Miami Likes Its Front Four, Including Emtman

In this summer of great expectations for the Miami Dolphins, defensive line coach Joe Greene says his front four can rank with the NFL’s best.

He expects them to stop the run, pressure the passer and control the game - just as Greene did during a Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1969-81.

“If the defensive line doesn’t dominate,” Greene said, “you can’t have a dominating defense.”

In recent seasons, the Dolphins’ defense has too often been dominated, allowing the opposition to outscore Dan Marino. Many times the culprit was a feeble front four.

Now, with the acquisition of veterans Steve Emtman and Trace Armstrong, Greene believes his defensive line has the size, talent and experience to tackle any challenge.

The Dolphins’ front four may lead the lead in star power. With Emtman, Armstrong, Marco Coleman and Tim Bowens, they have four former first-round draft choices.

Add Jeff Cross, a six-year starter, and underrated nose tackle Chuck Klingbeil and the Dolphins have a wealth of talent up front. It’s one reason many prognosticators consider Miami the favorite in the AFC.

Bears pick Kramer

Eric Kramer, who signed an $8.1 million, three-year contract last year to be the Chicago Bears’ quarterback of the future, has the job - for the time being.

Kramer was informed by coach Dave Wannstedt that he will start Sept. 3, when Chicago opens the regular season against Minnesota. He beat out Steve Walsh, 9-4 as a starter last season when Kramer was hurt.

“He certainly hasn’t named me the starter for the entire season or half the season, he named me the starter for the season opener,” Kramer said. “I’ll just go about it when I’m out there, do a job.”

Rosenbach on reserve

Quarterback Timm Rosenbach, who arrived at training camp with a ruptured disk in his back, was placed on the reserve-non-football injury list by the New Orleans Saints.

Rosenbach, a former Washington State standout, who began his NFL career with the Phoenix Cardinals, was among the 18 players cut, waived with injuries, or placed on injured reserve by the Saints.

Brad Lebo, a former University of Montana quarterback from Lewiston, was among the other cuts.

Raiders sack Bobo

Former Washington State wide receiver Phillip Bobo was among the cutdown-day casualties of the Oakland Raiders.

However, first-year coach Mike White indicated Bobo may be a candidate for the practice squad.

California dreaming

Former San Francisco 49ers coach Bill Walsh and ex-Rams general manager Don Klosterman hope to combine their talents to bring an NFL team to the Los Angeles area, according to a newspaper report.

“This area needs a football team,” Klosterman, general manager from 1972-82, told the Orange County Register. “Bill would like to apply his knowledge to a football operation, and I know a lot of people in football.”

Klosterman said he has not talked to any NFL owners about the possibility of relocating their teams, although he has started putting together a list of possible financial backers.

He said the issue of an updated stadium needs to be settled before they contact teams about moving.

Rams release Gary

Tuesday was the day NFL teams had to get their rosters to 60, and the St. Louis Rams cut five players, including former 1,000-yard rusher Cleveland Gary, and placed former Weber State quarterback Jamie Martin, who is recovering from a broken collarbone, on the physically unable to perform list.

Bengals shelve Carter

The Cincinnati Bengals placed No. 1 draft pick Ki-Jana Carter and 31-year-old wide receiver Tim McGee on injured reserve, meaning neither will play this season.

Carter, the former Penn State running back, selected first in this year’s draft, is to have surgery Friday to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

McGee, in his 10th NFL season, was considered Cincinnati’s No. 3 receiver until he sustained a concussion while blocking Aug. 11 in an exhibition game.

No delays

The Atlanta Falcons will be able to play their opener in the Georgia Dome on Sept. 3, despite the collapse of four roof panels during a weekend storm, officials said.

Repairs have already started and will be completed before the Falcons face Carolina, said Dan Graveline, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center, which owns and manages the Georgia Dome.

An initial review by engineers, architects and construction personnel indicated the damage was limited to four Teflon-coated fiberglass roof panels, which tore, allowing water to damage 500 seats, Graveline said.