Rams Vs. Chiefs: Steven Jackson Expects More Time For Starters To 'Groove'

Steven Jackson could see a few more reps when the St. Louis Rams take on the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend. Jackson said on Thursday after practice that coach Jeff Fisher will likely keep the starters out there just a little longer on Saturday to give them a chance to "get into the groove." As far as the simple playbook, Jackson was hardly bothered by it, reminding everyone that the Rams went 4-0 last in the preseason last year when Josh McDaniels got fancy.

Jackson's remarks are below.

(On how much he expects to play against Kansas City)
"I'm not quite sure. We're actually going to start talking about game scenario and playing time tomorrow. I expect to be out there a little bit more than we were out Game 1. That initial drive we had in Indy was looking pretty good until we had the self-inflicted wound on off sides. I'm pretty sure Coach (Fisher) will keep us out there a little longer to make sure we get into the groove of things and hopefully get in the red zone and be able to work on some red zone packages."

(On if the team will utilize more plays)
"Well you can always score on one play, but maybe we can score with two plays."

(On if having a ‘vanilla' game plan handcuffed the team)
"We've been 4-0 in the preseason before and I think we all know how that worked out. So initially we just need to work on guys' technique, making sure we all know the scheme, we're meshing together. Coach called it ‘vanilla,' I think we got some good looks. We didn't game plan the Indianapolis Colts. They came out playing good. They made some great plays. But as far as what we need to learn on film we got and I think we're going to improve this week."

(On if he can play a greater role in this new offense)
"Coach Fisher with Coach Schotty (Brian Schottenheimer) doing with his offense, presents a great opportunity for me to continue to play at a high level. Hopefully, we can continue to grow as an offense. The guys on the outside develop, open it up, so we can actually have more favorable boxes against the running game. But I'm definitely going to get my opportunities as well as (RB) Isaiah (Pead). I've just got to continue to lead by example and that's starting with the work ethic week in and week out."

(On how not having a set offensive line affects his reads)
"I haven't had the luxury of having the same offensive line. So work as usual. You would like to have your starters start meshing in the preseason so they can get some game footage and some game time underneath themselves. But you know, we've just got to take it one day at a time. Most importantly is health and we got to make sure (C Scott) Wells is ready to go for Detroit. Right tackle, I'm assuming it'll play itself out over the next two or three weeks."

(On Fisher's reputation as a coach that is ‘running back crazy')
"He has a good poker face. I don't know. I've heard the same thing. I'm expecting the same thing. I'm expecting a heavy work load and I'm ready to go. Why I came in so eager and wanted to prove that I can do what I know he can with other running backs, I wanted to be a part of that elite group. All I do is just be who I have been over the years and continue to try to just lead by example with my younger guys, especially with Isaiah coming in now to help me. Just show him how to be a pro. That's all I can do."

(On how much he pays attention to the younger running backs when they're in the game)
"I'm very honed in on at what's going on with the young guys. Believe it or not, after ever series they ask me what do I think. So I have to pay attention. I actually learn from those young guys, too, as well. The more I can teach them, the more I can show them what can help or what I think may be flawed, actually brings attention to detail for myself to make sure I'm working on the same thing. I'm leading and not just preaching, but actually doing these things so not only are they trying to work on it themselves, but they see me working on it routinely."

(On having former Rams players helping out at practice)
"It's awesome. Torry's (Holt) been here this week, Aeneas's (Williams) been in last week, Pisa Tinoisamoa...Andy McCollum as well, those guys. Just to see those faces and it brings and restores the history of what we've done in past and under this franchise. It brings the energy. Guys are actually asking these old timers, ‘What was it like,' ‘What did they do?' We all want to get back to that point where the team was rolling in the early 2000s."

(On what he's doing conditioning wise to avoid soft tissue injuries)
"Soft tissue had nothing to do with conditioning. It's just a gift and a curse. With my body fat being so low, I'm always going to have those kind of issues. I have to make sure that I'm hydrated a lot because you're susceptible to pulls like that when you're body fat is that low. So it's just a gift and a curse and one I'll gladly accept."