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Rams record first shutout since 2003

Dec 18, 2006 - 2:53 AM OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Coming off a pair of terrible performances, the St. Louis Rams' defense must have licked its chops at the sight of the Oakland Raiders.

Steven Jackson ran for a season-high 127 yards and two touchdowns and the Rams forced five turnovers en route to a 20-0 victory over the hapless Raiders in an interconference contest.

It was St. Louis' first shutout since a 36-0 triumph over the Atlanta Falcons on October 13, 2003 - a string of 57 regular-season games.

The Rams, who yielded a total of 76 points over the last two weeks, recorded three interceptions and also forced a pair of fumbles to win for just the second time since October 8.

"We've had our fair share of tough times and it was just good to come out and get the shutout and get the victory," said defensive tackle La'Roi Glover, who had one of St. Louis' four sacks. "We are just trying to play consistent football."

Jeff Wilkins converted a pair of field goals to give the Rams a 6-0 halftime lead, and Jackson carried the load in the second half, plunging for a four-yard TD run in the third quarter and racing for a 19-yard score in the fourth quarter.

"I feel like I'm getting better, not only game by game but throughout my career," Jackson said. "I feel like I'm only getting better. I think it's a pretty scary future about what we can do around here."

"It's hard to go on the road and win, and it's hard to do it when you're somewhat struggling," Rams first-year coach Scott Linehan said. "So I was very proud of the team in that regard. The offensive line played pretty well and for the most part, we were playing a lot of young guys."

After Jackson's first TD, which made it 13-0, Oakland responded with an impressive drive down to the St. Louis 13. But Raiders fullback Zack Crockett fumbled on first down, and rookie cornerback Tye Hill made the recovery at the Rams 18.

"We knew if we just played our style, we had some success against the run and we were able to create some turnovers," Glover said. "The offense did a heck of a job of getting us the lead, and that is the style of team we are."

Marc Bulger completed 11-of-22 passes while Torry Holt hauled in four receptions for 59 yards for the Rams (6-8), who won despite going just 3-for-14 on third down.

"At halftime, we figured out that they were struggling on offense," Bulger said. "We didn't turn the ball over and got another touchdown or two."

Oakland's Aaron Brooks went 11-of-19 for 98 yards and one interception before being replaced by Andrew Walter, who completed 14-of-20 passes for 131 yards and two interceptions.

"We were moving the ball some, but we weren't getting anywhere," Raiders coach Art Shell said. "So I made the decision to see if Andrew could give us a spark. I thought he came in and threw pretty well except for the one ball on the interception."

Ronald Curry had nine catches for 87 yards for the Raiders (2-12), who remained tied with the Detroit Lions for the league's worst record.

Shell, whose team averages just 11.1 points per game, pleaded with Raiders fans to remain positive.

"Don't give up on us," he said. "I talk to a lot of the fans, and they are very encouraging and I understand their frustration."