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

[oldnotdead]

Thomas IMO is nothing but a place holder. Hollins only had 2 sacks last year playing behind Lewis. IMO we are likely to see him more on passing downs this year. He went out in week 3 and didn't return until December but by then they had Miller. That edge position with Lewis starting and Hollins playing behind him only generated 5 sacks between them both. But in all fairness Hollins missed most of the season.

I think the Rams have seen enough of Lewis and Garrett and drafted Hardy targeting both of them. But with Hardy out we could see J. Williams in the rotation at that position. Justin Hollins is in a contract year. If Hardy and Williams can show they can fill that edge opposite Floyd we might see a complete change next year.

I like Hollins and he's a rare commodity in that he's a complete OLB, i.e. a pass rusher, good at the POA on run plays and is decent in coverage. I think Williams is better than Lewis and would rather see Williams/Hollins on that edge. As a rookie Hardy should and IMO will play in rotation behind Floyd this year.

I liked Miller but he isn't irreplaceable. I think one of Williams, Hollins, or Hardy will earn that starting edge opposite Floyd.

 

[Kupped]

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.

And?
Von was healthy and integrated and just killed it that day. Absolutely killed it.

 

[AvengerRam]

And?
Von was healthy and integrated and just killed it that day. Absolutely killed it.

Nobody is saying otherwise.

 

[Kupped]

Nobody is saying otherwise.

I think suggesting there won’t be a drop off from a healthy Von Miller is misguided, at best.

But this will be a different DEFENSE and we still haven’t hit the trade deadline.

 

[AvengerRam]

I think suggesting there won’t be a drop off from a healthy Von Miller is misguided, at best.

And who suggested that? Did you actually read the thread?

 

[Merlin]

Once Miller settled in to this defense his impact was undeniable. Pressures are probably the most poorly recorded stat because they're subjective so you really need to use your eyes in evaluating the difference.

Without Von we would not have made the Super Bowl let alone won it. He changed this defense fundamentally in his pressure on the QB and setting that clock in their head. He changed the run defense where that side was not that great at contain or short yardage but it was after Von came in. They were finding pressure with fewer rushers. I haven't looked at the Passer Rating Against but I would hazard a guess that if you want to find quantification of his impact maybe you will see a big difference about a couple games after Von came aboard.

And I think there's a couple different ways to look at his loss to our defense as well. That blindside won't have his pass game threat so the key is keeping a fresh rotation out there and ensuring you don't dip vs the run because edge contain is crucial. And also I think it could be argued that he probably would have coasted this season and he knew that and that might be why he went to Buffalo on top of the money. I mean I'm sure we'll get all he has in game one. No doubt there. But he'll be taking plays off through the season for sure.

We should be in the playoff defense range for sacks and pressures basically, because of AD bringing that inside heat. We just won't be a top pressures defense like we were post-Von. And it can still work if the secondary improves a ton which is very possible. And re: the run game we have been good for a couple years now, so it is likely Wags bumps us to elite run defense which would give the pass defense a little more cushion over the span of a season to work with as well. Our chances really come down to the defense I think, because our offense will certainly be elite, barring the OL disintegrating.

 

[majrleaged]

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 was just gona say, AD didn't get credit for sacks on the last D plays of the NFCC or the SB. It is all about the pressure.

 

[majrleaged]

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

Still the rams didn't really start getting to the QB till they started rushing 5 and overloading one side.

 

[AvengerRam]

The defense definitely turned it up a notch in the playoffs. I thought one of the big keys was Gaines and Robinson (along with AD, of course) setting the LOS and stuffing the run. With B-Wags behind them (instead of Matador Reeder), I expect more of that, leading to favorable 2nd/3rd and long opportunities.

 

[jjab360]

Thomas IMO is nothing but a place holder. Hollins only had 2 sacks last year playing behind Lewis. IMO we are likely to see him more on passing downs this year. He went out in week 3 and didn't return until December but by then they had Miller. That edge position with Lewis starting and Hollins playing behind him only generated 5 sacks between them both. But in all fairness Hollins missed most of the season.

I think the Rams have seen enough of Lewis and Garrett and drafted Hardy targeting both of them. But with Hardy out we could see J. Williams in the rotation at that position. Justin Hollins is in a contract year. If Hardy and Williams can show they can fill that edge opposite Floyd we might see a complete change next year.

I like Hollins and he's a rare commodity in that he's a complete OLB, i.e. a pass rusher, good at the POA on run plays and is decent in coverage. I think Williams is better than Lewis and would rather see Williams/Hollins on that edge. As a rookie Hardy should and IMO will play in rotation behind Floyd this year.

I liked Miller but he isn't irreplaceable. I think one of Williams, Hollins, or Hardy will earn that starting edge opposite Floyd.

Idk what makes you think Jonah Williams will be playing as an edge rusher but I haven't seen it suggested anywhere he would be playing anything other than DL

 

[Mojo Ram]

I’m of the opinion that Von benefitted greatly from AD, as does the entire defense. That Packers playoff loss showed who we are without AD.
Capt Obvious would say he’s the anchor to our defense and he’d be right.

Not to take anything away from the no longer in his prime Von. He’s still better than most.

IMO our pass rush will be okay.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I’m of the opinion that Von benefitted greatly from AD, as does the entire defense. That Packers playoff loss showed who we are without AD.
Capt Obvious would say he’s the anchor to our defense and he’d be right.

Not to take anything away from the no longer in his prime Von. He’s still better than most.

IMO our pass rush will be okay.

Thats how I feel.

 

[RamDino]

And let's not forget Von Miller's play against the Bucs either. He was pressuring Brady all day but the best part was when he gave Brady a fat, blood lip. And then he got 15 yards for bitchen" about it! That was my second most favorite hit of the year, only to Nick Scott taking out Debo. What a year!

 

[fanotodd]

Two things in play here.
1) setting the edge was important in stopping the run AND containing mobile QBs. Miller was great at this. He’s a great player who still has the discipline to play at a high level.

We saw mathews and fowler fail enough in that department to not be retained. Floyd WAS. He was known to be good vs the run, but his pass rush numbers were disappointing. He WAS retained by the Rams because he can set and hold the edge. His sack total went up because…

2) the Aaron Donald effect. How many times did you see miller double teamed? Floyd? How’s fowler doing these days? His numbers are back to pre-AD. #99 is rarely one on one. The last time I can remember was the last defensive snap in the SB. How’d that work out?

Miller gets to enjoy the attention once again of being a primary focal point of opposing offenses. Bet HIS numbers revert to pre-AD as well.

 

[Rams43]

One very important thing to consider when we’re comparing the ‘21 and the potential ‘22 D’s is the Wagner/Jones difference on both runs up the middle AND what should be a huge improvement in defending passes into the short middle.

The 49ers, for example, are gonna HATE the differential whether it’s Lance or Jimmy G.

I think that this ‘22 D is actually gonna be better.

 

[Mackeyser]

One very important thing to consider when we’re comparing the ‘21 and the potential ‘22 D’s is the Wagner/Jones difference on both runs up the middle AND what should be a huge improvement in defending passes into the short middle.

The 49ers, for example, are gonna HATE the differential whether it’s Lance or Jimmy G.

I think that this ‘22 D is actually gonna be better.

YES!!! I been saying this.

 

[HE WITH HORNS]

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.

The Rams were literally leading the league in sacks when they made the trade for Miller.

 

[majrleaged]

One very important thing to consider when we’re comparing the ‘21 and the potential ‘22 D’s is the Wagner/Jones difference on both runs up the middle AND what should be a huge improvement in defending passes into the short middle.

The 49ers, for example, are gonna HATE the differential whether it’s Lance or Jimmy G.

I think that this ‘22 D is actually gonna be better.

Yes, what it becomes, is a more well rounded defense. One with no holes. One that makes an offense really work for every inch.

 

[majrleaged]

They were giving up quick easy passes most the year because the secondary wasn't that great and the D being called didn't let them play to their strengths. When they got Miller up to speed, our DC felt more comfortable playing more aggressive and it paid off.
To me that is why miller made such a big difference. Of course the DC still called soft D with miller here. Hence the D collapse in the final game of the season.

 

[Faceplant]

A lot of good points in this thread. I do kinda feel like people forget about Flo. I can see him having his best year yet in front of these linebackers. He's that' guy.