IRVINE, Calif. -- NFL head coaches generally don’t like to get too critical about their own team, particularly after one preseason game.
Still, the truth has a way of coming out, emerging through blunt assessments and candid comments.
Even though the Los Angeles Rams rallied to defeat the Cowboys 28-24 Saturday in their first preseason game of the summer, not too much went right for the Rams in the first half when the starters were out there.
Some things went particularly wrong, like the Cowboys' ability to run on the Rams. In the first half, Dallas rushed 21 times for 105 yards. The defensive line is supposed be the team strength.
"We're not ready to play run defense yet," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. "We have some work to do there. That's a work in progress."
Led by tackle Aaron Donald, the Rams have a vaunted defensive front. But Dallas created openings, and the linebackers sometimes appeared hesitant. In a key move, Alec Ogletree is going from outside linebacker to middle linebacker.
"It's one of those things that happens in the preseason," Fisher said. "Our defense is defending our run (in camp). They get used to the formations, get used to the run concepts.
"Then all of a sudden you play someone else who's going to do it a little different. Now you have to dwell on the actual individual techniques, the gap responsibilities the run fits. That will be an emphasis for us."
Defensive end Matt Longacre said he was confident the Rams will improve.
"There were moments when it was really good, and moments when it wasn't," Longacre said. "It wasn't great, but it was the first game. We're going to get better."
The Rams are scheduled to host coach Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs this Saturday. Last year the Chiefs finished sixth in the NFL in rushing despite not having one individual who ended in the top 30 rushing leaders.
"(It's) a great challenge this week to work towards getting that fixed for the regular season, because Andy loves to run it," Fisher said.
