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Martz returns to St. Louis

Sep 26, 2006 - 9:59 PM Detroit (0-3) at St. Louis (2-1) Sunday 4:05 pm EDT

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Mike Martz returns to the place where he presided over "The Greatest Show on Turf" when the Detroit Lions visit the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.

Considered one of the NFL's best offensive minds, Martz was the offensive coordinator for the Rams in their Super Bowl-winning season in 1999. The Rams racked up 526 points that season, the third-most all-time.

The following year, Martz was named to succeed Dick Vermeil and compiled a record of 53-32 with four playoff appearances. He guided St. Louis to a conference title in his second season before losing to New England in Super Bowl XXXVI.

Martz missed the final 11 games of the 2005 season with a bacterial infection of a heart valve. In January, he was fired by the Rams.

The Lions named Martz as their offensive coordinator in February after naming Rod Marinelli as their new coach.

Last season, Detroit averaged 15.9 points per game and ranked 27th in the NFL at 269.9 yards per game.

But Martz has failed to make an immediate impact with the Lions, who have scored a total of 37 points in three games. They managed just two field goals in a season-opening loss to Seattle and scored one touchdown in a loss at Chicago.

Last week, the Lions took advantage of a shaky Green Bay defense, compiling 424 yards in a 31-24 loss to the Packers.

Jon Kitna completed 25-of-40 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns, Kevin Jones rushed for 81 yards on 17 carries and Roy Williams caught seven passes for 138 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown.

But it will not be as easy finding holes in St. Louis' improved defense under new coordinator Jim Haslett.

The Rams have allowed a total of 44 points in their first three games and forced five turnovers, including three interceptions of Kurt Warner, in a 16-14 win at Arizona last week.

Linebacker Will Witherspoon, defensive tackle La'Roi Glover, safety Corey Chavous and cornerback Fakhir Brown were the key offseason additions for St. Louis. Witherspoon recovered a fumble by Warner in the final minutes to clinch the win at Arizona and Brown, safety O.J. Atogwe and linebacker Dexter Coakley each had interceptions.

Even without Martz, the Rams still pile up the yardage, although they are averaging less than 16 points a game. Marc Bulger threw for 309 yards and a touchdown and Torry Holt had season highs of eight receptions and 120 yards in the win at Arizona.

This will mark the first time the Lions will play at the Edward Jones Dome. Their last road game against the Rams was on October 24, 1993 when the franchise was based in Los Angeles.