Interceptions Help Chargers Beat Rams
The San Diego Chargers ended Ram reserve quarterback Marc Bulger’s successful run in exhibition games by intercepting two of his passes in a 31-10 victory Thursday night at St. Louis.
The Chargers (2-1) put the game away with a 21-point third quarter, getting the first of three touchdowns one play after Bulger’s second interception. They shut out the Rams’ starting offense in the first quarter.
The Rams, coming off three straight 500-point seasons, managed only 87 yards and trailed, 3-0, at halftime.
They weren’t shut out in the first half during the regular season last year.
The teams meet Nov. 10 in the regular season.
Kurt Warner played a few snaps into the second quarter and completed five of 10 passes for 56 yards for the Rams (0-3). Marshall Faulk, making his first appearance of the exhibition season, played three series and had one carry for 11 yards and two receptions for seven.
Bulger, who received a lot of playing time with backup Jamie Martin sidelined by a collarbone injury, had been 26 of 39 for 349 yards and two touchdowns in exhibitions.
Against the Chargers, he was 19 of 27 for 177 yards.
*
Steve Spurrier’s quarterback situation got a little clearer when the Washington Redskins traded Sage Rosenfels to the Miami Dolphins for an undisclosed 2003 draft choice.
The deal leaves Spurrier with three quarterbacks: Danny Wuerffel, Shane Matthews and first-round pick Patrick Ramsey. All three will make the team, with Wuerffel and Matthews vying for the starting job.
*
Qasim Mitchell, a 335-pound rookie offensive lineman, was taken to a hospital as a precaution after experiencing heat-related problems during the Cleveland Browns’ practice at Berea, Ohio.
Team spokesman Todd Stewart said Mitchell, an undrafted free agent, was taken to the Cleveland Clinic for evaluation.
“We expect him to be fine,” Stewart said.
The Browns practiced in an occasional light rain and humid conditions outdoors at their training complex.
*
The Oakland Raiders waived quarterback Bobby Hoying.
Hoying was Rich Gannon’s seldom-used backup for most of three seasons after arriving in a trade with Philadelphia in 1999.
He injured his elbow early last season and never played. He underwent surgery to repair a ligament in November, but the injury still hasn’t healed.
Marques Tuiasosopo has played well as Gannon’s new backup, and veteran Rick Mirer probably will be the Raiders’ third quarterback.
Oakland still might re-sign Hoying if his elbow heals, Coach Bill Callahan said.
*
Offensive tackle Bob Whitfield had his contract restructured by the Atlanta Falcons, opening the way to re-signing linebacker Keith Brooking and defensive Patrick Kerney.... New England Patriot owner Robert Kraft was recovering after undergoing heart bypass surgery.
He is expected to make a full recovery.