Rams Fans United - Los Angeles Rams Fan Discussion Forum

The performance of our pass rush in two playoff games was remarkable, particularly when you compare it to the overall performance during the regular season.

Some numbers:

Total Sacks (Sacks/Game)
Regular Season: 38 (2.2/game)
Playoffs: 16 (8.0/game)

Total Pressures (Pressures/Game)
Regular Season: 134 (7.9/game)
Playoffs: 21 (10.5/game)

Pressure Rate
Regular Season: 21.4%
Playoffs: 46.3%

I don't think it was a significant scheme change that accounts for this improvement. The Rams' blitz percentage did increase in the playoffs (from 23.1% to 31.3%), but that alone would not seem to account for the massive increase in production.

Some theories:

Learning curve for a young defense/hitting its stride late.
More confidence in/better play from defensive backfield (particularly CBs).

Whatever the reason, my one piece of advice for the Rams is... don't rest on these (short term) laurels. Continue improving the CB corps! Add even more depth to the pass rush rotation!

If the Rams can maintain the type of pass rush they had in the playoffs throughout next year, they are going to be a very tough team to beat.

As I've mentioned in other posts that this defense in terms of personnel is special. I expect them not just be top 10 in the NFL but close if not inside the top 5 units. Shula and the assistant coaches have done a magnificent job of coaching up all these young players. They have the players with the exception of a dominant NT and a run thumping ILB. Their secondary is a work in progress and should take a big jump if Forbes realizes his promise and Durant finally emerges not as a guy that flashes but plays at a high level.

With the exception of a run stuffing NT and ILB this is an exceptional front 7. IMO the question this coming season is the offense needs an infusion of consistency and perhaps a shift in schematic philosophy. Not just ball control, as I have no problem with that, but to be able to score from anywhere on the field if the opportunity presents itself. If Williams was a legit 4.4 RB he'd be perfect (other than his fumbling). They lack speed at RB which has been made evident by all the runs Kyren has broken but not scored on.

The Rams have speed at WR with Whittington to legitimately and consistently threaten a secondary deep. I think we will see Sean use him to stretch the secondary so that those intermediate routes by Robinson and Nacua will break open. That will help in the run game as the secondary can't be too quick in their run support. With Wittington they have a big fast WR who is one broken tackle from scoring.

This defense has emerged as a legitimate force to be reckoned with but the Rams lack the balance on the offensive side. What I love about this defense they have shown how tough they can be to score on in the red zone. The offense has to be likewise in terms of hard to stop in the red zone. And therein lies the rub. They don't have a QB to threaten the defense with his legs with Stafford. That is why this offense struggles to score inside the red zone.

This team lacks balance. It's coming together on the defense, but it's in the work in progress on the offense. Depth at WR, upgrade RB and QB1 will go a long ways in solving the problems. That requires not just an upgrade in personnel but schematically as well. But Sean can't get to work until the QB issue is decided.

IMO the issue with the Rams isn't defense it's the lack of consistency on offense.

Before we played the Vikes in the playoffs the Lions dominated them the week before. They did a lot of Dline stunts and twists that were very effective. I think Shula saw that, and then after we pillaged the Vikes for NINE sacks, he became very aware that our young Dline guys aren't all that big, but are the very quickest one in the league. Then, we became aware of using our greatest advantage of quickness and that worked very well (seven sacks) against the Eagles huge oline, rather than trying to play in their style which got us beaten in the first game with them. From now on, I believe we've found our style and stride upfront in our very young D!!

Dare wrote:As I've mentioned in other posts that this defense in terms of personnel is special. I expect them not just be top 10 in the NFL but close if not inside the top 5 units. Shula and the assistant coaches have done a magnificent job of coaching up all these young players. They have the players with the exception of a dominant NT and a run thumping ILB. Their secondary is a work in progress and should take a big jump if Forbes realizes his promise and Durant finally emerges not as a guy that flashes but plays at a high level.

With the exception of a run stuffing NT and ILB this is an exceptional front 7. IMO the question this coming season is the offense needs an infusion of consistency and perhaps a shift in schematic philosophy. Not just ball control, as I have no problem with that, but to be able to score from anywhere on the field if the opportunity presents itself. If Williams was a legit 4.4 RB he'd be perfect (other than his fumbling). They lack speed at RB which has been made evident by all the runs Kyren has broken but not scored on.

The Rams have speed at WR with Whittington to legitimately and consistently threaten a secondary deep. I think we will see Sean use him to stretch the secondary so that those intermediate routes by Robinson and Nacua will break open. That will help in the run game as the secondary can't be too quick in their run support. With Wittington they have a big fast WR who is one broken tackle from scoring.

This defense has emerged as a legitimate force to be reckoned with but the Rams lack the balance on the offensive side. What I love about this defense they have shown how tough they can be to score on in the red zone. The offense has to be likewise in terms of hard to stop in the red zone. And therein lies the rub. They don't have a QB to threaten the defense with his legs with Stafford. That is why this offense struggles to score inside the red zone.

This team lacks balance. It's coming together on the defense, but it's in the work in progress on the offense. Depth at WR, upgrade RB and QB1 will go a long ways in solving the problems. That requires not just an upgrade in personnel but schematically as well. But Sean can't get to work until the QB issue is decided.

IMO the issue with the Rams isn't defense it's the lack of consistency on offense.

You have a very difficult time staying on topic.

Or is it deliberate?

safer wrote:Before we played the Vikes in the playoffs the Lions dominated them the week before. They did a lot of Dline stunts and twists that were very effective. I think Shula saw that, and then after we pillaged the Vikes for NINE sacks, he became very aware that our young Dline guys aren't all that big, but are the very quickest one in the league. Then, we became aware of using our greatest advantage of quickness and that worked very well (seven sacks) against the Eagles huge oline, rather than trying to play in their style which got us beaten in the first game with them. From now on, I believe we've found our style and stride upfront in our very young D!!

Good points!

The "learning curve" concept can be applied to Shula, much like it is applied to the young players. With a year under his belt, I'm excited to see what he comes up with next year!

AvengerRam wrote:You have a very difficult time staying on topic.

Or is it deliberate?

I've been enjoying just lurking here for a good while now, but just had to register and agree with you because "I've noticed that same thing for weeks and it drove me crazy not to say anything. Thanks for saying it out loud for me lol.

disclaimer ( i enjoy a lot of Dare's posts and the effort involved.)

RainalldayRam wrote:I've been enjoying just lurking here for a good while now, but just had to register and agree with you because "I've noticed that same thing for weeks and it drove me crazy not to say anything. Thanks for saying it out loud for me lol.

disclaimer ( i enjoy a lot of Dare's posts and the effort involved.)

Thanks.

And, yes... Dare does provide some good thoughts and analyses. But not every thread is about Kyren Williams' speed, the WR corps or the desire for a mobile QB.

AvengerRam wrote:You have a very difficult time staying on topic.

Or is it deliberate?

It's funny, I didn't have to read what he wrote based off your comment!!!

I don't even read or reply to his crap anymore!!!!

RainalldayRam wrote:disclaimer ( i enjoy a lot of Dare's posts and the effort involved.)

It doesn't take effort to prattle on endlessly on the same subject, regardless of the thread topic.

What takes effort is to find ways to articulate one's opinions in a concise and interesting fashion. Make your point (if you've even got one) and be done.

And welcome to the board, @RainalldayRam! Interesting sounding handle. Looking forward to your opinions.