"It's way too early to make an accurate evaluation, but a week into training camp, quarterback Marc Bulger likes what he has seen of the Rams' reconstructed offensive line.

"They're definitely more physical," said Bulger, one of the NFL's most-sacked quarterbacks over the past few years. "I think they're taking a lot of pride in their pass-blocking. And if you watch our nine-on-seven drills and our live running, there's some holes there for Steven (Jackson) ... and Steven doesn't need much of a hole.

"So it's going to create some matchups for Steven on not only linebackers, but if we can get him to the second level - on the safeties and the corners - we're going to be in really good shape."

Bulger is receiving plenty of scrutiny as he prepares for what could be a make-or-break season with the Rams, and an improved offensive line would be a big boost for him. He insists that he's not feeling extra pressure, though.

"I'm just concentrating on what I'm doing; there's nothing I can control except what I do," he said. "We have to win football games, and that's what everyone's goal is right now. ... We're just trying to turn this thing around and start winning games and have fun again. Everything else will take care of itself."

HARD TO PLEASE

Coach Steve Spagnuolo hasn't been particularly complimentary when asked to evaluate the practices. He conceded that he simply isn't easy to please.

"I'm always going to want it better; that's just (me)," Spagnuolo said. "There's lulls in there, and one of the things we've talked about is, we want to be (advancing), and not going up and down. If we can get rid of some of the lulls, we'll be OK."

As for the players' willingness, Spagnuolo offered high marks.

"The attitude's been great," he said. "This group is a very competitive group; that's what we're kind of learning. That's a good thing. They want to compete, they want to get better, they want to be in those situations where it's tough on them.

"You continue to think like that, I've got to believe it's going to help us.""