Kenneth Darby, the former Alabama RB who is expected to start for the Rams on Sunday at the Meadowlands, is confident, but also humble. He even seems to enjoy a bit of self-deprecation now and then. Consider these responses this week, as Darby prepared to take over for the hobbled Steven Jackson:

*On trying to learn the Rams offense in just three weeks: “It’s been pretty good. Art Valero, our running backs coach, is a great teacher, and he’s taught me pretty much the whole system. The only thing I have to do now is polish up in certain areas. Even though I mess up now and then, that’s normal. I’m not messing up as bad as I thought I would when I first got here.”

*On starting his first NFL game: “The opportunity I’m getting this Sunday is very rare for most guys. Especially for a guy of my caliber.”

Darby has shown in practice that he has some juice, and if he gets some room upfront, he could do some damage. He had a terrific junior season at Bama before injuries and family difficulties hindered his senior year. The Rams might’ve unearthed a diamond in the rough here.

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Notes & quotes:

*Cardinals CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who slammed WR Torry Holt to the ground after a play last week, was fined $5,000 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness.

*Holt has taken to wearing different uniform numbers during Friday practices. Last week, he had on No. 9, his number at Eastern Guilford High in Gibsonville, N.C. Today, it was No. 1, a nod to his being a first-round draft pick in 1999.

*Holt enjoys playing in — or at least near — New York City. “I like the New York atmosphere,” he said. “The crowd definitely loves their Jets and they love their Giants. They love their New York sports, period. It’s always fun going up to the Big City, the Big Apple and having an opportunity to showcase your talents.”

*Jim Haslett confirmed Friday and Derek Stanley will return kicks and punts. Dante Hall went on IR this week after suffering a high ankle sprain vs. the Cards.

All for now . . .