On the Sunday afternoon after the 2000 Presidential Election, the differences between the St. Louis Rams and the New York Giants resembled those of Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush. In both cases, the poll numbers are very close.

The Rams and Giants each entered their tenth game of this 2000 season with an overall record of 7-2. Of their seven wins, the Rams have defeated only one team with a winning record. Of their seven wins, the Giants have defeated only two teams with a winning record. Both the Rams and the Giants entered Game 10 with one loss against divisional and conference foes. The difference between the number of points scored and the number of points allowed by the Rams this season is +75. The difference between the number of points scored and the number of points allowed by the Giants this season is +53. Both the Rams and the Giants started quarterbacks that played college ball in the Big Ten.

The political pundits would call this match-up too close to call. Rather than relying on a hand vote, the Rams and Giants settled their contest on the outdoor grass of the Meadowlands in Senator Joe Liebermann's turf.

And the exit poll predicts the St. Louis Rams as a solid winner.

In this match-up between two NFC Divisional Leaders, the Rams 38-24 victory over the Giants was not only vital for the tie-breakers and guaranteed our local heroes another non-losing season, but it was an impressive victory over a substantial opponent on grass in an outdoor stadium. Our Male Sheep scored high marks in this character poll.

The Rams defense calmed their squawk radio critics as well as the local bandwagon riding talking heads with a solid performance at the Meadowlands. The defense forced three turnovers that were converted into twenty-one points. St. Louis allowed only seven New York first half points: forcing the Giants to play catch-up all afternoon.

Bud Carson apparently has gotten through to many of our Navy and Gold Heroes on the defensive side of the ball that it is more important to be effective on the field than choreographic. The useless trash-talk and silly dancing employed earlier by the defense disappeared in this game. That is a good thing.

Head Coach Mike Martz took justified criticism last week with his conservative play calling against Carolina. On this Sunday though, Martz returned as the ringleader of the "Greatest Show on Earth". The Head Coach was aggressive in his play calling. He approached the game by trying to win it rather than trying not to lose it.

New York scored its first touchdown of the afternoon in the second quarter, cutting the Rams lead to 14-7. St. Louis matched those seven points in its very next series. Quarterback Trent Green improved his bargaining position and the Rams asking price by passing for 276 yards with four touchdown passes while rushing for another. #10 maintained his composure in lieu of several dropped passes.

In order for the Vianney Graduate to perform his magic this Sunday, the Rams offensive line provided him solid protection. Jim Hannifin's boys gave Green the time he needed to run the offense effectively and efficiently. In large part to the work of the offensive line, St. Louis led by two touchdowns at half time and three touchdowns after three-quarters.

In summary: the Rams earned a solid team victory in a must win situation. In this space last week, we were concerned of the Home Team's desire to seize the moment. Sunday's win over Hillary Clinton's continuants addressed those concerns for now.

But in that rich and arrogant cartel better known as the National Football League, such a solid victory can only be enjoyed for only a short period. In a few days, the Rams will return to the Gateway City for their next challenge.

It will be a Monday Night get together against another NFC Eastern Division foe and a historical St. Louis football rival: the Washington Redskins. Al, Dan, Dennis, and all my rowdy friends will be in attendance and watching as our Navy and Gold heroes try to advance to the next step of this marathon.

At this writing the Rams control their own destiny. Although St. Louis and Minnesota have identical records, the Rams own the tiebreakers because the have only one Conference loss compared to the two for the Vikings.

Still, it will not be easy, as both Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk will not return to the lineup until after Thanksgiving. Remember Gentlemen and repeat again after me, Mr. Warner and Mr. Faulk will NOT be available to play in the short term. Continue to Deal with It! Hence, it is vital for our Male Sheep to keep their focus.

Here is the bottom line: if St. Louis wins the rest of their games, they will obtain home field advantage for the entire NFC playoffs. Next step is Washington on Monday night at the Dome. Fans of the home team, squawk radio callers as well as the television talking heads throughout the fruited plain will continue to enjoy this roller coaster ride for several more weeks to come. There are more twists and turns to come.

Still, on this Sunday afternoon the votes are in. This game belonged to the Rams. Give them another point in their win column. It was an impressive and symbolic victory that Coach Martz hopes will set the table for the remainder of the season.

On the Monday night before Christmas our Navy and Gold Heroes will travel to Tampa for a nationally televised game with the Buccaneers. The ultimate goal is a January trip to the Sunshine State for the big game with Roman Numerals. We have all heard of Florida.

Time will tell if the Rams have their fate decided before traveling to Florida.

If not, the Rams could approach it like the Democrats and Republicans: request a recount.