Rams Find Way Into Playoffs

Somehow, someway, the St. Louis Rams found a way into the playoffs. Jeff Wilkins booted a game-winning, 31-yard field goal with just over three minutes left in overtime, giving the Rams a 32-29 win over the New York Jets. That win, coupled with a loss by Minnesota, gave the Rams an NFC wild card spot. The Rams and Jets battled back-and-forth on Sunday. St. Louis led 21-10 early in the third quarter, but New York responded with 16 unanswered points to take a 26-21 lead. Marc Bulger’s third touchdown pass of the day, a 19-yard strike to Torry Holt, put St. Louis back on top. The Rams converted the two-point attempt to take a 29-26 lead. New York tied the game with just three seconds left on a 27-yard field goal by Doug Brien. The Jets had a chance to win in overtime, but with just over five minutes left, Brien missed a 51-yard field goal. The Rams drove down to the New York 13 yard line, setting up Wilkins’ game-winning kick. Bulger finished the day 29-of-39 for 450 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Holt caught seven passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns. He became the first player in NFL history with five straight 1,300-yard seasons. The Rams finish the regular season at 8-8. They will play at Seattle in the first round of the playoffs. The Rams won both regular season meetings with the Seahawks this season. Seattle, though, clinched the NFC West with a 28-26 win over Atlanta on Sunday. The Rams and Seahawks will meet Saturday at 3:30.