The St. Louis Rams bring back Jo-Lonn Dunbar

By Zach White | Oct 8, 2015

The St. Louis Rams came up with a huge win Sunday on the road against the red-hot Arizona Cardinals, but it didn’t come without a cost. Starting outside linebacker Alec Ogletree went down with a broken ankle after safety T.J. McDonald rolled up on it making a tackle in the backfield. The only thing the Rams can do now is hope that they can keep up their high level of play without Ogletree.

The Rams did just this by bringing in Jo-Lonn Dunbar.

Now, what exactly is Dunbar going to bring to this Rams defense? Well, as many of you are probably aware, Dunbar is a big hitter who excels at stopping the run game. The Rams are definitely struggling in this area. The Rams are currently allowing 120 rushing yards per game. This is an area where the Rams will have to step up in order to win more games. With the addition of Dunbar, look for him to be in on first and second down. Dunbar is someone who can flow to the ball and shoot through gaps to minimize the opponents running game.

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This also helps the Rams by keeping Akeem Ayers on the field for 3rd downs or passing situations. Ayers thrives in pass rushing and by adding Dunbar the Rams will be able to keep Ayers as a specialist and be able to keep Dunbar on the field for the early downs and rushing situations.

Dunbar will also bring an additional toughness to this defense. Everyone can remember that vicious hit Dunbar put on Alex Smith in 2012. This is a picture perfect representation of just how Dunbar plays. He isn’t scared of anybody on the football field and he doesn’t back down from anybody. When you consider just how physical and tough the NFC West is in general, someone like Dunbar is someone anybody would love to have on their roster.

Dec 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws the ball as St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (58) tackles during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Dunbar is also someone who can bring in invaluable veteran leadership. This is his 8th year in the NFL and he has been through it all. Going through playoff runs with the New Orleans Saints and through the hardships and downfalls with the St. Louis Rams.

With the Rams being one of the youngest teams in the NFL yet again in 2015, someone like Dunbar can help keep the younger players out of trouble and help them keep a level head when things get serious during the latter portion of the season. This is something you can’t put a stat or measurement on, but with this team especially, I think it is something that can’t go without being noticed.

The Rams had their hands tied when Ogletree went down, but I don’t think the Rams could’ve made a better move than going out and bringing back Dunbar. Look for him to make an immediate impact and can help the Rams keep the ball rolling as they head to Green Bay this week.

Next: Rams see big jump in Week 5 Power Rankings

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