After Week 4, are the LA Rams defense really better than this?

After the LA Rams were embarrassed at home by the lopsided score of 37-20, the resounding theme after the game from coaches and players repeatedly stated that the team is better than this. But after hearing that, are they really better than their Week 4 performance?

In a word? No. They are what they do. Forget the rhetoric and any thoughts of wudda cudda shudda scenarios. Claiming that they stunk up their home field with a sub-par performance is akin to an alcoholic blaming the job, the spouse, or a bad streak on why they drink. To fix anything, you own it. You hurt from it. Then, you use that ache to intensify the actions necessary to make things better.

The Rams made decisions about their scheme, their starters, and their rotations, and to be honest, some of those decisions have panned out horrifically. Young players who show promise and athleticism are gathering moss on the bench. Starters who were anointed before the pads ever went on are clearly not performing well, yet continue to claim almost all of the playing time so far.

The Rams’ secondary is one problem, while the linebackers are another. Decisions were made about players, awarding them huge roles in the rotation, perhaps even as a starter, that appear to be errors in judgment.

Assets and liabilities

The LA Rams have chosen to start both David Long Jr and Taylor Rapp. From what they showed on the football field in Week 4? They would fall under the category of liabilities. That is, they are on the football field, but do not deliver the level of play necessary for that distinction. They reduce the overall performance of the team’s defense.

Of course, the team has other alternatives. The team selected a very athletic cornerback, Robert Rochell, in the 2021 NFL Draft. They had also selected defensive back Terrell Burgess in the 2020 NFL Draft. Both of those players are waiting for their opportunity to play. If the Rams make that happen, and they perform well, they would be considered assets.

In the end, it’s not just players who need to do better. Coaches too. Put the guys who can make a difference onto the football field. Demote the guys who are not delivering to a rotational role. Are the Rams better than their Week 4 loss illustrated? Only if the team is willing to do what it takes to improve.