Lawarence Marmie: Gordo,

I know it's just the preseason, but I have to say, I was incredibly dissapointed by the execution of the pass defense, but was even more discouraged by the playcalling itsef. I thought we were supposed to finally be an aggressive, attacking defense, but if I didn't know any better, I would have said that Jim Haslett was still stalking the sidelines- getting all fiery with his bland, passive playcalling. I swear, that first play of Mark Sanchez's career, when he was backed up on his own 7 yd line and we elected not to put any pressure on him whatsoever, which effectively allowed him the comfort and time to complete a 50 yd pass was a Jim Haslett special. I think Haz actually got that defense copyrighted. I really hope Fajole isn't stupid enough to believe the Rams can get effective pressure with just the front four because as they showed very well last night and through the past 2 seasons, they can not. I'm praying to the angry Marmie gods that last night was not an omen of things to come.

Jeff Gordon: Some coaches, like Jeff Fisher, empty the playbook in preseason openers. I think that's pretty silly, since all these games are on tape. I'll reserve playcalling judgment until the real games start. I trust that Spags will be aggressive this year.

Lawarence Marmie: Gordo,

When should we expect the Rams first round of cuts and after the first game, would you venture who some of those might be?

Jeff Gordon: As Spagnuolo said, the tough decisions won't come for a few weeks still. There are a lot of street free agents who are on the team solely to facilitate practice.

Injuries could impact all this. With Avery out and now Foster and Carter hobbled, the depth WRs will get an extra long look. Berlin getting dinged allowed Null more time to show himself. At safety, David Roach had a tough first preseason game, but the lack of healthy depth could help him stick a while longer. Carriker missing time at DT helps some of the unknowns, too.

Unless a spate of injuries hit this team, there aren't a whole lot of jobs available to the longshots.

Lawarence Marmie: Did anyone ever show Kenneth Darby how to block?

Jeff Gordon: The coaches like his blitz pick-ups in practice, but this is why they play preseason games. Gado, Pittman and Ogbonnaya all helped themselves in the Meadowlands, by contrast.

Lawarence Marmie: I kind of liked the way Laurent Robinson played- any chance he has of being the #1 since Avery is out a while?

Jeff Gordon: He figured to start across from Avery, based on the pre-camp assessment. This game helped that campaign. Devaney made the move to get him -- so this will be another test of his acumen. Devaney viewed him as a starter-type when he made the move.

Brianbase: What are your thoughts so far on Long's progress as last year's 1st round pick? He seems very "quiet" when he plays. Does he have the size to be effective?
Thank You!

Jeff Gordon: More so than Grant Wistrom, yes. He'll never be as flashy as Little, who has freakish athletic ability, but he should be productive as any every down DE. I like the front four when Hall moves inside on obvious passing downs.