Upon Further Review, Rams Return to Everett : Football: He is named the starter a week after T.J. Rubley, in his first start, is roughed up by the 49ers.

The Rams took three days to think during this bye week, and after reviewing their position (2-6), Friday they proclaimed Jim Everett their starting quarterback once again and announced they will now make a run for the playoffs.

“We think Jim Everett affords us the best chance to win right now,” Coach Chuck Knox said. “Going over everything this week (we have decided) we’re going to try and make a run this second half of the season.

“Mathematically we’re not out of a chance of making the playoffs. We’re sitting here 2-6, but realistically we could at least be 4-4.”

T.J. Rubley’s reign as starting quarterback lasted one game. Rubley completed 15 of 26 passes for 158 yards with a touchdown pass and two interceptions in a 40-17 loss to San Francisco.

“We’re going to try and salvage the season,” Knox said. “We’re going to go with the experienced guy that played against these people (Falcons) before.

“T.J. Rubley will be fine, he’ll be better for the experience that he had last week. And Jim Everett will be better for having a chance of backing away from it for a week.”

Everett, who had started 87 consecutive games before being replaced by Rubley, is the 25th-rated quarterback in the league.

Only Stan Humphries, who has completed 45.3% of his passes and who no longer starts for San Diego, has a lower completion percentage than Everett (48.5%). Everett has thrown seven touchdown passes with 10 interceptions.

“As far as stepping back, there are some things that I think I got some insight on,” Everett said. “At the time there were a lot of negative-type things going on and I’m going to try and turn them into positive things and hopefully make them useful.

“I’ll make something good come out of this. That’s like me to do that. I just want to get this team to win as everybody does.”

Everett said he will try to play more relaxed in his return as the Rams’ starting quarterback.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think about this,” Everett said.

In Everett’s last start, the fans in Anaheim Stadium loudly booed his play before Rubley replaced him in the second half. The Rams, who have a bye Sunday, will resume play against the Falcons (2-6) Nov. 14 in Anaheim Stadium.

“In our meeting, we went through all the turnovers we have had, and along with our fans I booed me a few times,” Everett said. “I understand that. But hopefully we’re going to give them something to cheer about.”

Rubley accepted his demotion without complaint Friday and will now work as No. 2 quarterback.

“Coach Knox has been doing this a long, long time and he knows what’s best for us to win,” Rubley said. “That’s what we’re going to try and do; we still have a shot to get into the playoffs. I’d like to experience that, so whatever is the best way to get there, so be it.

“For me to grow, there are going to be some growing pains. Since we are still in the playoff hunt, we’re going to try and keep those growing pains to a minimum and go with what gives us the best chance of winning.”

Rubley said this decision will not affect his confidence and he will draw no conclusions about whether this move is fair.

“I’m not into judging what is fair and not fair,” Rubley said. “I got an opportunity to play and I’m very thankful for that. I got some experience to build on and that’s irreplaceable; I just look forward to the next opportunity.”