The list of heroes during yesterday's Rams-Falcons game is a long one...which is not surprising in light of the final score (Rams 45, Falcons 29).

Let's look at the defense today.

Super Bowl hero LB Mike Jones (shown sacking Chris Chandler above) played a strong game. In the Rams defensive scheme, Jones is the kind of player who doesn't get noticed a lot. You can bet that the Falcons did on Sunday, though.

CB Dexter McCleon contributed with a big interception...leaping in front of speedy Falcons wideout Tim Dwight (below).

McCleon and his DB buddies were flagged on several occasions for pass interference--maybe it is time for the NFL to take a look at the way that the college game deals with this particular infraction--15 yards and an automatic first down.

Falcons QB Chandler (12 below) felt pressure from Rams defensive lineman Sean Moran, as well.

Moran played well in perhaps his most extensive action of the season.

The Rams defense will have to continue its improvement on Sunday as the team travels to Kansas City and plays on Arrowhead Stadium's natural turf.