Rams rediscover 'D' in victory

Rams rediscover 'D' in victory
By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
08/17/2008

An unassuming rookie, defensive end Chris Long often concedes that he has much to learn as a pro. But he didn't need anyone to tell him that the Rams' first-team defense made vast progress in one short week.

"To hold any team to six points in the NFL seems to be pretty darn good," Long said. "I don't know much, but I know that. It's the San Diego Chargers, and that's a great accomplishment for us."

The defense thwarted two promising San Diego possessions in the first half, and the Rams rallied for a 7-6 preseason victory at the Edward Jones Dome.

A week ago, Tennessee shredded the visiting Rams in a 34-13 spanking. The Titans pounded out 495 yards — including a whopping 340 on the ground. About half those totals were accomplished against the Rams' starting defenders.


"Tennessee's a good football team, but we just didn't play well," defensive tackle Adam Carriker said.

The Chargers, who averaged 25.8 points per game last year while going 11-5 and winning the AFC West Division title, managed just 98 yards in the first half. They didn't do much against the Rams' reserves in last 30 minutes, either, tacking on a mere 105 yards.

"To come out and play successful 'D' like that against a very good team, it's a great feeling ... especially at home," linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa said.

Long said coach Scott Linehan emphasized "keeping the points down as a unit throughout the game."

But it was the first team that clamped down when the Chargers had their best opportunities to put serious dents in the scoreboard.

Granted, San Diego was playing without several of its top playmakers, including running back LaDainian Tomlinson, quarterback Philip Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates. Still, the Chargers set up in Rams territory twice, after interceptions of passes by Marc Bulger, and came away with just two field goals.

"That was big," Carriker said. "That's one of our goals, to hold teams to field goals once they get in the red zone."

Rookie cornerback Antoine Cason gave the San Diego offense the ball at the Rams' 30 after the first interception, an overthrown ball that tight end Randy McMichael tipped. Cason, a first-round draft pick, scampered 51 yards on the return.

San Diego moved to first and goal at the 4, but two runs netted just 2 yards before defensive end Leonard Little sacked quarterback Billy Volek at the 9. The Chargers settled for a 27-yard field goal by Nate Kaeding. Bulger was picked off on the first play of the ensuing possession, and San Diego had the ball at the Rams' 29. The Chargers reached the 16 before stalling, and Kaeding connected from 31 yards.





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