Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo is a realist. He knew taking over the Rams was a tough proposition.

Still, despite having won just one of the first eight games, Spagnuolo is confident his plan and his team are on the right track. The Rams open the second half of the season Sunday at home against New Orleans in a stretch of three consecutive games at home.

Asked what he hopes to see during the second half of the season, Spagnuolo said, "My hope is that when we finish the season, whenever that is, that the feeling will be that we did build something. That it stayed together. That it didn't fall apart. And that it will push us into the offseason and into next season. Now whether that means eight wins, seven wins, it could mean no wins, I'm not going to put a number on it.

"But there's visible evidence of us being a really good, solid team going forward. We've got some tough teams still to play, but we're a better team that has a little bit of confidence. Let's face it, winning a game does help. It does help. If our guys can clamp on to that, build on that, grow a little bit with that, who knows?"

Spagnuolo's message hasn't deviated since the offseason when he was hired. Running back Steven Jackson remembers.

"All the way back in OTAs, coach asked us to buy into the vision and that's building a high-character team," Jackson said. "It's all about team. You put yourself behind the team. We're going through a transition of who fits the scheme, who are the guys the coaches feel they can build a solid foundation with.

"What we have here is a strong leader as a head coach. Him and our GM (Billy Devaney) have a vision and there's no gray areas. They tell you this is where we're headed. Even if you dislike it, there's no question he knows what he's doing. That makes the road easier."

Jackson has been a positive force, not only on the field, but in the locker room. He hasn't gotten down, despite the losing, and truly believes the best is yet to come.

He said, "I want to feel the momentum and enjoy it when we turn this thing around. I want to be able to look that guy in the eye and know we share common tears of joy or whatever that moment brings. I want to know me and this person have worked through this together. I don't want to go to another organization where I don't know anyone or hold the Lombardi Trophy where I didn't really build things. I don't think it would mean as much after I've put in so much work here."

SERIES HISTORY
68th meeting. Rams lead series, 38-29, and have won the last two games in 2005 and 2007.

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