2013 training camp preview: Examining the new coordinators

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PAT KIRWAN | NFL Insider
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/pat-kirwan/22709838/nfl-training-camp-preview-examining-the-new-coordinators" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/pat-k ... ordinators</a>


St. Louis Rams

Last year, the issues surrounding then-defensive coordinator Gregg Williams really led to a defense coached by committee. Jeff Fisher was more involved than he needed to be and Dave McGinnis handled a lot of the day-to-day work. Now Tim Walton comes over from Detroit.

Walton was the secondary coach in a system that was similar to the Rams' scheme.
Walton will have little (if any) problems blending into the culture in St. Louis, because many of the things being done in Detroit were an extension of things Fisher did in Tennessee. Walton has much better cornerbacks to work with in St. Louis than he had in Detroit. That means more man coverage and pressure calls if he needs them. Don't be surprised to see a decent amount of corner blitzing, too.

The front four in St. Louis is a fast-emerging group that can get to the passer without help. Last year, the Rams had 52 sacks from 14 different players -- the front four had 39 of those sacks.

Walton's biggest challenge will come from trying to develop his safeties into solid players who can handle matchup issues. T.J. McDonald is a rookie and Darian Stewart didn't start a game last year. If Walton has to protect his safeties, it will limit some of the creative scheme ideas he might have for this defense.