Bly helps Rams overcome injuries

ST. LOUIS -- Injuries in the St. Louis Rams' secondary gave Dre' Bly, a gambler by nature, a chance to show the discipline he's added to his game.

The third-year cornerback played airtight defense and also got the Rams (9-2) off to a fast start in last week's victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Bly's 56-yard interception return for a touchdown ruined Atlanta's first possession.

"Dre's been a playmaker, and it's good to see him go through an entire game and feel better about being a starting corner," defensive coordinator Lovie Smith said. "He really did a nice job."

Injuries to both safeties landed Bly his second start of the year and he finished with seven tackles along with his team-leading fourth interception of the year. He was subbing for Dexter McCleon, who moved to free safety.

Coach Mike Martz was impressed that the 5-9, 190-pound Bly stuck his nose in there to make plays.

"Dre' in the past has not been a real physical tackler," Martz said. "He's not a big guy. But in this game, he was very physical.

"That game was easily his best game."

Smith and secondary coach Ron Meeks give Bly daily feedback on his game, and Bly believes it's helped him make a rapid jump.

"I've never had a coach like that always coaching me on the little things," Bly said. "Even though I had a pretty good game, Ron Meeks is not going to coach me any different, and that's the reason I'm making more plays."

Gambling will always be part of his game, but he's wiser about making choices than he used to be. The Rams' new defensive system, much more simplified from last year, also is helpful for Bly.

"Being a cornerback you have to take chances at times," Bly said. "But this scheme allows you to be more patient and rely on your teammates.

"I'm a little bit more patient than I was the first two years, although I still take pride in making plays."

Bly saw about 75 snaps last week, up from 25-30 on a normal work day as the nickel defensive back. He'll probably be back to a supporting role on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, with free safety Kim Herring returning to the lineup from a hip pointer.

"I'm not 100 percent, but I'll be able to play," Herring said. "There's not really too much can do, so you've got to roll with it. Everybody's injured this time of the year."

Herring played as a reserve last week after cornerback Aeneas Williams suffered a neck injury in the first half. This week, he's listed as probable.

Strong safety Adam Archuleta also could return from a sprained ankle that has sidelined him for two weeks. Archuleta, who's listed as questionable, practiced on a limited basis Wednesday.

"I really held myself back a lot," Archuleta said. "I'm just trying to ease into it and get my confidence up a little bit."

No matter what happens the rest of the season, Bly has plenty of confidence.

"Whatever my role is, I'm satisfied," Bly said. "San Francisco is a very big three-receiver team anyway, and I'm expecting to play a lot.

"Hopefully, I can come up big again."