Our Run Defense Today

[Oregonram]

What do you think accounts for the improved run defense today? I’m sure there are many factors, but I will cite one aspect that I believe helped immensely...Fowler Jr. I thought he did a good job of setting the edge on his side. What say you?

 

[rdlkgliders]

Bye week and Wades adjustments

 

[OldSchool]

Bye week and Wades adjustments

And a mediocre offense without their starting RB. It was good but sustaining it is important.

 

[dang]

Well for one - LeGarrette Blount and Theo Reddick are not exactly fast or elusive runners. The edge was set pretty nicely today. I am liking what I see from Fowler but he does seem to take bad pursuit angles at times. Suh is showing some grit as well but he needs to watch the late hits on QBs. I am not at all liking what I am seeing from Joyner or Peters on run defense - their tackling skills are a liability.

 

[RamBall]

The tackling was a bit better, but still too many missed tackles. This has been the theme all season, someone will have the ball carrier behind the LOS or near the LOS and whif on the tackle. Then the next guy has to show that he can whif on a tackle better than the 1st guy did, and so on, until the runner has about 10-12 yards. Barron used to be like a missile seeking out ball carriers, now he appears to be avoiding big hits or late to get there. The DL seemed to be much more active today running down plays from behind or even getting downfield to help the LBs.

 

[ArkyRamsFan]

Unfortunately I am not sure we can take a lot away from today's game. Kerreon Johnson, their best RB by far, didn't play a down today. That negatively affected their RB rotation as neither Blount nor Riddick are the type of players to run an offense through.
We'll probably know more next week when we face the Bears with a healthy Jordan Howard and Mitch Trubisky.

Just my .02

~ArkyRamsFan~

 

[tklongball]

Barron has been a surprisingly bad tackler this year. He must be banged up.

 

[RAMpage28]

There were some mistakes with gap responsibilities today (that Blount run that he broke outside is an example), but this team has displayed that it has the ability to play the run well. Look at the Denver game, against what was the best run game in the league at the time, with two talented backs.

Today, I think Suh showed up more than usual, especially against the run, and Aaron did a good job shooting gaps and paying it off. It doesn't hurt that the Lions were down their best back and the guys they had instead of him aren't as dynamic of runners.

 

[Jacobarch]

Barron was terrible today. That dude is mailing it in. His tackling and bad angles were awful

 

[jrry32]

Our opponent is the biggest reason imo. But Suh and Donald were a lot more disruptive in the running game. That played a big role. Ebukam needs to be more consistent setting the edge. Fowler Jr. was excellent today at it. He seems to be settling in nicely. If he continues to set the edge well, that'll solve some problems. Still, we really need an ILB next to Littleton who can fill gaps. Barron used to be that guy, but he's just not playing like himself this year.

Honestly, I think I'd try Hager or Kiser next week. Ramik Wilson isn't the answer. Barron doesn't seem to be. Give somebody else a shot. I dunno. Wade sees these guys practice, so who am I to question him? I'm just frustrated with the lack of consistent play from the ILBs. And for fucks sake, Brockers, you need to wake up.

 

[Corbin]

Our opponent is the biggest reason imo. But Suh and Donald were a lot more disruptive in the running game. That played a big role. Ebukam needs to be more consistent setting the edge. Fowler Jr. was excellent today at it. He seems to be settling in nicely. If he continues to set the edge well, that'll solve some problems. Still, we really need an ILB next to Littleton who can fill gaps. Barron used to be that guy, but he's just not playing like himself this year.

Honestly, I think I'd try Hager or Kiser next week. Ramik Wilson isn't the answer. Barron doesn't seem to be. Give somebody else a shot. I dunno. Wade sees these guys practice, so who am I to question him? I'm just frustrated with the lack of consistent play from the ILBs. And for fucks sake, Brockers, you need to wake up.

Honestly IDK if I'm more disappointed in Brockers or Barron..

It's gotten horrid. Is he lawled to sleep with AD and Suh being there? Wtf is going on with him?

 

[den-the-coach]

Honestly, I think I'd try Hager or Kiser next week. Ramik Wilson isn't the answer. Barron doesn't seem to be. Give somebody else a shot. I dunno. Wade sees these guys practice, so who am I to question him? I'm just frustrated with the lack of consistent play from the ILBs. And for fucks sake, Brockers, you need to wake up.

I concur here, Kiser is more of a thumper, but Hager is better in coverage, however, that is a move I would consider. Fowler had a very solid game and I knew Suh would be pumped, that horse collar call was crap and I cannot believe they did not call when it happen to Kupp, but flagged Suh, ludicrous. Overall the defense played better and hopefully that will transcend into the next couple of weeks against the Bears and Eagles.

 

[jacktheripper85]

Barron was terrible today. That dude is mailing it in. His tackling and bad angles were awful

I don’t think he’s mailing it in. The guy hasn’t participated in training camp or practiced in like 2 years. This guy is always spoken highly of within and outside the Ram’s organization. His body is obviously decimated by injuries but I guess the Rams still feel it’s worth it having him out there. I agree he looks terrible out there but I guess the coaching staff feels he’s still our best option. It is painful though watching guys run him over every week.

 

[LesBaker]

The tackling was a bit better

Today, I think Suh showed up more than usual

Both of these things are very true.

 

[Tano]

Barron was absolutely horrid out there yesterday. He missed quite a few tackles. One thing about Suh - once he gets a hold of you, he doesn't let go.

I would really like to see Kiser out there on a few first and second downs to see what he can do in the run game.

Littleton does a good job for the most part but sometimes covers the wrong gap.

Brockers has disappeared this year. I didn't hear his name called all day yesterday.

I am really wondering if the rumors about his shoulder being injured is true. He just does not look the same.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

And a mediocre offense without their starting RB. It was good but sustaining it is important.

First thing I thought when reading the title. Let’s see if it can continue. The Lions offense hasn’t been great.

 

[Mackeyser]

Barron was absolutely horrid out there yesterday. He missed quite a few tackles. One thing about Suh - once he gets a hold of you, he doesn't let go.

I would really like to see Kiser out there on a few first and second downs to see what he can do in the run game.

Littleton does a good job for the most part but sometimes covers the wrong gap.

Brockers has disappeared this year. I didn't hear his name called all day yesterday.

I am really wondering if the rumors about his shoulder being injured is true. He just does not look the same.

That would sure make a ton of sense.

We KNOW Michael Brockers and he was a stud when we were losing and he's done whatever the coaches asked of him.

Him being dinged up makes 100% more sense than all of a sudden he can't play anymore or is mailing it in.

 

[Rams43]

Great thread topic.

Couple of thoughts occur to me.

Don’t look now, but yeah, Suh had a pretty good game himself. That sure helped. Sure hope to see more of the same the rest of the way.

Barron is the only player that exceeds Joyner on my disappointment meter. I think Barron’s body is failing him and he now is but a shadow of his former self. Sad, but thereit is.

As others have suggested, I think inserting Kiser or Hager and moving Ogletree over should be strongly considered down this 4 game final stretch. I mean, what would be the downside? Barron’s hurt feelings?

Now, this may be heresy to some, but I’m gonna put it out there, anyway. Sometimes it appears that AD, in his haste to get into that backfield, actually runs himself out of the play on run D. Not uncommon on pass rushers, I know, but his great speed can be used against him on some running plays. Just sayin’.

How to improve run D from Brockers and Ebu? Man, I’m open to all suggestions.

 

[1maGoh]

As others have suggested, I think inserting Kiser or Hager and moving Ogletree over should be strongly considered down this 4 game final stretch.

If they bring him back in an effort to improve the run D, I'm going to stab myself in the eye with a fork.

 

[RamBall]

Great thread topic.

Couple of thoughts occur to me.

Don’t look now, but yeah, Suh had a pretty good game himself. That sure helped. Sure hope to see more of the same the rest of the way.

Barron is the only player that exceeds Joyner on my disappointment meter. I think Barron’s body is failing him and he now is but a shadow of his former self. Sad, but thereit is.

As others have suggested, I think inserting Kiser or Hager and moving Ogletree over should be strongly considered down this 4 game final stretch. I mean, what would be the downside? Barron’s hurt feelings?

Now, this may be heresy to some, but I’m gonna put it out there, anyway. Sometimes it appears that AD, in his haste to get into that backfield, actually runs himself out of the play on run D. Not uncommon on pass rushers, I know, but his great speed can be used against him on some running plays. Just sayin’.

How to improve run D from Brockers and Ebu? Man, I’m open to all suggestions.

I think ADs upfield moves are part of the DL working together and knowing AD will be doing this so someone, another DL or an ILB should be reading this and filling that gap. I believe Brockers said something to this effect last pre season during ADs holdout.