2007 St. Louis Rams season

Head coach Scott Linehan made several coaching changes. Al Roberts replaced Bob Ligashesky as the special teams coach. Mike Cox was given the position as the defensive quality control coach to replace Joe Baker who left to become the Denver Broncos' linebackers coach.^[1] Keith Murphy was named the offensive quality control coach to replace Randy Hanson who went to the Oakland Raiders. Murphy coached at the University of Washington with Linehan from 1996 to 1999.^[2]

On February 23, 2007, the Rams allocated five players to NFL Europa: Mike Brown and Josh Lay went to the Berlin Thunder; and Jeremy Parquet, Tim Sandidge, and John David Washington went to the Hamburg Sea Devils.^[3]

On opening day of the free agency, the Rams traded a fifth round draft choice to the Detroit Lions for James Hall.^[4] On March 3, 2007, the Rams signed Drew Bennett to a six-year, $30 million deal.^[5] Unrestricted free agents Todd Steussie and Travis Minor re-signed with the Rams each for a one-year deal.^[6] The Rams acquired B.J. Sander in case the team lost Matt Turk. On March 8, 2007, the Rams signed Randy McMichael to a three-year contract and acquired Todd Johnson from the Chicago Bears who signed a four-year contract.^[7] On March 21, 2007, the Rams signed Randy McMichael to a three-year deal.^[8] On March 26, 2007, Marshall Faulk announced his retirement from the NFL.^[9]

On April 18, 2007, the Rams signed punter Donnie Jones to a five-year $5.59 million deal. The Rams also gave up a seventh round draft choice to the Miami Dolphins for Jones.^[10] Sander was released from the Rams two days later.^[11]

On April 30, 2007, a day after the NFL Draft, the Rams added nineteen undrafted free agents to their roster. The most notable addition was Iowa quarterback Drew Tate. The Rams brought four wide receivers: North Carolina State's Lamart Barrett, Wake Forest's Nate Morton, Hofstra's Shaine Smith and Texas State's Markee White. They added Boise State fullback Brad Lau, Nevada running back Robert Hubbard, University of Pittsburgh tight end Steve Buches, University of Washington guard Stanley Daniels, and Massachusetts guard David Thompson to the Rams' offense. They also added four defensive backs: Alabama free safety Jeffery Dukes, Kent State strong safety Andre Kirklan, Arkansas cornerback Darius Vinnett and Villanova cornerback Terrance Reaves. They added LSU defensive end Ryan Willis and Albany State defensive end Alton Pettway to the Rams' defense. The Rams added Cincinnati kicker Kevin Lovell.^[12]

The 2007 NFL draft began on April 28, 2007, and with the thirteenth pick overall, the Rams selected Defensive end Adam Carriker from Nebraska. The Rams have said that Carriker would be moved to the Defensive tackle position to help with the run defense.^[13] With the Rams second round pick they selected Fullback Brian Leonard out of Rutgers. His style of play is similar to that of Jim Taylor.

On the second day of the draft the Rams selected Cornerback Jonathan Wade from Tennessee in the third round. With a 4.4 second 40-yard dash, Wade will add some speed at the cornerback position.^[14] In the fifth round the Rams selected Center Dustin Fry out of Clemson. With Andy McCollum and Brett Romberg competing for the starting position at Center, Fry will likely be the third stringer at that position.^[15] Later in the fifth round the Rams selected Defensive tackle Clifton Ryan from Michigan State. The Rams stated that he will be used as a Nose Tackle.^[15] In the sixth round the Rams selected Offensive tackle Ken Shackleford from Georgia. Coach Linehan commented that he could develop into a starter over the next couple of years.^[15] The Rams had two compensatory picks and selected Arkansas Defensive Tackle Keith Jackson, son of former NFL Pro Bowl tight end Keith Jackson, and Wisconsin–Whitewater wide receiver Derek Stanley.^[15]

The Rams traded their fourth-round selection (117th overall) for the Detroit Lions two of their three fifth-round selections (139th and 154th overall).^[16] The Rams traded their seventh-round selection (225th overall) to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for signing restricted free agent Donnie Jones.^[17] The Rams received two seventh-round picks (248th and 249th overall) as compensatory selections.

The Rams began their 2007 campaign at home against the Carolina Panthers. In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Panthers QB Jake Delhomme completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Drew Carter. The Rams would tie the game with QB Marc Bulger completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt. In the second quarter, St. Louis would take the lead with kicker Jeff Wilkins getting a 42-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, Wiklins added to the Rams' lead with a 28-yard field goal. However, this was all wiped out as Delhomme completed a 68-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. In the fourth quarter, Carolina took over for the remainder of the game as kicker John Kasay nailed a 34-yard field goal, Delhomme and Carter hooked up with each other again on a 9-yard TD pass, and Kasay finished the game with 32-yard field goal.

The game was notable when offensive tackle Orlando Pace had a season-ending injury. This injury severely hurt the Rams' offense.

With the loss, St. Louis began its season at 0–1.

 

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Panthers, the Rams stayed at home for a Week 2 divisional duel against the San Francisco 49ers.

In the first quarter, St. Louis got on the board first with QB Marc Bulger completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 49ers tied the game up with RB Frank Gore getting a 1-yard TD run. The Rams would respond with kicker Jeff Wilkins getting a 27 and a 29-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, San Francisco took the lead with Gore getting an amazing 43-yard TD run for the only score of the period.

In the fourth quarter, St. Louis retook the lead with Wilkins getting a 53-yard field goal. However, when the Rams were on the receiving end of a kickoff, a muffed catch led to 49ers kicker Joe Nedney getting a 40-yard field goal. With little time left in the game, Bulger got his team into position for a game-winning field goal. Unfortunately, Wilkins' 56-yard attempt fell about a yard short of the crossbar.

With the loss, St. Louis fell to 0–2.

Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Rams flew to Raymond James Stadium for an intraconference duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a scoreless first quarter, Tampa Bay managed to strike first prior to halftime with kicker Matt Bryant getting a 27-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, St. Louis got its only score of the game with kicker Jeff Wilkins getting a 25-yard field goal to begin the fourth quarter. Afterwards, the Buccaneers ended the game with RB Earnest Graham getting an 8-yard and a 28-yard TD run.

With the loss, the Rams fell to 0–3.

Still searching for their first win of the year, the Rams flew to Texas Stadium for a Week 4 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys. After a scoreless first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Cowboys RB Julius Jones got a 2-yard TD run. Later in the period, the Rams would get their only score of the game as WR Dante Hall returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, Dallas regained the lead with QB Tony Romo getting a 15-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, the Cowboys managed to put the game away with Romo hooking up with WR Patrick Crayton on a 59-yard and a 37-yard TD pass. Afterwards, the scoring ended with Romo's 17-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten.

With no touchdowns in their last 30 offensive possessions to go with their fourth-straight loss, the Rams fell to 0–4.

Still searching for their first win of the year, the Rams went home for a Week 5 divisional duel with the Arizona Cardinals. With QB Marc Bulger out with an injured rib cage, back-up QB Gus Frerotte got the start. In the first quarter, St. Louis took the early lead with kicker Jeff Wilkins getting a 46-yard field goal. The Cardinals would tie the game with kicker Neil Rackers getting a 50-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Rams regained the lead with Frerotte completing a 16-yard TD pass to WR Drew Bennett. However, Arizona tied the game with RB Edgerrin James fumbling at the 1-yard line and OG Reggie Wells recovering the ball in the end zone. Afterwards, St. Louis regained the lead with Wilkins kicking a 35-yard field goal. However, the Cardinals took the lead prior to halftime with QB Kurt Warner getting a 1-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, the Rams regained the lead with Frerotte completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt. Afterwards, Arizona tied the game with Rackers nailing a 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis continued its struggles with Cardinals CB Roderick Hood returning an interception 68 yards for a touchdown. The Rams would answer with Wilkins getting a 31-yard field goal, but the Cardinals increased its lead with Warner completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald. St. Louis tried to come back as Frerotte completed a 29-yard TD pass to TE Randy McMichael, along with Frerotte's 2-point conversion pass to Holt. Unfortunately, Arizona held on to win.

With yet another loss, the Rams fell to 0–5.

Still looking for their first win of the year, the Rams flew to M&T Bank Stadium for a Week 6 interconference duel with the Baltimore Ravens. With Marc Bulger still out with injuries, QB Gus Frerotte was given the start. In the first quarter, St. Louis' struggles continued with Ravens kicker Matt Stover getting a 43-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Baltimore increased its lead with Stover kicking a 42-yard field goal, along with RB Willis McGahee getting a 6-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, the Rams continued its struggles with Stover giving the Ravens a 23-yard field goal. Afterwards, St. Louis got its only score of the game with kicker Jeff Wilkins getting a 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore finished the game with Stover getting a 31-yard and a 36-yard field goal.

With yet another loss, the Rams fell to 0–6 for the first time since 1962. It would be the second time in franchise history the Rams began a season 0–6.

During the loss, St. Louis committed 6 turnovers, with 5 of them being Frerotte interceptions.

Along with the Miami Dolphins, it marked the first time since the Bengals and Chargers in 2000 that two teams began a season at 0–6.

Still trying to get their first win of the year, the Rams flew to Qwest Field for a Week 7 divisional duel with the Seattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Will Heller. The Rams would reply with kicker Jeff Wilkins getting a 31-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Seahawks increased its lead with kicker Josh Brown getting a 38-yard field goal for the only score of the period.

In the third quarter, Seattle flew further into the lead with WR Nate Burleson returning the half's opening kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown. St. Louis would answer with Wilkins kicking a 29-yard field goal, yet the Seahawks continued its domination with Brown kicking a 48-yard and a 45-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Seattle sealed the win with Brown getting a 43-yard field goal, while Hasselbeck and Heller hooked up with each other again on an 11-yard TD pass.

With the loss, the Rams fell to 0–7 for the first time in franchise history.

Still trying to get their first win of the year, the Rams came home for their Week 8 interconference duel with the Cleveland Browns. In the first quarter, RB Steven Jackson (in his first game back from a groin injury) helped St. Louis off to an early start with a 2-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Rams added onto their score with QB Marc Bulger completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt. The Browns would get on the board with kicker Phil Dawson getting a 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, St. Louis' struggles continued as Cleveland took the lead with QB Derek Anderson completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards and a 21-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow. The Rams' remaining response of the half was kicker Jeff Wilkins getting a 40-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, St. Louis continued to strain itself as Anderson and Edwards hooked up again to give the Browns a 5-yard TD pass. The Rams tried to come back as Wilkins kicked a 46-yard field goal. Unfortunately, St. Louis once again fell as Dawson nailed a 45-yard field goal for Cleveland.

With the loss, not only did the Rams enter their bye week at 0–8, but they became the first team since the 2001 Detroit Lions to begin a season 0–8 after finishing the previous season at .500 or better.

Coming off their bye week, the winless Rams headed into New Orleans to face the streaking Saints, who'd won four straight games headed into the game. It looked much the same on the Saints opening drive that culminated in a 7-yard burst by Reggie Bush to give the Saints an early 7–0 lead. However, Steven Jackson answered with a 1-yard run of his own to tie the game toward the end of the 1st quarter.

Midway through the 2nd quarter, Randy McMichael gave the Rams a 14–7 lead on a 2-yard pass from Jackson. Jeff Wilkins made it a two-score game with a 49-yard field goal three minutes later. The Rams went to the locker room leading 17–7.

In the 2nd half, Wilkins kicked his 2nd field goal of the game, a 21-yard attempt, to increase the Rams lead to 13. Toward the end of the 3rd, Isaac Bruce caught a 9-yard pass by Marc Bulger to make it a 27–7 lead, and put the Rams in position for their first victory of 2007.

Drew Bennett added to the St. Louis lead by catching a three-yard pass by Bulger to give Bulger his second touchdown of the game, and to give St. Louis a surprising 34–7 lead. Drew Brees and Billy Miller hooked up for a 1-yard pass with 11:36 left to cut the lead to 34–13. The Saints then converted a two-point conversion on a Reggie Bush run, to make it 34–15. Aaron Stecker then scored on a two-yard run with 4:42 remaining to cut it to 34–21. This time, however, they failed on the two-point conversion. With 1:55 left, a Wilkins field goal made it 37–21, and, despite another New Orleans touchdown with 37 seconds left, the Rams held on for their first victory of 2007, a 37–29 win over the Saints.

With the win, the Rams improved to 1–8.

Coming off their first win of the year against the Saints, the Rams flew to Bill Walsh Field at Monster Park for a Week 11 NFC West rematch with the throwback-clad San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, St. Louis drew first blood as QB Marc Bulger completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt. The 49ers responded with kicker Joe Nedney getting a 28-yard TD field goal. In the second quarter, the Rams increased their lead with kicker Jeff Wilkins getting a 49-yard field goal for the only score of the period.

After a scoreless third quarter, St. Louis continued its domination as Wilkins kicked a 35-yard field goal. San Francisco tried to come back as Nedney nailed a 38-yard and a 46-yard field goal, yet St. Louis managed to hold a late drive to seal the victory.

With the win, not only did the Rams improve to 2–8, but they also became the sixth NFL franchise to reach 500 overall wins.

WR Isaac Bruce ended this game with 13,795 career receiving yards (6th All-Time).

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  Frank Gore takes a handoff
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  Rams running back Steven Jackson at the 49ers
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  Gore runs up the middle
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  Trent Dilfer hands off to Gore
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  Jeff Wilkins attempts a kick for the Rams
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  49ers punt return by Michael Lewis (wide receiver)
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  Rams QB Marc Bulger attempts a pass behind Brandon Moore (linebacker)
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  The 49ers on offense
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  49ers offensive line sets up

Coming off their divisional road win over the 49ers, the Rams went home for a Week 12 NFC West rematch with the Seattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, St. Louis got off to a fast start as rookie NT Adam Carriker tackled Seahawks RB Maurice Morris in Seattle's end zone for a safety, while RB Steven Jackson got a 53-yard TD run. The Seahawks immediately answered as CB Josh Wilson returned a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, the Rams went back to work as QB Gus Frerotte completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce. In the second quarter, St. Louis improved its lead with kicker Jeff Wilkins getting a 23-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Seattle drew closer as kicker Josh Brown nailed a 33-yard field goal, while QB Matt Hasselbeck completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR Deion Branch. In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks took the lead as RB Leonard Weaver got a 5-yard TD run. Near the end of the game, St. Louis managed to get into position to score from the Seahawks' 5-yard line. However, on four-straight down the Rams were kept out and Seattle managed to get the win.

With their sixth-straight loss to the Seahawks, the Rams fell to 2–9.

QB Marc Bulger (3/5 for 32 yards and 1 interception) left the game in the 1st quarter with a concussion and didn't make a return.

Hoping to rebound from their divisional home loss to the Seahawks, the Rams stayed at home for a Week 13 intraconference duel with the Atlanta Falcons. With QB Marc Bulger out with a concussion, veteran back-up QB Gus Frerotte got the start.

In the first quarter, St. Louis drew first blood as Frerotte completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Randy McMichael and a 31-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt. In the second quarter, the Rams increased their lead with Frerotte completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce for the only score of the period.

In the third quarter, the Falcons got on the board with kicker Morten Andersen nailing a 41-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta drew close with QB Chris Redman completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White and a 5-yard TD to WR Michael Jenkins. Afterwards, St. Louis pulled away with RB Steven Jackson getting a 50-yard TD run.

With the win, the Rams improved to 3–9.

For Isaac Bruce, he ended this game with 13,911 career receiving yards, surpassing Cris Carter for 5th All-Time.

Coming off their home win over the Falcons, the Rams flew to Paul Brown Stadium for a Week 14 interconference duel with the Cincinnati Bengals. With QB Marc Bulger out with a concussion and veteran back-up QB Gus Frerotte out with a shoulder injury, rookie QB Brock Berlin got his first NFL start.

In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Bengals RB Rudi Johnson got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Rams continued to trail as kicker Shayne Graham gave Cincinnati a 27-yard field goal for the only score of the period.

In the third quarter, St. Louis got on the board as CB Fakhir Brown returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown, yet the Bengals responded with Graham kicking a 38-yard and a 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Rams tried to come back as kicker Jeff Wilkins managed to get a 50-yard field goal. However, Cincinnati sealed the win with Graham nailing a 46-yard field goal.

With the loss, St. Louis fell to 3–10.

This would also be the 5th time this year that the Rams were held to 10 or fewer points.

On a positive note, WR Torry Holt went over 1,000 receiving yards for the eighth-straight year.

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Bengals, the Rams went home for a Week 15 duel with the Green Bay Packers. In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Packers RB Ryan Grant completed a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Rams tied the game with QB Marc Bulger completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt. In the second quarter, St. Louis trailed again as QB Brett Favre completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Donald Lee. The Rams would tie again as RB Steven Jackson getting a 46-yard TD run. Green Bay would end the half with kicker Mason Crosby getting a 44-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, St. Louis began to trail big as Crosby kicked a 50-yard field goal, along with Favre completing a 44-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings. In the fourth quarter, the Packers sealed the win as Crosby nailed a 25-yard and a 46-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Rams fell to 3–11. With the Niners' win over the Bengals on Saturday Night, the Rams dropped back down to last in the NFC West.

 

Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Rams stayed at home for a Week 16 Thursday night interconference duel with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first quarter, St. Louis trailed early as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington. Afterwards, the Rams would tie the game as QB Marc Bulger completed a 12-yard TD pass to RB Steven Jackson. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh responded with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 21-yard field goal. Afterwards, St. Louis took the lead with Bulger completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce. However, the Steelers retook the lead with Roethlisberger completing a 33-yard TD pass to Washington and a 12-yard TD pass to RB Najeh Davenport. The Rams would end the half with kicker Jeff Wilkins getting a 52-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Pittsburgh increased their lead with Davenport getting a 1-yard TD run. St. Louis would reply with Bulger completing a 23-yard TD pass to WR Drew Bennett. However, in the fourth quarter, the Steelers sealed the win with Reed nailing a 29-yard field goal and CB Ike Taylor returning an interception 51 yards for a touchdown. Cameras caught Torry Holt lash out an obscenity-laced tirade at Scott Linehan after the interception.

With their third-straight loss, the Rams fell to 3–12.

During halftime, former Rams RB Marshall Faulk's #28 jersey was retired. Also, Isaac Bruce improved to third on the all-time receiving yards list with 14,012 career yards, behind Jerry Rice & Tim Brown.

With the loss, the Rams finished the season at 3–13.