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PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : They Play Name That Cornerback

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The first order of business for Rod Perry, coach of the Ram defensive backs, is to learn the names of his starting cornerbacks.

They have changed almost weekly.

The Rams have started six cornerbacks, among them Wymon Henderson and Dexter Davis, who weren’t even on the roster until Oct. 14.

Three weeks ago, Henderson started at left cornerback. Two weeks ago Courtney Griffin started there. A week ago Davis got the start. On the other side Steve Israel is playing in place of Robert Bailey who had replaced Darryl Henley.

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“I’ve lost count of how many people have come and gone,” Perry said. “But (defensive coordinator) George Dyer has done a good job of simplifying the defensive game plan and reducing the learning part, and just letting them play.”

Davis, released by Phoenix earlier this season, was out of work when the Rams called after the 10th week. In Sunday’s game against the Bengals, he was a starter.

“We were happy with his performance,” Perry said. “He had done some good things in practice, and while it’s very surprising to get a guy off the streets and into the starting lineup so quickly, he adapted well to what we were doing.”

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The Rams’ offense has had Jerome Bettis run the sweep 32 times in the last four weeks, and according to team officials, his outside running has produced 305 yards and a touchdown.

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