How DB Jordan Fuller has transformed the LA Rams defense

Jordan Fuller’s impact as a deep safety

Jordan Fuller spent a lot of time as a deep safety in action against the Cowboys. The Rams played a good bit of cover two zones against the Dallas Cowboys in their Sunday Night Football home opener and played Darious Williams down low as a nickel defender. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley made the best use of the players’ talent in the opener. That’s the facts.

Let’s start with this play: this is a tremendous play by Fuller, and I’m going to explain why. Teammate Jalen Ramsey misses the tackle on Michael Gallup, and Fuller gets off of a block to make the tackle on the sideline.

Look at the amount of space that Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup has when he breaks the tackle away from cornerback Jalen Ramsey. And, you will see blockers down the field moving against the Rams defense when Fuller comes in to make the tackle. Gallup tried to use the block that he had received from his teammate. Fuller was able to get off of the block and make the play, preventing the play from exploding further and possibly going for a touchdown.

Saving the day

If he doesn’t get off of the block, there’s a very good chance that Gallup scores a touchdown. Jordan Fuller does a phenomenal job keeping this play from exploding. Dallas Cowboys rookie wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is a phenomenal talent, especially after the catch. Fuller’s tackling technique is special.

The next play here: Fuller shows just how effective he is as a tackler. As I noted in the tweet above, CeeDee Lamb is electric after the catch. His tackling form is almost flawless. He takes a low angle, leads with his shoulder, and wraps up the play right then and there. It’s beautiful to see.

Without making this tackle, there’s a very good chance Lamb goes and scores a touchdown. Look at all of the green grass around him on this play. Instead, Fuller prevents the first down, makes a solid stop, and shows that he is effective as a deep safety, reading and diagnosing the play.