About our new DC Brandon Staley...

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Rams43

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I can’t prove it, but I think Staley’s fingerprints are all over these FA moves on D (and non-moves).

Littleton, Fowler, Matthews, and Brockers all leaving were not just strictly fiscal or cap related decisions. If Staley REALLY wanted one or more to remain I do believe that the Rams would have moved mountains to keep at least 1 or 2 of them.

Nope, I suspect that Staley preferred other player types that better fit the Ram cap AND his schemes. Floyd and Robinson will significantly improve our run D, for example.

Obviously, more of Staley’s ‘types’ will come from the draft and 2nd and 3rd tier FA’s, too. We’re a long way from having Staley’s ‘finished’ D today, but I’ll say this.

If Staley is that Fangio trained savant that McVay was so pleased to hire, I suspect that we’re gonna be treated to a ‘different’ kind of D this year. A more effective get-off-the-field one, at that.

My point? We need to be patient while the pieces are being reassembled on this D and they’re just getting started. Come September, I think it’s gonna be worth the wait.
 

JackDRams

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There were multiple reports about the Rams attempting to retain Fowler. So I’m not sure about you’re comment that they chose not to bring them back. But with the signings you mentioned, that makes certain sense. And with the cuts, NRC and Mathews, it makes me believe they didn’t have a role that Staley could put them in. I guess time will tell.
 

OldSchool

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There were multiple reports about the Rams attempting to retain Fowler. So I’m not sure about you’re comment that they chose not to bring them back. But with the signings you mentioned, that makes certain sense. And with the cuts, NRC and Mathews, it makes me believe they didn’t have a role that Staley could put them in. I guess time will tell.
Within in a price though for Fowler. Personally glad they didn't bring him back at what he got paid.
 

FaulkSF

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It sounds like Staley is building a defense around the run to make teams one dimensional, which was the formula against us last year. Works great against Arizona and the Niners.
 

RamsOfCastamere

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It sounds like Staley is building a defense around the run to make teams one dimensional, which was the formula against us last year. Works great against Arizona and the Niners.
Stop the run and force them to throw it away from Ramsey.
 

TexasRam

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You build to win your division first and the Niners and Seattle like to pound the rock.

Matthews, Brockers, Littleton and Fowler were all going to be cap casualties in my book any way you slice it.

But I Agree that the replacements so far look like run stoppers. I can’t be upset with that.
 

Ram65

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I can’t prove it, but I think Staley’s fingerprints are all over these FA moves on D (and non-moves).
Stop the run and force them to throw it away from Ramsey.
You build to win your division first and the Niners and Seattle like to pound the rock.

Matthews, Brockers, Littleton and Fowler were all going to be cap casualties in my book any way you slice it.

But I Agree that the replacements so far look like run stoppers. I can’t be upset with that.

It seems like a combination of Staley and competing within the division. The two new additions come from the black and blue division one from his old team the Bears and one from division opponent the Lions. Staley knows them both. McVay's Rams played against both in the last two years as well so he knows them too. Floyd and Robinson are good against the run which the Whiners, Hags and Cardinals all do well. Coaches seem to go with players they know. Both play well against the division strengths and fit roster needs. He seems to be like McVay trying to get the best out of each player.

Here is talking about Floyd when they were with the Bears.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUcyme_Teu8
 

rdlkgliders

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You build to win your division first and the Niners and Seattle like to pound the rock.

Matthews, Brockers, Littleton and Fowler were all going to be cap casualties in my book any way you slice it.

But I Agree that the replacements so far look like run stoppers. I can’t be upset with that.
Exactly........Even Fisher knew this
 

Elmgrovegnome

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Fowler had great backside pursuit. He is a good run defender, but everyone wants pass rush first from the outside. Of the four that are gone, he is the only one that I didn't consider a run defense liability
 

FrantikRam

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I hope not.

This needs to be McVays defense with Staley's input. And I was a huge fan of Fowler, CL and NRC - but after watching them get destroyed by the Seahawks, Cowboys and Bucs, I have no problem with him saying bye to those guys.