Patterns of brilliance

Dazzling array of receivers sent out, one after another

By Peter May, Globe Staff, 2/1/2002

''We just believe speed is such a factor in this game. Speed and attitude. That's what we look for. If you can't run fast, you can't play. That's been our philosophy.''- Rams coach Mike Martz

NEW ORLEANS - The Rams receivers are fast. They have an unmistakable air of confidence that, they admit, borders on arrogance. But they have the stats to back up their swagger. In short, these four fleet guys have what it takes to get open, make the catch, run after the catch, and find the end zone. They're good. They're very good.

When Martz called longtime Rams wide receiver Henry Ellard last year to propose that Ellard join the team as an offensive assistant, Ellard asked to look at a tape before deciding.

''When I saw that,'' he said, ''I wanted to come out of retirement.''

Every time quarterback Kurt Warner drops pack to pass, he must feel like an epicurean at a gourmet feast. He can go for Torry Holt, his favorite wide receiver target this season (81 catches, 7 TDs). There's veteran Isaac Bruce, who had a touchdown last week against Philadelphia as well as a touchdown in the Rams' last Super Bowl appearance two years ago.

Those two accounted for 145 receptions, 2,469 yards, and 13 touchdowns this season. Throw in veteran Ricky Proehl (40 catches, 5 TDs) and the speedy Az-Zahir Hakim (39 catches, 3 TDs), and you have a group of wideouts that may have no equal in the game.

All of which adds up to a very busy, eventful evening Sunday for the Patriots' defense. And we haven't even mentioned Marshall Faulk, who was Warner's No. 1 target this season with 83 receptions.

''They scare me,'' said Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi. ''Especially when I look at that carpet. I'd rather they blow the roof off this place and throw some sod out there and maybe that'll slow them down. They catch the ball and make big plays. They're the best group of receivers in the league.''

You won't get any argument from the St. Louis side. As long as Warner is throwing with his traditional, almost historic accuracy (68.7 percent this season), and the offensive line is blocking, the Rams' speedsters and slanters basically have their way. The Patriots didn't have much luck against them in November, as Warner passed for 401 yards and the wide receivers accounted for 19 receptions. Bruce and Holt had seven apiece and Holt also had a touchdown.

The Patriots picked them up at the line of scrimmage, which many feel is the only way you can play them. Otherwise, they will run you ragged.

''We had 'em down in our stadium and we were talking mess to 'em,'' said Patriots safety Lawyer Milloy. ''They never even said anything back. They were like, `OK, relax.' They just believe in themselves. They believe that as long as they do what they need to do that they can win the ballgame at any point. They're capable of making the game real ugly real fast.''

Holt and Bruce generally start, as the Rams open with a two-man backfield. However, each of the four wideouts played in all 16 games this season and only twice did all four of them not catch at least one pass.

Proehl is the senior member of the group, having played 12 seasons, the last four with the Rams. Bruce is the senior member in years of service with the team, having spent all eight of his NFL years in a Ram uniform. Holt has been with St. Louis for three years - he was the sixth overall pick in the 1999 draft - while Hakim was a fourth-rounder in 1998.

''I've got the best hands of all the wide receivers,'' Holt said proudly. ''I'm sure the other receivers will say they have the best hands, but that's just how I am.

''Our receivers are competitive and we all respect each other. We feel as a group we are the best receivers in the NFL and that's what makes us so strong as a group. We have a great deal of confidence and we strive for excellence every day. We've got a classy group of guys who can really play this game.''

Rams defensive end Grant Wistrom sees them every day in practice - and that's how he wants to keep it.

''I'm glad we don't have to face our receivers in games,'' he said. ''That's the best thing about being on this team. We don't have to face those guys.''

Does he think the receivers are the best in the league?

''Absolutely,'' he said. ''I don't think there's anyone who comes close.''

OK, so what do you do if you're the Patriots? You know the Rams are going to pass and, barring the unusual, Warner will be on target with his throws. It's a pick-your-poison dilemma, but one that usually leads to the inevitable conclusion: They're going to get some; just don't let them get it all.

''We don't want to get into a footrace with those guys,'' Patriots cornerback Ty Law said. ''They have a lot of team speed. No individual should try to take it on his shoulders to try to outdo those guys. We have to win the individual matchups in a team concept.''

Said Jets coach Herman Edwards, whose team lost, 34-14, to the Rams, ''If you can keep them in front of you, then what you want to do is hit them. That can take away the big explosion play.''

Bruce said he thought the Patriots would try to foil the passing game by putting extra pressure on Warner. He is envisioning a lot of man-to-man coverage, which is what he saw in November.

Oh, and he's also envisioning the same result as in November. The Rams won that game, 24-17, and Bruce and his mates feel there's no reason to think they won't do so again on Sunday.