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

Asante Samuel role reprised

The role Jalen Ramsey may fill for the Rams could resemble the role once filled by NFL cornerback  Asante Samuel on defense. In those defenses, there was no strict role for Samuel to fill. While he was called cornerback, schemes typically allowed him to flow to the ball as a wildcard defensive back. He proved incredibly effective in that role, as in one game against the Indianapolis Colts, Samuel was able to read the eyes of Peyton Manning and pick off two passes for drive-ending changes of possession. Manning did not throw many picks, so that was just how effective that defense could play

Ramsey is an ideal defender for that type of role for the Rams. He is incredibly intelligent and can diagnose what the offenses want to do and where the quarterback is likely to throw the ball. In a rigid defensive role, he can only defend “his guy” or “his zone”. If the quarterback throws elsewhere, then his defensive skills are ineffective.

More freedom means more effective

As the Rams defense frees Ramsey, the team also gains more from him. Don’t take it from me, take it from defensive coordinator Brandon Staley himself:

"“With Jalen, what’s awesome about him is he can play anywhere. He can play outside or inside or safety. So we can move him around if we need to.I think there’s a lot more in him than he’s shown in the NFL. I mean, he’s shown himself to be one of the premier guys. But I know there’s a lot more in him for him to showcase,” Staley said. “Certainly, looking for him to provide a lot of leadership and production in that defensive backfield.” – per J.B Long’s interview of Brandon Staley"

That mutual respect signifies great things for the LA Rams defense and terrible news for opposing offenses.  Imagine a starting quarterback trying to read the LA Rams defense, and being unable to spot Jalen Ramsey as you line up under center? Unless the play is a running play, that’s enough to force a time out. Ultimately, the Rams defense wants to win long before they ever take the field. As long as DC Staley makes the offense second guess each play, the game is already won.