[PARAM]

Over the first 4 games:

385.3 total yds/g
27.0 PPG
219.8 pass yds/g
7 sacks
1 Int
165.5 rush yds/g
33.3 atts/g
5.0 ypc
22/44 3rd Dn
50%
9 of 15 RZ
60%
13 TDs allowed
6 FGs allowed
(1-3)

Over the last 4 games:

335.5 total yds/g
19.8 PPG
231.5 pass yds/g
14 sacks
7 Int
104.8 rush yds/g
28.5 att/g
3.7 ypc
10 of 45 3rd Dn
22.2%
5 of 13 RZ
38.5%
8 TDs
8 FGs
(3-1)

Sure we played Detroit (7-1), Arizona (5-4), San Fran (4-4) and Chicago (4-4) the first 4 weeks.
But outside of Las Vegas (2-7), we played Green Bay (6-3), Minnesota (6-2) and Seattle (4-4 before we beat them). I'd say those two four game samples are compatible, if not better over the last four. We do need to keep it up but that is looking a lot better now than after the first 4 weeks.

The rushing yards per carry has improved a lot. The third down percentage and red zone percentage also. And certainly the sacks and picks have jumped way up. Miami is a different animal. We're not going to have 7 sacks against Tua but if we can get quick pressure we might get a pick or two. As far as stopping the run, that's going to be a huge test too. We'll need a stellar game to come away victorious but again, after the last 4 weeks that seems far more possible than after the first 4.

Go Rams!!!!

[Elvis]

JB thinking like PA:

[Dare]

This defense is playing as well as I hoped at the beginning of the season. New DC, new scheme, mostly rookies and second year players, you need to expect a shakedown period. The main thing is that they are attacking. This secondary still needs work but there is no denying that overall the defense has been night and day better than the last two years.

The fact that the Rams have built through the draft in only two years is amazing in itself. When the Rams took Verse I turned to my GF and said the Rams just drafted another Von Miller for their defense. With Verse and Young they have edge rushers that can give them the type of edge pressure they had with Miller and Fowler. Better yet they are young and will become fixtures on this team for years.

Since AD's retirement I've always contended you don't need to replace the man you need to replace the production and the threat level. With Turner and Fiske they have done that. OCs must contend with not one but now two very legitimate threats inside. With Young, Verse, Turner, Fiske and now the emergence of Hoecht this is a very good defensive front. If Speight and later Fields can lock down the ILB positions this will be an outstanding front 6 or 7.

In the secondary, Durant is still in development but he's flashing enough to show the promise. Along with Witherspoon and Williams the Rams have decent players on the boundaries. Lake and Curl are outstanding safeties, and now we must add Kinchens. IMO the surprises in the secondary are McCollough and Wallace both rookies but are playing well. You have to feel that as they gain experience they will improve even more.

IMO this defense will be a true force to be reckoned with. It's why all the Rams need to do is make the playoffs. They are capable of doing some real damage once they get in.

[ramsman34]

They just have to get the offense healthy and to where we all expect them to be as well. STs are better than they’ve been in a while. That’s a complete team in the making.

They should be peaking at just the right time. Gotta make the playoffs then see what damage they can do.

[PARAM]

Forget the record, Miami will be a huge test this week. This could be the toughest game of the stretch run. If not, then certainly one of the toughest (top 2? 3?). Gotta love these challenges, especially when they win them.