This LA Rams run stuffer is back and he is hunting quarterbacks in 2024
By Bret Stuter
There is a lot to sort out for the LA Rams on the defensive side of the football. While the onus for new DC Chris Shula is to bolster the team's pass rush and increase the secondary's ability, there is more to the 2024 Rams Training Camp than teaching old dogs new tricks. But there is a place to reinforce and celebrate past accomplishments as well. After all, success in the NFL is not a matter of doing one thing well. Rather it is a symphony of blending success at so many things.
And not all accomplishments get equal recognition among fans.
As the team explores getting better on the defensive front at rushing opposing quarterbacks, care must be given to ensure that this team does not cannibalize it's stout run defense in the process. Veteran inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV will ensure that won't happen. But he cannot defend the run alone. That is where veteran NT Bobby Brown III steps in.
And he is amazing as stuffing the run.
Bobby Brown III's presence on the defensive line is vital in 2024. While much of Aaron Donald's ability to chase down quarterbacks will fall to teammate Kobie Turner, Brown will see far more double teams in 2024 without Donald lining up on the defensive line. So it will be up to BBIII to shed blockers, split double teams, and continue to stuff the run.
The LA Rams know that Bobby Brown II is entering the final season of his rookie contract. As such, he owes it to himself as well as to the team to deliver a more well-rounded presence as the starting nose tackle this season.
In a recent interview with The Rams.com's Stu Jackson, Brown explained that he plans to expand his run-stuffer role on this defense to include rushing the passer too.
"(I am) Just being hard on myself, being more detailed. But as far as I how feel, I do not feel no type of way. Pressure makes diamonds.
- Rams DT Bobby Brown III
I have been more of a run-stuff guy since I got to college, even though I had five sacks my last year (at Texas). Once I got here, I have not played a third down to rush the passer. So now it is just a whole different world, being able to play my game going to a different world I have not played in a while, but it is fun.
I love playing football."
Brown will get more defensive snaps this season. Whether or not that will translate into more quarterback sacks and pressure remains to be seen. More importantly, Brown will need to be durable in 2024. He has yet to fulfill a full 17-game season without the interruption of injuries or suspension. In Year 4, now would be a great time for him to be dependable.
All in all, the stage is set for a really super season out of NT Bobby Brown III. To be honest, he needs a spike in production. So far, he has successfully played the role of a supporting character quite well. But in 2024, he will need to take on the role of leading actor in this defense. Can he do it?
Stay tuned. And as always, thanks for reading.