DE Leonard Little's big play late in the fourth quarter of last Sunday's game against Jacksonville, in a perfect world, would have been the one that jump-started the team to its first victory of the season. Little's snatch of a screen pass from Jaguars quarterback David Garrard and his 36-yard run to the end zone gave the Rams a 17-13 lead. Said tight end Randy McMichael, "You're thinking, 'It's about time something good happened for us.' A guy like Leonard, who's out there sick and the oldest guy on this football team, and he just makes the biggest play of the year for us." It might have been the biggest play at the time, but in the end it was just another good play in another loss. On a team where veterans have been let go, Little, who turned 35 Monday (Oct. 19), has survived. In addition the touchdown, he has four sacks and is as dangerous as ever. He played against the Jaguars despite being sent home the Friday before the game because of strep throat. "There wasn't a chance I wasn't going to go," he said. "If I can walk out there, I can play. I just tried to be a good leader for these young guys and try to do the best I can to help us win the game." Asked if Little's play sets the tone for the team's defense, coach Steve Spagnuolo said, "I think so. I think he takes a little bit of pride in that. He was also sick, a little ill, and you weren't going to keep him out of the game. I think that sends a message to the team, especially the young guys. I know they respect him and appreciate what he brought (Sunday)." At the end of the interception return, Little dived for the end zone and got the ball inside the pylon just as quarterback David Garrard was coming over to hit him. "The only person I had to beat was the quarterback, and I knew he had the angle on me," Little said. "I told myself if I was getting close to the end zone I was going to dive in. ... I just tried to get in the best way I could." Said Spagnuolo, "I was happy for Leonard and I tel 10/21/2009

Little had two sacks in Sunday's 36-17 loss to Green Bay.
09/28/2009