Rams start fast, finish fast in 42-21 victory over Bears

St. Louis Rams running back Zac Stacy, right, runs for a 35-yard gain as Chicago Bears linebacker James Anderson (50) pursues during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

St. Louis Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens, right, is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive end David Bass for a 9-yard loss during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

ST. LOUIS – Tavon Austin's 65-yard touchdown run — his fourth straight this season from beyond midfield — jump-started a 21-point first quarter and the St. Louis Rams defense made some big plays, too, in a 42-21 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

The Rams (5-6) followed up a 30-point rout at Indianapolis after their bye in front of their largest crowd of the season, about half of them clad Bears orange. Late scores by rookie backup running back Benny Cunningham and defensive end Robert Quinn helped finish off the Bears (6-5), who remained tied for the NFC North lead.

Josh McCown passed for 352 yards and two touchdowns with an interception for Chicago, which had won four straight in the series. The Bears had a 62-yard punt return for touchdown by Devin Hester nullified by a holding penalty in the fourth quarter.

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