Haslett expects better defense

~ The defensive coordinator is optimistic after a 2-2 preseason.

ST. LOUIS -- After an encouraging preseason showing, Jim Haslett is expecting better things from the St. Louis Rams defense after a disappointing 2006.

The Rams are coming off an 8-8 season in which the defense ranked 23rd overall and next-to-last against the run, allowing 145.4 yards rushing per game.

The Rams split four preseason games even though the first-team offense failed to score a touchdown. The defense is ranked seventh overall this preseason, giving up just 15.8 points per game, though the run defense improved only slightly, to 29th, still giving up 129.5 yards per game.

Haslett cited three reasons for optimism: Players have a better understanding of his defense now that he's in his second season as defensive coordinator; draft picks and free agent acquisitions have brought in better talent; and the schemes have been simplified.

"We just took things out that didn't work or, after the off-season, we didn't like," Haslett said.

It also helps that, during the 2-2 preseason, the Rams showed better hustle and better tackling technique, Haslett said.

Even a defensive breakdown in Thursday's 10-3 win over Kansas City that allowed a 55-yard gain by the Chiefs' Kolby Smith provided encouragement, as safety Jerome Carter chased down the running back to save a touchdown.

"The effort from our defense has been outstanding -- the hustle, guys flying around," Haslett said.

The tackling has been more sure, too, including from veterans like linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa. "I think he's probably made the most improvement -- using his hands, rolling his hips," Haslett said.

Coach Scott Linehan has been especially pleased with first-round pick Adam Carriker, who played defensive end at Nebraska but has made the move to tackle for the Rams.

"He's come in here and shown he's going to be a real good player, and that's hard to do," Linehan said.

The Rams may even get help from some unexpected places. Tim McGarigle, a seventh-round pick in 2006 who spent all of last season on the practice squad and the first three preseason games nursing an injury, was particularly impressive against the Chiefs.

He intercepted a Jeff Terrell pass at the St. Louis 1, stopping a Kansas City scoring chance. Linehan said he also had several open-field tackles and did a good job against the run.

"I think that's a great example of a guy taking advantage of an opportunity," Linehan said.