Jim Everett

Jim Everett, the Rams' new quarterback, shouldn't have too much trouble learning the "system." Judging from what I've seen, it can't be too complicated. Any NFL coach who has any trouble preparing his team totally to meet the Rams should resign. LOU WILLIAMS Huntington Beach

The New Orleans Saints will play their home finale Sunday without quarterback Jim Everett, who is still recovering from a concussion he suffered last weekend against the St. Louis Rams. Doug Nussmeier will start against Atlanta. Everett has started 45 consecutive games, second among active NFL quarterbacks behind Green Bay's Brett Favre, who has 75 consecutive starts.

Weak schedule (again). Rice is selfish. What next, a scathing piece on how Joe Montana once tipped only 10% at a local Denny's? What on earth could have spawned this anti-49er obsession? Just a thought, but has anyone ever seen Jim Everett and T.J. Simers together? WILLIAM MULLAN Torrance

Ram Coach Chuck Knox says that he will stick with Jim Everett at quarterback for Thursday night's game against Atlanta in the Georgia Dome. Knox addressed Everett's situation in his weekly press conference, saying, "Jim Everett is the starting quarterback . . . I don't see that there is a controversy there." However, Knox then mentioned the team's increased efforts to prepare T.J. Rubley for play at quarterback. He also is being trained to be the holder for kicker Tony Zendejas.

New Orleans Saint quarterback Jim Everett was cleared to play Sunday against Atlanta after suffering a concussion during a 26-10 loss to the Rams. "I feel fine, couldn't be better," Everett said at practice. "Nothing will be any different from any other week." * The Dallas Cowboys signed five-time Pro Bowl tackle Ray Childress, 34, to shore up their defensive line depth after the drug suspension of Leon Lett.

Does going to a game between the Redskins and the Rams count as going to a professional football game? J. BUELTON FARNSWORTH Seal Beach Jim Everett's demise goes back to Eric Dickerson. Everett either didn't realize, or wouldn't admit, how much better Dickerson made him. Much like Troy Aikman, a great quarterback. But much less without Emmitt Smith. LARRY SIMPKINS Baldwin Park