Moral victories don’t go a long ways in the NFL, but they can jump start a football team into next season. The Rams gained a moral victory with a literal victory over Minnesota in the regular-season finale Sunday. St. Louis disposed of the Vikings 41-21 in Minneapolis finishing the year 8-8 and avoiding a losing record in Scott Linehan’s first year as head coach.

Steven Jackson rushed for a career-high four touchdowns and 142 yards. He finished the year with 1,528 rushing yards good enough for fifth in the league, third in the NFC, and a spot on the Pro Bowl team.

“Definitely a great way to end the season. We caught stride a little bit too late, but it’s something to definitely build off of,” said Jackson.

The Rams finished the season with three straight wins after losing seven of eight in the middle of the season. Their run defense ranked among the worst in the league and quarterback Marc Bulger mentioned he thought some players didn’t care about winning.

Bulger ended the season with a workmanlike effort completing 19-of-30 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown.

Isaac Bruce caught nine passes for 90 yards for the Rams who were eliminated from the playoffs Saturday when the Giants beat the Redskins.