Did you know James Hall was such a potent pass rusher? The St. Louis Rams acquired James Hall from the Detroit Lions in 2007 to beef up their defensive line. Strangely enough, during that season, most of what little harrassment the put on opposing QBs came from sources other the defensive ends. The next season, Hall lost his starting spot to Chris Long. He started 14 games last year as Leonard Little moved into a situational role, but this season, his fourth with the team, has been his coming out party in St. Louis.

Last week against the Chiefs, a forgettable game by most measures, Hall was a one man wrecking crew for the Rams' defense. He had a sack, three pressures and two stops in a game where the Rams defense was merely adequate and thrown  to the wolves, again, by the offense. 

Hall leads the Rams with 8.5 sacks, and is three sacks away from his career best of 11.5, achieved with the Lions in 2004. And talk about playing through, remember, he has played with a broken hand this season too. 

Remember that he almost got away during the offseason, having a free agent visit with the Saints before the Rams signed him to a three-year deal worth $8.25 million. He'll be 34 next season.

The Rams need another big game from Hall this week, keeping the pressure on likely SF starter Troy Smith.