[ramsww]

They tend to know more than the average fan, for sure.

And Poona isn't going to be 31. He's going to turn 30 in August. Also, shorter isn't always an issue (AD was 6'0") but a plus when it comes to leverage.

After 8 years and a whole lot of success, I tend to trust these guys a lot.

Thanks Param. Yeah, I’m not worried about the height but even Donald was limited when blocking schemes worked. Tough time knocking down passes at 5’11”. I see BBIII did not have any sacks last year so no loss there.

[/zn/]

shorter isn't always an issue (AD was 6'0") but a plus when it comes to leverage.

And Poona has long arms. That's a big part of his profile. As you point out, leverage from being 5'11" & 315 lbs, plus with long arms.

[Indrid Cold]

Some Poona factoids courtesy of Cam DaSilva at Ramswire:

Ford was PFF’s fifth-best defensive tackle in the NFL last season and third-best run stopper at his position, showing what kind of play the Rams can expect from him in 2025. He also had 25 total pressures, which is 22 more than Brown had last year.

[ramsrams]

And Poona has long arms. That's a big part of his profile. As you point out, leverage from being 5'11" & 315 lbs, plus with long arms.

Old saying about line play.

Low man wins.

Poona’s got a head start.

[HarRam]

Poona Ford is not the answer. Too small and will be buried by the Eagles' o-line. He may be better than Bobby "roller skates" Brown, but he is not the anchor we need.

[azramsfan93]

The Rams have earned my trust on identifying and coaching defensive front players.

I will trust their opinion on Poona Ford. When I read the reaction online from Charger fans it reinforces my trust - they all say we got a good one with Poona. I hope so.

I try not to be the guy that knows things definitively. Declaring that a new player is "not the answer" is a bold prediction. Maybe the Rams have place for you in their front office?

If it turns out he can't play like you claim, then - and only then - will I be disappointed.

Poona Ford is not the answer. Too small and will be buried by the Eagles' o-line. He may be better than Bobby "roller skates" Brown, but he is not the anchor we need.

[HarRam]

You're right. I do not know anything definitively. It's my opinion--based purely on my watching the Rams play, watching other teams play, reading and watching NFL news and observing what worked and what didn't work. This past season, without Aaron Donald, we were susceptible to the run and, in my estimation, weak up the middle of our defense. Philadelphia exposed us. Donald, although only 6'0'' and 290-300 lbs., was so quick, explosive and powerful that it took 2 players to handle him, sometimes three. Not only did that free up our other d-lineman, but created constant stress for the opposing o-lineman in accounting for him every down. We need someone who can take up 2 or 3 offensive lineman. There's nothing I've read or heard that says that Poona Ford is that type of player. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe he's that guy. But my gut instinct is that he's not. I hope I am wrong.

[actionjack]

Poona Ford is not the answer. Too small and will be buried by the Eagles' o-line. He may be better than Bobby "roller skates" Brown, but he is not the anchor we need.

Jason Kelce said Poona Ford was the only one who could stop the Tush Push

[Indrid Cold]

All the Barkley runs in both games were bounces to the outside. Other than a lack of penetration to stop the cut back, really had nothing to do with DL play. More to do with being in single high safety looks and having one guy (LB or S) that had to make a tackle and failed.

[HarRam]

What I saw was Hurts running off tackle for the first touchdown; Barkley running 62 yards off tackle to the right for his first touchdown and 78 yard off left tackle for his second and final touchdown.

True--no linebacker or safety help; plenty of missed tackles. But most glaring was that our defensive tackle(s) made no penetration, were pushed back a yard or two and were handled by one-on-one blocking, freeing up other o-lineman to kickout and lead block or block down.