Rams News

Rams at Chargers: What to watch
08/15 01:17 AM

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

Quarterback: After sitting out last week against Denver, veteran Steve Bono makes his preseason debut. Tony Banks will play the first quarter, then Bono will take over for the second and third quarters. Will Furrer will play the fourth quarter, with Kurt Warner sitting out this week.

> Offensive line: Right guard Zach Wiegert has been sidelined since Thursday because of a staph infection in his hand and is questionable. John Flannery, a free-agent pickup from Dallas, would start in Wiegert's place. The starting unit kept Banks off his back last week but didn't get much accomplished in the running game against Denver's starters.

> Running back: The entire backfield is healthy, but Rams coach Dick Vermeil plans to start '97 practice squad player June Henley again this week. Look for Jerald Moore and Greg Hill to play in the first half as well. Hill missed Thursday afternoon's practice with a puffy knee, but was OK Friday. Second-round draft pick Robert Holcombe probably makes his Rams debut in the second half. Newcomer James Stewart should play some fullback in the fourth quarter.

> Wide receiver: Johnny ``J.T.'' Thomas may sit this one out because of an elbow injury, giving bubble players Malcolm Floyd, Donald Sellers and Tony Horne more chances to show their stuff. Where's Eddie? Kennison played very little last week; then again, the Rams had only 21 offensive plays in the first half against Denver.

> Tight end: The Rams could keep all four remaining TEs on the final roster. Mitch Jacoby can line up in the backfield as an ``H-back,'' and Derrick Harris is the only bona fide fullback candidate at the moment.

> Defensive line: With Grant Wistrom and Bryan Robinson doubtful with injuries, Jeff Robinson and Corey Sears could play most of the second half at end. Vermeil wants more of an inside pass rush from his tackles.

> Linebacker: Muadianvita Kazadi may start once again at OLB in place of Roman Phifer (calf). Eric Hill will play more at middle linebacker, now that he's recovered from his strained back, and Lorenzo Styles may be tried outside some tonight.

> Secondary: Dexter McCleon looked comfortable and confident as the starting right cornerback last week. The Broncos tried to pick on him a couple times without much success. Veteran Tony Stargell, added to the roster as a street free agent early in camp, has worked himself into the picture as a nickel or dime back candidate.

> Special teams: Back from a thigh injury, David Thompson could make his kickoff return debut. Horne showed some potential in that role last week, and rookie Az-Zahir Hakim (San Diego State) wants to make a splash in his return to San Diego.

ARCHIVE

HOME