Rams defense is getting better with every game
For openers, let's start investigating some tactics employed by the LA Rams. It's clear that unlike his predecessors, Rams new DC Chris Shula will and has used the blitz as an effective tool in his box to create pressure and limit the time quarterbacks have in the pocket. The good news is that the Rams use of blitzes have been very effective indeed:
Today Sean McVay said the defense and DC Chris Shula have "earned the right" to be more aggressive, and the stats support that.
— Wyatt Miller (@wymill07) October 28, 2024
The Rams have the league's third-highest pressure rate on blitzes (52.9%) and are tied for eighth in average pass yards allowed on those plays (5.1). pic.twitter.com/akxfEEss1t
While the team's pass rush is still underwhelming in terms of recording quarterback sacks, the team is certainly putting up some impressive performances in other noteworthy statistical categories. But perhaps most of all, this young group may have needed time to get here, but they are starting to purr like a high-performance engine:
Probably something only I find interesting, but...
— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) October 29, 2024
In descending order of snap counts from their most recent win, Rams defense by Draft position:
6th Rd
College Free Agent
4th Rd
CFA
1st Rd
3rd Rd
3rd Rd
7th Rd
CFA
2nd Rd
4th Rd
CFA
CFA
3rd Rd
CFA
CFA
CFA
6th Rd
3rd Rd
3rd Rd https://t.co/0yLYIb74X2
Of course, we urge caution when trying to read too much into NFL games. The success of the Rams defense of late coincides with the struggles of opposing offenses. Are they good? Are they statistically bad? Are they injured?
NFL Analysts are taking note
The front office invested heavily in forming a complementary and young defensive line to compete today and well into the future. While they are still getting there, the stars of the group like Jared Verse and Byron Young are starting to make some noise. Not only at putting pressure on quarterbacks. Now, finally, the group if starting to find their range and record sacks.
And at least one NFL analyst, Dan Orlovsky, is noticing:
Best young DL in football @RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/atVIpwocYk
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) October 25, 2024
But does the endorsement of an NFL analyst mean anything nowadays? At one point in time, there were only a handful of analysts that spoke to a national NFL audience. Now, every sports channel, media outlet, or even some popularized on the internet alone, has an NFL analyst spokesperson. That is not to diminish the word of Dan Orlovsky. It's simply that we need to do a bit of digging on our own to ensure that the data matches the praise.