ST. LOUIS -- Even before the first preseason game, St. Louis defensive end Leonard Little was convinced things would be different this year. A strong initial effort did nothing to change his view.
"I think our defense is a whole lot better," Little said. "It's been a while since I've been on a defense this good."
The Rams struggled last year in a new system under defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. Players have said from the first day of training camp there's a much higher comfort level with a season under their belts. St. Louis again addressed defense in the offseason, adding end James Hall as a complement to Little and drafting lineman Adam Carriker in the first round.
Manning both nose guard and tackle, Carriker has helped solidify a line that shouldered much of the blame for last year's woes. Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa's return to health after an injury-plagued 2006 also is a plus.
Little said the difference shows in the checkdowns players are able to make before the snap. Unfamiliarity with the defense prevented that most of last season.
"We're more experienced, and you can tell the difference when we're out there," Little said. "We were just learning the defense last year."
Little said it's time the defense, which allowed nine 100-yard rushing games in the first 12 weeks and 10 overall, help up its end.
"We didn't stop the run well at all last year," Little said. "We've got a lot of talent on defense and we've got to go out there and show it on the field.
"We've got to prove that we can be a defense that teams will think about."
Last year, St. Louis ended up with rookie Victor Adeyanju at the other end after giving up on Anthony Hargrove, who skipped two days of practice and was subsequently traded to Buffalo. In the offseason they also cut ties with nose tackle Jimmy Kennedy, a first-round pick in 2003 who disappointed, trading him to Denver for a draft pick.
St. Louis expect more pressure up the middle, which should clear the road a bit for Little to terrorize the quarterback.
Like most of the front-line players, Little saw limited action in the exhibition opener, calling it a night after two series. He was hoping to get a little more this Saturday in the second exhibition against the Chargers.
"We didn't have enough plays that we could really critique ourselves," Little said. "As the preseason goes on, we'll be able to do that because we'll be getting more plays."
Over the years, Little said he's learned to preserve himself at this time of year.
"When you're younger, you're all gung-ho, you're going out and doing whatever," Little said. "I take care of my body now, and I know what it takes to go through an entire season."
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
