3 reasons to love LA Rams acquiring veteran CB Troy Hill

Reason III – He knows the defense, his teammates, and his coaches

The LA Rams’ defense has had three defensive coordinators over three years. That’s a lot of new playbooks, schemes, coverages, and defenses to master over the course of three different years. But finally, that cycle of a new year means a new defense is broken. That’s a very good thing.

For the first time since 2019, the Rams return to the same defensive coordinator, and the same defense. While the first indication is that the players will benefit from the continuity, I believe that the true benefit just occurred. The LA Rams front office now has a clearly defined image of players and skill sets necessary on this roster to ensure the plan for 2022 can succeed. And that is why the LA Rams made a very smart decision to trade for Troy Hill.

Per The Ringer’s Kaelen Jones, the LA Rams’ use of zone coverages throughout the 2021 NFL season was clocked at 68 percent, good enough for second-most zone usage in the NFL. To no surprise whatsoever, Troy Hill plays his best pass defense when he is embedded in zone coverages.

Hill and Ramsey know one another. They worked together for Wade Phillips and for Brandon Staley. Now, they will have the chance to play side by side in a defense that is as close to a custom fit for Troy Hill’s skills as possible. And it goes both ways. Hill is the perfect cornerback for this defensive scheme.

Keep in mind that the LA Rams defense is not configured as it was in 2021. But this team did not start the season with Von Miller coming off the edge, either. For that matter, nobody knows just how well this defense will play with Bobby Wagner teaming up with Ernest Jones in the heart of the defense, but we do have one point most of us agree to. The middle of the Rams’ defense will be a strength, not a weakness, in 2022.

Now, the Rams’ secondary suddenly feels ready to go. Some may not appreciate the addition of veteran Troy Hill. But give it time. Many wanted DC Raheem Morris fired after each game, and yet, he led the team, with a patched-up secondary, to a Super Bowl victory. Morris is much better than many originally believed. Troy Hill is much better than many believe him to be as well. Just sit back and enjoy the show…