LA Rams News: Who will lead the team in QB sacks?

LA Rams News: Who will lead the team in QB sacks?

The LA Rams were the fourth-ranked defense in the defensive category of quarterback sacks in 2019. The Rams used a group effort to rack up 50 sacks, just four less than the NFL leading Pittsburgh Steelers’ mark of 54.  While some individuals dropped, the Rams’ efforts were a significant improvement over the 41 recorded in 2018 and a slight improvement over the 48 sacks registered in 2017.

So why ask the question?  Well, of the Rams’ 50 sacks in 2019, 23 sacks came from players no longer on the team. Those 23 sacks from players Cory Littleton (3.5), Clay Matthews (8.0), and Dante Fowler Jr. (11.5) will need to come from other players. So who will step up in 2020?

Default AD?

Of course, the first and likely accurate guess is All-Pro Aaron Donald. After all, he’s led the team in that department since 2015. Even in 2014, his rookie season, he was a close second.  So have we given the answer away before we even get to explore the defensive roster?  I’m not as certain as I once was.  After all, if the Rams defensive philosophy is that of deception, then wouldn’t it make more sense to feature someone not named Aaron Donald in the pass rush department?

Well, it will very difficult for the Rams to pass up Donald’s ability to bring down a quarterback. After all, he’s damned good at it. But if the defense intends to work with versatility and deception, then the team cannot simply sit back and await the pressure on the QB to come from just one man.  So let’s explore who might generate some pass rush in 2020?