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Line Tries to Deal With Change : Rams: The struggling offensive unit could benefit from the return of tackle Gerald Perry and guard Duval Love.

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

They have been tinkering, tinkering, tinkering, all off-season long, and now, with the regular-season opener just over a week away, things are still a bit of a jumble on the Rams’ new, jumbo-sized offensive line.

Only Jackie Slater at right tackle remains in the same position from last year’s starting five. The rest of the 1991 line is an assortment of moved, untested, unsigned, rehabilitating or acquired players.

Saturday night’s 23-7 offensive collapse at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks was one dull reminder that this offensive line is still a long way from being the kind of dominating, brute-force bullies the Ram coaches envisioned when they began to implement the changes.

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“I think we played poorly (on the line),” Coach John Robinson said Sunday. “We have a lot of work to do. We’re obviously making a lot of changes.”

There is help on the way: Tackle Gerald Perry and guard Duval Love appear recovered enough from knee injuries to play in Thursday night’s exhibition finale against the Houston Oilers in Memphis.

With last year’s starter Irv Pankey the final Ram holdout, the Rams hope the 305-pound Perry can step in and win the left tackle spot. The 290-pound Love, who hurt his left knee early in training camp, will battle Joe Milinichik (listed at 275 but probably closer to 295) at the right guard spot.

Right after Saturday’s game, Robinson singled out center Tom Newberry as someone who needs a lot of work. Newberry, last year’s starting left guard, missed most of training camp this year while he held out, and Saturday night was called for two holding penalties.

Newberry is integral to the Rams’ plan of beefing up the line. Newberry, who reported to camp at 312, is 30 pounds bulkier than last year’s starting center, Doug Smith. Newberry’s replacement at left guard, second-year man Bern Brostek, is also more than 300 pounds.

“Wasn’t a good performance for him,” Robinson said of Newberry. “He needs more action playing there. I think the next game, to give him that kind of action, we’re going to give him most of the first half, or play him a lot more.

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“I think he does some things quite well that equate to what he’s done (at guard). Things that (are unique) to the center position, he needs to work on a little.”

Said Newberry: “It just didn’t go well. Just wasn’t a very smooth night all together.”

Ironically, the one thing the Rams were most worried about when they made the switch--Newberry’s ability to avoid snap mixups--has probably come easiest for him.

“It feels pretty good,” Newberry said. “I like it. I’m having fun, still learning the position. It’s not an easy thing. It’s something you’ve got to work at. Hope it’s not to much longer before I get it completely down.”

For the first time in the exhibition season, the Rams will probably have most of their front-line offensive linemen available for the Houston game, and Robinson hopes the squad jells before the Sept. 1 regular-season opener against the Phoenix Cardinals.

“We need to get continuity; we need to improve,” Robinson said. “I feel confident that we will, but I thought it was a disappointing performance last night.”

Another area of concern for the Rams is special teams. On Saturday night, there were problems with the kick-holding, kick-snapping and the kick-off returner.

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Punter Dale Hatcher was being tried out as the holder, but botched a hold and wasn’t back on the Rams’ other kicks Saturday night. Robinson said the Rams were still discussing what to do about the position and would have a decision in the next several days. The other candidates are backup quarterbacks Chuck Long and Mike Pagel.

Doug Smith is being tested as the team’s kick-snapper and was a little erratic Saturday night.

Cornerback Latin Berry was being used as the team’s main kick-off returner but made a bad decision, fielding a kick near the sideline and stepping out of bounds at the 2-yard line.

Robinson said veteran return man Bobby Delpino would go back to returning kicks.

Recently signed No. 1 pick Todd Lyght will make his NFL debut Thursday night against the run-and-shoot Oilers, but Robinson said he didn’t know exactly in what role.

Lyght is being groomed to play the same right cornerback spot that Darryl Henley is playing, and Robinson didn’t exactly leap to Henley’s defense when asked about the 31-yard touchdown pass Henley gave up when the Rams were in an all-out blitz.

“I think he could’ve played it better technically,” Robinson said.

While the Oilers’ penchant for the pass will give Lyght plenty of action, it could hamper the playing time of linebacker Fred Strickland, who also signed last week.

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Strickland is battling Brett Faryniarz for the starting left linebacker spot, and Robinson said that although Strickland didn’t play much Saturday night, he was effective when he played.

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