Little predicts stingier defense

~ The Rams were next to last in the NFL against the run last season.

ST. LOUIS -- Even before the first preseason game, St. Louis Rams defensive end Leonard Little was convinced things would be different this year. A strong initial effort did nothing to change his view.

The Rams limited the Vikings to 215 yards total and three points on offense in a 13-10 opening exhibition victory last Friday, holding Minnesota's offense to three points. St. Louis, next to last in the NFL against the run last year, allowed 87 yards rushing.

"I think our defense is a whole lot better," Little said. "It's been a while since I've been on a defense this good."

The Rams struggled last year in a new system under defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. Players have said from the first day of training camp that there's a much higher comfort level with a season under their belts. St. Louis again addressed defense in the offseason, adding end James Hall as a complement to Little and drafting lineman Adam Carriker in the first round.

Manning both nose guard and tackle, Carriker has helped solidify a line that shouldered much of the blame for last year's woes. Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa's return to health after an injury-plagued 2006 also is a plus.

Little said the difference shows in the checkdowns players are able to make before the snap. Unfamiliarity with the defense prevented that for most of last season.

"We're more experienced, and you can tell the difference when we're out there," Little said. "We were just learning the defense last year."

Little said it's time the defense, which allowed nine 100-yard rushing games in the first 12 games and 10 overall, held up its end.

"We didn't stop the run well at all last year," Little said. "We've got a lot of talent on defense and we've got to go out there and show it on the field.

"We've got to prove that we can be a defense that teams will think about."

Little had 13 sacks last year, the second-highest total of his career, and was a Pro Bowl alternate. Hall had five sacks in seven games last year for the Lions, and his presence could mean less double-teaming on Little.

Last year, the Rams ended up with rookie Victor Adeyanju at the other end, giving up on Anthony Hargrove, who skipped two days of practice and was subsequently traded to Buffalo. In the offseason they also cut ties with nose tackle Jimmy Kennedy, a first-round pick in 2003 who has disappointed, trading him to Denver for a draft pick.

The Rams expect more pressure up the middle, which should clear the road a bit for Little to pursue the quarterback.

Like most of the front-line players, Little saw limited action in the exhibition opener, calling it a night after two series. He was hoping to get a little more this Saturday in the second exhibition against the Chargers.

"We didn't have enough plays that we could really critique ourselves," Little said. "As the preseason goes on, we'll be able to do that because we'll be getting more plays."

Over the years, Little said he's learned to preserve himself at this time of the year.

"When you're younger, you're all gung-ho, you're going out and doing whatever," Little said. "I take care of my body now, and I know what it takes to go through an entire season."

Noteworthy

• The team practiced outdoors in 100-degree heat for about 45 minutes before shifting to the indoor facility for the final hour. Coach Scott Linehan doesn't mind working the team in the heat, but went to the alternate plan when it was 103 degrees at 1 p.m., two hours before the workout.
• The Rams signed WR Rasheed Marshall, like Marc Bulger, a former QB at West Virginia whose hometown is Pittsburgh. The downside for Bulger: TE Steve Buches, who was released, also is from Pittsburgh and is a good friend of the quarterback.
• DT La'Roi Glover was held out with a hip flexor injury for the second straight day.