Rams' offense builds chemistry in preseason opener

ST. LOUIS -- Josh McDaniels' offense for the St. Louis Rams' preseason opener by design was not a radical departure from last season. It's no time to be unveiling the playbook.

The small portion the Rams used while scoring 33 points in a victory over the Indianapolis Colts was effective enough, even without Steven Jackson. They had planned on easing the Pro Bowl running back into action in Week 2 of the preseason Saturday night against Tennessee, although Jackson watched most of Tuesday's practice because of soreness in his left hip.

"We know the plays, we know what we're trying to do," Rams guard Harvey Dahl said. "Now it's just the little things, the communication, working together."

McDaniels said players have been introduced to most of his system, along with most of the staff back from last year. The former Denver Broncos coach, who was fired last December, said he's enjoyed concentrating on one side of the ball and getting a chance to work closely with quarterback Sam Bradford.

"I think we're having a lot of fun, and I don't think you hear that word a lot in training camp," McDaniels said. "I think our guys are really enjoying getting into the system.

Rams running back Cadillac Williams rushes for an 11-yard gain during the first quarter Saturday in St. Louis. (JEFF ROBERSON ~ Associated Press)

"They've got a great attitude. We love the way they're working for us, and every day we come out and make a little bit of a stride here and there."

St. Louis averaged 18.1 points last year, tied for 26th in the NFL, and was 26th in total offense under Pat Shurmur, now the Cleveland Browns' coach. Besides McDaniels, the Rams added Dahl, wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker and backup running backs Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood in free agency, and second-round draft pick Lance Kendricks is starting at tight end.

The Rams scored on six of their first seven possessions of the preseason opener using mostly the base offense. They also capitalized on early turnovers. They totaled 169 yards rushing behind strong games from Williams and Keith Toston, and the line gave up no sacks.

Players didn't seem too satisfied after Week 1, using the last two practices to iron out kinks. Wide receiver Danny Amendola's overall assessment: "I felt like it was OK."

The Rams face some tough choices at wide receiver with perhaps nine strong candidates for six spots. That's a departure from coach Steve Spagnuolo's first two years when that position didn't get much attention.

Amendola, Sims-Walker and Brandon Gibson appear assured of jobs, along with rookies Greg Salas and Austin Pettis, drafted in the third and fourth rounds. Deep threats Danario Alexander and Donnie Avery have to show they can stay healthy, and Mardy Gilyard could make the team as a return man.

Spagnuolo includes rookie tight end Lance Kendricks, who has been impressive, in that group because he'll often be split wide. There likely are seven spots to fill and versatility will be a big plus given McDaniels' penchant for moving around receivers and altering the game plan based on the opponent.

"They've got to be flexible," McDaniels said. "The more they can do, the better off they'll be. We may end up having more guys in slot formation one week and the next we don't line up in the slot formation at all because that's not really how to beat that team."

Noteworthy

* OT Rodger Saffold (back) did not practice a day after leaving early.

* OLB Brady Poppinga wasn't out for long after needing stitches to close a cut on his lower right leg. "He jumped in there and said, 'Stitch it up and let's go practice,'" Spagnuolo said.