PRO FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : RAMS : How Good Were They Last Season?

There are a wealth of theories as to the roots of the Rams’ woes. The most popular--especially among opposing players and coaches--is that holdouts and injuries during training camp set the Rams so far behind, they’ve never recovered.

It’s also becoming apparent, however, that the level of talent on the team may have been overestimated. After all, the Rams certainly didn’t dominate on their way to the NFC Championship game last season. And they won five games last year by four or fewer points.

“I think one would question whether we were talented enough to win 13 games last year,” Coach John Robinson said. “I think you have to look at the way things have transpired this year and say, ‘Hey, you’ve got some problems.’ ”

Robinson on facing the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers Sunday: “It’s a huge challenge and it’s a game we’ve always looked forward to and always felt we could play well in. There’s been some blowouts and some close ones. I think San Francisco will probably be favored in this one.”