The defense

[Ellard80]

If you're happy with the CB depth I have some shoreline real estate I can sell you in Vegas. And we're still in disagreement with Suh. We're paying that dude a lot of money to play a non-optimum role in this defense.

Yeah Brock got manhandled. And we could go on tbh, lot of blame to go around.

Anytime you are down 2-3 corners no depth in the world is going to save you.

Plus our starting corner was the one getting lit up like a Christmas tree.

 

[majrleaged]

Gotta give it up to the Hawks they brought it today.

Obviously peters isn't one hundred percent
They came with a game plan today we have to fix it

Peter's is playing undisciplined football. Nothing to do with an injury. Last week, all he had to do on Vikings 1st TD, was stay with his man deeper into the endzone and he picks it off. Insread he stops short and looks around while the ball goes over his head. This week, he is to busy looking at his teamates' assignments hoping to cherry pick an INT and letting his man score TDs.

 

[AllGasNoBrakes]

I think Wade needs to change it up on passing downs. I've been a bit disappointed with the lack of creativity. Personally, I'd like to see us alternate Suh and Donald at DE/OLB with the other playing 3-Tech on passing downs. Have Brockers, JFM, or Westbrooks at the other DT spot and have Ebukam, JFM, and Longacre alternate at the other DE/OLB spot. Basically, when we go nickel on passing downs, have a DL of:
DE/OLB: Aaron Donald or Suh
NT(0/1 Tech): Brockers or Westbrooks (with JFM mixed in on 3rd and long)
DT/DE (3 Tech): Suh or Aaron Donald
DE/OLB: Ebukam or Longacre or JFM

We've seen Suh play more and more DE/OLB in those situations, but I think Donald is even more dangerous there.

Is this a product of not having the whole unit when installing the system (AD holdout)? Or maybe wade unwilling to move pieces around unless he sees what we actually have (Barron finally back)?

Idk, I agree either way, frustrated we’re not getting more creative with the amount of talent we have. Make the offense think...

 

[Tano]

Also didn't seem like they were rotating the defensive line like usual, however, Brockers did not have his best game today as I concur also although Littleton blocked a punt and did some nice things rushing Wilson and tipping passes, he struggled against the run, whereas, Barron played really well.

Did not see much of Westbrooks today, in the 4th quarter the Rams did seem to finally figure out how to stop the run, but they seemed unprepared for the RPO style of offense the Seahawks were running even though Wilson never kept the ball.

There were a couple plays where Littleton did not cover the gap where Brockers vacated. It looked like both Brockers and Littleton went in the same direction opening a huge hole for the running back in the other direction.

Don't know if that was communication or Littleton just not reading the gap assignments correctly.

However, I do like Littletons overall play so far this season. He usually doesn't miss a tackle unlike another middle linebacker that will go nameless.

 

[fearsomefour]

I guess this should go in the vent thread, oh wait.

Um yeah, that RB is a tough SOB, he was kicking out ass all day.

The OL too.
Big holes
All day.

 

[fearsomefour]

Giving up 31 points two weeks in a row is concerning.
The LB play has been very underwhelming.
Peters is playing undisciplined.
Tackling has been subpar....the LBs in particular.
A lot of issues with the D right now.
At Denver will be tough. Never an easy place to play. Denver is struggling but has players.
It is still early in the year and the D can improve but they right now isn't complete.
That's ok.
Beating Seattle in their house was huge. It wasn't easy, but, who said winning 5 games in a row in the NFL would be easy?
The lead in the NFC West went from 1 game to 3 games. Big, big win.
I am looking forward to seeing if they can adjust and to what degree over the next two road games.

 

[Kevin]

No D, no Superbowl.

Eagles gave up 33 points and won the last SB. Just sayin...

 

[BonifayRam]

Aside from that stupid penalty on him I don't remember him having a bad play. I do remember a pass breakup or two. Granted that penalty really hurt but think he ended up with an ok game.

He didn't he ended up doing a good job overall. I was hoping someone had heard the reason why Sam Shields was replaced by Troy Hill. I posted that it was my opinion that Hill is a much better tackler than Shields. Have any ideal why Wade would insert Troy OldSchool?

 

[BonifayRam]

Rams show troubling flaws on defense in victory over Seahawks
by Rich Hammond
https://www.pe.com/2018/10/07/rams-show-troubling-flaws-on-defense-in-victory-over-seahawks/

SEATTLE – The legend had been established before the first snap. The knees of opposing quarterbacks would knock at the sight of the Rams’ defensive front. Sacks would be too plentiful to count.Perhaps something significant got overlooked in the hyperbole: Did the Rams improve their run defense?

That was an issue at times last season, and emerged again Sunday, when Seattle ran for 190 yards and consistently seemed to win battles at the line of scrimmage against the Rams’ defensive front. Chris Carson gained 116 yards on 19 carries while Mike Davis gained 68 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries.

Eventually, the Rams figured it out. They shut out the Seahawks in the fourth quarter and held them to only two first downs, allowing the Rams’ offense to rally with nine points and hold on for the victory.
“We got everything together,” lineman Michael Brockers said. “We got on the sideline, came together and just talked about how we needed to improve as a defense and do better for our offense. Our offense did a (heck) of a job today and we just wanted to step up for those guys, most importantly.”

There are some clear issues, though. After a second-week shutout of Arizona, the Rams now have allowed a total of 85 points in their last three games. A Seattle team that hadn’t scored more than 24 points in a game this season put up 31 on the Rams, who were presumed to be bulletproof just a few weeks ago.

The problems started up front, in the Seattle run game, and the Rams also had a tough time containing quarterback Russell Wilson, at least until the fourth quarter. The Seahawks seemed unimpressed.“They haven’t seen a team that’s played physical,” Seattle guard D.J. Fluker said. “They want to be pass rushers. They haven’t seen a team go out there and actually take it to them every single play.”

The game, in some ways, mirrored the previous one against Minnesota, although this week Seattle exposed the Rams’ run defense a bit more. Problems also remain in the pass-defense game. Cornerback Marcus Peters, who is playing through a calf strain, got beat in coverage several times. Seattle scored two touchdowns in the third quarter against a Rams defense that previously had shown good adjustments, and had allowed only two second-half touchdowns in their first four games.

The Rams also mirrored the Vikings game in a positive way. Last Thursday, Minnesota had the ball late in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie or win the game. Then, like Sunday, the Rams were stout.“The defense stepped up when we needed it, similar to last week,” quarterback Jared Goff said. “Same thing. They grind and grind and grind, then step up and win the game. These wins are tough on the road.”

 

[Ken]

Peter's is playing undisciplined football. Nothing to do with an injury. Last week, all he had to do on Vikings 1st TD, was stay with his man deeper into the endzone and he picks it off. Insread he stops short and looks around while the ball goes over his head. This week, he is to busy looking at his teamates' assignments hoping to cherry pick an INT and letting his man score TDs.

I put 95% of the bad D this last game on Peters. You can see why Reid was willing to trade him. He needs to stop being so seflish and do his job or he won't, and shouldn't, stay a Ram.

 

[nimite]

Someone knows why Shield played only 10 snaps?

 

[Florida_Ram]

Defense allowed ZERO 4th quarter points!!!

Play By Play Fourth Quarter

Seattle Seahawks at 14:54, (1st play from scrimmage 14:44)
1-10-SEA 13 (14:44) (Shotgun) C.Carson right tackle to SEA 31 for 18 yards (S.Ebukam, N.Robey). R18
1-10-SEA 31 (14:04) (Shotgun) R.Wilson pass incomplete deep right to N.Vannett (M.Peters).
2-10-SEA 31 (13:59) (Shotgun) M.Davis right tackle to SEA 31 for no gain (C.Littleton; M.Peters).
3-10-SEA 31 (13:14) (Shotgun) R.Wilson sacked at SEA 25 for -6 yards (N.Suh).

PENALTY on LA-N.Robey, Illegal Contact, 5 yards, enforced at SEA 31 - No Play. X19
1-10-SEA 36 (12:46) G.Fant reported in as eligible. M.Davis right tackle to SEA 35 for -1 yards (M.Barron; J.Johnson).

Timeout #1 by SEA at 11:58.

2-11-SEA 35 (11:58) (Shotgun) C.Carson left end to SEA 36 for 1 yard (T.Hill).
3-10-SEA 36 (11:16) (Shotgun) R.Wilson sacked at SEA 28 for -8 yards (N.Suh).
4-18-SEA 28 (10:41) M.Dickson punts 54 yards to LA 18, Center-T.Ott, fair catch by R.Woods.

Seattle Seahawks at 6:05, (1st play from scrimmage 5:57)
1-10-SEA 22 (5:57) (Shotgun) C.Carson left guard to SEA 24 for 2 yards (N.Suh; M.Brockers).
2-8-SEA 24 (5:19) (Shotgun) R.Wilson pass deep middle to T.Lockett to LA 32 for 44 yards (T.Hill; N.Robey). P20
1-10-LA 32 (4:28) (Shotgun) PENALTY on SEA-G.Ifedi, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at LA 32 - No Play.
1-15-LA 37 (4:27) (Shotgun) M.Davis up the middle to LA 35 for 2 yards (M.Longacre; M.Barron).
2-13-LA 35 (3:53) (Shotgun) M.Davis left tackle to LA 30 for 5 yards (T.Hill).

PENALTY on SEA-D.Fluker, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at LA 35 - No Play.

2-23-LA 45 (3:49) (Shotgun) R.Wilson pass incomplete short right to T.Lockett (C.Littleton).
3-23-LA 45 (3:45) (Shotgun) R.Wilson pass incomplete short right to T.Lockett.
4-23-LA 45 (3:38) M.Dickson punts 24 yards to LA 21, Center-T.Ott, downed by SEA-T.Ott.

0 POINTS ALLOWED BY The Rams in the 4th Quarter :yess:

 

[LesBaker]

In a way, I’ve been concerned about peaking too early... so, having some work to do doesn’t really bother me.

We might want to dominate every week, but that’s just not how the NFL is built. Everyone here watches enough football to know that.

I will say this... I watched about 60% of the Browns game yesterday... I don’t miss Greg Williams’ defense. Remember how we always seemed to allow the opposing team to convert on 3rd and long? Yep. That was a common theme yesterday in that game.

The Browns have a bunch of really fast defenders that made a difference. And they tackle well.........I'm happy with WP over GW anyway because I won't ever get past the fact that he was paying to have players hurt/injured and lied about it after being told to stop and kept doing it. It was borderline criminal.

I am looking forward to seeing if they can adjust and to what degree over the next two road games.

My feelings exactly, let's see something changed and fixed.

I put 95% of the bad D this last game on Peters. You can see why Reid was willing to trade him. He needs to stop being so seflish and do his job or he won't, and shouldn't, stay a Ram.

Actually the pass defense was overall pretty good.

 

[Merlin]

Basically, the CB depth came through today. I think we saw more of Hill today because of Shields' issues as a run defender. The biggest problem with our pass defense today was Marcus Peters. He was playing like early-career Janoris Jenkins out there. Instead of sticking to his man, he kept gambling and giving up TDs.

As for Suh, I strongly disagree with you. Wade doesn't run a typical 3-4. He doesn't want a NT who occupies space. He wants his NT to penetrate and disrupt. Suh had some inconsistencies today as a run defender, but he's been a very good player for us this year. The big issue today was Brockers. That's quite abnormal. Brockers is an animal in run defense usually, but they were gashing us through his gap today.

Re: CBs my man... I don't trust Hill. I don't trust Shields. Both are inconsistent as F. If you want to think they're good or whatever, knock yourself out.

Re: Suh... Same deal. You and I disagreed on the Rams needing a NT two years ago. We still disagree, obviously. Cheers.

 

[Rams43]

Wade’s D has allowed 85 points total in last 3 games combined. And 62 of those were in the last 2 games.

[www.espn.com]

I’m a huge Wade fan, but those numbers are unsustainable.

Only our magnificent O and a few timely ST plays have allowed the Rams to remain undefeated.

I had hoped that the 10 days off, a Peters recovery, and the return of Barron would have helped. But a crippled Seahawk team gave the Rams their biggest scare of the year.

Gulp...

 

[jacktheripper85]

Wade’s D has allowed 85 points total in last 3 games combined. And 62 of those were in the last 2 games.

[www.espn.com]


I’m a huge Wade fan, but those numbers are unsustainable.

Only our magnificent O and a few timely ST plays have allowed the Rams to remain undefeated.

I had hoped that the 10 days off, a Peters recovery, and the return of Barron would have helped. But a crippled Seahawk team gave the Rams their biggest scare of the year.

Gulp...

I think the D steps it up this week with Wade’s return to Denver. I’m sure he will have an excellent game plan and the D will want to make Wade look good in his return.

 

[RamBall]

I think the D steps it up this week with Wade’s return to Denver. I’m sure he will have an excellent game plan and the D will want to make Wade look good in his return.

Plus the fact that the Rams have beat every team that WP coached in his 40 some odd years before coming to LA.

 

[OldSchool]

Last year for the season a grand total of 3 teams averaged over 25 PPG for the season. Last year 5 teams averaged over 375 YPG for the season

This year so far there are 13 teams averaging over 25 PPG for the season. This year there are 17 teams (including the freaking Browns) averaging over 375 YPG for the season.

Eventually maybe fans will acknowledge these simple facts and calm down a bit. I'm not saying the defense couldn't be better. But a little bit of context instead of 20 threads about the sky falling and our defensive players suck would maybe be in order. Throw in the fact that Talib is out, who we planned on heavily, Peters is banged up and Barron was on his first game back and I have a feeling we'll be fine going forward.

 

[Rams43]

Last year for the season a grand total of 3 teams averaged over 25 PPG for the season. Last year 5 teams averaged over 375 YPG for the season

This year so far there are 13 teams averaging over 25 PPG for the season. This year there are 17 teams (including the freaking Browns) averaging over 375 YPG for the season.

Eventually maybe fans will acknowledge these simple facts and calm down a bit. I'm not saying the defense couldn't be better. But a little bit of context instead of 20 threads about the sky falling and our defensive players suck would maybe be in order. Throw in the fact that Talib is out, who we planned on heavily, Peters is banged up and Barron was on his first game back and I have a feeling we'll be fine going forward.

I’m not panicking, OldSchool. Not even close to it.

But I am pointing out something that should not be at all controversial.

A team that holds SB aspirations cannot continue hemorrhaging plays allowed, 1st downs, and points like the Rams gave for the last 3 games.

Heavy investments were made in this D and much is therefore expected. This D can, and must do better.

Don’t know about you, but I expected a helluva lot more out of this group. Hell, I would go so far as to say that only Littleton and Barron (one game) have really exceeded my expectations.

 

[RamsCardsJazz]

This season does have a little flavor of that in 2000, where almost all games were shootouts and the last one with the ball could win. The defense is a little better now, but since week three, not much.