ST. LOUIS — Steven Jackson got more work than LaDainian Tomlinson in the preseason. At least he dressed.

Following the lead of the San Diego Chargers and their summertime coddling of the league's MVP, the St. Louis Rams conserved their do-it-all tailback for the regular season. Jackson, who led the NFL with 2,334 yards rushing and receiving last year, finished the preseason with two receptions, zero carries and very, very few bumps and bruises.

"Taking out unnecessary hits is really a key," Jackson said. "Even though the games don't count, the hits can become effective. I think being cautious and making sure everyone gets to opening day safe is a smart thing and a new trend."

The Rams might need their feature back revved up from the start, given the ever-uncertain state of a defense that has been the franchise's weak suit for years. St. Louis was especially charitable against the run in 2006, finishing next to last in the league.

The Rams are counting on players' familiarity in the second year of defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's system, along with a couple of personnel upgrades, to bring that side of the ball up to speed.

Rookie nose tackle Adam Carriker, the first-round pick, was an end at Nebraska but has quickly showed his mettle in the middle. Linehan said Carriker's fast progress was one of the highlights of the preseason.

"Once we put the pads on, he's really improved and sewn up the middle of our defense," Linehan said. "He's really played well."

End James Hall was brought in from Detroit in an effort to balance the pass rush, which had no complement for Leonard Little last season. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett expects big improvement from linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, tackling with one arm much of last season before ending the year on injured reserve, and middle linebacker Will Witherspoon as he reaches a comfort level with a new defense.

Last year, also Witherspoon's first with the team, he struggled to assimilate everything while calling signals.

The Rams begin the year shorthanded in the secondary, with cornerback Fakhir Brown suspended the first four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Ron Bartell, a third-year player who played a lot in nickel packages last year, will start the season in Brown's spot opposite Tye Hill, St. Louis' first-round pick last season.

The offense figures to be potent with quarterback Marc Bulger coming off his second Pro Bowl and with more talent to utilize. Tight end Randy McMichael averaged 65 catches the last three seasons and figures to be a major upgrade, and new third wide receiver Drew Bennett led the Titans in receptions the last two seasons.

The Rams already had a potent duo in Torry Holt, who has seven straight 1,000-yard seasons and caught 93 balls last year, and ageless Isaac Bruce, who caught 74 passes for 1,098 yards last year and is entering his 14th season. But Holt is coming off knee surgery.