PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : It’s a Bear of a Defense for Rams’ Bettis

Dave Wannstedt-coached teams have not given up 100 yards rushing in 22 consecutive games, including the postseason.

That could spell trouble for Ram rookie tailback Jerome Bettis, who is chasing the Cowboys’ Emmitt Smith for the NFL rushing title. Sunday, Bettis will face a Chicago defense created by Wannstedt, who was the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator last season and is now the Bears’ head coach.

The last player to rush for more than 100 yards against a Wannstedt defense was Bettis’ backup, Cleveland Gary, who had 110 yards in 29 carries during the Rams’ 27-23 upset of the Cowboys last season.

Bettis lost the rushing lead to Smith on Sunday, gaining only 56 yards in 16 carries during a 42-14 loss to Cleveland. Bettis has 1,283 yards, 35 behind Smith, with one game left.

“The rushing title is in the back of my head,” Bettis said. “I’m thinking about it, but I’m not worrying about it. Right now, it’s out of my hands. Winning the football game is in our hands. If we could win, that would be more important than the rushing title. I’ve accomplished a lot this year, and I wouldn’t be down if I didn’t win the rushing title.”

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The Rams’ injury problems at left guard continued as Jeff Pahukoa underwent X-rays on his swollen left knee. Pahukoa has started the last two games in place of Tom Newberry and Keith Loneker, who are sidelined because of knee injuries.

Coach Chuck Knox said there is a chance that Newberry, who has sat out six games, could be back for Sunday’s finale at Anaheim Stadium. “We will do some cutting drills (with Newberry) and see how it goes,” Knox said.

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Linebacker Shane Conlan has had continuing problems with his elbow, which was examined Monday. . . . Backup quarterback Jim Everett didn’t practice because of flu. . . . Quarterback T.J. Rubley went 12 quarters without an interception until he had two in the second half against Cleveland.