Learning curve: Linehan grew into the head coach role during 8-8 year

ST. LOUIS -- Ten games into his rookie season as an NFL head coach, Scott Linehan gave himself a makeover.

The St. Louis Rams finished the year on a roll after Linehan, following a dispiriting 15-0 loss at Carolina, handed over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Greg Olson and became the man in charge.

"It's a pretty humbling experience to go through that," Linehan said. "I also believe it was the right thing to do. It was time I became a head coach and learned to delegate."

That arrangement will remain in place next season, and why not? The Rams (8-8) won four of their last six with Olson calling the plays, and were playoff longshots entering the final weekend. An impressive 41-21 victory at Minnesota in the finale was the high point of the season for Linehan, following that low point only a few weeks earlier, because the team kept driving.

"We recovered," Olson said. "We just recovered too late."

Heading into next season, the Rams remain a team in transition. They're far removed from their glory years, with only one winning season in the last five years, although the offense is showing signs of a revival.

Marc Bulger had a career-high 24 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions. Ageless wide receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce still can stretch defenses. Steven Jackson had a breakout year with an NFL-leading 2,334 yards rushing and receiving, 11 ahead of MVP LaDainian Tomlinson.

"It shows that with a young back like myself, there's more to come," Jackson said. "I've set the bar pretty high for myself, but it's a challenge I'm looking forward to."

Jackson finished strong with the first 100-yard effort against the Vikings in 28 games, while running behind a patchwork line that did enough to merit consideration for next year. Brett Romberg emerged from the practice squad and started the last three games, and rookie Mark Setterstrom, a seventh-round pick, finished the year as the starter at the guard.

Reconfigured line

Richie Incognito, essentially a rookie after missing his first season with a knee injury, moved to center when Andy McCollum was lost for the season in the opener, then switched back to his more natural position at guard late in the year.

Those successes leave the future of McCollum and veteran guard Adam Timmerman, whose 184-consecutive game streak ended late in the season due to broken ribs, in doubt.

"We have some aging veterans up front who have done a tremendous job for the team," Olson said. "We knew that eventually there were some guys we were going to have to replace."

The problem area remains defense. Despite emphasizing that side of the ball last offseason in free agency and the draft, the Rams were next-to-last in the NFL against the run.

At the top of the wish list are a pass-rushing end to complement Leonard Little and perhaps a run-stuffer up the middle. Last year, the Rams added tackle La'Roi Glover, middle linebacker Will Witherspoon, safety Corey Chavous and cornerback Fakhir Brown to little effect.

"We'll try to get better players overall if we can," defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. "Obviously, we have some needs."

After stepping back for the last six games, Linehan is better aware of the overall picture. That perspective helped him better prepare for individual exit meetings with players Tuesday and Wednesday.

"It's what you learn after you think you know it all that matters," Linehan said. "I've certainly found that out my first year."

Linehan anticipates no coaching changes. It had appeared that Bob Ligasheshky, who coaches special teams, had been in danger.

The Rams addressed two pressing issues during the season, signing Little and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa to contract extensions.

Tinoisamoa dislocated his left elbow, broke both hands and sprained his right shoulder, finishing the year on injured reserve, and may undergo shoulder surgery in the offseason.