Rams' Timmerman draws high praise

ST. LOUIS -- Toiling in the trenches, St. Louis Rams offensive guard Adam Timmerman definitely caught the attention of his coaching staff.

Kurt Warner or Marshall Faulk or Isaac Bruce could have been named the team's offensive player of the week after last week's 30-26 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. All of them had big days.

Instead, Timmerman was chosen for a performance coach Mike Martz said was nearly flawless.

"He was nothing short of outstanding," Martz said. "When you watch this game, it's a clinic."

Timmerman knew he had a good game. Still, he was surprised to be recognized.

"You look at the offense and the guys we have, I think it's a big honor," Timmerman said. "I think it says a lot for the whole offensive line, too.

"We've put some good games together and Coach wanted to recognize us."

The superlatives have been flowing all week from Martz, who noted that Timmerman's opponent, usually 49ers tackle Bryant Young, was no factor whatsoever in the game. Young, who used to dominate the Rams before Timmerman arrived as a free agent from the Green Bay Packers in 1999, had one tackle.

"I was in awe of him," Martz said. "He just Xed him out."

It didn't matter to Martz whether Timmerman was run blocking, pulling on the sweep or pass blocking. It was all top notch.

This, despite a strained left knee suffered in the first quarter when a player fell on it. Timmerman experimented Friday with a brace, and may use it in the game.

"There was just no glitch in his game," Martz said. "Usually a lineman will grade out and he'll have one or two things that you'd like to see him do better, but this is as close to perfect as you can get for a guard, I think."

During the game, Timmerman said it felt like he was stringing together some effective plays.

"You don't want to let that affect your next play, though, you just want to continue," Timmerman said. "When the game winds down, then you're like OK, I had a good day."

Young's grumbling added to the pleasure at the finish.

"By the end of the game, they were getting a little fussy," Timmerman said. "He was frustrated."

Now, he'll have to try to top himself. The opponent this week is massive Miami Dolphins run stuffer Tim Bowens, coming off arthroscopic knee surgery.

"It's tough to go out and do it every week, I think that's what kind of separates the men from the boys," Timmerman said. "You've got to do it again."

Timmerman went to the Pro Bowl last year, but he's overshadowed on the Rams' line by left tackle Orlando Pace, the first overall pick of the 1997 draft and a two-time Pro Bowl pick.

He's hoping his game, and the comments of his coach, perhaps could have more fans watching the inner game on Sunday.

"That brings a little attention and it's good," Timmerman said. "I think we've got a really good offensive line and it takes us functioning well to let Marshall and Kurt do their jobs."

Notes: The Rams are 8-4 against the AFC since relocating to St. Louis in 1995, but have lost six in a row to the Dolphins. ... CB Aenaes Williams will be making his 160th straight start.