Rams Notebook : First Touchdown Interception Tickles Ekern

Linebacker Carl Ekern recorded his first professional interception return for a touchdown Sunday in the Rams’ 31-27 victory over the Buccaneers. He said it was his first score since he played tight end in high school.

“I kind of like it,” he said. “I’m going to have to make it a habit. I’m going to have to come up with a dance.”

Linebacker Mel Owens corrected Ekern. Owens said Ekern scored a touchdown during the National Football League strike year of 1982. “Remember, you scored during a flag football game at the park.”

Henry Ellard, a Pro Bowl punt returner last season, had 96 yards on 6 returns, including a long one of 28. He almost broke one, but had to go back for the football.

“I guess a guy got a hand on the ball and knocked it out just as I got ready to shift gears,” Ellard said.

Jack Reader, the NFL’s assistant supervisor of officials, defined the defensive holding and roughing-the-quarterback calls against the Rams in the first half.

“If they grab the blocker without attempting to get at the ball carrier, it’s holding,” Reader said. “If the guy (defender) takes two steps after the pass is thrown, it’s roughing.”

Tony Slaton, a second-year pro who was waived last summer, returned to start at right guard for the Rams because of injuries in the offensive line. He first learned of his assignment Thursday night.

“My first thought was, “It’s a big responsibility,’ ” Slaton said. “It’s a proud unit, the offensive line, and I wouldn’t in any way want to play or do anything less than the standard that has been set.”

But the seven sacks the Rams surrendered--not all Slaton’s fault--were well below that standard.

“It was definitely a learning experience,” Slaton said.

Dieter Brock said one reason for his being sacked seven times was that “I didn’t want to force anything. There were a couple like that. Some of them shot in there right away and there wasn’t anything I could do.”

Brock grew up and played college football in Alabama but said Sunday “was one of the hottest days I’ve ever played.”

On a fourth-and-9 from the Los Angeles 11, the Buccaneers appeared ready to attempt a 28-yard field goal in the first quarter. Instead, holder Alan Risher took the ball on the snap and ran for a first down. Two plays later, the Buccaneers scored on a 1-yard run by James Wilder.

The Rams never had a chance on the fake field goal.

“We don’t play fake,” said Mel Owens, a member of the special teams. “We always try to make the block.”

Added Owens of the Ram victory over winless Tampa Bay: “Winning teams always find a way to win. Losing teams always find a way to lose.”

Punter Dale Hatcher finished the afternoon with eight punts and a 51.8 average, including a 67-yard effort and four punts inside the 20.

“I think I had my best day today as far as kicking the ball consistently,” said the rookie from Clemson. “When you look at a kicker or a punter you don’t feel like they do that much. Today, I felt like I’ve done something.”

Defensive end Gary Jeter was knocked groggy during the second half. He was helped off the field, but later returned and appeared fine in the dressing room. He said he has no idea how he suffered the injury.

“I went inside and the next thing I knew everyone was clapping,” he said.

The 13-yard touchdown pass from Steve DeBerg to Gerald Carter that gave the Buccaneers a 27-24 lead in the fourth quarter came with 13:13 remaining. It was DeBerg’s 13th completion of the day and the 13th reception of the season for Carter.

Ron Holmes, the rookie defensive end from the University of Washington and Tampa Bay’s No. 1 draft choice, recorded his first two NFL sacks. Afterward, he waxed philosophical about the winless Buccaneers.

“We’re 0-6 but we could be 4-2,” he said. “I saw a great football team out there today. I saw a team capable of making the big plays. Of course, we gave up some big ones too.”

Compiled by Times staff writers Chris Dufresne, Rich Roberts and Gene Wojciechowski.