"Steven's my guy," Bruce said. "I've known him since he first came in as a rookie, and he's done some great things on the field. I just let him know that he is the leader of this organization right now.

"He's the face of the franchise and he's going to have to continue to do what he does, as far as running that Football hard. And things will get better for him.

"They'll start rebuilding, and building that line so he can do his thing. He's a great running back. A very powerful guy who can catch the ball. There aren't many guys like that in the NFL."

Obviously, even though Bruce now plays for the 49ers, he still cares about the Rams. Jackson said only that he'd prefer to keep his conversation with Bruce private, but added that it was something he'd "cherish."

With 32 carries for 108 yards, Jackson posted his first 100-yard rushing game since the Rams' victory Oct. 19 over Dallas, their last victory of this season. Now with 881 yards rushing, Jackson needs 119 yards in the season finale at Atlanta to reach 1,000 yards for the fourth consecutive season.

Jackson finished Sunday's game with a tweaked hamstring. The injury occurred late in the first half, but Jackson played through it. Jackson said the problem occurred because he was "just overcompensating for the other leg."

That was a reference to a thigh injury that sidelined him for 4? games from late October until the end of November.

"That's what happens in Football," Jackson said. "But everyone on the field is pretty banged up. I just wanted to make sure I stayed out there for four quarters and tried to help lead my team to a win."

Other injuries

Promising young tight end Daniel Fells left early in the second quarter with an unspecified knee injury and did not return. Left guard Jacob Bell also left the game in the second quarter, with a hamstring injury, and did not return.

Wildcat Jackson

The Rams continue to make use of the Wildcat formation late in the season with Jackson taking direct snaps from center. They ran four such plays Sunday, with Jackson carrying three times for 21 yards.

"It gives me the chance to look at a defense differently," Jackson said. "I'm able to get in the holes a little faster because I'm closer to the line of scrimmage."

Pittman sits

In yet another sign that Kenneth Darby has moved ahead of Antonio Pittman on the Rams' depth chart at running back, Pittman was among the Rams' pregame inactives Sunday.

The others: defensive tackle Antwon Burton, cornerback Quincy Butler, offensive tackle Anthony Davis, safety David Roach, offensive guard Roy Schuening, and center Cory Withrow.

Ram-blings

Rookie Keenan Burton's 30-yard grab for the Rams' only touchdown was his longest catch of the season and his first NFL score.

- With four catches for 55 yards Sunday, Torry Holt moved ahead of Jimmy Smith for 11th place on the NFL career receptions list. Holt now has 863 career grabs, to Smith's 862.