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Wednesday, July 18
Updated: July 29, 7:58 PM ET
 
Rams: Getting defensive
By Tom Oates
Special to ESPN.com

The Rams went 10-6 last season even though quarterback Kurt Warner and halfback Marshall Faulk missed games due to injury and the defense game up an NFL-high 471 points. Imagine what this team could do if it stayed healthy and actually stopped somebody. Heck, it would probably win the Super Bowl -- just like it did in 1999.
 
CAMP AT A GLANCE
 Matt Hasselbeck
Kurt Warner is coming off an injury-plagued 2000 season.
  Location: Western Illinois, Macomb, Ill.
Rookies report: July 29
Veterans report: July 29
Preseason schedule:
 Aug. 6: Miami (Canton, Ohio)
 Aug. 12: at Buffalo
 Aug. 17: Tennessee
 Aug. 25: at San Diego
 Aug. 31: Kansas City

The goods news is Warner has recovered from a concussion that was more severe than first thought and Faulk's knee is 100 percent. A more pressing offseason concern is the defense, which underwent a complete overhaul. Coach Mike Martz infused the unit with eight new starters, a new coordinator and a new scheme in hopes that it won't again sabotage the unstoppable offense, which scored a league-high 540 points. The only potential problem on offense is backup quarterback, where capable Trent Green was traded and only unproven Joe Germaine remains.

Man in the spotlight
Aeneas Williams cost the Rams two high draft picks, but the team expects the six-time Pro Bowl cornerback to be worth the investment after it surrendered 32 touchdown passes last year. Although the new defensive philosophy uses mostly zone coverage, there is still a need for a cornerback who can cover top receivers man-to-man. The Rams didn't have that last year. Now they do. Williams, a consummate pro, will also provide leadership for a young defense.

Key position battle
If the Rams were replacing the Kevin Carter of 1999, it would be difficult. As it is, they must only replace the Kevin Carter who sleepwalked through the 2000 season and was nowhere near the dominant end he was before. First crack at the job goes to Leonard Little, a converted linebacker who has bulked up 20 pounds to 260. The Rams think he could be a Jevon Kearse-type pass rusher. If Little can't handle playing every down, the team will turn to free agent Cedric Jones, who started for the Giants in the Super Bowl. The fifth player taken in the 1996 draft, Jones' resume lacks only one thing: production. If new line coach Bill Kollar can tap into his potential, Jones could be the full-time end the Rams are seeking.

Biggest adjustment
When Lovie Smith moved to St. Louis, he brought the Tampa Bay defense with him. Well, the scheme if not the players. Smith, the Rams' new defensive coordinator, is a Tony Dungy disciple, which means the Rams will be fast, aggressive and uncomplicated in the front seven and play zone in the secondary to prevent the long ball. Only three starters return from the defense that disintegrated last fall, which is a good thing. The replacements include first-round rookies Damione Lewis at tackle and Adam Archuleta at safety. Free agents who will start are safety Kim Herring (Ravens) and linebacker Mark Fields (Saints). Smith has two jobs: Bring the rookies up to speed quickly and get all the newcomers to blend together by the opener.

Rookie report
The Rams had five picks in the first three rounds and used them all for defense. Lewis and Archuleta are expected to start even through Archuleta must make the transition from college linebacker to NFL safety. The other picks -- first-round tackle Ryan Pickett, second-round linebacker Tommy Polley and third-round linebacker Brian Allen -- might be a year away from starting. In the fourth round, the Rams landed more weapons for the offense: Milton Wynn, a tall, fast wide receiver, and Brandon Manumaleuna, a 280-pound tight end who can catch. There's no room for either one now, but they'll provide valuable depth on offense.

Offseason moves
Players signed Players lost
DT Ray Agnew (re-signed)
LB O.J. Brigance (signed as free agent)
LB Don Davis (signed as free agent)
DB Kim Herring (signed as free agent)
LB Mark Fields (signed as free agent)
DE Cedric Jones (signed as free agent)
OL Rod Jones (signed as free agent)
DL Tyoka Jackson (signed as free agent)
WR Az-Zahir Hakim (re-signed)
K Jeff Wilkins (re-signed)
CB Aeneas Williams (trade with Cardinals)
 DE Kevin Carter (traded to Titans)
DT D'Marco Farr (released)
QB Trent Green (traded to Chiefs)
WR Tony Horne (signed with Chiefs)
LB Mike A. Jones (signed with Steelers)
DB Todd Lyght (signed with Lions)
TE Roland Williams (trade to Raiders)

  • Rams' complete offseason moves







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    After last year's surprise ...


    AUDIO/VIDEO
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     Adam Archuleta felt uncomfortable sitting at home, waiting to reach an agreement.
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