Can the LA Rams secondary be playoff proofed for 2021?

The LA Rams are 4-1. But we cannot be certain whether it’s a good 4-1, or simply a deceptive 4-1. You see, the Rams have faced three winning teams so far this season, and are 2-1 against them (Arizona Cardinals – loss, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears – win). But there is an underlying current about this LA Rams team that is doing far more than unsettling fans.

It’s frustrating them to the point of anger and social media rage.

The secondary is allowing opposing teams to put up 271 yards per game through the air on them, which is no better than the 23rd best pass defense in the NFL. Yes, the team lost two key starters in Troy Hill and John Johnson III. But the team saw it coming and acted as though they had competent replacements capable of stepping up from the ranks to take over.

So far? That has not how the story has gone.

The Rams have been winning in 2021 despite the play of the defense. The run defense has been pretty much non-existent so far this year, while the pass defense has acted like a speed bump that merely slows down the opposition. In most games, that truly can be enough for the Rams’ offense. But come better competition that the team will surely face when they get to the NFL playoffs? Not so much.

The Rams had a stifling defense in 2020 paired up with an offense that could do wonderful things, but could also shoot itself in the foot. The Rams appear to have an explosive offense in 2021 paired up with a defense that can do wonderful things but can also shoot itself in the foot.