NEW YORK, 20 October 2004 — Torry Holt caught two touchdown passes, including a 36-yard effort early in the fourth quarter for the game-winning points, to power the hosts St. Louis Rams to a 28-21 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday.
Holt had six receptions for 124 yards to lead the Rams (4-2) into sole possession of the NFC West lead, a half game ahead of the Seattle Seahawks, the team they beat after a dramatic comeback last week.
The Buccaneers (1-5) dropped into last place in the NFC South.
Quarterback Marc Bulger hit Holt with a 52-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring in the first quarter and wound up 18-for-30 for 264 yards, helping the Rams to their third straight win while snapping a three-game losing streak to Tampa Bay.
“My coach called my number and I was able to make some big plays to help my team,” Holt said.
“We wanted that momentum from last week to carry over tonight. Now we can continue on for the rest of the season.”
Adam Archuleta took a fumble by Michael Pittman 93 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter to put the Rams ahead 21-14.
Marshall Faulk’s one-yard run accounted for the other St. Louis TD in the second quarter. Mike Alstott scored on a one-yard run in the first quarter for Tampa Bay while Pittman tallied on a five-yard pass from Brian Griese in the second quarter.
Griese, making his first start for the Bucs, also hit Will Heller on a one-yard TD pass in the final minute of the third quarter, leaving the teams tied 21-21.
Griese went 27-for-40 for 286 yards and two TDs and one interception, with rookie Michael Clayton his favorite target.
Clayton had eight receptions for 142 yards for Tampa Bay, which had four turnovers in the game, three fumbles and the interception.
