PRESEASON Rams end long losing streak

Their 26-16 exhibition win over Tampa Bay was their first since 2001.
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis Rams ended their five-game preseason losing streak in style by beating the Super Bowl champions.
Kim Herring returned a fumble by Keyshawn Johnson 59 yards for a touchdown, the Rams quarterbacks were perfect in the first half and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense was held in check in St. Louis' 26-16 exhibition victory Monday night.
The victory was the Rams' first in the preseason since they beat the Chiefs 21-17 Aug. 31, 2001 in St. Louis.
They were winless in the preseason last season and then began the year 0-5.
"It's a great confidence builder for a lot of guys," coach Mike Martz said. "Was Tampa revved up and playing its best? Probably not, but we played well."
Warner was perfect
Kurt Warner was perfect on his only drive of the game, going 7-for-7 for 55 yards to set up a field goal, while the Bucs' defense failed to lay a hand on him.
Warner made it tough on the defense with a lot of quick reads and short dump-off throws.
"With a three-step drop, you're not going to get a lot of pressure," Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp said. "They had a plan and they executed."
Warner and backup Marc Bulger combined to go 13-for-13 in the first half for 137 yards, helping the Rams take a 16-0 lead.
"That's not very good on our part," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "Thirteen-for-13 is hard to do in pregame warmups."
The Bucs (2-1) sputtered after scoring 50 points in their first two preseason games, although Brad Johnson was 7-for-9 for 55 yards in a little over one quarter.
Offensive tackle Kenyatta Walker sat out with a sprained ankle for Tampa Bay, which has won each of the last three regular season meetings against the Rams. The Bucs managed only 111 yards of total offense in the first half.
Simms impressive
Buccaneers third-string quarterback Chris Simms played most of the second half and threw two touchdown passes and two two-point conversion passes, going 10-for-13 for 86 yards.
Herring's return provided a big-play element that the Rams' defense lacked last year.
St. Louis had only an interception return by Dre' Bly, but gave up nine defensive touchdowns.
Keyshawn Johnson fumbled at the end of a 9-yard reception when Adam Archuleta hit him as he was falling. The ball came loose, Herring scooped it up and he scored untouched to give the Rams a 10-0 lead with 14:09 to go in the second quarter.