By Bill Coats
Of the Post-Dispatch
Tuesday, Jan. 04 2005
After starting 36 games in his first three seasons with the Rams, linebacker
Tommy Polley found himself fighting for his job during training camp. He lost.
"There are a lot of reasons for that," coach Mike Martz said. "No. 1, he was
injured (broken rib); that slowed him down a great deal. Then there was the
issue of competing for the position, learning the defense."
Polley's play in the preseason was somewhat less than enthusiastic, as he
struggled with new defensive coordinator Larry Marmie's scheme, a major factor
in his demotion. Rookie
Brandon Chillar started the first two games at
strongside linebacker, Polley's former spot.
Polley is an unrestricted free agent after the season, and his days with the
Rams might be numbered. If so, he's going out with a flourish. He struggled at
times after returning to the lineup in the third week but has "taken on a
significant role as one of our leaders on defense, as well as a productive
player on defense," Martz said.
Polley, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound Florida State product, has recorded at least
eight tackles in four of the past five games. His season total of 101 trails
only linebacker
Pisa Tinoisamoa (145) and strong safety Adam Archuleta (123)
among the Rams defenders.
Peak performance
First-round draft choice
Steven Jackson hasn't experienced the NFL postseason,
but he knows this much: "Once you get in the playoffs, everything is fair
game," he said. "We know, especially in these past couple of weeks, that we've
been playing good on both sides of the ball. So, we feel we have as good a
chance as anyone. We're peaking at the right time."
* * *
A number of Rams players make donations to charities based on their
on-the-field performances. For example, the defensive line contributes $500 for
each sack to the Tackle Literacy program, and kicker Jeff Wilkins gives $200
for each field goal to Children's Miracle Network hospitals. Overall, Rams
players have contributed $76,490 to area charities.
* * *
Martz gave the players Monday and Tuesday off. Practices are scheduled for
today and Thursday, with an abbreviated workout Friday morning before the
flight to Seattle.
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