PRO FOOTBALL: THE AFTERMATH : For Two Rams, Winning Is Old Hat : Jeter, Ekern Have Major Roles as Team Reaches Playoffs

It’s a real challenge being 30-something on the Rams, a team that will not corner next year’s market on disposable razors. Ask 33-year-old Gary Jeter or 34-year-old Carl Ekern.

The Eric Dickerson trade for draft choices last year pushed the average age of a Ram down to about 26 years, which is great if you’re 26. Six 1988 draft choices were on the field for Sunday night’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers that clinched a spot in the National Football Conference wild-card game.

At least two more first-round picks and three second-rounders will be on the roster next season, forcing the average age down further and, probably, forcing some more players into retirement.

This is what the future held for the likes of Jeter and Ekern coming into the season. It was shape up or phase out.

Jeter stood near his locker after last season’s 48-0 loss to the 49ers and all but gave a retirement speech. Most people figured that Ekern had played his last game, too.

But, perhaps defying the laws of common sense, both returned for 1988. And although the memories of the regular season will be left to the likes of 25-year-old Jim Everett and 26-year-old Kevin Greene, the graybeards won’t be forgotten.

Jeter, who initially balked at the idea of moving from defensive end to tackle, just completed the best regular season of his career. He finished with 11 1/2 sacks, a half-sack better than his previous best in 1985.

And Ekern? He led the Rams in tackles with 93, which is 30 more than runner-up Jerry Gray.

Jeter returned for his 12th season only after a heart-to-heart off-season discussion with Coach John Robinson.

“I went in last year, and obviously my attitude wasn’t the greatest,” Jeter said. “I was at a low point. I had to make some changes in my life in the off-season, and I made them. I was able to come back strong. I’m glad that I came back.”

Robinson said that Jeter and Ekern and the rest of the over-30 club--Johnnie Johnson, Doug Smith, Jackie Slater--had to realize that the team was changing before their eyes.

“You can get in the downhill side of your career and look back over your shoulder,” Robinson said. “You can say, ‘I meant this or that to a team, and you should keep me on because I’m this or that.’

“Carl Ekern and Jeter both faced some of that last year, and both of them took extra-positive outlooks about it. They said, ‘Hey, if I’m going to play here, I’m going to have to compete for a job. I’m going to accept that environment and come in here and win a job,’ and not become hurt or feel deserted if your status is not automatic.”

Was there ever a doubt? Now that it’s all over and the Rams have sneaked into the playoffs, Robinson admitted that he saw a wild-card finish in the cards all along.

“I expected to make the playoffs,” he said. “I’ve expected to make the playoffs every year that I’ve coached. I was surprised last year. Stunned might be a better word. Disillusioned. Frustrated. I don’t say that arrogantly. We’ve been in it 5 out of the last 6 (years). . . . It was the hardest year to make the playoffs.”

Look who has arrived. Jim Everett threw for only 201 yards against the 49ers Sunday night, but Robinson said he’s beginning to see the qualities of greatness in Everett.

“Statistics don’t usually tell the tale,” Robinson said. “I thought he did a great job.

“I’ve always believed Joe Montana is the ultimate player we’ve competed against at playing winning quarterback. Of throwing the ball away when you’re supposed to throw it away. Of recognizing when to scramble, when to hold the ball, when to get rid of it. Jim was masterful at that Sunday night.

“Numbers, when you come down to it, are certainly not the basis to judge a really great performance. A 400-yard passing day doesn’t mean anything. Did he play great quarterback? Jim did.”

Ram Notes

Tight end Damone Johnson had more than just incentive to play well against San Francisco Sunday. He had a $5,000 incentive bonus on the line. Johnson needed 2 catches against the 49ers to reach 40 for the season and cash in on his bonus. Johnson, of course, had the game of his life with 4 catches and 3 touchdowns. In recent weeks, quarterback Jim Everett had asked Johnson to keep him updated on his bonus status. . . . Three Ram receivers finished the season with more than 40 receptions, a first in franchise history. Henry Ellard led the way with a team-record 86, followed by tight ends Pete Holohan with 59 and Johnson with 42.

The Rams next season will play home games against Phoenix, the New York Giants, Green Bay, the New York Jets, Indianapolis, San Francisco, New Orleans and Atlanta. They will be on the road against Minnesota, Chicago, Dallas, New England, Buffalo, San Francisco, New Orleans and Atlanta.

Everett finished the regular season having passed for 3,964 yards and 31 touchdowns, both team records. He also completed 59.6% of his passes. . . . Aaron Cox’s concussion doesn’t appear serious, and he is listed as probable for next Monday’s playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, as is wide receiver Ron Brown, who has a sprained ankle. . . . Coach John Robinson said he thinks fullback Robert Delpino will be back this week. Delpino missed the 49er game with turf toe.