How the LA Rams have schematically transformed their secondary

How the LA Rams have schematically transformed their secondary

The LA Rams saw problems arise during the 2020 offseason surrounding their secondary. The NFL has become a heavy passing league, and the secondary has become a harder place to find a living in the NFL as a result.  The team believed that they had all the answers at the beginning of 2019 too. But the team lost veteran CB Aqib Talib due to injury. Then, an exposed Marcus Peters proved that he wasn’t a good fit. The team retrofitted its secondary mid-season.

The Rams had to add assets in the 2020 NFL Draft, selecting defensive back Terrell Burgess in the third round, and safety Jordan Fuller in the sixth round. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey was awarded a lucrative contract as well, becoming the highest-paid player at the cornerback position. All of this was done with the hope that the secondary would become a strength for the Rams.

Assembling the pieces

The pieces that they have added are certainly talented. From Ramsey to both of the rookies (Jordan Fuller has been a monster so far this season), and between Troy Hill, John Johnson, Taylor Rapp, and Darious Williams, the Rams have found a formula that is so far working effectively and limiting opponents to under 20 points per game.

In a passing league, successful defenses need a sound secondary.  That means more than just raw talent. That means that the LA Rams need to have a plan in place to get the most out of that talent. Let’s take a couple of minutes to discuss this schematic change that the Rams have made to better utilize their secondary.