Rams young defense is taking a novel approach to creating turnovers

The Los Angeles Rams wanted to create a ball-hawking secondary for the 2024 NFL season. And yet, with three games in the record books, this secondary has just one interception. Even worse, that interception came at the hands of veteran DB John Johnson III, a player who has been sent to IR.

No current defensive back, or anywhere on the football field Rams player, has recorded a single interception this season. None. And yet, the Rams are doing well in terms of creating turnovers. After three games, the Rams have a net turnover factor of +1.

How can that be?

Well, for starters, you can thank the Rams rookie defensive tackle out of Florida State, Braden Fiske. He is a bloodhound when it comes to sniffing out a loose football. In three games, he has claimed two fumble recoveries.

And turnovers are always something to sit up and take notice about.

The thing is, Fiske is leading the Rams in takeaways, in fumble recoveries, and in setting the record for a Rams rookie to claim a fumble recovery in two consecutive games. That's rather impressive.

Many fans are looking for signs that justify the Rams' front office investing significant draft capital to land Jared Verse and Braden Fiske on the roster. But it's no secret; everyone in the NFL knows that the pair are expected to contribute significantly to this team in 2024.

But more importantly, it shows how ingenious and creative this defense is already becoming. Compared to other more conventional defenses, the Rams' defense is struggling across the board. The defense is dead last in terms of yards allowed. The defense is 31st out of 32 teams in terms of points allowed. This defense is 29th ranked in terms of passing yards allowed. And this defense is 30th in terms of rushing yards allowed.

None of these statistical ranking offer much in the way of hope or optimism. And yet, the Rams defense is very young;. They are learning rapidly. Best of all, they excel in areas that are not commonly tracked. This defense is putting tons of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. And one defensive tackle named Braden Fiske is leading the charge in unorthodox contributions.

While it may not be textbook, it's effective enough to have placed the Rams into position to climb back to .500.

After all, that's all you can ask of the defense and the team. Get into position to win. As always, thanks for reading.