Offensive line has makeover again
By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch
Friday, Sep. 03 2004
OAKLAND, Calif. - The line shuffling continued for the Rams on Thursday.
Offensive guards Chris Dishman (ankle) and Tom Nutten (turf toe) did not play
against the Oakland Raiders.
Dishman had started the Rams' second and third exhibition games, but he rolled
his ankle last week against Washington. Nutten suffered his toe injury after
participating in just a few plays against the Redskins in his exhibition debut.
Dishman and Nutten came out of retirement to join the Rams in training camp.
With Dishman sidelined, the Rams employed their third offensive line
combination in four exhibition games. Andy King started in place of Dishman at
left guard. Also, tackles Grant Williams and Scott Tercero changed places, with
Williams moving to right tackle from left tackle and Tercero going to left
tackle from right tackle.
There remained no sign of left tackle Orlando Pace, whose contract impasse
continues. Pace or no Pace, the unit performed well for the most part on
Thursday. The only sack in the first half was at the expense of backup left
guard Ben Noll, not the starters.
"When you come out of the game and your jersey's still clean - even if it is
one drive - you know your offensive line's doing a good job," quarterback Marc
Bulger said.
Gordon returns
Not only did running back Lamar Gordon return to action only three weeks after
ankle surgery, he got a workout. Gordon carried nine times for 39 yards in the
first half alone after replacing Marshall Faulk at the start of the second
quarter. After scoring on a 2-yard run in the fourth quarter, Gordon had 70
yards on 18 carries.
Cleeland, Jensen are injured
Tight end Cam Cleeland finished with four catches for 71 yards, including a
touchdown, but left with a sprained ankle in the fourth quarter after his final
reception. Rookie fullback-tight end Erik Jensen left with a sprained left knee
after a seven-yard reception in the fourth quarter.
Holt sits
Wide receiver Torry Holt watched the game in street clothes because of back
spasms. Shaun McDonald started in Holt's place.
Also sitting out for the Rams: CB Travis Fisher (arm), CB DeJuan Groce (knee),
and DT Jimmy Kennedy (foot).
Reunion tour continues
Earlier in the preseason, Martz renewed acquaintances with Lovie Smith, his
former defensive coordinator, and Dick Vermeil, his former head coach. On
Thursday, Martz faced Raiders head coach Norv Turner, his boss when Martz was
quarterbacks coach at Washington in '97 and '98.
"He's a very good friend," Martz said. "I owe Norv a lot, professionally,
particularly. He taught me so much, whether he knows it or not."
By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch
Friday, Sep. 03 2004
OAKLAND, Calif. - The line shuffling continued for the Rams on Thursday.
Offensive guards Chris Dishman (ankle) and Tom Nutten (turf toe) did not play
against the Oakland Raiders.
Dishman had started the Rams' second and third exhibition games, but he rolled
his ankle last week against Washington. Nutten suffered his toe injury after
participating in just a few plays against the Redskins in his exhibition debut.
Dishman and Nutten came out of retirement to join the Rams in training camp.
With Dishman sidelined, the Rams employed their third offensive line
combination in four exhibition games. Andy King started in place of Dishman at
left guard. Also, tackles Grant Williams and Scott Tercero changed places, with
Williams moving to right tackle from left tackle and Tercero going to left
tackle from right tackle.
There remained no sign of left tackle Orlando Pace, whose contract impasse
continues. Pace or no Pace, the unit performed well for the most part on
Thursday. The only sack in the first half was at the expense of backup left
guard Ben Noll, not the starters.
"When you come out of the game and your jersey's still clean - even if it is
one drive - you know your offensive line's doing a good job," quarterback Marc
Bulger said.
Gordon returns
Not only did running back Lamar Gordon return to action only three weeks after
ankle surgery, he got a workout. Gordon carried nine times for 39 yards in the
first half alone after replacing Marshall Faulk at the start of the second
quarter. After scoring on a 2-yard run in the fourth quarter, Gordon had 70
yards on 18 carries.
Cleeland, Jensen are injured
Tight end Cam Cleeland finished with four catches for 71 yards, including a
touchdown, but left with a sprained ankle in the fourth quarter after his final
reception. Rookie fullback-tight end Erik Jensen left with a sprained left knee
after a seven-yard reception in the fourth quarter.
Holt sits
Wide receiver Torry Holt watched the game in street clothes because of back
spasms. Shaun McDonald started in Holt's place.
Also sitting out for the Rams: CB Travis Fisher (arm), CB DeJuan Groce (knee),
and DT Jimmy Kennedy (foot).
Reunion tour continues
Earlier in the preseason, Martz renewed acquaintances with Lovie Smith, his
former defensive coordinator, and Dick Vermeil, his former head coach. On
Thursday, Martz faced Raiders head coach Norv Turner, his boss when Martz was
quarterbacks coach at Washington in '97 and '98.
"He's a very good friend," Martz said. "I owe Norv a lot, professionally,
particularly. He taught me so much, whether he knows it or not."
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