PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Long Isn’t Worried About Falcon Blitz

Ram quarterback Chuck Long, getting his first start in 2 1/2 seasons tonight in the Rams’ exhibition opener against the Atlanta Falcons at Jacksonville, Fla., said he isn’t worried about getting hurt by a defense coached by the always-unpredictable Jerry Glanville.

Back when Glanville was the coach of the Houston Oilers, he called a safety blitz in an exhibition opener against the Rams that put then-starter Dieter Brock out for the season.

“I’ve taken some shots before and I know I can take a hit,” Long said. “I can’t worry about that. I know our offensive line can do a good job. As quarterback you expect everything in any game. If you go in and say, ‘Oh, I don’t think they’re going to do it,’ then they’re going to get you.”

Mike Pagel is set to see his first playing time as a Ram in the fourth quarter. Pagel, released by the Cleveland Browns in a youth movement last winter and signed by the Rams to be security in case of major injuries, is being given a chance to unseat Long as the team’s main backup.

The Rams are expected to make another low offer to defensive end Doug Reed, with the intention of either letting him sit out the season unsigned or trading him after he signs. Reed, who is being offered the minimum $130,000 for a ninth-year player, soon will be offered $140,000. If he takes the $140,000, the Rams say the low salary will make him more attractive in a trade than he is in his holdout status.