Bruce hits 800 receptions, shows no signs of slowing

~ The veteran receiver is one of only 14 receivers in NFL history to achieve the feat.

ST. LOUIS -- Isaac Bruce topped 800 catches last week and there's no sign of slowing down for the St. Louis Rams' star receiver.

Bruce, who's winding up his 12th season with the Rams, said he feels pretty much like the player the team drafted in the second round in 1994 when they were still located on the West Coast. He joked Wednesday that he's aiming at not 1,000 receptions, but 2,000.

"I believe I get better every day, just watching some old film," Bruce said. "It's easier to watch coverages now, it's easier for me to anticipate coverages and releases off the line of scrimmage.

"Back in Year 4 and 5 that was hard for me to do; I couldn't do it."

Bruce missed five games in October because of turf toe, an injury that has held his numbers down this season. With three weeks to go he has 27 catches, sixth on the team.

He and the rest of the receiving corps also has had adjustment issues lately with rookie quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who'll make his third straight start on Sunday against the Eagles. Fitzpatrick has no touchdown passes the last two games and threw five interceptions last week.

"It's timing, it really is, especially on the deep ins and deep outs," interim coach Joe Vitt said. "Believe me, Torry (Holt) and Isaac are doing everything they can to try to help Fitz."

Bruce's average per catch is a team-best 15.9 yards. That's better than his career mark of 15.2, which is second in NFL history for players with more than 800 catches behind only Rams position coach Henry Ellard's 16.9 from 1983-98.

"I feel I've done great," Bruce said. "I'm always enthusiastic about playing, and I have no limits on my playing ability."

Bruce is one of only 14 players to catch 800 passes, and needs only 16 more to crack the top 10. Earlier this year he became the 11th player to reach 12,000 yards.

The sheer numbers and consistency suggest Bruce would have a good shot at the Hall of Fame. He has five 1,000-yard seasons in the last six years, and missed a sixth by only 19 yards in 2003.

"It's definitely a goal that everyone who's ever put on a helmet or a pair of pads in this league has thought of," he said. "I can't lie and say I haven't thought of it."

He's a Hall of Famer in Fitzpatrick's book.

"It's a great learning experience for me to be able to watch guys like him," Fitzpatrick said. "He's done a really good job with me as far as pulling me aside and talking to me about things, making sure I'm comfortable, keeping my confidence up."

Vitt thinks so, too.

"His practice habits, the way he competes, his quiet leadership, his durability, his dependability, his accountability, it's all there," Vitt said. "He's just special."

Bruce has one year remaining on a seven-year, $42 million contract he signed in 2000. The last of the Los Angeles Rams would like to sign an extension, but will leave that to his agent.

"I'm not pressing the issue, but yeah I would like to," he said. "I let him do his work, I play football."

Vitt believes Bruce has a lot of good years left.

"I think he's playing his butt off," Vitt said. "There's not a corner in the National Football League that he still doesn't strike fear into."

Bruce has thrived under the guidance of coach Mike Martz, who stepped down for the season due to a heart ailment and may not be back next year. Bruce also has played for Rich Brooks and Dick Vermeil in St. Louis, and Chuck Knox in 1994 in Los Angeles, so Martz not returning wouldn't influence his future plans.

"I think I've been here when he hasn't been here," Bruce said. "I think I can manage. I'll manage."