ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has play-by-play on Scott Linehan's final hours as Rams coach. Jim Haslett was offered the job as interim coach at 1:15 a.m. CT. By then, Linehan had been summoned to a hotel room to learn his fate.

Jeff Gordon of stltoday.com says Haslett is lucky to have a job given how poorly the Rams' defense has played. Gordon: "I have generally defended Haslett over the years, given his previous success as a defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh and his solid work as head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Unlike Linehan, he has the personality to lead a team."

Bill Coats of Around the Horns says Linehan leaves an honorable if unsuccessful legacy with the Rams.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says there's no quarterback controversy after Cardinals starter Kurt Warner suffered six turnovers. Also, Gabe Watson might finally play in Week 5. 

Dan Brown of 49ers Hot Read says 49ers coach Mike Nolan used a replay challenge in place of calling timeout. That was the word from Nolan.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Deion Branch and Bobby Engram were back at practice. Not only that, but he has the video to prove it.

Matt Maiocco of Instant 49ers has a transcript from Nolan's day-after-game news conference. Mike Nolan talks about Vernon Davis' emotions -- and his run blocking, which wasn't as good as his pass blocking.

Chrissy Mauck of 49ers.com describes linebacker Manny Lawson's hamstring injury as something less than an outright pull. The 49ers do not know if Lawson will play this week.