49ERS HOPE 13 (IN A ROW) IS LUCKY AGAINST RAMS.

Byline: Jim Salter Associated Press 

The San Francisco 49ers have a way of ruining things for the Rams.

Last October, in their first season in St. Louis, the Rams were in first place in the NFC West at 5-1, and just a bit cocky. They were showing no regard for then-defending Super Bowl champion San Francisco. Safety Toby Wright even said the 49ers were ``sweating bullets'' over playing the Rams.

No sweat.

San Francisco, behind backup quarterback Elvis Grbac, routed St. Louis 44-10. The game will be remembered for 49ers linebacker Ken Norton delivering left-right combinations to the goalpost stanchion at Busch Stadium after returning two interceptions for scores.

Later in the season, the Niners beat St. Louis 41-13, then extended their winning streak against the Rams to 12 with a 34-0 win last month.

``I don't think they respect us at all,'' safety Keith Lyle said. ``I wouldn't. We just have to go out and earn our own respect.''

There's considerably less bluster in the Rams as they prepare to play San Francisco today in the Trans World Dome. It's hard to be smug when you're 1-3 and last in the NFL in total offense.

As for the streak, 49ers coach George Seifert thinks it could work in the Rams' favor.

``They've got pride, too,'' Seifert said. ``I'm sure they'll be fired up. What happened last time we played has no impact on this game.''

St. Louis coach Rich Brooks said there are two simple explanations for the three losses to San Francisco during his tenure: turnovers and penalties.

The Rams have turned the ball over 13 times in those three losses, and San Francisco converted 10 of the miscues into scores. St. Louis also has been penalized twice as often as the 49ers.

``We can't be Santa Claus,'' Brooks said. ``We can't give them the game.''

That won't be easy considering the inexperienced offensive group the Rams will put on the field. Five rookies will either start or see considerable playing time, including quarterback Tony Banks, who will make just his second start.

Banks relieved Steve Walsh in the second quarter of the earlier loss to the 49ers, but fared poorly. He completed just 6 of 17 passes for 69 yards.

But in his first start in last week's 31-28 loss to Arizona, Banks was impressive, throwing three long touchdown passes.

``I've got my first start under my belt. I've already played against San Francisco. I don't have any excuses,'' said the second-round draft choice, who was the first quarterback selected.