Rams get physical during practice

MACOMB, Ill. -- The third day of training camp was all about making contact for the St. Louis Rams.

There was only one workout Friday, but it was in full pads and the highlight was a scrimmage filled with big hits. Prior to that, the emphasis had been on tempo instead of physical play.

"That's what this game is about, contact," coach Mike Martz said. "Especially the young players. They've got to learn the speed and collision part of this game.

"It's time to get things rolling pretty good, and it's an attitude."

Among the big hits: rookie safety Jason Shivers pancaked running back Adam Matthews for a loss, safety Justin Lucas separated tight end Erik Jensen from his mouthguard, and perhaps his senses, on a pass play, and linebacker Trev Faulk walloped first-round pick Steven Jackson just as the running back had reversed field.

"I'm a safety, that's what I'm supposed to do," Shivers said. "I'm supposed to bring the wood, so I bring it."

That's exactly what Martz likes to hear. The last couple of years, he's thrown in a live scrimmage from time to time largely to introduce young players to life in the NFL.

"The adrenaline gets going, the butterflies are there, you know everybody is watching and you see how guys respond," Martz said. "I think it's very healthy."

As long as they don't overdo it.

"It's not about that, it's about developing a physical toughness and a mental toughness," defensive coordinator Larry Marmie said. "To play physically, there has to be a certain amount of contact that takes place."

"You just want to be smart about how you do it."

After the punishing scrimmage, Rams players got their first afternoon off of training camp. Many were planning to catch up on sleep.

"Everything works together, flows together," Shivers said. "Coach Martz does a good job of keeping us fresh mentally and physically."