The defense

[Ramlock]

The loss of Talib was H U G E !

I think Marcus Peters is totally lost without Talib to guide him each play. Troy Hill might be our best playing corner at the moment. Marcus Peters has been a big let down in my Ram world with KC looking very smart @ the moment.

Mark Barron is still trying to get his NFL legs back working & learning his new 3 starting LB'ers. I do expect Barron to get much better as the season moves on.

Matt Longacre's Back appears to be a lurking long term issue. On top of that I just saw that DL Micheal Brockers was dealing with a shoulder injury & now has a ACL injury issue too. I sure hope thats a mistake in print

"Defensive lineman Michael Brockers has an ACL sprain."
https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL...r-Kupp-expected-to-miss-Week-7/7391539693992/

I believe it’s the AC sprain in shoulder

 

[BonifayRam]

I believe it’s the AC sprain in shoulder

I only saw that in one article The rest are going with your conclusion. Olaying with a shoulder strain for a run stopper like Brockers will be a game of pure pain for him. I sure would let Joseph-Day & Tanzel Smart get a chance to earn thier pay this week & let Brockers get some down time. Ethan Westbrooks & Franklin-Myers should get a heavy duty work day as starters too.

I gave some towards outside corner Troy Hill even though he has been burned as of late I should have also mentioned that NRC is by far the best Nickle corner in the NFL! So here ....NRC :bow: you sure deserve it. I am so happy to resigned back with us. Hang in there Talib will be back sometime late Decemeber to give you some help with Peters-Shields & Hill mistakes or poor play.alm:

I never though that our UDFA multi talented & versatile Cory Littleton would be a big time play maker. If I could get to our DC's ear I would suggest starting CL outside as an Edge Rusher with Ebukam & utilize the unhealthy Back Longacre in relief. I believe that Bryce Hager can easily handle the MLB'er post until Longacre back gets healthy & Og Okoronkwo goes active as a pass rusher later.

We might loose a little with CL not in the middle But Barron is back now, however the Rams D will gain so much more with CL's play making abilities from the edge which is badly needed.

 

[BonifayRam]

Rams aren’t getting beat, but the same can’t be said for their cornerbacks
By Rich Hammond
https://www.pe.com/2018/10/18/rams-...-the-same-cant-be-said-for-their-cornerbacks/

The Rams’ offense is known for its flashy, big-yardage plays. Unfortunately, so is the Rams’ defense, at least of late. Opponents have been moving the ball in enormous chunks.

The Rams have allowed seven pass plays of at least 40 yards. No other team has given up more this season, and three of those seven plays came in the Rams’ narrow victory over Denver last Sunday.

There’s two ways to look at that, as the Rams prepare for Sunday’s game at San Francisco. One is that big plays are regrettable blips that shouldn’t reflect upon the down-to-down effectiveness of a defense. The other reading is that, well, the Rams have given up a lot of big plays, and that’s never the plan for a defense.

“People aren’t being consistent against us, passing-game or running-game wise,” defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said before Thursday’s practice at Cal Lutheran. “We just need to not give up big plays and we will be where we want to be.”Run defense was the primary issue for the Rams last week, and they tightened that up against a strong Denver rushing attack and allowed the Broncos an average of only 3.5 yards per carry.

By nature, big plays generate the most attention, though, and the Broncos had one in three of the four quarters Sunday. Quarterback Case Keenum had completions of 43 yards (to Emmanuel Sanders), 45 yards (to Demaryius Thomas) and 41 yards (to Courtland Sutton).

The positive for the Rams is that, on the three drives during which those big plays took place, the Broncos scored a total of only six points. Also, opponents are passing for an average of 7.5 yards per pass attempt, which is right at the league average. That’s the type of consistency noted by Phillips.

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There are negatives. The Rams have allowed seven completions of 40-plus yards in six games. Last season, they allowed only six completions of 40-plus yards in 16 games. Plus, all three of the big plays against the Broncos came against Rams cornerback Troy Hill, who was a clear target.

“I trust him,” Phillips said of Hill, who has been a part-time starter for the Rams since 2016. “He has played and he has played really well at times. I think he will do better.” It’s clear, though, that the Rams are having difficulty filling the void left by cornerback Aqib Talib, who underwent ankle surgery last month and isn’t due back until shortly after Thanksgiving, at the earliest.

The Rams have had different problems. Against Minnesota, top cornerback Marcus Peters played well but fill-in Sam Shields struggled. The next week, against Seattle, Hill replaced Shields and played well, but Peters struggled. Against the Broncos, Peters rebounded and played well but Hill repeatedly got beat.

So there’s no great answer. The Rams largely have settled into a rotation in which Hill plays on first and second downs, while Shields plays third downs, and they don’t seem on the verge of a major change.

“Troy’s been in similar spots where he’s made those plays,” Coach Sean McVay said. “Going back to the Seattle game, he made a couple plays like that. He’s a great competitor. The ability to respond is what says as much as anything and we’ve got a lot of confidence in his ability to move forward this week the right way.”

Sunday’s game against San Francisco could be a chance for the pass defense to get back on track. The 49ers still seem to be adjusting to the loss of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who suffered a torn ACL three weeks ago. Still, the 49ers (1-5) have scored at least 27 points in four of their six games.

Fill-in quarterback C.J. Beathard has been solid but not spectacular, and while Beathard had a 67-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Goodwin last week at Green Bay, he also didn’t have another completion longer than 30 yards. The 49ers are considered a run-first team, which doesn’t mean the Rams’ cornerbacks can exhale.

“I know their record isn’t good, but when you look at their offense, the last two weeks they’re over 400 yards,” Phillips said. “I don’t see anything wrong with their offense, for sure. They look strong in that area and the quarterback has filled in really well.”

INJURY REPORT
McVay said receiver Josh Reynolds (hand) will play – Reynolds returned to full practice Thursday – and Phillips indicated that linebacker Matt Longacre, who left the Denver game in the first quarter with back spasms, will return.Longacre was limited on Thursday, and offensive lineman Rodger Saffold (knee) did not practice. It also was a rest day for linemen Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan.

Reynolds, presumably, is on track to play in place of receiver Cooper Kupp, who will miss the game because of a knee sprain, but McVay indicated that receiver Nick Williams could be on the active roster. Williams could be an option to take snaps in Kupp’s usual slot-receiver role.

MIXED RESULTS
Linebacker play continues to be an issue for the Rams, although a distinction needs to be drawn. The Rams have been strong inside, with Mark Barron and Cory Littleton. Phillips had high praise Thursday for Littleton, the first-year starter who is playing the Mike linebacker role for the first time in his career.

“I think he’s playing outstanding,” Phillips said. “I don’t know of any linebacker that is playing as well as he is in both areas. He’s had a lot of (pass breakups) and interceptions, things that you just don’t see from a normal linebacker. I think he’s way ahead of the league in pass coverage.”
Outside linebacker is a different matter. The Rams have generated some pass-rush pressure from the outside but fewer sacks than expected, and now Longacre’s 2017 back problems seem to be flaring again.

All of that could create an opportunity for rookie Ogbo Okoronkwo, who has returned to practice after offseason foot surgery. The Rams have until the end of this month to decide whether to return Okoronkwo to the active roster or put him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Given that Okoronkwo’s strength is pass rushing, it seems plausible that he could get a look when he returns to game shape, which could take another week or two.“We feel like our teaching progression is good enough that we can put a young player or old player in there,” Phillips said. “If he’s good enough and ready to play, then he’s going to play.

 

[Prime Time]

View: https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1053127850478448641

 

[Ram65]

The run defense was great against the Broncos. Keenum didn't have a great game but, did hit on the bombs. Like Wade said they have to stop the big plays. getting more pressure but, can use a little more.

Sounds like they will be ready for the Whiners!! Go Rams!!!!

 

[Merlin]

The run defense was great against the Broncos. Keenum didn't have a great game but, did hit on the bombs. Like Wade said they have to stop the big plays. getting more pressure but, can use a little more.

Sounds like they will be ready for the Whiners!! Go Rams!!!!

Sure would be nice to see our secondary have a good game. I'd say they're due, but, uh, yeah, my rationale is gonna have to be maybe the CBs are solid and the safeties get it together. We do have talent at safety, but the inconsistencies across the board are effin killin me. It's really hard to watch this defense man, the run defense looking better is a good sign but damn it's hard to see us make every offense look better than they should.

I love offensive football, but have to admit defense is the one side of the field I hate to see suffer the most. I can't stand watching other teams rack it up against us, even in a shootout it irritates the F out of me. So in that way maybe I have a lot in common with Mr. Fisher lmao.

 

[Merlin]

Oh and btw... If you have George Kittle in fantasy play him. Shanny does a good job ensuring he's utilized and I think he's going to matchup well vs our defense all day.

 

[-X-]

Oh and btw... If you have George Kittle in fantasy play him. Shanny does a good job ensuring he's utilized and I think he's going to matchup well vs our defense all day.

He would be literally the first TE to score on the Rams this year if he does.

 

[Merlin]

He would be literally the first TE to score on the Rams this year if he does.

Interesting stat. Guess offenses have been distracted by how easy it is to beat Shields, Hill and Peters.

 

[wolfdogg]

Oh and btw... If you have George Kittle in fantasy play him. Shanny does a good job ensuring he's utilized and I think he's going to matchup well vs our defense all day.

Starting a fantasy player against the rams is the dirty shameful act you do in secret. We certainly don't recommend starting the enemy in public (especially the niners!).

I guess what I'm saying is....BLASPHEMER!!! May you lose your matchup this week on a fluke garbage time pick 6. Now say 3 hail Mary's and watch the ram it music video 5 times as your penance.

 

[leoram]

Sorry the browns have one of the better defenses in the league and they have played some good offensive teams and held them in check mostly

I agree w CGI, I hated Williams’ defense almost as much as Haslett’s. Always gambling and the splash plays make highlights and the overall numbers look good compared to the rest of the league but when the blitzes don’t get home...and it happened way too often against both the run and the pass, bad things occurred. Also, there were always a handful of games every year where they get thoroughly outcoached. They preach aggressiveness but it comes off as thuggish and undisciplined.

Those defenses are like having a hot wife that sometimes make you feel great but every time she sleeps around...it’s just not worth it. Or to be fair, it would be like a wife with a good earning husband that has a gambling addiction. While all defenses get gashed from time to time, I will take the steady, disciplined, technique emphasizing approach every time.

 

[Dxmissile]

I agree w CGI, I hated Williams’ defense almost as much as Haslett’s. Always gambling and the splash plays make highlights and the overall numbers look good compared to the rest of the league but when the blitzes don’t get home...and it happened way too often against both the run and the pass, bad things occurred. Also, there were always a handful of games every year where they get thoroughly outcoached. They preach aggressiveness but it comes off as thuggish and undisciplined.

Those defenses are like having a hot wife that sometimes make you feel great but every time she sleeps around...it’s just not worth it. Or to be fair, it would be like a wife with a good earning husband that has a gambling addiction. While all defenses get gashed from time to time, I will take the steady, disciplined, technique emphasizing approach every time.

Or maybe it’s the players or in GW defense the offenses his team has been fielding if GW had this offense back when he was with the rams we would have won super bowls

 

[BonifayRam]

....................................I never though that our UDFA multi talented & versatile Cory Littleton would be a big time play maker. If I could get to our DC's ear I would suggest starting CL outside as an Edge Rusher with Ebukam & utilize the unhealthy Back Longacre in relief. I believe that Bryce Hager can easily handle the MLB'er post until Longacre back gets healthy & Og Okoronkwo goes active as a pass rusher later.

We might loose a little with CL not in the middle But Barron is back now, however the Rams D will gain so much more with CL's play making abilities from the edge which is badly needed.

Rams’ Cory Littleton is a defensive standout who hasn’t forgotten his special-teams roots

By Rich Hammond

https://www.pe.com/2018/10/21/rams-...-who-hasnt-forgotten-his-special-teams-roots/

https://www.therams.com/news/littleton-excelling-on-defense-and-special-teams

SANTA CLARA — The Rams waved around a few shiny defensive additions on defense during the offseason — an All-Pro lineman or cornerback here and there — and Cory Littleton quietly stood in the proverbial corner.

The Rams felt confident. They traded Alec Ogletree, their stalwart middle linebacker and team captain, because they replaced him with Littleton, a special-teams standout with the capability for more. Opposing offenses are learning a lot more about Littleton this season, and punters aren’t able to forget him either.

In his best game of a breakthrough season, Littleton recorded two sacks among his game-high 10 tackles and also blocked a punt for a safety in the Rams’ blowout victory over San Francisco.

“Cory is a baller,” Coach Sean McVay said. “He’s a guy that has done an excellent job. Everybody has noticed what an impact he’s made the last few years in special teams. He’s still doing that and then he’s playing every single snap of defense.”

Littleton now leads the Rams with 58 total tackles, which is 15 more than anyone else on the team. Only two teammates have more sacks, and Littleton has recorded two blocked punts and one interception.

It’s not just the flashy plays. Littleton’s every-down consistency and his ability to make plays from sideline to sideline were attributes that weren’t fully understood before the start of this season.

Littleton, whom the Rams signed as an undrafted free agent in 2016, had carved out a nice role of himself as a special-teams star, and he has exceeded expectations on defense. This week, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said is “way ahead of everybody in the league as far as pass coverage.”

“I appreciate that compliment,” Littleton said with a smile. “I don’t necessarily feel that way, but I want to be. Definitely it’s something that you work for every day. Whether it’s covering a person or making those sacks, whatever I can do to make a play, I try to do.”

Littleton made a big play late in the first quarter, when he sacked C.J. Beathard for an 11-yard loss, but even more impressive was what happened two plays earlier. Beathard completed a screen pass to shifty running back Raheem Mostert, but Littleton quickly closed and tackled Mostert for a 1-yard loss.



“You see the versatility he has,” McVay said, “being able to be efficient in coverage, being able to blitz. What a great job he does pursuing the run. He’s playing really at a high level right now and I couldn’t be more pleased with what Cory has done and we’re really fortunate to have him.”

THREE MORE TRIPS

Rams running back Todd Gurley had a relatively quiet day in terms of yardage, with 63 yards rushing on 15 carries, plus 23 yards receiving on 4 catches. Gurley still managed three touchdowns, to push his NFL-leading total to 14 this season.

That allowed Gurley to tie Priest Holmes for the second-most touchdowns in the first seven games of a season. Gurley came up one short of Jim Brown’s record of 15 touchdowns in his first seven games in 1958.

The Rams remain a bit inefficient in the red zone, as they had four touchdowns and three field goals in seven trips against the 49ers, but Gurley accounted for 18 red-zone points on his own.

“We do a good job of getting a lot of opportunities in the red zone,” Gurley said. “We should be able to finish better, but usually we’re making a big play and try to go fast-pace and get in the end zone real fast.”

HAPPY RETURN

Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein returned after a five-game absence because of a groin strain and had a perfect game. Zuerlein made all three of his field-goal attempts (35, 37 and 33 yards) and all four extra-point attempts and also recorded touchbacks on seven of his eight kickoffs.

“Getting Greg back was huge,” quarterback Jared Goff said. “It kind of takes a little of the uncertainty out of it, when you get inside a certain (yard-line) number with him. He’s so good.”

GOOD START

The Rams played without receiver Cooper Kupp (knee sprain), but Nick Williams, signed during the week as a fill-in slot receiver, had a solid debut. Williams was targeted on two passes and caught both of them for 17 yards. That included a nice 6-yard catch on a third-down play in the second quarter.

The Rams went on to score a touchdown on that drive and take a 22-0 lead.

“It’s impressive, him stepping in,” Goff said. “By Thursday, he knew most of the stuff he was supposed to do. I’d try to help him out and he’d be like, ‘Oh, I’ve got it.’ He had a couple big catches and the third down was really big, to extend that drive.”

 

[LARams_1963]

via Imgflip Meme Generator

 

[Prime Time]

Gotta give Ted Rath and his assistants Kudo's for their condition program.

Dumb interview but we don't get to hear much from Rath too often. Btw it looks like he's adopting the Sean McVay look, even the hair and beard, lol.


View: https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1058420978336837633

 

[Mackeyser]

Aw, it was fun.

I think Ted Rath is a very large part of our success and I really hope Kroenke opens his wallet and pays to keep this guy here.

He seems to be making his interactions with players, both more human and more data driven to get our athletes to be at the pinnacle of their potential.

 

[Merlin]

Well since we're halfway through the season now here's a look courtesy of my favorite stat site:

Scoring defense: 19.4ppg (6th in the league)
Redzone scoring percentage: 57.89% (16th)
Yards per rush: 4.8 (27th)
Yards per pass completion: 10.8 (15th)
3rd down conversion: 40.43% (20th)
Sack percentage: 7.64% (8th)
Opponent avg passer rating: 91.3 (15th)

On the plus side our scoring defense is very close to where it should be (I like to see sub-19ppg). Having them lower like in the mid to lower teens would basically almost guarantee a Super Bowl win given how good our offense is, but we're in a pretty good spot considering the loss of Talib over so many games.

If Fowler gives us just a good 3rd and long edge benefit, we will see an impact on the yards per completion, sack %, and passer rating side of things.

So obviously the run defense remains the most glaring problem, but as annoying as that is, you'll mostly see it impact things in the redzone and time of possession moreso than straight points allowed. Problem is in this particular game vs New Orleans stuffing the run will be a bit more important than usual, as if they don't it's going to mean more points given up vs an already balanced and dangerous offense.

In summary this is a defense built to play the pass, but who have struggled and probably will continue to struggle vs the pass until they get Talib back. When that happens, I do think this defense will be good enough for the Rams to have as good a chance as anyone to get that ring. If he comes back and we see a ~16ish ppg defense thereafter, boy howdy are we in business. For this game I just pray the DL shows up and has one of their best and most complete games.

 

[Prime Time]

Well since we're halfway through the season now here's a look courtesy of my favorite stat site:

Scoring defense: 19.4ppg (6th in the league)
Redzone scoring percentage: 57.89% (16th)
Yards per rush: 4.8 (27th)
Yards per pass completion: 10.8 (15th)
Sack percentage: 7.64% (8th)
Opponent avg passer rating: 91.3 (15th)

Does the stat site also break it down by quarters? It would be interesting to know how the Rams D tightens up as the game progresses especially in the 4th quarter.

 

[Merlin]

Does the stat site also break it down by quarters? It would be interesting to know how the Rams D tightens up as the game progresses especially in the 4th quarter.

Yes under Defense By Quarter. Note this is scoring only though, unfortunately.

 

[Steve808]

My .02. The "problems" we've seen with the defense are a multi pronged. But the good thing is that I can see them being fixed.

Aqib Talib getting hurt was big. Our defense seemed more stout when he was playing. Maybe it's his leadership or his ability to see things on the field that helps the defense to diagnose plays.

Our lack of a more dominant edge player (hopefully Fowler fixes that). Many plays I've see the pocket collapsed only to have the QB run towards the sideline to get rid of the ball or to make a completion. The presence of a solid edge player will result in more sacks or at least plays where the QB is running for his life and throwing the ball away.

Third, the amount of mind boggling blatant holding against the Rams that other teams have gotten away with just makes me shake my head. Even a hands to the face or a arm around the neck of a defender. This past week. a hand to the face on AD prevented a sack and resulted in a 47 yard gain for the Packers. How would our defensive stats look if even one play like this was erased each game with a proper holding call? I try to be objective and watch the Rams O-line and I don't see this as a two way street. Of course the other team doesn't have Suh and Donald.