The Rams led by 11 at halftime, but gained only 96 yards in the second half and wound up losing 18-17 to the Buccaneers.
Rams RB Steven Jackson became the leading rusher in franchise history with a three-yard run in the second quarter.
Rams QB Sam Bradford said he was “just off today” despite throwing two touchdowns and posting his highest quarterback rating as a pro.
Poor clock management by the Rams at the end of the first half helped put the Buccaneers in position for a field goal.
The Rams defense held Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman in check for most of the game, but they broke down late.
Freeman’s winning touchdown pass to RB Cadillac Williams marked the fifth time in 15 career starts that he’s rallied the Buccaneers in the fourth quarter.
Buccaneers RB LeGarrette Blount ran for 72 yards on 11 carries, with 66 of them coming in the second half.
The Buccaneers defense stepped up their play in the second half and shut down the Rams.
CB Ronde Barber hurt the Buccaneers by jumping offside to extend a Rams drive in the first half, but he made several key stops down the stretch.
Said Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris, “We’re the best team in the NFC. Yeah, I said it. We’re excited.”