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The key to St. Louis’ defensive success can be credited to its ability to get after rookie Russell Wilson. [hil]Eleven different Rams got pressure on Wilson[/hil], who was disrupted on over half of his drop-backs. [hil]Long (+3.9 pass rush) set the tone with seven hurries on 24 pass rushes. Proving again that sacks aren’t the only statistic that matters when evaluating a pass rusher, two of Long’s hurries resulted in a sack for a teammate.[/hil] He more often than not got the better of Giacomini in a performance that forced Wilson to tuck and run, and disrupted the rookie’s rhythm.
With the loss of Scott Wells to Injured Reserve in Week 1, Robert Turner (-4.9) has had to make the transition from left guard to center. Turner managed to avoid giving up any pressure, but it was far from a good day for him. He was victimized in the run game by Brandon Mebane (+5.1 run defense) and Clinton McDonald (+1.3 run def). The duo had Turner out of position often and forced him into a pair of holding penalties.
Replacing Turner at left guard is Quinn Ojinnaka (-2.8). [hil]He gave up five QB disruptions again this week, giving him 14 in three games, an alarming amount for a guard.[/hil] The ease with which Jason Jones bullrushed Ojinnaka with 6:40 to go in the first doesn’t inspire much confidence, and it will be another long season for Bradford if Ojinnaka’s play doesn’t improve.
Seattle’s defensive line had to be excited to match up against Wayne Hunter and Barry Richardson, after an eight-sack outing against the Packers. But the Rams held up fairly well against a Seahawk defensive line that could very well have taken over the game. The Seahawks got a respectable 14 disruptions on Sam Bradford, but only Alan Branch (+2.0 pass rush) generated more than two pressures. It has to come as slightly disappointing that Seattle couldn’t get to Bradford more considering the injury-depleted line they were facing off against.
Rams nickel corner Bradley Fletcher graded over +1.0 in coverage for the third time in four weeks. [hil]Quarterbacks now have a QB rating of 25.0 when throwing his way.[/hil]
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2 ... ms-week-4/