Defensive keys

**txramsfan** · #1 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

Kevin Garrett has speed to burn and will be a key factor in the Rams Nickel package. He needs to stay healthy this year, as it was unfortunate he went down in preseason last year. Wis he would have been back there in the Carolina game instead of Sehorn.

The LB corp has to step up against the run this year. I do believe that the DT's will be better and help stuff the line. It will be up to Thomas, Pisa and Polley to get nastier. Especially my boy Polley.

Either Erik Flowers or Anthony Hargrove are going to have to play way above expectations.

**txramsfan** · #2 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

C'mon people, this team was always more than 13. Anyone have any ideas for the defense?

#3 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

I have an idea.

don't abandon the cover 2.

the defense was built around that defensive scheme.

if they change the defensive scheme, the same players ( other than the D-line ) may not mesh.

just a thought.

**evil disco man** · #4 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

With Larry Marmie I hope to see more movement up front before the snap and different alignments to confuse the offense. With Lovie it was more of 'what you see is what you get.' Marmie had to use unique techniques to cover up the lack of talent in Arizona, but he'll be able to let loose a little more in St. Louis.

*Ferter* · #5 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

Getting rid of Lovie was a start. His richard simmons weight policy probably hurt the D-line more than it helped. Also, he seemed to be unwilling to stray to far from the cover2 scheme. I like the fact that Marmie has already lifted the ban on the defense having a second helping at the dinner table. I am interested in what else Marmie will bring as far as his game plan and adjustments during the game.

There is a great group of young talent in the secondary and I look for that to be a bright spot, with improved D-line play. Getting pressure on the QB will be a key. I am actually excited about the D-line. I think this could be the year that we see those guys step up and stay healthy. The LB core is solid and they should improve this season. Pisa is only going to get better. Thomas needs to stay healthy and become a force in the middle. This needs to be the year that Polly puts it all together.

*RAMMAN68* · #6 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

One big difference is Marmie has expirence as a D coordinator where Lovie was new in that role. Hopefully everyone will stay healthy and the 2nd year guys will step up. I think Hawaii-five-O will have a great year. If Marmie truns him loose to rush the passer, look out.

*radjohns* · #7 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

I thought Coady got injured early in the Panthers' game and that is why sehorn was in. Anywho, if Garrett can't transfer his speed into competent coverage skills and if groce continues to struggle- like I thought that he did last season- then I'm guessing that AW will continue to move up as the nickel man to cover the third WR. I am also guessing that Coady and Shivers will battle it out to take AW's spot at FS in these situationss. Either way, the cardinals will probably be using a lot of 3 WR sets this season, so we should get a good idea about what is going on in week one.

Robert Thomas' health will be a key to the success of this defence. I really have no clue what to think about Chillar or Newson backups (my guesses as 2 of the backups). I thought Thomas looked adequate when healthy last year, I hope to see him get better this year.

In my mind the team's success really will depend on the D-line this year. Clearly, the incompetence of this unit was a huge reason for the loss in the panther's game. Should they continue to struggle against the run then I don't have much hope for the rams making the playoffs this season.

Fisher and Butler were good enough last year, but not great. I don't have a lot of faith in their man-to-man coverage skills, mostly because of their diminutive statures, so hopefully Marmie does stay with the cover-2 scheme.

WisRamsFan · #8 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

I think last year may have had a lot to do with focus rather than ability. When the RAMS trailed or the score was close the D really played well and stepped it up. When the RAMS were clearly ahead the defense seemed to relax and expect the game to be a runaway. This allowed opposing teams to get back into the game. If our DC can keep these guys focused on the objective of playing the entire game at a high level the defense will succeed.

If the offense doesn't score 30 points a game, it's going to be up to the defense to make sure that 20 points is enough to win the game.

*MartialRAM* · #9 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by WisRamsFan

I think last year may have had a lot to do with focus rather than ability. When the RAMS trailed or the score was close the D really played well and stepped it up. When the RAMS were clearly ahead the defense seemed to relax and expect the game to be a runaway. This allowed opposing teams to get back into the game. If our DC can keep these guys focused on the objective of playing the entire game at a high level the defense will succeed.

If the offense doesn't score 30 points a game, it's going to be up to the defense to make sure that 20 points is enough to win the game.

I noticed the same thing. If we start off ahead, we usually had a rough time in the second half. I believe we have a good defense as is...they all are jelled for a couple of years now. Plus, they are interchangable up front which seemed to freak out other teams...caught them off guard...especially when the stepped up their game.

Injuries will be the key...if they are healthy...they will all do good...front to back. We had a lot of players playing while injured.

**RamWraith** · #10 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

I personally think the biggest factor will be Little. Even if he is innocent, how will he handle the stress and the media and all the distractions. He will have an up hill battle even if he is found not guilty. We need to sign another End in my opinion.

**Nick** · #11 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by RamWraith

We need to sign another End in my opinion.

I disagree. We have six defensive ends on the roster (Little, Fisher, Flowers, Moran, Hargrove, Jackson). We have to count on some combination of those six to produce for us without depending on bringing in another body. Hargrove has shown potential as a pass rusher, and both Fisher and Jackson have had some success when they've been in the game. I think that's enough to warrant not signing another end. We made a move for an additional end when we got Moran. We're set at that position now, IMO. Even if Little doesn't perform as well, after last season, he'll draw more attention and hopefully free up some of the other D-linemen to make some plays themselves.

*MartialRAM* · #12 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickSeiler

I disagree. We have six defensive ends on the roster (Little, Fisher, Flowers, Moran, Hargrove, Jackson). We have to count on some combination of those six to produce for us without depending on bringing in another body.

I agree with your disagreement. When Little was injured, those listed above (minus Little of course) came in and did a good job. I liked the way they rotated the line during the games. It kept a fresh attack throughout the game.

I also think Kennedy will have a huge impact that will allow the DEs more opportunity for single blocking and more sacks.

*vicdan* · #13 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

I think we should be fine on d-line with picket. lewis, kennedy, I think they should playe better with their comfortable weight and so do Little, Hargrove, Fisher, Flowers, Jackson and maybe Moran or other like Howard.

*sbramfan* · #14 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

I 1000% agree with the weight thing. I have always thought that Lovie's theory about speed vs. size was wrong. You should have speed on the outsides, but bulk in the middle. OLB's, DE's and CB's should have the speed, but MLB, DT's, and Safeties need to be hole stuffers and hard hitters.

I don't think our safeties played that well in the cover 2, but I don't want to see any dramatic changes in the formula. Just better execution...and less blitzing on 3rd and short when the ball is gone before you get there anyway.

If the safeties can get to the ball a little sooner, we can disguise any shortcummings at CB. The big issue will be against the run with all our young DT's and small LB's.

Anybody want Trotter at the right price? or did he get picked up already?

**AvengerRam** · #15 (**permalink**) -03-06-2004

I think the keys to the defense are as follows:

1. DT: If the big three (Pickett, Lewis, Kennedy) can all stay healthy and play to their potential, that will dictate the success of the defense. I think the prospects are good for all three, but I'm an eternal optimist.

2. DE: I expect that Little's legal troubles won't keep him off the field this year, and the rotation at Grant's old spot should be adequate. If Hargrove can develop as a rookie, even if only as a pass rush specialist, the production could be even better than before.

3. LB: The health of T3 is key here, as the backups are unproven. I do think that the depth is better than last year's, though.

4. CB: Garrett, Groce and Walton can all be contributers, as can Shivers. The starting four is solid and, if the pass rush is consistent, can be excellent.

I like the idea of a new DT with some new ideas. Marmie's philosophy regarding the weight of the DTs makes sense to me. I also like the idea of mixing in some non-Cover 2 schemes here and there.