December 31, 2002
 

RAMS RALLY TO DEFEAT 49ERS IN REGULAR-SEASON FINALE

The St. Louis Rams overcame a 17-0 halftime deficit to defeat the division-rival San Francisco 49ers 31-20 Monday night in the final game of the NFL’s regular season.

San Francisco jumped out to an early lead with two second-quarter touchdown passes from QB TIM RATTAY to WR TAI STREETS.  Rattay threw for 138 yards while RB KEVAN BARLOW contributed 87 yards rushing on only 10 carries. 

San Francisco K JEFF CHANDLER gave the 49ers a 20-3 advantage less than two minutes into the fourth quarter, before the Rams reeled off 28 consecutive points to earn the victory.  St. Louis QB JAMIE MARTIN threw three touchdown passes to three different receivers, and CB DRE´ BLY returned a fumble 20 yards for a touchdown, all within the span of less than 10 minutes.  Martin finished with 245 yards passing, connecting on 22 of 35 attempts.

After a 0-5 start, the Rams finished the season with a 7-9 record.  San Francisco fell to 10-6 and will host the New York Giants in an NFC Wild Card Playoff game this Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET.