We wanted to stop them first and our offense would come easier. I think our defense really started it.

They surprised us with their intensity. We knew they were intense, but we didn't know they were that intense. But we came out in the second half and we matched it.

It would be different if I was stepping into a place where they'd been terrible on defense and had a whole bunch of turnover within the staff. But the three coaches back are good football coaches and nucleus of our defense is back. I'm just going to go out there and try not to mess it up too bad.

I thought our whole defense was average at best at every position. There were some guys I thought played really well, but I'm not going to name any names.

Tristan came back yesterday and looked sharp. He understands and still remembers some for the defense. We'll keep working with him and go from there.

When we need those plays, both on offense and defense, they're coming through,'' Rams quarterback Marc Bulger said.