St. Louis Rams Week 5: What to Watch

Can Ayers soften the loss of Ogletree?

Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) carries the ball as St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Akeem Ayers (56) defends during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

One very disappointing storyline out of the Arizona game was that starting linebacker Alec Ogletree would miss significant time with an ankle injury. Ogletree was playing the best ball of his young career and lead by example through the early portion of the season. Now it is Akeem Ayers’ turn to take his place.

A free-agent pickup in the offseason, Ayers has not played much this season despite being a starter. Head coach Jeff Fisher has said that the frequency of three wide sets the Rams have faced has been the culprit. But Ayers will step in to Ogletree’s role and try to soften the loss. Like Ogletree, Ayers is a very athletic linebacker. Ayers and the Rams defense will be tested all day by Green Bay’s offense. Sorry Akeem, looks like it may be a trial by fire.

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