“Jalen’s wild” as DC Staley deals winning hand for LA Rams D

Dictating to the offense

Of course, as soon as the Rams line up on defense overloaded to defend the pass, the offenses they face will shift to two tight-end run packages.  While that may sound like a huge challenge, here’s where this becomes fun.  Let’s walk through a scenario for the Rams defense.  Let’s say that the Rams play a 3-3-5 defensive front, and the offense goes big with a two tight-end set. The Rams then stand up Aaron Donald on the play to assume an interior linebacker role, and slide nose tackle A’Shawn Robinson out to the gap between the guard and tackle, countering as a 2-4-5 formation.

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If the offensive decides to run, they face Aaron Donald with a head of steam up the middle, plus a linebacker. If they opt to run outside, they face the down lineman, outside backer, and the inside linebacker crashing in from the inside lane. This defensive adaptability is the bread and butter of the Vic Fangio defensive philosophy.

Jalen Ramsey wildcard

NFC West offenses have had a predictable time of it when they faced the LA Rams: 3-4 base, nickel package on any obvious passing down, it was as though offenses could predict the Rams defense by the down and distance. That ability to know now the Rams planned to defend gave good offenses an upper hand when facing the Rams.  While the Rams did pick off opposing quarterbacks 13 times in 2019, the net effect for the Rams takeaways was zero. Takeaways were one of the most consistent indicators of a playoff team in 2019. How can the Rams defensive coordinator try to enhance takeaways?

Jalen Ramsey is the key to the turnover ratio. In his career, Ramsey has never had more than four interceptions in any one season.  How can the LA Rams enhance that?  Simply by redefining his coverage responsibility. Many defenses have assigned Ramsey in man coverage against the offense’s top receiver. But what if he could play an even better role on defense?