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How the Rams endured a 70-minute lightning delay at a crucial point in the game

With two minutes left in the game, a lightning storm causes a delay of game.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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The storm clouds gathered above Raymond James Stadium late in the fourth quarter Sunday, and fans, players and officials were ordered by the stadium public address announcer to run for cover, a two-minute “warning” if there ever was one.

As thunder and lightning filled the skies, players and coaches from the Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers remained in the locker room for 70 minutes before play resumed and the Rams held on for a 37-32 victory.

Baseball players are accustomed to rain delays, often spending the time playing cards or watching television in the clubhouse. So, what do football players do during weather delays?

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“We were just playing spades in there,” Rams quarterback Case Keenum said before breaking into a laugh. “No, we were trying to stay locked in, obviously. Trying to stay hydrated, actually eating.

“It was weird. I guess that’s kind of how hockey players are, you know, the three periods. To have that crucial of a moment being paused, it was tough. It was really tough. But guys responded and did well. The defense came back out and did a heck of a job.”

As unusual as the delay was, it was not that strange for many of the Rams. Their 19-17 win over the Buccaneers here in 2014 was delayed for 51 minutes by lightning in the second quarter.

“The most important thing is communicating with the players,” Rams Coach Jeff Fisher said. “We heard rumors that it may be 15 minutes, 60 minutes or an hour and a half. The officiating crew did a great job keeping us informed, and then I would relay the information to the players.

“Finally, I told them we were going to get this thing going again.… Both teams were extremely fatigued, and I thought both teams rallied and came back and played well.”

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Rams running back Benny Cunningham had one parting thought for the Buccaneers.

“These guys might want to try to get a dome or something,” he said.

mike.digiovanna@latimes.com

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