Jumbled offensive line comes up big in opener

Despite big question marks, the line did not allow a sack as St. Louis rolled up 448 yards of offense.

By Jim Salter ~ The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS -- A makeshift offensive line came together at just the right time for the St. Louis Rams.

Running behind a line that included a journeyman, a player lured from retirement, a guard playing center and a Pro Bowl tackle who missed the entire preseason, the Rams rolled up an impressive 448 yards in a 17-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday's opener.

The line, considered a weak link in St. Louis' high-flying offense, allowed no sacks and helped Marshall Faulk and rookie Steven Jackson combine for 178 rushing yards.

"I thought this was probably the best performance of an offensive line since I've been here," coach Mike Martz said Monday.

The often pass-happy Rams showed a more balanced attack, with 30 rushes and 34 passes, taking advantage of the addition of Jackson. The team's first-round pick gained 50 yards on seven carries, although he did fumble after a 14-yard gain -- on his first NFL carry.

"We hang our hats on rushing yards and no sacks," guard Adam Timmerman said. "That's great. We don't get a whole lot of credit, but we love to see those guys (the running backs) do well."

The line opened large holes for Faulk, who rushed for 128 yards and quieted talk that the 31-year-old's best days are behind him. Quarterback Marc Bulger was seldom pressured, completing 23 of 34 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown.

Bulger said the line's performance was no surprise.

"We didn't really wonder too much around Rams Park," Bulger said. "It's not like we have first- and second-year guys up there. It's just a matter of them becoming a unit."

The line, stung hard by injuries, was a mess in the preseason. Right tackle Kyle Turley is out for the season after reinjuring his back in the first week of training camp. Center Dave Wohlabaugh is also gone for the year with a hip injury.

The Rams brought in a number of players and rearranged others to try to find the right combination. Guard Chris Dishman came back from retirement, reporting to training camp at 377 pounds, before shedding 20. Grant Williams, mostly a backup during his nine-year career, filled Turley's role at right tackle. Andy McCollum moved from left guard to center.

Then there was Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Pace, who held out in a contract dispute. He didn't show up until Sept. 6 and had only four practices before the opener, in which he drew boos in the pregame introductions. But Pace arrived in shape -- in fact, 20 pounds lighter than a year ago.

"The Big O hasn't missed a beat," Martz said. "Probably a good argument to keep everybody out of camp."

Still, even Pace was surprised by his effort.

"I thought I might be a little winded but surprisingly I felt good," Pace said. "I got into a rhythm with those guys and everything worked out well."

Notes: Curiously, Martz said Monday he would not update the media about injuries until Wednesday. He didn't say why. It wasn't clear if Martz was taking a by-the-book approach in response to an edict by the NFL in August requiring coaches to be more specific in reporting injuries. ... Injuries to two linebackers concerned the Rams most. Starting outside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa dislocated his right shoulder, and despite returning to the game, is expected to be out for a while. Backup middle linebacker Trev Faulk tore a hamstring.