Rams' GM expects dominant defense
By Nate Latsch
http://www.scout.com/nfl/rams/story/1568499-rams-gm-expects-dominant-defense
ST. LOUIS — Rams general manager Les Snead met with the media on Thursday, on the day before the start of training camp, and spoke with reporters about a variety of topics for 45 minutes.
Among the subjects was the Rams’ defense, which finished in the middle of the pack statistically but returns all 11 starters, many of their key backups and added two free agents in Akeem Ayers and Nick Fairley.
What is Snead’s level of expectation for this defense and can they be dominant?
“You expect that,” the general manager said. “They did a heck of a job last year when they tipped and turned and got to gel and it was fun to watch. The goal is to carry that over into this year and sooner rather than later.”
Snead was asked if he has seen a situation like the Rams have this season with all 11 starters returning as well as many key reserves.
“I don’t know if I’ve been around a defense like this one,” he said. “I think way back in ’98 (with the Atlanta Falcons), our Super Bowl (year), I think our defense actually played really well. Rich Brooks was actually d-coordinator. I don’t know where it ranked, but it was not as gifted as this one. This one is pretty stout. It’s going to be fun to watch.
“Our division, those are heavyweight fights. It’s not the welterweights. There’s good and bad. As a competitor you like like it. As a fan you love it. The negative is, boy, it’s a heavyweight fight.”
The Rams went 6-10 in 2014, but the play of the defense was one of the bright spots.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ group finished 14th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (110.3), 17th in points allowed (22.1) and total yards allowed (351.6) and 19th in passing yards allowed (241.3).
The defense, led by the Pro Bowl pair of defensive end Robert Quinn and defensive tackle Aaron Donald, recorded shutouts against the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins and held the high-powered Denver Broncos’ offense to a season-low seven points.
The Rams are going to need a good start from their defense this season with a difficult schedule that includes four 2014 playoff teams among their first five opponents and an overhauled offense that features a new quarterback in Nick Foles and three new starters on the offensive line.
“Obviously there’s more continuity on that side of the ball, the defensive side of the ball, so early on you would love for them as we gel on offense, to be the bell cow,” Snead said. “The offense may all of a sudden, bam, at Tennessee second preseason week they are on all cylinders and you’re like, OK, we’re ahead of the game and things change. When you’re looking at it, just on paper, a blueprint, that would be the ideal scenario — the defense kind of pulls some weight as our offense gels and then once they gel let’s roll.”