Mark Barron very impressive in new defense role

There was a lot to be happy about when you think about the St. Louis Rams victory over the Cleveland Browns this past Sunday. Todd Gurley ran for over 125 yards for the third straight game, Aaron Donald looked as good as he ever has, and William Hayes played his absolute tail off. There was one person that stood out over everybody else, and that person is Mark Barron.

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With the injury of Alec Ogeltree and Jo-Lonn Dunbar being inactive for Sunday’s game, Barron had a huge role to fill and he did it better than anyone could’ve expected. Everyone was excited to see what Barron could bring to the OLB position and not only did he flourish at it, but he also was so great that the Rams decided to cut Jo-Lonn Dunbar the next day.

Gregg Williams is one of the most creative defensive coordinators in the NFL and there’s no doubt about that. When he suggested the idea of putting Barron at OLB a lot of people didn’t know what to think of it. It just comes to show you that you can never underestimate the talent of some NFL players. Remember, the Rams traded for Barron last year and as of right now it looks like a steal in the making. Mark Barron has been nothing but a great asset to the Rams already loaded defense.

Oct 25, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin (11) fumbles after being hit by St. Louis Rams strong safety Mark Barron (26) and strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Cleveland 24-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

During the game it was said that Barron recorded 16 tackles, but after review of the coaches tape, Barron actually accounted for 19 tackles. According to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, that was the most tackles by a Ram since London Fletcher had 21 in 2001. Just think of all the great linebackers the Rams have had and nobody except London Fletcher have had more tackles than Barron had on Sunday.

Last season Barron had only 23 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 pass defended in 9 games for the Rams. He was playing in a back up role for majority of his time in St. Louis, but this year he is getting a lot of playing time and he is making the most of it. Already through 6 games, Barron has 39 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 pass defended. You can see just by having Barron on the field more he can elevate the Rams defense. He gets to the ball and he is a stuffer at the point of attack. You could make the argument that he is the Rams best finisher on the defense.

The Rams traded for Barron in 2014 when they were just a disappointing 2-5. Ever since then they have been reaping the benefits of his great talents. Whether he is playing as an in the box safety or playing Linebacker in Gregg William’s multiple look defense, he has been nothing but exceptional. Expect his production to just get better and better as the season goes on. The Rams may have found someone they can keep around as time goes on. Barron is a free agent after this year, but if he keeps playing like this, expect the Rams try everything in their power to keep him for more years to come.

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