ST. LOUIS: Steven Jackson ran for 160 yards on 25 carries with three touchdowns and the St. Louis Rams looked like contenders instead of sad sacks for the second straight game under new coach Jim Haslett in a surprisingly easy 34-14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Cowboys quarterback Brad Johnson couldn't keep up with a suddenly potent, opportunistic offense, throwing three interceptions.

The Rams (2-4) won 19-17 at Washington last week in their first game since replacing Scott Linehan, ending a run of 17 losses in 20 games and four blowout losses to start the season. Their response to Haslett, beginning his second stint as a head coach, has exceeded expectations.