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Haslett makes debut as Rams take on red-hot Redskins

Oct 7, 2008 - 3:06 PM St. Louis (0-4) at Washington (4-1) 1:00 p.m. EDT

LANDOVER, Maryland (Ticker) -- The first order of business for Jim Haslett as head coach of the St. Louis Rams is a tall one.

The winless Rams hit the road Sunday to take on one of the league's hottest teams, the Washington Redskins.

Haslett, who has been the defensive coordinator in St. Louis since the 2006 season, was named interim head coach on September 29, when Scott Linehan was fired following a 31-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills just one day earlier.

Despite having a bye last week, St. Louis is tied with the Detroit Lions for worst in the league with 147 points allowed.

"I promise you they'll play hard," Haslett said. "If they don't play hard, they won't be here."

Haslett spent six seasons as head coach in New Orleans before joining the staff in St. Louis.

Running back Steven Jackson had a huge game in the loss to Buffalo, recording season highs with 110 rushing yards and 78 yards receiving. He also found the end zone for the first time this season on a 29-yard touchdown run.

"I think he needs to step up a little, and I think he will," Haslett said. "Hopefully we can turn this thing around. In this division, you never know."

Haslett has reinstated Marc Bulger - who was benched by Linehan - as the starting quarterback. In his place, Trent Green completed 17-of-32 passes for 236 yards and an interception.

While the Rams still believe they can contend in the mediocre NFC West, the Redskins are coming off consecutive road victories in the NFC East - arguably the best division in football.

After an ugly performance in its opener, a 16-7 loss to the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, Washington has reeled off four straight wins thanks to nearly flawless football on the offensive side of the ball.

The Redskins, who are the only team in the NFL without an offensive turnover, followed a 26-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys two weeks ago with an equally impressive 23-17 triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.

Washington's turnover-free streak may continue against St. Louis, which has forced just two turnovers this season while allowing at least 30 points in four straight games - and seven consecutive dating to last season.

"We're 4-1, but we haven't done anything yet," Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell said. "We haven't been division champs in I don't know when. We haven't been deep into the playoffs in I don't know when. As a team, we have to press on."

The Redskins last won the division title in 1999 and have not advanced past the divisional round of the playoffs since they won the Super Bowl in 1991.

Under first-year head coach Jim Zorn, Washington will look to avoid a letdown over the next three weeks. The Redskins will face St. Louis, Cleveland, and Detroit, which are a combined 1-11 entering Week Six.