This is a SuperBowl type Defense

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Riverumbbq

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Rams defense generating plenty of accolades after 3 weeks
The Associated Press JOE REEDY (AP Sports Writer),The Associated Press 4 hours ago
201909221944710636867


Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to throw under pressure from Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)


The Los Angeles Rams receive plenty of accolades for their offense, but the defense is what really has stood out the past two games.
One week after holding New Orleans without a touchdown, the Rams put up an impressive goal-line stand late in the fourth quarter of their 20-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns Sunday night.
The Rams were backed up to their 4 and facing first-and-goal before forcing Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield to throw four straight incomplete passes .
''It was really just a great job by them. I just thought to be able to re-gather themselves,'' McVay said. ''Four straight downs and fighting through it, especially with Baker's ability to be able to extend plays, and some of the athletes that they do have. It was just incredible. It showed great mental toughness, and for them to be able to close it out was outstanding.''
The Rams are ranked third in the league in total defense and fourth against the pass after three games.
Safety Eric Weddle isn't ready to proclaim his unit as the best in the league, but it is making a strong case.
''No plays up the field, that's what we pride ourselves on. Communicate, put yourself in the right position to take away those dangerous threats, and make them work for every inch,'' he said.

WHAT'S WORKING
LB Clay Matthews has a sack in each of his first three games with the Rams. On a night when his father was inducted into the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor, Matthews recorded his first multi-sack game in two years.
It is the second time in his 11-year career that Matthews has started the season with a sack in three straight games.
The Rams were very effective in generating pressure with a four-man rush out of their dime package. Opposing teams already have a handful in trying to double-team Aaron Donald, but that also allows opportunities for Matthews and Dante Fowler Jr. to make plays.

WHAT NEEDS HELP
Finding someone besides Todd Gurley to carry the football. Malcolm Brown had only 7 yards on three carries as the Rams look to manage Gurley's carries throughout the season.
Los Angeles had only one carry over 10 yards on Sunday, only the fifth time in McVay's three seasons the Rams have been held to one or fewer double-digit gains on the ground.
''It was tough to get us into a rhythm, and it starts with me,'' said McVay of the run game. ''I keep saying it. I can't keep sitting up here and saying the same thing. I have to find a way to get it fixed and be better for our football team.''

STOCK UP
Donald had only one sack but he continues to create havoc on opposing offensive lines.
He was able to consistently beat double-teams by the Browns and pressure Mayfield. Donald was angry about a roughing-the-passer call late in the fourth quarter, but he seems to be on the cusp of having another run of sacks in coming weeks.

STOCK DOWN
Right guard Jamil Demby, starting in place of the injured Austin Blythe, was called for two false start penalties and got beaten for a sack during the second quarter.

INJURED
The Rams got out of the game without any additional significant injury. They were without tight end Tyler Higbee (bruised lung) and Blythe (ankle) for the Browns game.

KEY NUMBER
13 - Touchdown passes Jared Goff has thrown to Cooper Kupp, the most of any Rams receiver. Kupp had two TDs vs. the Browns, marking his second career game with multiple scores.

NEXT STEPS
The Rams have two games over an 11-day stretch. They host Tampa Bay on Sunday before going on the road for a Thursday night game at Seattle on Oct. 3. Los Angeles is 9-1 in September games under McVay.

 

Zodi

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It's crazy how our rush got stronger as the game went on. Browns didn't stand a chance in the 4th imo. Our rotation is sick, and that's with Obo not even seeing the field.
 

Soul Surfer

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Since we were in the Super Bowl, does that not in itself mean that this is a, "Super Bowl type defense"?

Huh? Huh? Huh?

I think so.
 

thirteen28

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I am absolutely loving this D. People can say we haven't faced any offensive juggernauts, and that's true. But in the last two weeks we have faced two teams with strong WR groups ... and ... there ... has ... been ... NOWHERE ... to throw for the opposing QB's. How many times did Mayfield have to just throw the ball away last night because nobody - not even OBJ or Stills - was open?

We have two guys that can get to the QB off the edge, we have AD (need I say more), Littleton is playing very well, and our secondary is lights out.

Yes, this is a championship caliber D. If the D can stay at this level and the O can get back to the high standards they have set over the last two years ... look out.
 

ninedeuce

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It's crazy how our rush got stronger as the game went on. Browns didn't stand a chance in the 4th imo. Our rotation is sick, and that's with Obo not even seeing the field.

Once our offense gets it going and teams need to start playing from behind, this defense can be absolutely suffocating. A couple of stops to give the ball back to the O and things can really snowball, especially in the Coliseum (3rd quarter vs. New Orleans).
 

oldnotdead

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The defense played well enough to win in the Super Bowl last year and they are better this year. It's why despite the offensive struggles, I'm very confident this is a SB caliber team this year on both sides of the ball.

I think the offense will sort it's self out as they hit the softest spot of their schedule. If they stay healthy they have every right to expect nothing less than winning that Lombardi this year.
 

PressureD41

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I want to see how we handle the Seahawks O. How do we handle Wilson srambling on 3rd downs etc. Jimmy G been very average vs. average teams so far. He's a turnover machine so far.
 

Karate61

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Rams are currently, after 3 games, Ranked as the #3 Defense!

I can't recall the defense ever being ranked that high. Maybe not since GSOT era defense?
 

JonRam99

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I want to see how we handle the Seahawks O. How do we handle Wilson srambling on 3rd downs etc. Jimmy G been very average vs. average teams so far. He's a turnover machine so far.
How do we handle Wilson scrambling on 3rd downs?? Like we ALWAYS handle him...

AD99 SMMAAAAAAAAAAASH!!!!!
 

thirteen28

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I want to see how we handle the Seahawks O. How do we handle Wilson srambling on 3rd downs etc. Jimmy G been very average vs. average teams so far. He's a turnover machine so far.

I think we'll do fine. The Rams have been dealing with Wilson since 2012. They were good at it with Fisher's defenses, and there was no dropoff with Wade. I still expect tough games with Seattle due to the divisional rivalry though.
 

PressureD41

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True, just need a consistent push from our DTs. Need to collapse the pocket better.
 

RamWoodie

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The best part is the defense hasn't peaked yet. However, more than that there's no having to cover for weaknesses. Everyone can hold their own.

I do want to see more of Ebukam, but Matthew's playing great.

I think Wade needs to play more 4 man fronts. I understand the primarily 34 defense...but there are times you need a 43 scheme.
 

FarNorth

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I want to see how we handle the Seahawks O. How do we handle Wilson srambling on 3rd downs etc. Jimmy G been very average vs. average teams so far. He's a turnover machine so far.
I predict the D will do very well against the SeaHawks. The intelligence and cohesion of the secondary should take out most of Wilson's long downfield completions. Without those big plays the Seattle O has no chance to match up against the Rams.
 

norcalramfan

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This highlight video shows no less than 5 examples of Ram players wrapping up the legs to tackle the opponent. AD is the exception and he is strong enough to take an opponent high. Not shown is the two or three excuse me tackles number 22 made during the game. Sound fundamentals, how refreshing.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MafDYFwy08s
 
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Kent
I think the 49ers are fools gold ( see what I did there). I also think that the Ravens are to an extent.

The silver lining about our loss to you guys was our defense ( even with the injuries). If we can get our offense figured out, we can win against anyone.
 

Ram65

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The defense is much improved. The communication is way better. Better tackling. No real big up the gut runs. Weddle, Mathews and Rapp have made an big impact. Brockers looks much better.

Last year's defense was a Super Bowl defense and this is a better one. It's solid right now but, not a world beater. Would like more pressure pass rusher. Let's see what they can do against better offenses. A lead helps.
 

fanotodd

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I want to see how we handle the Seahawks O. How do we handle Wilson srambling on 3rd downs etc. Jimmy G been very average vs. average teams so far. He's a turnover machine so far.

I agree on both points
1) I know that the Rams defense has always been particularly rough on wilson, but he always seems to still make a few big plays. These games are usually fierce and bruising. I expect 2 more occur those this year.
2) the 9er offense will be the best one we face up to that game. Their defensive front 7 will probably be one of the best we see all year, but you said it-- jimmy g is a turnover machine. He is prone to bad decisions.