Ram Notebook : A Special Edge Goes to Lions : Ram Returners Don’t Keep Pace With Detroit’s

The Rams’ special teams were less than special Sunday. Defensively, they allowed Detroit kickoff returners to take four kicks 113 yards. That included a 46-yard return by Butch Woolfolk to open the second half.

Detroit’s Pete Mandley had a 25-yard punt return in the first quarter. The return set up the game’s first score, a 30-yard field goal by Detroit’s Eddie Murray.

Offensively, Gaston Green returned three kicks for 65 yards, nothing to write home about. Mickey Sutton handled six punts, called four fair catches and returned the other two for six yards.

Plodding may not be the best word, but Sunday’s game definitely induced some yawns. Neither team was really clicking on offense. After three quarters, the Lions (189) and Rams (260) combined for 449 yards in offense, or only 19 more than what Redskin quarterback Doug Williams threw for against Pittsburgh Sunday.

Talk about your carnival atmosphere. Seen on the sidelines during the game were one clown with a balloon, one clown on stilts, one clown walking an imaginary dog, a guy dressed up as Goofy and a car with cheerleaders on trunk and hood.

As if anyone cares anymore, Ram quarterback Jim Everett was asked about his “rivalry” with Lion quarterback Chuck Long. Everett played at Purdue, while Long played at Big-Ten rival Iowa. “There is always a little competition between myself and Chuck Long,” Everett said. “I think our series is finally even.”

Everett completed 17 of 27 passes for 141 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. It wasn’t his best day. Then again, he didn’t need his best, what with Greg Bell’s 139-yard rushing performance.

“We have an offense that pounds and pounds and pounds,” Everett said. “There are going to be some games where the running game will be going more than the passing game.”

Rookie Aaron Cox was the leading receiver for the Rams. He had 4 catches for 43 yards.

“I’m happy about our victory and our performance,” he said. “There were some things I screwed up, but each week I’m getting better. I feel good overall on how I’m playing. I’m looking forward to next week against the Raiders.”

It wasn’t much of a compliment, but anything helps. Coach John Robinson on the Lions: “I liked their team. They are not a bad club.”