LA Rams stumbled into a dominating duo in 2023 NFL Draft

The LA Rams were unable to get after the opposing quarterback in a one-point loss to the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs. Of course, a comfortable Jared Goff in the pocket is an accurate pass-throwing Jared Goff, which allowed Goff to do just enough early in the game to put the Lions out to a commanding lead.

And then in the second half, the Lions were able to hold on for dear life to get a win and end their 32-year playoff win drought. While the fans of the Detroit Lions were thrilled with the results, hopeful Rams fans must be content to appear in the 2024 NFL Playoffs, all the while diagnosing what the team and players may have done differently to secure a win.

The Rams run a 3-4 base defense, and as such are rushing three or four pass rushers at the quarterback on any given play. But the Lions were prepared for the Rams pass rush, and committed two or three offensive linemen to contain (literally) the Rams All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald. The remaining two or three pass rushers were handled by one-on-one blocking.

That performance of just three sacks against Jared Goff has many Rams fans crying for edge rushers to be placed as the highest priority in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. But was it bad performances by the LA Rams defenders? Or was their performance simply a matter of poor play calling?

By the end of the game, the Rams did sack QB Jared Goff three times, twice by a blitzing inside linebacker Ernest Jones. The third sack was split between OLB Michael Hoecht and NT Kobie Turner. It did not seem to be enough to secure the win. But what if I dared to suggest that the LA Rams already have help on the way?

Would you believe me?