Rob Ryan and Rams: Defensive rankings - NFC West Blog - ESPN

By Mike Sando

Rob Ryan's interview with the St. Louis Rams regarding their vacant defensive-coordinator position invites a look into where his defenses have ranked over the years.

The answer: not as high as I would have anticipated.

The chart shows where Ryan's defenses in Oakland (2004-2008), Cleveland (2009-2010) and Dallas (2011-2012) ranked in the NFL over his full tenures with those teams.

Rankings in any one season could have been higher or lower. These rankings take a longer-range view. The final column shows where the Rams ranked in 2012 without anyone holding the title of defensive coordinator.

Every situations was different. Producing a No. 25 ranking with lesser personnel might be more impressive than producing a No. 15 ranking with more talented personnel. Injuries played a significant role in the Cowboys' defensive struggles this season.

I'll take a closer look if the Rams hire Ryan. For now, though, the position remains open in St. Louis.

Rob Ryan NFL Rankings as Defensive Coordinator vs. 2012 Rams Rankings
Defense Raiders Browns Cowboys Rams
Seasons 2004-2008 2009-2010 2011-2012 2012
Yards per game 23 32 16 14
Points per game 29 15 18 14
Pass yards per game 6 23 21 15
Net yards per pass attempt 27 30 25 18
Interception rate 21 18 28 10
Sack rate 21 13 10 1
NFL passer rating 26 23 27 14
Total QBR N/A 19 20 17
Rush yards per game 31 28 15 15
Yard per rush attempt 22 21 21 19
First downs per game 25 31 14 23
Third down rate 29 25 21 13
Red zone rate 25 8 19 8
Goal-to-go rate 17 16 19 14
Defensive EPA 25 30 25 14
Source: ESPN Stats & Information