By The Numbers: St. Louis Rams Defense Through Week 4

Sep 30, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Robert Turbin (22) is tackled by St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) and strong safety Craig Dahl (43) during the second half at Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-US PRESSWIRE

With arguably the best secondary in the NFL, the St. Louis Rams have been able to compete in all four games primarily as a result of the outstanding play by the defense. It may be be one of the most under-appreciated units in the league, but has undoubtedly caused many-a-quarterback to stay up at night pondering how to keep the ball out of their opponents hands. The rush defense is still a concern, especially after allowing Marshawn Lynch to single-handed keep the Seahawks in the last Sunday. However, with the return of Michael Brockers and the continuing progression of the young players on the line and in the secondary, the Rams could easily turn into one of the best all-around defenses in the league by the end of the season.

1395

Total yards given up by the Rams defense so far this season, which puts them in the top half of the league in yards allowed.

541

Rushing yards allowed by the St. Louis defense, which is in the Bottom 10 of the NFL. On the other end of the spectrum, two NFC West teams, the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks, are in the Top 10 in rushing yards given up, both with under 320 yards.

100.0

Percentage of games this season where the Rams have recorded at least 1 interception. As a matter of fact, they have recorded 3 interceptions twice this year, against Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford.

31.1

Third down percentage allowed by the defense, which is the in the Bottom 5 in the NFL.

6.5

Rushing yards per carry by opposing quarterbacks in three games. Stafford did not attempt a rush in Week 1, but RGIII, Stafford, and Cutler all had positive yards scrambling against the Rams.

6

Number of players on the St. Louis Rams roster with at interception: Cortland Finnegan (3), Janoris Jenkins (1), Bradley Fletcher (1), Trumaine Johnson (1), Jo-Lonn Dunbar (1), and Rocky McIntosh (1).

6

Total sacks on the season, which is the 5th slowest total in the NFL. For comparison, Clay Matthews and J.J. Watt have 7.0 and 7.5 sacks, respectively

2

Passing touchdowns allowed by the Rams stellar secondary, which is tied for the fewest in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens. Really, the secondary has only allowed one touchdown, which was during the Washington Redskins game from Griffin to Henderson. The other touchdown could likely be pinned on Jo-Lonn Dunbar, allowing Kevin Smith to catch the pass for the go-ahead touchdown at the end of the Detroit Lions game.

1.5

Percentage of passing attempts by the opposing offense that resulted in a touchdown. On 86 completions from 133 attempts, the Rams are allowing no one into the end zone through the air.