31–24. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 3:11. PHI – Al Harris 17-yard interception return (Norm Johnson kick), 1:16. Eagles 38–24. STL – Torry Holt 63-yard pass from Joe Germaine (Jeff Wilkins kick), 0:59. Eagles 38–31. Drive: 1 play, 63 yards, 0:17. Top passers STL – Kurt Warner – 12/24, 141 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT PHI – Donovan McNabb – 15/32, 179 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers STL – Robert Holcombe – 15 rushes, 86 yards PHI – Duce Staley – 18 rushes, 44 yards Top receivers STL – Torry Holt – 5 receptions, 122 yards, 2 TD PHI – Torrance Small – 6 receptions, 98 yards, TD

The Rams traveled to Philadelphia for their season finale against the struggling Eagles. The Rams rested a number of starters for much of the game, having already clinched homefield playoffs. Despite dominating Philadelphia offensively, St. Louis was doomed by a seven-turnover afternoon, with three lost fumbles and four interceptions, two of which were returned for Eagles touchdowns. The Rams lost to the Eagles, 38–31, snapping their seven-game win streak. St. Louis nevertheless finished as the top seed in the NFC playoffs with a 13–3 record.

NFC West
viewtalkedit W L T PCT PF PA STK
(1) St. Louis Rams 13 3 0 .813 526 242 L1
Carolina Panthers 8 8 0 .500 421 381 W1
Atlanta Falcons 5 11 0 .313 285 380 W2
San Francisco 49ers 4 12 0 .250 295 453 L3
New Orleans Saints 3 13 0 .188 260 434 L1

Kurt Warner at the Super Bowl XXXIV post-game press conference

Warner was the backup quarterback for the St. Louis Rams during the 1998 regular season and the 1999 preseason. When starting quarterback Trent Green was injured in a preseason game, Warner took over as the starter. With the support of running back Marshall Faulk and wide receivers Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Az-Zahir Hakim and Ricky Proehl, Warner completed one of the top seasons by a quarterback in NFL history by throwing for 4,353 yards with 41 touchdown passes and a completion rate of 65.1 percent. The Rams' high-powered offense was nicknamed "The Greatest Show on Turf" and registered the first in a string of three consecutive 500-point seasons, an NFL record. Warner threw three touchdown passes in each of the first three games in the 1999 season, his first three NFL starts. He is the only NFL quarterback in history to accomplish that feat, and only the second other than Dan Marino to do it in his first two NFL starts.

Warner really drew attention, however, in the season's fourth game against the San Francisco 49ers, who had been NFC West Division champs for 12 of the previous 13 seasons. The Rams had lost 17 of their previous 18 meetings with the 49ers and had a 3–0 record along with the 49ers’ 3–1 record. Warner threw three touchdown passes on the Rams' first three possessions of the game and four in the first half to propel the Rams to a 28–10 halftime lead on the way to a 42–20 victory. Warner finished the game with five touchdown passes, giving him 14 in four games and, more importantly, the Rams a 4–0 record. After many years of defeats and losing records, football experts finally had to take notice.

Warner's breakout season from a career in anonymity was so unexpected that Sports Illustrated featured him on their October 18 cover with the caption “Who IS this guy?”[8] He was named the 1999 NFL MVP at the season's end.

In the NFL playoffs, Warner led the Rams to a Super Bowl XXXIV victory against the Tennessee Titans. He threw for two touchdowns and a then Super Bowl record 414 passing yards, including a 73-yard touchdown to Isaac Bruce when the game was tied with just over two minutes to play. Warner also set a Super Bowl record by attempting 45 passes without a single interception.

Warner was awarded the 1999 Super Bowl MVP, becoming one of only seven players to win both the league MVP and Super Bowl MVP awards in the same year. The others are Bart Starr in 1966, Terry Bradshaw in 1978, Joe Montana in 1989, Emmitt Smith in 1993, Steve Young in 1994, and Patrick Mahomes in 2023.

Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Recap
Wild Card First-round bye
NFC Divisional January 16, 2000 Minnesota Vikings (4) W 49–37 1–0 Trans World Dome Recap
NFC Championship January 23, 2000 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2) W 11–6 2–0 Trans World Dome Recap
Super Bowl XXXIV January 30, 2000 vs. Tennessee Titans (A4) W 23–16 3–0 Georgia Dome Recap

NFC Divisional Playoff

[edit]

Game information
First quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 31-yard field goal, 9:23. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 5:37. STL – Isaac Bruce 77-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 9:02. Rams 7-3. Drive: 1 play, 77 yards, 0:21. STL – Marshall Faulk 41-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:19. Rams 14-3. Drive: 4 plays, 82 yards, 1:55. Second quarter MIN – Cris Carter 22-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 9:53. Rams 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 96 yards, 3:42. MIN – Leroy Hoard 4-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 2:40. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:43. Third quarter STL – Tony Horne 95-yard kickoff return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 14:42. Rams 21-17. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:18. STL – Marshall Faulk 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:28. Rams 28-17. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:59. STL – Jeff Robinson 13-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 0:22. Rams 35-17. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:23. Fourth quarter STL – Ryan Tucker 1-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:36. Rams 42-17. Drive: 4 plays, 23 yards, 1:33. STL – Roland Williams 2-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:13. Rams 49-17. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 4:01. MIN – Jake Reed 4-yard pass from Jeff George (Leroy Hoard run), 4:56. Rams 49–25. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:17. MIN – Randy Moss 44-yard pass from Jeff George (pass failed), 3:48. Rams 49–31. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 1:08. MIN – Randy Moss 2-yard pass from Jeff George (pass failed), 0:31. Rams 49–37. Drive: 16 plays, 85 yards, 2:09. Top passers MIN – Jeff George – 29/50, 423 yards, 4 TD, INT STL – Kurt Warner – 27/33, 391 yards, 5 TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Robert Smith – 20 rushes, 64 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 11 rushes, 21 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 9 receptions, 188 yards, 2 TD STL – Isaac Bruce – 4 receptions, 133 yards, TD

As expected, this match between the two high powered offenses produced a lot of points (86), and yards (880, 475 by St. Louis, 405 by Minnesota). But after falling behind 17–14, St. Louis stormed to victory with 35 consecutive second half points to open a 49–17 lead early in the fourth quarter. Warner threw for 391 yards and five touchdown passes to five different receivers, and Bruce accounted for 133 receiving yards. It was also the first NFL Playoff game ever played in St. Louis.

NFC Championship Game

[edit]

NFC Championship: (2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at (1) St. Louis Rams – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total
Buccaneers 3 0 3 0 6
Rams 3 2 0 6 11

at Trans World Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information
First quarter TB – Martin Gramatica 25-yard field goal, 12:22. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 13 yards, 2:23. STL – Jeff Wilkins 24-yard field goal, 4:17. Tied 3–3. Drive: 16 plays, 74 yards, 8:05. Second quarter STL – Tony Mayberry fumble out of bounds in the end zone for a safety, 14:55. Rams 5-3. Third quarter TB – Martin Gramatica 23-yard field goal, 10:38. Buccaneers 6–5. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:32. Fourth quarter STL – Ricky Proehl 30-yard pass from Kurt Warner (pass failed), 4:44. Rams 11-6. Drive: 6 play, 47 yards, 3:17. Top passers TB – Shaun King – 13/29, 163 yards, 2 INT STL – Kurt Warner – 26/43, 258 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers TB – Mike Alstott – 12 rushes, 39 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 17 rushes, 44 yards Top receivers TB – Jacquez Green – 4 receptions, 59 yards STL – Ricky Proehl – 6 receptions, 100 yards, TD

The Rams and Buccaneers, a rematch of the 1979 NFC Championship game, would slug it out for most of the game, with the Buccaneers defense holding the Rams highly-potent offense in check. Tampa Bay, weak on offense, could only muster 163 passing yards all game against the Rams defense, with the Rams defense notching two interceptions and five sacks. The Buccaneers would only muster two field goals, and gave up a costly safety in the second quarter when a bad snap from center Tony Mayberry went over the head of rookie quarterback Shaun King and out of the end zone. Despite this, the Buccaneers nursed an unusual 6–5 lead into the 4th Quarter. The Rams broke open a defense dominated game when Kurt Warner threw a touchdown pass to Ricky Proehl, his first and only touchdown catch of the season, with 4:44 left in the game.

The Buccaneers would mount a drive on their final possession, however a replay overturned what appeared to be a 2nd down reception by Buccaneers wide receiver Bert Emanuel which would have set up a 3rd down and 10. Emanuel dove for a catch and clasped the ball between two hands, then upon falling, the ball touched the turf while in Emanuel's hands. The ruling on the field was a completed catch, but was overturned on review because the ball had touched the ground before Emanuel was deemed in possession of it. Following this, the Buccaneers threw incomplete passes on 3rd and 4th down and the Rams were able to kneel out the clock.

This was the Rams’ first NFC Championship win since the 1979 season.

Game information
First quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 27-yard field goal, 3:00. Rams 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 2:48. Second quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 29-yard field goal, 4:16. Rams 6–0. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 5:13. STL – Jeff Wilkins 28-yard field goal, 0:15. Rams 9–0. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 3:23. Third quarter STL – Torry Holt 9-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 7:20. Rams 16–0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:59. TEN – Eddie George 1-yard run (pass failed), 0:15. Rams 16–6. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 7:06. Fourth quarter TEN – Eddie George 2-yard run (Al Del Greco kick), 7:21. Rams 16–13. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 7:15. TEN – Al Del Greco 43-yard field goal, 2:12. Tied 16–16. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 4:05. STL – Isaac Bruce 73-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 1:54. Rams 23–16. Drive: 1 play, 73 yards, 0:18. Top passers STL – Kurt Warner – 24/45, 414 yards, 2 TD TEN – Steve McNair – 22/36, 214 yards Top rushers STL – Marshall Faulk – 10 rushes, 17 yards TEN – Eddie George – 28 rushes, 95 yards, 2 TD Top receivers STL – Issac Bruce – 6 receptions, 162 yards, TD TEN – Jackie Harris – 7 receptions, 64 yards

The first half of Super Bowl XXXIV had been uncharacteristically low-scoring for St. Louis, as they scored only three Jeff Wilkins field goals in the first half. The Rams finally got into the end zone in the third quarter, with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Warner to Torry Holt, giving St. Louis a 16–0 lead. Tennessee, however, scored 16 unanswered points with two Eddie George touchdown runs (1- and 2-yards respectively, the first with a failed two-point conversion attempt), and a 43-yard Al Del Greco field goal.

On St. Louis’ first play from scrimmage after Tennessee's tying field goal, Warner threw a 73-yard touchdown to Isaac Bruce to take a 23–16 lead with just under two minutes left in the game, which would give Tennessee one more chance to tie the game with a touchdown.

The Titans took over the ball at their own 10-yard line with 1:54 left in the game after committing a holding penalty on the ensuing kickoff. McNair started out the drive with a pair of completions to Mason and Wycheck for gains of 9 and 7 yards to reach the 28-yard line. Then after throwing an incompletion, defensive back Dre' Bly’s 15-yard facemask penalty while tackling McNair on a 12-yard scramble gave the Titans a first down at the St. Louis 45-yard line. On the next play, St. Louis was penalized 5 yards for being offsides, moving the ball to the 40-yard line with 59 seconds left. McNair then ran for 2 yards, followed by a 7-yard completion to wide receiver Kevin Dyson. Three plays later, with the Titans facing 3rd down and 5 to go, McNair was hit by two Rams’ defenders, but he escaped and completed a 16-yard pass to Dyson to gain a first down at the Rams 10-yard line.

Tennessee then used up their final timeout with just 6 seconds left in the game, giving them a chance for one last play. McNair threw a short pass to Kevin Dyson down the middle, which looked certain to tie up the game until Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled Dyson at the one-yard line as time expired. Dyson tried to stretch his arm and the football across the goal line, but he had already gone down, so it was too late. This final play has gone down in NFL history as simply “The Tackle”.

Player awards and records

[edit]

League Leaders

Passing Kurt Warner (109.2 rating)
Passing touchdowns Kurt Warner (41 TDs)
Kickoff returns Tony Horne (29.7 average yards)
Sacks Kevin Carter (17)

  1. ^ The other five teams are the 2007 and 2011 New England Patriots, plus the 2013 Denver Broncos, and the 2018 Kansas City Chiefs

  2. ^ NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, ISBN 0-7611-2480-2, p. 267

  3. ^ Pro-Football-Reference.com: In a single season, from 1940 to 2011, in the regular season, requiring Points For >= 30, sorted by most games in season matching criteria.

  4. ^ "Bears picking on history". Pro Football Hall of Fame. October 29, 2012. Archived from the original on November 14, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2012.

  5. ^ "NFL Top 100 Teams". Pro Football Reference.

  6. ^ "100 Greatest Teams: Numbers 100-1 SUPERCUT". NFL.com.

  7. ^ “Vermeil changes for better”, Baltimore Sun, January 25, 2000.

  8. ^ "1999 St. Louis Rams draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 6, 2014.

  9. ^ "SI.com – Oct. 18, 1999". Archived from the original on June 12, 2007. Retrieved February 29, 2008.

  10. ^ "Maxwell Football Club - Bert Bell Award Past Recipients". Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2012.