Transforming LA Rams defense to 4-3 could solve these 3 nagging problems

Yes, the LA Rams lost rookie defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who has since agreed to become the new head coach of the LA Chargers. While that defection was not ideal, the fact that he is recruiting Rams linebackers’ coach Joe Barry to join him is double trouble. Not only are the LA Rams facing a roster with too few inside linebackers, and too little known about their outside linebackers, but the two best coaches on the staff to resolve the matter are gone.

Of course, events have placed the Rams back into the market of hiring a new defensive coordinator.  And the team quickly zeroed in on a popular name in Raheem Morris, who was most recently the interim head coach for the Atlanta Falcons. Now as the Rams’ new defensive coordinator, his arrival reopens the debate over the virtues of a 4-3 defense versus a 3-4 defense.

Under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have only known the 3-4 defense. That is the defense that former defensive coach Wade Phillips favored, as it was a better pass defense in his opinion. But the 3-4 brings with it very specific types of defenders. Outside linebackers need to be extremely gifted at all aspects of football. They set the edge, turn running play inwards, defend against the pass and rush the quarterback. In a 3-4, the odd front allows the defense to send a fourth pass rusher from either side and in doing so, have a better chance of getting to the quarterback.

But if the truth is told, it may be time for the LA Rams to embrace the shift to a 4-3 defense. The Rams are overflowing with a surplus of talent at defensive line, and are scrambling to fill the roster with competent linebackers. And while the Rams are still in the process of setting team needs for 2021 and filling coaching spots, the team is back to the starting point in terms of how they will address the defense. So it’s an ideal time to shift to a 4-3. In fact, there are three nagging problems that can be solved by doing so.