Shakeup on defense
If Wednesday’s practice was a true indication — and it usually is — the Rams might well have five new starters Sunday when they take on the unbeaten Buffalo Bills at the Dome.
We knew Tuesday that Trent Green was taking over for Marc Bulger at quarterback. It also looks as if four lineup changes are coming on defense:
*Cornerback Fakhir Brown, who started in Tye Hill’s place Sunday at Seattle, was released Wednesday morning. Hill was back in the lineup at practice.
*Clifton Ryan was at defensive tackle, replacing La’Roi Glover.
*Victor Adeyanju was at defensive end, in James Hall’s spot. (We don’t know yet whether Leonard Little will be healthy enough to play this week.) Adeyanju was on the left side, with Chris Long back on the right side.
*Chris Draft was at strongside linebacker, taking over for Quinton Culberson.
Give coach Scott Linehan at least some credit: He vowed to make changes, and it looks as if he has. Of course, with the Rams dead last in total defense in the league, it really was a no-brainer.
All for now . . . more after we talk with Linehan.
Haslet called Brown into his office and asked, “Are you a pothead, Fakhir?!” Fakhir said he wasn’t.
Haslet then said, “Your play recently is pathetic. So listen, Fakhir. We’re going to let you go.” Brown broke down and was visibly upset and stated how much he loved football and he didn’t know what he was going to do with his life without playing. Haslet’s response was, “Jesus, Focker. It’s just a game. You need to focus on your family now because when you start having little Fakhir’s running around, you can’t be all emotional when they fall down and hurt themselves or couldn’t defend a cup of warm milk. No get out of here!”