Is Jalen Ramsey claim of an elite LA Rams defense onto something?

3 of 4

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Synergy matters

As fans, we tend to take a more broad view of the team’s performance. If the offense fails to control the game clock, but a fatigued defense surrenders a game-winning touchdown, the fans see the problem as a defensive issue. In reality, losses are composed of a number of areas where the offense, defense, and special teams failed to meet their objectives. That’s what coaches see, if not the fans.

Is it any wonder that activating WR Brandon Powell as the return specialist for the team resulted in a 9-1 record over the last 10 games? Now, I’m not saying that the Rams should lock the guy up for a multi-year multi-million deal. I’m simply saying that the LA Rams roster is so good that a minor improvement to the team at one position can have dramatically positive results.

Brandon Powell is simply the real-time example of that effect. The return game began to rock, which helped out the offense, which helped out the defense.

Hot. LA Rams: A 5 step plan for a perfect offseason. light

Full-time defender means full-time impact

Many fans in forums and comments sections have cited the lack of an additional substantial pass rusher on the Rams’ defense as a significant concern. But how many QB sacks does a good edge rusher account for on the LA Rams defense? 10? 12? Jalen Ramsey played a total of 1,037 defensive snaps in 2021, and he missed a game.

What happens if the LA Rams upgrade elsewhere? A player who contributes for all 1,100 defensive snaps? The LA Rams benefitted from rookie Ernest Jones’s play for only a partial season. Now imagine that the Rams defense has a guy who plays 1100 defensive snaps, and puts up 150+ tackles?

We know that Aaron Donald not only puts on a great performance, but he elevates the play of his teammates. We know that Jalen Ramsey not only puts on a great performance, but his presence on the football field allows other defensive backs to focus elsewhere. So now that we have Bobby Wagner in the middle of the defense, why wouldn’t that same benefit be afforded to his teammates as well?

Home/Rams Roster