(Photo by the Los Angeles Rams)
In 2017, the Los Angeles Rams captured their first NFC West crown since the 2003 team which included Marshall Faulk and Isaac Bruce. They are doubling down on their success with several uber-talented additions to their defense.
Under new head coach Sean McVay, the Rams’ offense exploded: Todd Gurley was phenomenal, Jared Goff flourished, and the Rams scored the most points in the league. With such a young core, the Rams are poised for long-term success. As the Seahawks crumble around Russell Wilson and the Cardinals find themselves in a transition period, a new threat looms for the Rams: Jimmy Garoppolo's San Francisco 49ers. After the 49ers signed Jimmy G to his massive contract extension, the table was set for a tough duel in the NFC West.
The Rams have responded to the new offensive threat with numerous upgrades on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind that this unit was no slouch in 2017. LA boasted the AP NFL Defensive player of the year in four-time Pro-Bowler Aaron Donald and had the 12th ranked team in terms of scoring defense. Of course, this solid core hasn’t stopped the Rams from adding an immense deal of talent. Their offseason additions have included the likes of Ndamukong Suh, Aqib Talib, and Marcus Peters. This group alone brings in an astonishing 12 Pro Bowls and 9 All-Pro nominations, which makes this one of the most significant infusions of talent on one side of the ball for any team in recent memory. The team also franchise tagged safety Lamarcus Joyner, so their only possible “hole” is the linebacker position, which the team could easily look to fill with a talented rookie from their first round pack in the upcoming 2018 draft.
Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib immediately form the best cornerback duo in the NFL, as both players have the size, speed, and technique to neutralize any threat that could come their way. Suh, for his part, will join Donald in forming the most disruptive interior defensive line in the league. Of late in his career Suh has received so much attention in passing situations that he is now perceived as more of an effective run-stuffer. However, with Donald boasting the best interior pass rush skill set of any player in the NFL, Suh should find himself in many one-on-one situations: offensive guards beware.
The combination of a dominant interior pass rush and suffocating outside corners could prove to be a lethal one for offenses around the league.
Without a doubt, the Rams have put the NFL on notice.
Comentários