The Rams’ pass rush really took the off after trading for Von Miller…or did it?

[AvengerRam]

When the Rams traded for Von Miller last year, the pass rush really took off last year, right?

Well…

The numbers don’t really back up that assertion.

The Rams played the first 9 games without Miller. During that span, they registered 28 sacks, or 3.11 per game.

With Miller, the Rams played 12 games, including the playoffs. During that span, they registered 34 sacks, or 2.83 per game.

So, in actuality , the Rams averaged more sacks/game without Miller.

While that does not necessarily tell the whole story (different opponents, regular season vs. playoff football, etc.), it is nonetheless noteworthy.

But Miller really increased the production at his EDGE spot, right?

Well… yes, but maybe not as much as you’d think.

Before Miller arrived, the EDGE spot opposite Leonard Floyd generated 6 sacks in 9 games (.66 per game) from the platoon of Justin Hollins, Terrell Lewis and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.

Miller registered 9 sacks in 12 games (.75 per game).

So, I’m not saying that Miller wasn’t a great addition, or that I wouldn’t prefer he had stayed. But the Rams ability to get to the QB (lead by Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd) was not the sole product of his contributions, by any means. Our pass rush should be fine without him.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Miller stopped the bleeding against the run game.

 

[blackbart]

Agreed, he was injured and recovering when he got here so there is that. However as you point out the production wasn’t all that great.

Miller coasted until the final game or two and then turned it on for the playoffs IMO.

 

[den-the-coach]

Miller stopped the bleeding against the run game.

Agreed here, Miller was very disciplined, the key this year will be Terrell Lewis, if Lewis is healthy the pass rush should be solid, if not, the Rams might have to make another deal later in the year.

 

[fearsomefour]

Miller stopped the bleeding against the run game.

Exactly.
Von was great at setting the edge against the run.
This is also why, in my opinion Thomas made the team. He was good setting the edge and playing the run.
I think the Rams believe they will have pass rush with Floyd, Hollins, Wagner and Lewis.
I would expect Thomas to get some reps, esp if Hollins struggles setting the edge, which he has at times.

 

[AvengerRam]

Miller stopped the bleeding against the run game.

This thread is about the pass rush, but you are correct:

Pre-Miller: 99.6 yards/game, 4.1 ypc allowed
W/Miller: 91.5 yards/game, 3.7 ypc allowed

I do think, though, that the addition of Bobby Wagner will have just as great, if not a greater, impact on the Run D.

 

[fearsomefour]

Agreed here, Miller was very disciplined, the key this year will be Terrell Lewis, if Lewis is healthy the pass rush should be solid, if not, the Rams might have to make another deal later in the year.

Hollins has shown as much or more pass rush than Lewis.
I think Floyd and Hollins will get the vast majority of snaps with both Lewis and Thomas picking up more and more snaps as the year goes on.

 

[RamDino]

Didn't the Rams have 7 sacks against the Bengals? I realize stats don't tell the whole story but Von was a beast in the playoffs.

 

[OntarioRam]

It took Miller some time to get going as a Ram, which is not surprising, as he was coming off of an injury and had a new system to learn. What are the stats after you eliminate Miller's first few games? I don't have them readily available, but the eye test cannot be fooled on this one - Miller was a huge boost the Rams' run defence and pass rush alike.

I do not think we will be able to replace what Miller brought as a pass rusher, particularly as we lost some depth with Obo going to Houston as well, and Garrett clearly was not as ready as we hoped given that he was waived, but I suspect that the Rams will be on the lookout for another in-season acquisition, as they usually are, if they think that pass-rushing is a weakness that needs addressing for a playoff run.

Despite the above, I also think many under-estimate our pre-Miller pass rush. It was quite effective, albeit it not sheer game-breaking like it became after Miller was in town. The Rams pass-rush should still be quite capable with AD, Gaines, Floyd, Hollins, Lewis, and company.

I think Wagner's addition will greatly improve our run defence, so Miller's loss in that respect will not be as substantial as some might think, but if we cannot seal the edge, opposing RBs will find those holes, Wagner in town now or not, and it is still an area I am concerned with. Hopefully, our current OLBers can improve in that aspect.

Williams was good CB but took a huge step back last year. Hill was quite serviceable in a supporting role during his last stint in horns. Rochelle hopefully will have made strides going into year 2. Our rookie CBs are apparently looking quite promising in camp. Morris hopefully is also going to continue his strong form from the playoffs now that he has 1 year under his belt with this system. On balance, this year's defence, although it will look different, and certainly less flashy without Miller on the edge, might actually be stronger on balance than what we saw last year even post-Miller, particularly due to Bobby Wagner replacing high effort but very limited players like Reeder. Time will tell. The Bills in week 1 are a very tough test. LBer is a key position though, even if the Rams seem to devalue it in comparison to some other position groups. But I think losing to the 49ers so many times finally sparked a desire among the brass to have an elite level talent at the defensive second level.

 

[BonifayRam]

Good time to recall just how many injuries the 2021 Ram roster experienced in 2021 to OLB'ers:

Leonard Floyd suffered an Ankle/Foot injury before the season got underway. He had surgery after the season was over.

Justin Hollins was injured in the 2nd game & placed on IR only started 2 gms in 2021 season.

Terrell Lewis was unhealthy in 2021 TC & preseason. Forced to start 4 gms then disappeared never to be seen again in 2021.

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was injured twice last season but for the first time in 4 seasons did not get placed on IR. Og never started any gm last season due to being unhealthy.

Chris Garrett only saw 4 snaps with the defense last season.

Justin Lawler only saw 18 snaps with the defense last season.

Conclusion: Rams moved on from OLB'ers Miller/ Okoronkwo/ Garrett & Lawler & added Dan Hardy/ Keir Thomas/ Benton Whitley & Brayden Thomas.

 

[AvengerRam]

If you take out Miller’s first four games with the Rams, the average jumps to 3.25 sacks/game (vs. 3.11 pre-Miller).

That’s 2.38 more total sacks over the course of a full season.

So…again, even if you give Miller the benefit of a ramp-up period (kind of gerrymandering, but okay), the team pass rush numbers did not dramatically change.

This gives me hope that the pass rush will continue to be effective without him.

 

[Kupped]

If you take out Miller’s first four games with the Rams, the average jumps to 3.25 sacks/game (vs. 3.11 pre-Miller).

That’s 2.38 more total sacks over the course of a full season.

So…again, even if you give Miller the benefit of a ramp-up period (kind of gerrymandering, but okay), the team pass rush numbers did not dramatically change.

This gives me hope that the pass rush will continue to be effective without him.

This doesn't do enough to factor in the pass rush they were able to generate when only sending 4. It's not only about sacks.. it's about pressure and how you generate it.
It's also about the post season.

Rams News: Von Miller is the top graded post season pass rusher

Los Angeles Rams News and Links for 1/29/22

www.turfshowtimes.com

 

[AvengerRam]

This doesn't do enough to factor in the pass rush they were able to generate when only sending 4. It's not only about sacks.. it's about pressure and how you generate it.
It's also about the post season.

Rams News: Von Miller is the top graded post season pass rusher

Los Angeles Rams News and Links for 1/29/22

www.turfshowtimes.com

If there is data showing a significant reduction in the Rams blitz % after Miller’s arrival, I’d agree. The totals I’ve posted, though, remain interesting.

As for the playoffs… we had 5 sacks in the first 3 games, then jacked up the average with 7 against the Bengals.

 

[tempests]

Von Miller's presence meant the Rams could rush from the inside and out with equal intensity. And Brady and Burrow can both vouch for that. Finally other teams had to worry about someone other than Aaron Donald.

Need only look at the Rams last playoff loss to the Packers to see how much the Rams pass rush needs Donald to have an impact.

 

[AvengerRam]

Von Miller's presence meant the Rams could rush from the inside and out with equal intensity. And Brady and Burrow can both vouch for that. Finally other teams had to worry about someone other than Aaron Donald.

What about Leonard Floyd?

 

[Flint]

If there is data showing a significant reduction in the Rams blitz % after Miller’s arrival, I’d agree. The totals I’ve posted, though, remain interesting.

As for the playoffs… we had 5 sacks in the first 3 games, then jacked up the average with 7 against the Bengals.

The bengals kind of skew the average since they were so bad on the oline.

 

[Tumak61]

I like Hollins. Think he will give some edge pressure this year

 

[BonifayRam]

My conclusion thoughts on what Von Miller did for the Rams after he arrived.......came down to just one game the NFC Championship Game.... it was not his pass rush but his great assistance in shutting down the outside running scheme of the 9ers for the very first time with Morris as our DC.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Miller’s run defense was outstanding down the stretch and in the Post-Season.

 

[Ram65]

This doesn't do enough to factor in the pass rush they were able to generate when only sending 4. It's not only about sacks.. it's about pressure and how you generate it.
It's also about the post season.

Rams News: Von Miller is the top graded post season pass rusher

Los Angeles Rams News and Links for 1/29/22

www.turfshowtimes.com

I'm in the camp that when Miller got healthy and comfortable in the scheme the pressures increased. The Rams weren't getting the pressure before that earlier in the season. Of course, there are many factors involved. Gaines getting better and the momentum of having Miller and AD together. The entire defense picking it up and of course Miller's run defense. Miller seems like the most likely factor in the pass rush and defense getting better.