- Joined
- Dec 20, 2012
- Messages
- 577
Shane Gray provides special Rams commentaries on 101sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ShaneGmoSTLRams.
Will the St. Louis Rams’ front four be dominant? Could it prove to be the NFL’s premier defensive line? Time – as always – will tell the tale, but it looks as if this stunningly talented group is ready to put it all together this fall.
In the Rams’ front four, we see a complete collection of premium draft picks – three first-rounders and a third. Few defenses boast such a heralded assemblage of talent.
At defensive end, Chris Long and Robert Quinn may be the best pass-rushing tandem in all of football. In 2012, the combo combined for 22 sacks. What’s scary for opposing defenses is that this dynamic duo is only going to get better.
Last season, Long led the NFL in hurries for a third consecutive campaign. Through five seasons, he has continually grown his game. Now in his sixth year and just entering his prime at age 28, Long expects to continue to ascend.
“I can get a ton better,” Long recently said.
Part of Long’s constant betterment comes by way of an ever-expanding repertoire. For example, late last season we saw him successfully incorporate the growing-in-popularity pre-snap “standup” routine. This new wrinkle could help Long get to the quarterback a split-second sooner more often. If so, the sack totals we’ve customarily grown to expect from him could swell.
“It’s a little change-up that can work in some situations,” Long said.
Across from Long, Quinn possesses as high of a pass-rushing ceiling as any player in the league...
(Hope you all will enjoy the full piece below, ROD):
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.101sports.com/2013/08/06/looking-at-the-rams-fearsome-front-four/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.101sports.com/2013/08/06/loo ... ront-four/</a>
Will the St. Louis Rams’ front four be dominant? Could it prove to be the NFL’s premier defensive line? Time – as always – will tell the tale, but it looks as if this stunningly talented group is ready to put it all together this fall.
In the Rams’ front four, we see a complete collection of premium draft picks – three first-rounders and a third. Few defenses boast such a heralded assemblage of talent.
At defensive end, Chris Long and Robert Quinn may be the best pass-rushing tandem in all of football. In 2012, the combo combined for 22 sacks. What’s scary for opposing defenses is that this dynamic duo is only going to get better.
Last season, Long led the NFL in hurries for a third consecutive campaign. Through five seasons, he has continually grown his game. Now in his sixth year and just entering his prime at age 28, Long expects to continue to ascend.
“I can get a ton better,” Long recently said.
Part of Long’s constant betterment comes by way of an ever-expanding repertoire. For example, late last season we saw him successfully incorporate the growing-in-popularity pre-snap “standup” routine. This new wrinkle could help Long get to the quarterback a split-second sooner more often. If so, the sack totals we’ve customarily grown to expect from him could swell.
“It’s a little change-up that can work in some situations,” Long said.
Across from Long, Quinn possesses as high of a pass-rushing ceiling as any player in the league...
(Hope you all will enjoy the full piece below, ROD):
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.101sports.com/2013/08/06/looking-at-the-rams-fearsome-front-four/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.101sports.com/2013/08/06/loo ... ront-four/</a>
but I think the key to this line becoming the best D-line in the league rests on Langford's shoulders. I believe he's the weak link in the D-line. This is a testament to the abilities of the rest of the D-line players and not a slam on Langford's talents. I think we have much better DEs than the Lions but our DTs don't match up as well. Brockers compares favorably with Suh but Langford needs to step up his game (like you anticipate he will) to match Fairly.
