Pro Football / Bob Oates

For the first time in many years, the Rams had a pass offense Monday night. And a passer.

The passer is Steve Bartkowski, who, though often hurt, has thrown the ball brilliantly for most of the last 12 seasons.

The pass offense was designed by the club’s new quarterback coach, Dick Coury, who has installed a system he learned from Hall of Famer Sid Gillman when they were both with Philadelphia.

Coach John Robinson’s coup was bringing in Coury from the USFL. The Rams are so strong defensively and in special teams that they can become the NFC’s team to beat with Coury’s offense.

They can, that is, if Eric Dickerson doesn’t mind a diminished role.