Beginning with Wednesday’s practice, the Rams will turn their attention to their NFC West opponents, working on schemes to attack and defend the Cardinals, Seahawks and 49ers.

Why do this so early?

“First of all, we’ve always felt that the first goal has got to be to win the division, so you focus on those guys for obvious reasons. You play them twice,” coach Steve Spagnuolo explained. “We’ve got some new guys here, and we’ve got some new coaches here that maybe haven’t been exposed to these three teams as much. So, it’s as much for the coaches as it is for the players. Kind of get them geared toward where we’re headed when they come back (for training camp in late July).

“It’s going to be about playing other teams now. We’ve been playing each other for a long time. That’s kind of the gist of it.”

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Notes & quotes:

*Most of Tuesday’s practice was devoted to situational work: goal-line, 2-minute, etc.

*The offense deployed some unusual formations and ran off a few trick plays. Can’t divulge the details, but they were interesting.

*FB Mike Karney is here mostly for his lead-blocking ability. But he also does a nice job catching the ball out of the backfield.

*S Craig Dahl had a nicely timed interception of a Kyle Boller pass in 7-on-7 drills.

*TE Randy McMichael is catching everything thrown his way.

*SS James Butler is around the ball a lot.

*RB Kenneth Darby has impressive quickness, particularly in traffic.

*Several of the young WRs stayed on the field after practice to get in some more catches.

*Watching Donnie Jones work on his “coffin corner” punts is like watching a talented musician strive to get the most out of his instrument.

*With Derek Stanley (knee) still limited, a quintet of kick returners got a look: Kenneth Darby, Antonio Pittman, Donnie Avery, Tim Carter and Jarrett Byers.

*CB Justin King worked with the first unit as the nickel back. Jonathan Wade has manned that spot virtually all spring.

All for now . . .