Said Linehan, jokingly, "He misses it, he wanted to come stay in the dorm again." But Linehan added, " I was glad he was able to make it, I told him I would like him to come, spend a couple days, visit with the team here one of these nights before we leave. Kind of pick his brains about 1999, about how every year is different. But, as coaches, we all have to stick together, because you have those up waves and those down waves, you have to pick the other guys brain to see what they did."

--Call it the calm after the storm.

Following a morning highlighted by several fights and trash-talking, the Rams and Titans actually got down to business the afternoon of Aug. 6 and did what they set out to do: practice.

Of course, it probably helped that players were in shorts after being in full pads for the morning workout.

After the morning practice got out of hand, Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth said, "We need to focus a little bit more and stop worrying about kicking people's butts and stuff and actually do it between the whistles. I think we got a little more focused on the brawls after (the play) instead of the actual play."

Said Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck, "I didn't really know what to expect. We've had teams in in the past and had perfect practices and nothing really going on. But for whatever reason, it got a little chippy out there today. We handled our business accordingly. We've got to get our business down and concentrate a little more on football."

Rams tackle Adam Goldberg, who got involved when rookie guard Roy Schuening was hit in the back of the head by Kyle Vanden Bosch, said, "Just a lot of friendly competition. Things get heated; it's hot out there and everyone's trying to protect their own guys. Nothing serious. Ninety-nine percent of the time (fights) are a waste of time. But you never know when that one percent is going to happen."

Said wide receiver Torry Holt, "We knew there was going to be some pushing and shoving. That's cool. It's training camp. They've been practicing against each other for a while, and we've been practicing against each other for a while. So it's new meat. New 'booty' is what we say. Everybody is sniffing something out.

"We needed that. That's something we're trying to build on is our toughness and at the same time build on our mental toughness."

Goldberg liked the way coach Scott Linehan handled things during the morning session.

"He was in a tough position," Goldberg said. "Because you

want to have a constructive practice, and you want to have a good working

relationship with the other team. But at the same time, you want your guys to back each other's play - back your brother's play.

"(Linehan) handled it very well. He said, 'All right, guys. We want to be

smart. We're not out here to fight. It's a waste of energy. We're about playing football, not stupid playground scrapping.'"

Said Linehan, "The whole idea is you have a cool down that happens when everybody's juices are flowing. We have to be smart out here. We are in training camp. Guys are fighting for their jobs and fighting for their teammates and that's what happens. The bottom line is we have got to come out and be productive without all of the extra-curriculars.

"It's that time of year. Guys aren't in very good moods out here. Tempers flare when you're competing sometimes, and I like the way we competed. I just want to change the intensity. When you start going against another team, and you're blocking people with different colored jerseys on, things really change. And that's what I want to see from us."

--The last two years, the Rams have signed two former Titans: wide receiver Drew Bennett and guard Jacob Bell.

After practice in Tennessee, fans in attendance yelled, "Drewwwwww, Drewwwwww."

Said Bennett, "I have a lot of good memories here. It's a great facility and a great organization. It's nice to come back and see some old faces. It's a different situation, coming across the field and seeing all the guys that you used to play with."

Added Bell, "It's a little different to come back in the other color jersey, but it's good to come back, though."

--Coming A-long: Titans center Kevin Mawae, a 15-year veteran, talked about once being interviewed by Howie Long, father of Rams defensive end Chris Long.

"Thankfully, he retired a year before I got into the league," Mawae said. As for the younger Long, Mawae said, "He's got big shoes to fill. But I think he's going to find out really quickly that you've got to be your own player. You can't live up to your dad's expectations. You've got to live up to your own. This will be his first chance to see someone other than his own teammates."

Long seemed to rise to the occasion going against a real opponent, and had a good day of work.

"I did all right," he said. "I did some good things, I did some bad

things. I'll just keep working, same as every day. I never expect or

set goals; I just try to work day to day. It's fun. Things come together a little bit easier because you're going against different people. I always like playing against other people."

Said coach Scott Linehan, "I thought he did good. He's a work in progress. But the guy is going to be everything, and more. It's just a matter of continuing to come out here and get more and more comfortable with playing in this system. I'm really happy with where he's at."

Long was not credited with any tackles in the opening preseason loss to Tennessee.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm getting a little older, but my speed feels as good as it always has, and my quickness feels the same. I try to keep my body healthy and fit, so that when you come to camp, it's not a shock to your system." -- Wide receiver Dane Looker on turning 32 in May.