LA Rams Fox and the Hound showcase talented secondary

The LA Rams secondary is loaded with talent. But the instant chemistry between Jalen Ramsey and John Johnson III spells trouble for the rest of the NFL

Once upon a time, LA Rams safety John Johnson III and Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey were fierce competitors. Two great competitors, two talented defenses, but two different teams.  They did not play in the same defense yet.  While the Rams traded for Ramsey halfway through 2019, Johnson’s season was already over, thanks to an ill-timed injury.

Jalen Ramsey is a smart and gifted defensive back. Deceptively good, he can bait the opposing quarterback into throwing the errant pass by laying back, and then tracking the ball into his arms.  He plays savvy football, much like a fox. John Johnson III plays a bit differently. He is a bit of a ball hound, staying close and wrestling the ball out of the hands of receivers. He gets the scent of the receiver and stays on him, much like a hound.

Instant chemistry

The fox and the hound have never played on the same defense together.  The NFL is in for one helluva treat this year. If you recall the story, the friendship of the Fox and the Hound formed an indomitable bond. Right now, Ramsey and Johnson are striking up an incredible amount of instant chemistry for the Rams secondary. Complimentary talents, mutual respect.

There is a lot of questions about the LA Rams defense, and there are too few answers. We’ll talk about schemes in the future. What is critical now is for veterans to seize the play by play oversight for the defense. Two players who check the Rams defense pre-snap is a huge resource for the team.

Call plays, clear confusion

While linebackers typically call the defense, the system implemented by new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley needs secondary oversight. The keys to his defense, disguised coverage, is rather complex. Add to that the inexperience of the Rams at the interior linebacker position this year.  It makes sense to have multiple eyes and ears navigating the defense.

While Ramsey will play the Fox, moving inside and outside to thwart the opponent’s biggest threat, Johnson will slide in and out of the box to help stop the run, as well as cover center field. Big plays plus big hits.  Right now, there is no footage of this pair on the field, so no offense can truly prepare.

More the merrier

If the NFL had just two defensive backs, that would be the end of it. But the team has two starting-caliber cornerbacks on the roster in Darious Williams and Troy Hill. And with starting safety Taylor Rapp temporarily sidelined with a minor knee injury, the team is getting plenty of repetitions for Mike Scott, Terrell Burgess, and Jordan Fuller.

How are the Rams working in so many defensive backs? Simply stated, the team is rapidly rotating defensive backs in drills and practices. That puts a lot of reps up and down the secondary depth chart.  This team will be ready to play defense when the time comes to line up for game one. Yes, the Rams defense will confuse offenses. But their own players will be fine. You can thank the Fox and the Hound for that.