Rams Show They Don’t Miss Phillips

LANDOVER, Md. — The losing streak that had reached eight games is over. So is the Lawrence Phillips saga, put to rest by two running backs who helped lead the St. Louis Rams to their first victory since September.

Jerald Moore and Amp Lee scored touchdowns Sunday, and Lee’s 45-yard reception set up Jeff Wilkins’ game-winning 25-yard field goal with four seconds to play as the Rams defeated the Washington Redskins, 23-20.

“I haven’t jumped ship on them, and they haven’t jumped ship on me,” St. Louis Coach Dick Vermeil said. “I hope the glass of wine feels better tonight. We didn’t win the Super Bowl today, but hopefully we gave something back to some good people.”

The feeling of relief from the Rams (3-10) in the locker room was matched by a sense of bewilderment from their counterparts. The Redskins (6-6-1) will need help from other teams if they are to make the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

“I don’t know how it got away,” cornerback Darrell Green said. “I wish I knew.”

After Brian Mitchell’s two-yard touchdown run tied the score at 20-20 with 1:50 to play, the Rams moved 53 yards in seven plays to set up the winning kick. The key play was a third-and-10 completion from Tony Banks to Lee, who beat rookie Keith Thibodeaux for a 45-yard gain to the Redskin 5.

Banks took a knee on the next play to move the ball to the center of the field, setting up Wilkins’ third field goal and joyous celebrations on the Ram sideline.

Moore, whose promotion to starting back led to Phillips’ walkout and eventual release two weeks ago, rushed for 92 yards in 22 carries. Lee caught six passes for 128 yards.

“As players, we have to move on,” Lee said of the Phillips situation. “That’s something for the front office to worry about.”