How DC Chris Shula harnessed Michael Hoecht's passion for the NFL

II: Hoecht is no longer starting on the edge

There had been a strong and verbal portion of the Rams fanbase that was not opposed to Michael Hoecht contributing on the defensive side of the football. Those fans simply did not want Hoecht to be the guy who started and played more than 80 percent of the defensive snaps. And I have to admit, having seen Hoecht in a less demanding role in 2024, those fans were onto something.

Hoecht started all 17 games in 2023, and played in 962 defensive snaps. That works out to 85 percent of the defensive plays, which almost assured offensive coordinators who wanted to exploit a mismatch that Hoecht would be on the football field. Predictability was not something that worked in the Rams favor last season.

So far in 2024, Hoecht has played in all 10 games, but has been the starter in just four of those contests. And his workload has diminished, as he has suited up for just 388 defensive snaps. That works out to 59 percent of the defensive snaps in 2024. But I wouldn't consider it a demotion.

Hoecht's versatility to play either as a defensive lineman or an outside linebacker adds that bit of mystery to the defense. As such, an offensive coordinator who believes Hoecht's presence affords the opportunity for a mismatch will be deeply disappointed to find that Hoech has a hand on the turf, and that the receiver is facing DB Quentin Lake in coverage instead.

And that confusion has allowed the Rams defence to take control over coverage assignments once more.