The defense

[Prime Time]

From those #'s PT, what I get is the Rams D has better stamina and are in great condition. Kudo's to Ted Rath and his staff. Gotta play 15 min in all 4 qtrs. with no leveling off. That the Rams can finnish so well in the 4th qtr proves it.

Good point. That stamina will be tested in the thin air in Denver.

To further extrapolate on the numbers I posted above, The Rams D gave up 63 points in the first half of those games and only 35 points in the second half. And as you mentioned earlier in this thread, 0 TD's given up in the 4th quarter. That speaks to Wade Phillips ability to adjust on the fly.

 

[hotanez]

Hot... We aren't talkin about guys "losing some battles" of late. This has nothing to do with them attacking. I get it. Wade's defense attacks. We all know he likes aggressive players making plays. But when you get gashed the way our defense has been gashed, in spite of the guys we have in the middle, it starts to look like what the Sheattle OL observed: that our guys are more interested in rushing the passer and racking up sacks than doin the work vs the run.

With our defense we knew losing Talib was a big hit. We knew our LBs would be a bit of a transition year with young guys figuring it out and being a bit short in the pass rush talent department. But what we can't have is our elite DL being overrun. That has to be a strength for us for our defense to have a chance to get us where we run the table in the playoffs.

Oh and before someone swoops in with a comment on panicking... There's no panic here. Just a recognition that we need improvement pretty much across the board on defense and it has to start up front IMO.

I know you're not panicking Merlin and I understand that we need to start doing a better job at protecting our LB against the run. But these are the players we got, they either play with more pride or they will continue to keep getting hammered by the run. I'm not worried because when they've needed stops they got them. To me the biggest thing is they need to be more consistent. Teams will not stop running or doing the dink and dunk pass attack. We need to stop the big plays we gave up in Seattle. control those big plays and they won't be able to keep up with our offense. I hope to see an improvement from week to week from the defense. So far that has not happened. I will continue to hope they get better because what else can I do lol

 

[Prime Time]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/10/09/nfl-los-angeles-rams-stats-fourth-quarter-defense/

One reason for the Rams' 5-0 start? Dominating 4th quarters
By: Andrew Ortenberg

The Los Angeles Rams are one of two unbeaten teams remaining in the NFL. They’ve cruised to a 5-0 record, and before this past Sunday, had never even trailed late in a game. While there are a number of reasons the Rams haven’t lost a game, perhaps the most important is that they have absolutely dominated defensively in fourth quarters this year.

The Rams have incredibly given up just six points in the fourth quarter through five weeks: a field goal to the Chargers and a field goal to the Vikings. Much has been made of the defense’s struggles the past few weeks, but they’ve clamped down when it matters most. The Chargers, Vikings and Seahawks all threatened at various points, but the defense was able to shut everything down in the fourth each time.

The Seahawks were actually leading for most of the fourth quarter, and if the defense had allowed even a field goal during the final frame, the Rams likely would’ve lost the game.

Per Pro Football Reference, the Rams are allowing just 7.5 yards per pass attempt in the first three quarters, but only 5.4 yards per attempt in the fourth.

Championship teams need to have defenses that can tighten up late in the game, even when they’ve been having a bad day overall, and the Rams’ unit has shown they can do that. Against the Vikings, the defense was shredded by Kirk Cousins most of the night, but saved its best for last. The pass rush had been noticeably absent all game until John Franklin-Myers came up with a game-sealing strip sack when the Vikings were driving and looking like they might tie the game.

When the Seahawks were driving with less than four minutes left in Sunday’s game, this time it was Cory Littleton who stepped up. With the Seahawks facing a second-and-23 from the Rams’ 45-yard line, Littleton elevated and deflected a Russell Wilson pass at the line of scrimmage. On the next play, Littleton chased Wilson out of the pocket and forced him to throw the ball away, bringing up a fourth-and-long to get the Rams the ball back.

The bottom line:
Fourth-quarter crunch time dominance has been a trend all season long, and one that Wade Phillips’ group will need to continue in order to mask the injuries and issues in the secondary. The Rams could’ve easily lost a couple of games by now if their fourth-quarter defense had played like it did in the first three quarters, and it’s a great sign moving forward that they’ve been able to get it done so far.

 

[RamFan503]

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on all these long range plays/tds, can i ask where joyner is when all of this is happening? if peters is gonna gamble shouldn't he have safety help up top? i don't get it.

also, remember when peters tipped up a pass and joyner rushed in with his shoulder over the receiver? wtf? he could see the ball was clearly tipped up in the air. the receiver was falling to the ground. all he had to do was dive in and catch it. why would he react the way he did on that play? is he in auto-pilot? going through the motions? i don't get it.

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Isn’t JJ our deep safety? I’m not defending Joyner for his play of late but on at least one of those deep passes where Peters got beat, it looked like JJ was ten yards short of the receiver in the middle of the field playing nobody.

Peters stuck out to me as both not playing smart and being unable to make up ground. I have to hope that is due to the leg injury. But DAMN you double down on that when you bite on the first move or hone in on the QB.

We didn’t seem to make half time adjustments and maybe that was because we were tied at the half and maybe Wade thought the shecocks had blown their wad. If so, I’m guessing he doesn’t let that repeat.

Regardless, we are 5-0 with some gimpy DBs, one LB coming off injury, and suspect to inexperienced LBs. If we can get healthy and let these LBs grow, I think we’ll be really tough to beat.

 

[hotanez]

Isn’t JJ our deep safety? I’m not defending Joyner for his play of late but on at least one of those deep passes where Peters got beat, it looked like JJ was ten yards short of the receiver in the middle of the field playing nobody.

Peters stuck out to me as both not playing smart and being unable to make up ground. I have to hope that is due to the leg injury. But DAMN you double down on that when you bite on the first move or hone in on the QB.

We didn’t seem to make half time adjustments and maybe that was because we were tied at the half and maybe Wade thought the shecocks had blown their wad. If so, I’m guessing he doesn’t let that repeat.

Regardless, we are 5-0 with some gimpy DBs, one LB coming off injury, and suspect to inexperienced LBs. If we can get healthy and let these LBs grow, I think we’ll be really tough to beat.

I also thought Longacre looked very good. Like he's getting back to where he was before the back injury. If he does that's a big boost for the defense. Than if Barron can get back to where he was last year the defense could be a lot better. I'm keeping my fingers crossed

 

[Mackeyser]

Interesting tidbit my friend and it echoes what I heard on the radio the other day form a talking head that said defenses still look to be behind offenses so far this year, usually they get up to speed faster.

Is it more sophisticated offenses or are defenses suffering from the shortened practice schedules.

The biggest issue is using some of the philosophies behind the spread offenses to really attack defenses.

Martz was groundbreaking in many ways in that he truly focused on attacking the D, much like Walsh's WCO and Don Coryell's Air Coryell.

Now, you have new HCs who understand you have at most 3 years including the need to show solid improvement within the first two or you're fired. Guys can't be Chuck Noll or Tom Landry with losing records at first before really winning.

So, they're simply playing to their player's strengths. Got a mobile QB? Work the rollouts, RPOs and read options. ONE of those is easy to sniff out, but all of them?

Also, we're in the phase where the OCs are ahead of the DCs with all the motion. The motion now isn't JUST to set up mismatches, but they're using neutral formations and then using motion to reveal the defense post-snap. It makes it MUCH harder for defenses to disguise coverages because at some point a guy could be left uncovered if the D doesn't adjust.

In the past, OCs would use formations to discern the D, but D coordinators figured out how to disguise coverages better and OCs had to evolve...and evolve they have.

I don't think it's a matter of shortened practice schedules, per se. I think the current situation harms teams with a new QB or a new coaching staff installing a new O or D, but by itself, I don't think the issue is practice.

I think the new rules and increased points of emphasis which put defenses at a tremendous disadvantage have more to do with it. So much so that several sacks weren't sacks because the defender just...let go rather than wrestle the QB to the ground and get penalized.

Defenses will catch up, probably later than is typical and the best offenses will adjust and others will really struggle.

 

[Mackeyser]

Isn’t JJ our deep safety? I’m not defending Joyner for his play of late but on at least one of those deep passes where Peters got beat, it looked like JJ was ten yards short of the receiver in the middle of the field playing nobody.

Peters stuck out to me as both not playing smart and being unable to make up ground. I have to hope that is due to the leg injury. But DAMN you double down on that when you bite on the first move or hone in on the QB.

We didn’t seem to make half time adjustments and maybe that was because we were tied at the half and maybe Wade thought the shecocks had blown their wad. If so, I’m guessing he doesn’t let that repeat.

Regardless, we are 5-0 with some gimpy DBs, one LB coming off injury, and suspect to inexperienced LBs. If we can get healthy and let these LBs grow, I think we’ll be really tough to beat.

Joyner would technically be the FS, but Wade doesn't use his safeties in the prototypical FS/SS paradigm.

Peters got exposed, but one TD wasn't a legit TD and the other, he got schemed into an untenable position.

What I love is that Peters was clearly taking ownership regardless of scheme and came on to make some critical plays late.

He's not the head case we were sold that he would be.

 

[kurtfaulk]

Isn’t JJ our deep safety? I’m not defending Joyner for his play of late but on at least one of those deep passes where Peters got beat, it looked like JJ was ten yards short of the receiver in the middle of the field playing nobody.

Peters stuck out to me as both not playing smart and being unable to make up ground. I have to hope that is due to the leg injury. But DAMN you double down on that when you bite on the first move or hone in on the QB.

We didn’t seem to make half time adjustments and maybe that was because we were tied at the half and maybe Wade thought the shecocks had blown their wad. If so, I’m guessing he doesn’t let that repeat.

Regardless, we are 5-0 with some gimpy DBs, one LB coming off injury, and suspect to inexperienced LBs. If we can get healthy and let these LBs grow, I think we’ll be really tough to beat.

I just assumed Joyner was there most of the time, especially after it was reported he said that in the cards game he was a spectator for all of it.

.

 

[Adi]

I love this defense, it's only game 6 with no preseason for most starters .

Yes we are weak at linebacker but the secondary and line are stacked with talent . Also have to remember our offense puts up 30 a game , that results in alot of snaps for the defense.

It will improve and it doesnt need to be the 85 bears for this team to win.

 

[Rabid Ram]

I’m not talking just about a single game, that’s why I included Talib and referenced Donald’s game from last season. I don’t think Littleton is in the same league as these players

While he may not be elite he has had quite a few game effecting plays in the last 2 years. Blocked punts coverage plays pressure plays hard to atleast not give him an honorable mention

 

[payote75]

how do we know if Murphy or Ray are available? has anything been reported that they are being shopped? does Wade even like either of those 2 players? Are the Rams even looking to acquire any defensive players at this time thru trade?

how do we know if Murphy or Ray are available? has anything been reported that they are being shopped? does Wade even like either of those 2 players? Are the Rams even looking to acquire any defensive players at this time thru trade?

We don't know that's why we ask for peoples thoughts/opinions who they would like who we think would fit best etc. that's what we all do so no I do not know if those two are "officially" on the table but what I do know and what others seem to know is we need at least one good/decent edge rusher to possibly complete this puzzle. What we also know is the defense has been mediocre at best so after this team invested so much in the offseason so as fans we just hope they are being proactive in maybe addressing an obvious need it's all we can do as fans. Lastly I don't know who or what Phillips wants Murphy is the guy I covet cause he is still young enough cheap enough and good enough to play all downs not a rotational piece and signed plus I figure a team like the bills could use and want a draft pick but that's conjecture on my end wishful thinking so to speak. Ray on the Broncos Phillips is actually familiar with from his days in Denver I believe. As fans we all just hope and speculate but we do have some knowledge lol and we know what we lack. If you have any thoughts or ideas on someone attainable with in reason I'd love to hear it like I said that's why I always put "thoughts????" There is a reason why the Rams were in on Mack they were balling there but they and Wade must know that an edge pressure is lacking. Mack obviously is way above what we are expecting but there are some players out there from teams dropping like flys that may be had.

 

[psxpaul]

Did anybody else see Littleton at OLB in the 4th quarter? I wonder if that's a wrinkle we see more of in passing situations.

 

[hotanez]

We don't know that's why we ask for peoples thoughts/opinions who they would like who we think would fit best etc. that's what we all do so no I do not know if those two are "officially" on the table but what I do know and what others seem to know is we need at least one good/decent edge rusher to possibly complete this puzzle. What we also know is the defense has been mediocre at best so after this team invested so much in the offseason so as fans we just hope they are being proactive in maybe addressing an obvious need it's all we can do as fans. Lastly I don't know who or what Phillips wants Murphy is the guy I covet cause he is still young enough cheap enough and good enough to play all downs not a rotational piece and signed plus I figure a team like the bills could use and want a draft pick but that's conjecture on my end wishful thinking so to speak. Ray on the Broncos Phillips is actually familiar with from his days in Denver I believe. As fans we all just hope and speculate but we do have some knowledge lol and we know what we lack. If you have any thoughts or ideas on someone attainable with in reason I'd love to hear it like I said that's why I always put "thoughts????" There is a reason why the Rams were in on Mack they were balling there but they and Wade must know that an edge pressure is lacking. Mack obviously is way above what we are expecting but there are some players out there from teams dropping like flys that may be had.

no, what I'm asking you is why Murphy. Is he on a cheap contract? Does he fit in the type of Defense we run? what does he bring to the table to improve our defense? I have no problem people throwing ideas out to discuss, most of my post are questions asking for info. Just trying to get your view on the possibility, if there is one, and why you think the player would be a good addition.
With regard to our defense needing more edge pressure I agree 100% with you. I wanted Juinor Gallette signed but The Rams decided against it.
I do have to say we disagree completely on our defense being mediocre. They have turned it up when it was most needed, the 4th quarter. The article on how well they have played in all 5 games in the 4th gives me plenty of hope they will turn it around.

 

[payote75]

no, what I'm asking you is why Murphy. Is he on a cheap contract? Does he fit in the type of Defense we run? what does he bring to the table to improve our defense? I have no problem people throwing ideas out to discuss, most of my post are questions asking for info. Just trying to get your view on the possibility, if there is one, and why you think the player would be a good addition.
With regard to our defense needing more edge pressure I agree 100% with you. I wanted Juinor Gallette signed but The Rams decided against it.
I do have to say we disagree completely on our defense being mediocre. They have turned it up when it was most needed, the 4th quarter. The article on how well they have played in all 5 games in the 4th gives me plenty of hope they will turn it around.

I gotcha.....I think I have a man crush on Murphy but yes I do believe he fits the system he gets very food edge pressure he can contain good tackler and can even do some light coverage. As far as money yea he is only 27 so young and certainly not old about 7 million a year signed for 3 years so he would solidify one edge for this so called window the Rams have and with the other edge you can tinker Obo longacre draft pick etc til you find a fit but for now I believe he would be the best get to my knowledge and let's face it buffalo is going nowhere fast I be willing to give a 5 and a 7 or even a 4th and to be honest with the extra thirds we have I'd hold out long as I could and if I had to I'd buckle on a 3rd. As far as fitting wades system I don't see why he wouldn't he is a perfect 3-4 guy but I don't know what Wade thinks but I would be all in besides Ray from the Broncos I don't know who else would have an impact at that price and age.

 

[payote75]

no, what I'm asking you is why Murphy. Is he on a cheap contract? Does he fit in the type of Defense we run? what does he bring to the table to improve our defense? I have no problem people throwing ideas out to discuss, most of my post are questions asking for info. Just trying to get your view on the possibility, if there is one, and why you think the player would be a good addition.
With regard to our defense needing more edge pressure I agree 100% with you. I wanted Juinor Gallette signed but The Rams decided against it.
I do have to say we disagree completely on our defense being mediocre. They have turned it up when it was most needed, the 4th quarter. The article on how well they have played in all 5 games in the 4th gives me plenty of hope they will turn it around.

P.S. About the Rams defense being mediocre I to have to disagree with you there yes they do come up big in the fourth but were we not scoring 33 pts a game it wouldn't be called coming up big. On paper I believe the defens should be very good excellent even with of course the glaring edge rush presence but if you look at the numbers right now this far into the season we are actually worse than mediocre our run defense is what 29th and I don't even know where the pass defense ranks. I love this team I'm ecstatic about what they can do and how they do it but I also cannot wear rose colored glasses there are issues here on defense and hopefully we do turn it around or the offense hopefully does not take days off. Remember cannot live on the edge forever even with our defense coming up big in 4th quarters what if offense turns it over in the 4th fumble etc defense may not be able to come through worse what if it rears itself Ina crucial playoff game. A lot to worry about and we can't use injury as an excuse look at the Falcons they are decimated on defense way worse than us and there offense is pretty damn good but they look like they may not even make the playoffs now. To sum it up things like this sometimes can be overcome in the regular season but in the playoffs they usually wind up catching up to you.

 

[“Turbo set!”]

The best defense is a good offense.

 

[Ramhusker]

NEWS BULLETIN


Our D is 8th in the league in scoring D (98 points)

We lead the league in points differential, a + 75. The closest to us is the Ravens at +57.

I think we are OK!!!!!!!!!!! :fighting:

 

[dang]

Did anybody else see Littleton at OLB in the 4th quarter? I wonder if that's a wrinkle we see more of in passing situations.

For the LB corp it will be tinker tinker tinker tweek tweek tweek then lock and load. So far no real EDGE Rusher but I have hopes they will be found.

 

[KCLARAM FAN]

What the hell is wrong with this defense? When they play against a journeyman QB like Sam Bradford,their defense looks pretty good.BUT for the third week in a row against a top notch quarterback,their defense is embarrassing.First Rivers makes it an interesting game at the end,then Cousins and now Wilson. They nearly blew it against an inferiour team.

 

[Prime Time]

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