4 New Year's resolutions Rams defense must make to shake off recent doldrums

The 11-5 Los Angeles Rams have been resilient this season. While not getting credit for doing so, this team has competed for much of the season without its starting right tackle, tight end, and at least one key defensive back. Of late, injuries have also claimed the starting right guard, left tackle, and wide receiver as well.

But this is a new year, which means new goals, new strategies, and new opportunities. We've set some new goals for the LA offense. Now it's time to repeat the same exercise for a struggling defense. After all, multiple NFL experts continue to endorse this team as one of the most dangerous NFL playoff competitors.

But theory is never the same as trial. This team that has ridden waves of success into the playoffs in years past, only to fall short, is struggling at the season's finish line. Without versatile defensive back Quentin Lake, this defense has become incredibly generous to opposing offenses. So, how can Chris Shule restore the Scrooge in his defense?

Here are four steps to do exactly that.

4 New Year's resolutions defense to shake off recent doldrums

4. Find an effective secondary, and stick with it

The defense has trialed seven cornerbacks and five safeties this season. In Weeks 16 and 17, the secondary has played seven different cornerbacks and three safeties. There is just one more game to be played this season, and the defense is still experimenting with the right secondary configuration.

That's quite alarming.

Ahkello Witherspoon did not play in Weeks 15 and 16. Derion Kendrick has played just five snaps. Roger McCreary has played 11 snaps. Darious Williams did not play in Week 17. See the problem? If this secondary is to improve, putting the same group of defenders on the field in consecutive games is vital.

3. Put pressure on opposing quarterbacks

Once one of the most proficient pass rushes, LA has slowly fallen to the 10th most effective pass rush. The problem is that the secondary was built to be only as effective as the pass rush allows. That is, this defense is designed to hurry throws and then pick off errant passes. The defense has failed to deliver a dangerous pass rush, allowing quarterbacks to find their receivers.

Worse, the need to amplify pressure on the quarterback has forced the defense to commit to shutting down the pass, allowing running backs to run roughshod over it.

This defense needs to pressure opposing quarterbacks to be effective.

2. Stuff the run

Oh boy, so how can the defense pressure quarterbacks and still stuff the run? To be honest, it didn't seem to be enigmatic earlier in the season. But here we are, with one more game left in the season, and facing the impossible task of addressing two opposed tasks. Stuffing the run requires physicality and the ability to shed blockers.

But that hasn't been the case of late.

Perhaps LA needs to tweak its rotations. Perhaps Nate Landman is a bit less hungry after signing an impressive extension. Whatever the case, the run defense is in shambles. That's going to be very problematic in the postseason.

Of course, making tackles could help dramatically.

1. Start making tackles again

The defense had been tackling like heat-seeking missiles earlier this season. Now, the team is struggling to wrap up ball carries. Is it a mindset? Or is there something fundamentally flawed with tackling techniques? Whatever the reason, that has to be corrected instantly.

Any defense that struggles with missed tackles is only going to dig a hole for itself. A lack of tackling forces the defense to remain on the field, gives the offense greater chances of scoring, and leads to fatigue that amplifies the problem. So the best way to fix the problem is to make tackles. Curiously, the defense was very adept at tackling earlier this year.

How is it that it is no longer the case now?

Four tasks the defense proved capable of performing early in the season should not be too difficult to master now. But it will make all the difference in the world in the postseason.

As always, thanks for reading.