The Sports Xchange

EARTH CITY, Mo. – After a summer-long three-player competition that stretched through the final preseason game, Tim Barnes was announced as the St. Louis Rams’ starting center Wednesday.

Barnes will be in the middle of an offensive line that features two rookie starters – third-round pick Jamon Brown at left guard and second-rounder Rob Havenstein at right tackle – second-year left tackle Greg Robinson and right guard Rodger Saffold. Barnes, who has started four games in his career, won the job after a battle with Demetrius Rhaney and Barrett Jones, who was waived in the cutdown to 53 players Saturday.

Head coach Jeff Fisher said of Barnes, “Whenever he’s gotten a chance to play, he’s done a good job. Last year he battled through some minor injuries and things, but thus far he’s stayed very healthy, feels good, had a good offseason. He’s very comfortable with (quarterback) Nick (Foles), the two of them are working really well together. I can’t say enough about how far Demetrius has come this offseason and through OTAs and camp, so we know he can play as well. He also gives us the guard flexibility.”

Noles said he is happy for Barnes. “Timmy is awesome,” said Foles. “He’s a guy that comes to work every day with a smile on his face. He’s an extremely intelligent player. He does a great job of recognizing defenses, getting us into the right things. He really runs the o-line very well. He’s going to do a great job and I’m excited for him.”

The Rams open the season at home against the Seattle Seahawks, so Foles was naturally asked about his confidence level in the young line, especially the rookies.

He said, “Jamon and Rob are awesome, just wise beyond their years, mature beyond their years. I know my rookie year … there’s going to be nerves involved. That’s part of it. They’ve gone against a great front seven every single day with what we have and they’re going to be ready to go. Those guys across from them; Seattle has a great defense. It’s going to be a great challenge for them but I have all the confidence in the world in them, and I’m excited to what they go out there and do.”

Fisher acknowledged that Seattle will “try to confuse us,” but said, “We have a smart group up front. I wouldn’t have put them in a position to start if we didn’t think they were going to get the job done and they’re only going to get better.”