Backup receiver: Looker catches on in role of punt returner

ST. LOUIS -- Four players got a shot at returning punts for the St. Louis Rams before they finally turned to Dane Looker.

The backup wide receiver and kick holder can add another role to his resume. He had four returns for a 10.8-yard average last week, a huge improvement over the team's 4-yard average the first 14 weeks of the season.

"I've said it before: I'll do whatever they ask me to do and do it as well as I can," Looker said. "Any chance I can get to touch the ball, I'll take it and like it."

Looker has succeeded where others have failed by keeping things simple. While Shaun McDonald (4.1) and David Allen (5.4) were always looking for the big hole, and the big return, Looker just heads up the field and gets what he can.

That's the advice he got from special teams coach Bob Ligashesky. Looker isn't the fastest guy on the field and isn't likely to break one, but in the battle for field position every yard counts.

"Get it and go, I know my strengths," Looker said. "Leg says just chase the green grass, and I try to make as few moves as I can."

Looker is seventh on the team with 23 catches for a 10.3-yard average, although he has only one reception in the last five games. As the holder on place kicks, he's also an unsung part of Jeff Wilkins' 109-point season.

Anything to get on the field for Looker, a former MVP in NFL Europe.

"It's not a job that's real sought-after in the league, I don't think, kind of like holding," Looker said. "You're usually only getting a lot of coverage when you mess up, but it's fun."

Looker got his opportunity after the Rams released Allen two weeks ago. He had a 13-yard return against the Eagles, and a 17-yarder against the 49ers. The latter return is the best of the season for the Rams.

Looker volunteered for punt return duty earlier in the season. He'd like to be the full-time guy at that position.

He has the sure hands, and he's fearless. He has eight returns and only two fair catches compared with four returns and four fair catches by Allen and eight returns and six fair catches by McDonald.

"That's the best way to do it," interim coach Joe Vitt said. "Catch the ball and get up the field."

Said Looker: "I think it's what you make it. I think if you go back there with the intention that I don't want to get hurt and I'm just going to fair catch, that's what you're going to do every time."

Like the rest of the Rams, Looker is looking for a positive ending to the team's disappointing season. St. Louis has lost six of seven and players and the coaching staff are braced for an overhaul.

"We all know that changes are probably going to happen and we're all fighting for our jobs right now," Looker said. "You've got to put your best foot forward and show that you can play.

"We don't know who will be hired or what players will be kept around here."