by FootballStL Staff
KMOV.com
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(FootballStL) -- Jo-Lonn Dunbar became one of the Rams defensive anchors last season. A unit that was looking to improve on an NFL high in sacks from a year ago, will not have Dunbar for the first four games- after his suspension for violating the league's policy against performance enhancing substances.
How will Dunbar's absence affect the Rams defense this year?
Dunbar plays a tough and intimidating style, that gives the Rams defense some bite. It was Dunbar's vicious hit on San Francisco's Alex Smith last season that put the quarterback out with a concussion. Smith's injury allowed Colin Kaepernick to guide the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
He plays strong side linebacker. Dunbar's possible replacement , Will Witherspoon, has spent most of his career on the weakside. Dunbar was durable, while playing in all 16 regular season games. The Rams are losing a starting player at a position where the team lacks significant depth.
He was very productive for the Rams last season, after piling up 113 tackles, including a team high 16 for a loss. Dunbar had 12 hits on opposing quarterbacks, 2 interceptions while playing in 98 percent of the Rams defensive snaps.
Dunbar will miss the follow games this season:
Cardinals
Falcons
Cowboys
49ers
He is eligible to return on Friday September 27th.