LA Rams: 3 Most Pleasant Surprises on LA Rams defense

S Fuller emerging early in his rookie season

Safety Jordan Fuller has only played in three of the first four games of the season due to a shoulder injury, but we will start with our man Fuller. I’ve written extensively about his fit in this defense and how he has turned out to be the missing piece of the defense. Clearly, the Rams defense missed Fuller flying around the field during their 17-9 win over the Giants, and his impact was critical following the collapse of the Rams defense against the Buffalo Bills.

Fuller has 17 tackles in his limited action. He played eight snaps against the Bills before sustaining his shoulder injury, and the Bills offense had already started scheming around him and trying to keep the ball away from him. In the previous two weeks, Fuller had played all but one snap.

What has worked for the Rams and Fuller

Fuller is a bigger-bodied defensive back, listed at 6’2″ and 203 pounds. Fuller isn’t the most athletic guy (as we have talked about on this website) or the fastest defender on the field. The Rams had found the perfect use for him, using Fuller as more of a linebacker with the ability to drop into deep coverage.

Fuller’s biggest impact was adding more versatility to the secondary and their ability to mix-and-match coverage. The Rams loved the impact that he brought to the field, because of his hard-hitting style as well as his smart, reactive athleticism that allows him to make plays in space.

Fuller is questionable to return to action against the Washington Football Team this Sunday.