Rams get better of Bears in scrimmage

MACOMB, Ill. -- After three days of joint practices, the St. Louis Rams outplayed the Chicago Bears during a scrimmage Saturday at Western Illinois University's Hanson Field.

The Rams unofficially won the scrimmage 12-6, though no score was actually kept during the 90-minute workout.

Both teams held out several starters. Quarterback Marc Bulger and running back Marshall Faulk did not see action for the Rams, while linebacker Brian Urlacher, who is nursing a hamstring injury, and wide receiver Marty Booker and others sat out for the Bears.

The scrimmage also provided a chance for new Chicago coach Lovie Smith to put his team up against the Rams, where he worked as defensive coordinator before taking the job with the Bears.

Smith said after the scrimmage, "We know we have a long ways to go. We get a chance to play them again next week with hopes that we'll have a better team on the field playing against them."

The Bears will visit the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on Thursday to take on the Rams in the preseason opener.

The Rams went on offense first in the controlled scrimmage as former Bears quarterback Chris Chandler marched the Rams 70 yards in a drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Arlen Harris.

Rams rookie quarterback Jeff Smoker hit Kevin Curtis for a 35-yard touchdown later in the scrimmage.

Jonathan Quinn guided the Bears to their only score when he connected with Gabe Reid on a 5-yard scoring toss.

One of the biggest ovations of the morning came when former Western Illinois star quarterback Russ Michna took the field for a few plays with the Rams offense.