Rams Have Four-Sight

When Isaac Bruce of the St. Louis Rams scored four touchdowns Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, duplicating the feat of fellow Ram Az-Zahir Hakim the previous Sunday, it was only the third time in NFL history that teammates had scored four touchdowns in consecutive games. Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor did it for the Packers in 1961, and Kellen Winslow and Chuck Muncie did it for the San Diego Chargers in 1981.

So, while offensive coordinator Mike Martz is accepting kudos for the Rams’ offensive firepower, he said he’s not the one who should be singled out.

“It’s not difficult to call plays for these players,” he said. “They can take a call that’s not the best and make it better.”

Ricky Williams’ rushing statistics through four games with the New Orleans Saints--257 yards, 3.6-yard average, no touchdowns--won’t open any eyes, but the rookie’s willingness to continue playing despite a series of nagging injuries has impressed a tough critic, Coach Mike Ditka.

“In an age when athletes are looking to get out of the game when they’re the least bit hurt, it’s refreshing to find a guy who will play in some intense pain,” Ditka said.

Williams, who has been playing with a hyperextended right elbow and a sprained left ankle, said it’s no big deal.

“I’m a little banged up, but the team needs me,” he said. “The only way I wouldn’t play is if I couldn’t move.”