Rams' backups provide some explosive power in a time of need

ST. LOUIS -- Heading into a stretch in which they'll play four of five games on the road, the St. Louis Rams' depth chart is getting mighty thin.

The team finished Sunday's victory over the Packers without three defensive and two offensive starters. Safety Adam Archuleta (ankle) likely will return this week at Pittsburgh, but outside linebacker Tommy Polley (dislocated elbow) will be out at least a month and cornerback Travis Fisher (groin) likely will miss at least one game.

On offense, tackle Kyle Turley (concussion) won't be cleared to practice until Friday at the earliest after getting accidentally kneed in the back of the head. Running back Lamar Gordon (high ankle sprain) left in the first quarter and likely will be out this week.

None of it slowed the Rams (4-2) in a 34-24 victory over the Packers on Sunday.

"It's amazing with some of these guys, how well they've filled in," coach Mike Martz said Monday.

There was no dropoff in play from backups like safety Rich Coady, linebacker Jamie Duncan, rookie cornerback DeJuan Groce, tackle Grant Williams and running back Arlen Harris. The undrafted Harris had 85 yards on 18 carries and his first career touchdown as the most visible example.

"One of the things that the coaching staff has done a great job of is getting the No. 2 and No. 3 guys ready, because they have to be ready to play," safety Aeneas Williams said. "Coach Martz always said at the beginning of training camp that if you're hoping to be a No. 2 guy, that's not the mindset to have."

Defense still effectiveDespite the changes, the defense stuffed Ahman Green and limited Brett Favre's effectiveness. The high-scoring Packers were below 300 yards before Najeh Davenport's gratuitous 76-yard touchdown run with 1:48 to go.

"I love watching our defense play," Martz said. "This is the defense that in my mind I've always wanted as a head coach. We've lost some players and guys just fill in the ranks and just keep on playing."

Martz said the play of Groce, a fourth-round pick, was typical of a fast-maturing team.

"I don't think they're enamored anymore of the fact they're on Monday night or in the NFL," Martz said. "For some rookies or young players, it takes longer."

The victory over the Packers was the 10th in a row at home for the Rams. Their last three games were at the noisy Edward Jones Dome, where they averaged 36 points.

In the next five games, though, they'll have to prove themselves at Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Chicago and Arizona, with a single home game against the Ravens sandwiched in the middle. They've lost both of their road games this year, have dropped nine of the last 10 overall on the road, and haven't won at Pittsburgh in four tries since 1971.

Martz doesn't appear worried and noted that the road was no factor in 2001 when the Rams were a perfect 8-0.

"Once you get through dealing with the crowd noise, it shouldn't be an issue for you," Martz said. "Your focus is on your performance.

"If you start talking about the road, you'll start getting them thinking about those things."

In addition to the ankle sprain, Gordon sustained a mild concussion on Sunday, Martz said. He may not be available on Sunday.

NoteworthyMarshall Faulk will be back on the practice field this week, although he's not likely to play at Pittsburgh.

Faulk has missed three games plus the bye week with a broken left hand and torn cartilage in his right knee.