Hours Before Kickoff: Week 8

Are these Rams for real?

St. Louis was the 98-pound weakling just three weeks ago. But they changed coaches from Scott Linehan to Jim Haslett and now they're Ram tough? They lost by an average of 26 points in the first month. All of a sudden they bounce back and upset the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys.

The Rams haven't quite turned back the clock to 1999. While the offense had an explosive day as they rang up 34 points, the defense remains feeble, as they have allowed a 100-yard rusher in three of the last four games.

Which brings us to New England's situation. RBs Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan are expected to miss today's game and Laurence Maroney is on injured reserve. Last year that wasn't a problem as the Patriots would go five wide and spread the field. But with QB Matt Cassel running a simple offense, he will need a productive ground game.

The backfield committee takes on a different look this week. I don't know who will take the lead, but I have a feeling Kevin Faulk will start. He's been excellent running draws out of spread formations this year, as he averages a team best 6.6 yards per carry (20 carry minimum).

But after Faulk, does head coach Bill Belichick rely on experience or does he go with the pure runner? Heath Evans hasn't been a ball carrier since his days at Auburn, but when the Pats were short-handed in 2005, he was signed and quickly turned in quality back-to-back performances against Miami, Evans' former team, and New Orleans a week later. 158 yards in two games ain't much, but it was what the team needed. I'm sure he can do it again.

Or they can lean on the rookie, BenJarvis Green-Ellis. If they were willing to turn him loose against the sorry Denver defense, he faces the Rams run defense ranked 30th in the league. He has a good chance to succeed when he gets the ball.

As do Faulk and Evans. Working all three into the mix provides great variety in running styles to keep the St. Louis defense off-balance. Whether the carries are evenly spread out or one runner has more than the others, expect a heavy dose of smashmouth football by the Patriots.

A few things I'm looking for:

Even Stephen - St. Louis RB Stephen Jackson is a game-time decision. He's easily the most dangerous offensive player the Rams have because he can run and catch. The Patriots must keep him contained.

Toe the Lines - It was one of the better performances by the defensive line this season. Can they build on it? On the flip side, the offensive line shined run blocking but didn't form a consistent pocket. St. Louis has a respectable 14 sacks.

Safetys Lack Numbers -No more Rodney Harrison. Brandon Merriweather is expected to start at free safety while James Sanders slides over to strong. They lose a lot of experience without the leader, but there's no time to feel sorry for themselves with the pass happy Rams in town.

The Patriots won't be able to keep the Rams off the scoreboard, but if they can slow down the offense and force a few turnovers, it will be enough for the Pats to edge St. Louis.