Rams comfortable with Martin at QB

ST. LOUIS -- For insurance as a backup quarterback, the St. Louis Rams keep their premiums paid in the form of Jamie Martin.

With starter Marc Bulger sidelined with a shoulder injury he sustained in Monday's 45-28 loss at Indianapolis, Martin moves into the starter's role. The Rams entertain the New Orleans Saints in a noon game Sunday.

Getting to play again is why Martin, 36, is with the Rams.

"Coming back this year and playing, I'm having a lot of fun, Martin said Thursday at Rams Park. "I've got literally a new perspective on things."

Martin did not play in 2003. He was signed last December by the Rams after Bulger hurt his shoulder in a game against San Francisco. Martin replaced Chris Chandler in the second quarter in a Dec. 19 game at Arizona in which the Cardinals won.

This time, Martin is not coming in cold. He has spent the offseason and training camp with the Rams.

"I'm obviously in shape from the offseason. There is no uncertainties about the plays. I know what to do," Martin said. "I just have to get on the field and react, make the right decisions."

Of course, Martin is an old hand as he spent the 2001 and 2002 seasons with St. Louis in addition to playing with the Rams from 1993 to 1996.

So, Martin knows what is expected of a Rams quarterback.

"Jamie Martin was born and raised in this system and knows this system as good as anybody," said Joe Vitt, the interim head coach in the medical absence of Mike Martz.

Martin started strong against the Colts when he entered the game in the second quarter. He completed nine of 10 passes before finishing with 17 of 21 passing for 134 yards. However, in the second half, Martin threw two interceptions that led to Colts touchdowns and help spur the rout.

Martin said despite the circumstances of how he got in the game, he thought he played well.

"I felt fine out there. I wasn't rattled," Martin said. "I felt like I was seeing things, and I executed pretty well. I had a couple of mistakes that you obviously can't have."

Backing up Martin will be rookie Ryan Fitzpatrick. Vitt said Fitzpatrick can be called upon should Martin get hurt.

"I think Fitz is a great player, I really do," Vitt said. "I think with a kid like that, because he has some great physical skills, he's on his game mentally, that maybe you go into a game with a package for him. Maybe a little boot package, move the pocket, a couple of drop-backs, maybe some misdirection runs because of his athleticism, shade it down for him. Those are options."

Noteworthy

• The Rams signed Jeff Smoker to the practice squad and he joined the team Thursday. He said he has had workouts with Indianapolis, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Buffalo and Miami. Smoker, who lost the battle for No. 3 this year to Fitzpatrick, has been staying at his apartment in St. Louis since he was cut.

* Bulger got a cortisone shot in his shoulder Wednesday and will not throw a football for 48 hours.