The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

By JASON YOUNG
Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis Rams haven't had a defensive coordinator since Greg Williams was handed an indefinite ban by the NFL for his part in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal.

The Rams' defense also hasn't had a Pro Bowl selection since 2003, but with four games left in the regular season and faint playoff hopes still alive, the Rams are being led by their deepest defensive unit in years.

It has been especially strong up front, where the versatile William Hayes, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, has come off the bench to play several spots. He has 2.5 sacks in the past two games and Jeff Fisher, who coached Hayes with Tennessee, said he's proven more valuable than was hoped when they brought him to the Rams.