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Jackson scores in OT, Rams stay alive in playoff race

Dec 25, 2006 - 7:21 AM ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Steven Jackson and the St. Louis Rams are not ready to give up on their postseason hopes.

Jackson scored on a 21-yard run in overtime and Marc Bulger matched a career high with four touchdown passes as the Rams rallied for a 37-31 victory over the Washington Redskins

St. Louis (7-8) entered trailing Philadelphia, the New York Giants and Atlanta for the two wild-card spots in the NFC. Both the Giants (7-8) and Atlanta (7-8) lost on Sunday. Philadelphia (8-6) plays at Dallas on Monday.

"I feel good. To definitely be able to go out and help lead the way and come back and win this game for my team," Jackson said. "In order to be in the playoffs you have to be a winner. We just have to go out and win. Whatever happens, happens."

Shaun McDonald's 33-yard punt return gave the Rams good field position at the Washington 39 with 10:32 left in OT. Two minutes later, Jackson darted to his left before cutting to the middle for his game-winning touchdown.

Jackson, who was named to the Pro Bowl earlier in the week, ran for 150 yards on 33 carries and caught six passes for 102 yards. He also set a franchise record for receptions by a running back with 88.

"Unbelievable. I am not sure about all the statistical numbers, I do know he (Jackson) touched the ball over 40 times," Rams coach Scott Linehan said. "I think he had numbers in the 100s; he has had a dominant year."

"I think if we had a better record, people would be talking about him more like they are talking about some other guys as MVP, he had a MVP-type season, but that comes with a MVP record as well," Linehan added. "As a guy in his second year as a full time starter, he has really taken on that role and embraced it. He is just one of those guys that you can go to when you need to."

Bulger, who was also selected to the Pro Bowl, completed 25-of-38 passes for 388 yards, including two third-quarter touchdown passes to Jackson and running back Stephen Davis, tying the game at 28-28.

"I don't think we've been consistent all year. At times we felt like we clicked," Bulger said. "At first we struggled a little bit but once we got in that groove we knew we were going to have score last because everyone was going to keep scoring. Fortunately for us we been in many of those games before. Our guys made plays and Steven, I can't say enough."

With the game tied at 31-31, Rams safety O.J. Atogwe made a huge play when he punched the ball out of running back Ladell Betts' arm, forcing a fumble that was recovered by safety Corey Chavous with 2:02 remaining in the fourth quarter.

"The play of the game is not my touchdown," Jackson said. "The play of the game is Atogwe getting the ball out. He gave me the chance to go back on the field and help put our team over the top."

"He was the same guy (Atogwe) that I was trying to stiff-arm," Betts said. "He just made a good play on his part. He had a hold of my left arm and he just reached around my body and punched out with the right. Bad play on my part, good play on his part."

On the ensuing drive, Bulger completed 3-of-4 passes, including a 24-yard toss to Jackson to set up Jeff Wilkins, who missed a potential game-winning 41-yard field goal as time expired.

Betts ran for 129 yards on 29 attempts to reach 1,000 yards for the first time. He also scored two touchdowns in a game for the first time.

Jason Campbell was 13-of-26 for 160 yards and a touchdown for Washington (5-10), which surrendered 579 yards of total offense.

"From a Redskins standpoint, it was extremely hard-fought and you hate to lose a game like that," Washington coach Joe Gibbs said. "It was one of those games back and forth."

Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs suffered a broken shoulder blade in the first half. He was sidelined for the first five games this season following abdominal surgery.