MMQB: Rams Preview - Defense Might Not Be Enough

[Mojo Ram]

The question is whether St. Louis’s young back seven can handle this. Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis has evolved into a savvy vet, but there’s little evidence that he can carry a unit Ray Lewis-style.

So JL needs to be Ray Lewis in order to carry a LB core? Ok.

 

[Ramatik]

Man, some people get so butthurt when the Rams are criticized.

The 2013 Rams Defense finished 15th in total defense, 19th against the pass, 9th against the run, and had a -6 turn over ratio. They added a d lineman who, while he could be dominant, will be a rotational player, a nickle corner, and some corner depth.

The Rams will get more sacks this year (probably), and Ogletree will improve, but are we seriously expecting the addition of a rookie d lineman who will not play every down and a rotational corner and Gregg Williams defense to account for 6-8 sports up in total defense, 5-7 spots up against the pass, and maybe make us top 5 against the run? If we can't answer those questions with a confident yes, then we are relying on an offense that put up bloated, gaudy numbers in blow out games when trying to come from behind in the first half of the season and a run first offense to make up an additional 10-14 points a game at least to compensate.

The question marks on Offense are holding back the preseason previews, and skepticism that the Rams will be better against the pass and big plays is holding them back as well. Until the Rams go 8+ games and prove they have, in fact, changed their stripes, no one should buy into anything other than what they are: a .500 team that lacks a couple key playmakers on each side of the ball to get them over the hump.

Geez, some people get so butthurt when Rams fans get butthurt over the Rams getting criticized with a lot wrong and misleading information. (Which has been reported and highlighted in previous threads)

This team actually could take the division. Could win a Superbowl. Or they could just break our hearts again. (to be fair)

Just for clarification purposes, realist does not equal cynical or skeptical.

Realist does not equal optimist either.

Greg Williams actually will count for about 10 spots up in total defense.

Write it down.

Etch it in stone.

And cry in your beer, because this team is going to be better than expected.

 

[Ramatik]

So JL needs to be Ray Lewis in order to carry a LB core? Ok.

I saw that too. That was a really asinine statement. Is there any team in the league that has a MLB that can carry a unit like Ray Lewis could?

 

[Mojo Ram]

Yeah, my mistake. I misread the stat column on pro football reference

No problem. It happens bro. It's just that IMO thats a BIG statistic and always will be.

Bottom 12 teams in turnover ratio last season:
Houston
NY Jets
Detroit
NY Giants
Minnesota
Washington
Jacksonville
Oakland
Cleveland
Atlanta
Baltimore
Pittsburgh
None of them made the playoffs.

Fisher has really improved this number since his arrival.
2011 -4
2012 +2
2013 +8