LA Rams: The return of the inside linebacker and why that’s a good thing

It was pretty clear that the overall defensive philosophy of the LA Rams defense has undergone quite a bit of upheaval over the past three seasons. Under defensive coordinators Wade Phillips, the LA Rams developed overlooked players at the inside linebacker position who would emerge as significant talent in the NFL.

When the Rams brought in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, he did not share an appreciation for the ILB role and allowed his 3-4 defense to end the season with just two healthy inside linebackers: Kenny Young and Troy Reeder. He compensated by flipping one ILB slot into an ILB/S hybrid role, which allowed his pass coverage to flex all over the place, while still offering solid defense against the run.

Return of the Jedi, er, inside linebacker

In year number three, along comes defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, and a new defensive strategy. In taking over the LA Rams defense, Morris inherited four veterans at inside linebackers with NFL starting experience in Micah Kiser, Kenny Young, Troy Reeder, and returning from Injured Reserve Travin Howard. He also welcomed back Christian Rozeboom and Derrick Moncrief from the 2020 practice squad.  But he didn’t stop there.

Part of Raheem Morris’ defense that differs from his predecessors is that he relies upon a proactive inside linebacker. So when the LA Rams stepped up to the podium with the 103rd pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, they chose inside linebacker Ernest Jones from the University of South Carolina.

Morris is a bit old school in that he uses linebackers as the pivots on the defensive to plug the running lanes as well as cover the middle of the defense on pass plays. Because he can deploy the Cover-3, he engages one CB and both safeties in protecting the deep half of the defense. That then requires the other cornerback, an outside linebacker, and an inside linebacker to cover the middle of short to intermediate routes on passing downs.

Here’s why ILB’s are better in 2021

In a quick statement? Because they are expected to share an equal load in the defensive play, that’s why the ILB’s are better in 2021. Do you think it matters? Well, it certainly seems to have resonated with the players so far.

As meh as the group seemed to be in 2020, that same group is energized and playing far more energetically and aggressively in 2021. This is the consensus from OTAs, training camp, joint practices, and one preseason game. Enough of a sample size? Arguably no. But it’s all we’ve got so far.  But will it make a difference? After all, the LA Rams were the top defense in 2020. How much better can it be in 2021?

Well, let’s tackle that question from a different angle. The LA Rams are vulnerable to a short-yardage offensive game plan without strong defensive play from the inside linebackers. The winless New York Jets executed that tactic almost flawlessly. The Green Bay Packers used a similar offensive strategy in their NFL Playoff win over the Rams. Even the LA Chargers came out of the gates pushing a short-yardage high percentage success to open the first preseason game of the season. The result? 10 minutes off the clock and a 20-minute scoring drive for the Chargers.

With a 2021 LA Rams offense focused on big plays and explosive output, the defense will most certainly face a lot more patient short-yardage offenses. The defense will need to counter that strategy. With a stronger showing this year, they are taking the right steps towards achieving that goal.