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The Rams’ defense was often running behind Roschon Johnson (23) and the Bears’ offense in Week 4. (Kamil Krzaczynski / Associated Press)
The Rams are searching for answers.
With a still-injury-depleted lineup, they must reverse their 1-3 start and avoid falling out of the playoff race before it truly begins.
The Green Bay Packers and quarterback Jordan Love are coming to SoFi Stadium on Sunday, and they will face a Rams defense statistically ranked at or near the bottom of the NFL.
The Rams are second-to-last in the NFL in total defense, giving up 385.3 yards per game. They are last in rushing defense (165.5 yards per game), 21st in pass defense (219.8 ypg) and second to last in scoring defense (28.8 points per game).
“We’ve been stressing it’s about communication, playing together and I know we’ve had a few moving parts, but I don’t think it’s an excuse for anything,” first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula said. “We have to play, and we expect to go play well.”
Read more: Field goals aplenty, but Rams need red-zone offense to kick in: ‘It’s cost us so far’
The Rams have only three takeaways, which is tied for 27th in the league, and seven sacks, which is tied for 26th.
Safety John Johnson III’s fourth-quarter interception in the season opener against the Detroit Lions is the Rams’ only interception.
“That’s the age-old question,” Shula said when asked what the Rams could do to create more interceptions. “If I knew it, I would do it right now — but that’s something that you harp on. … It comes from playing good defense. … You get [opponents] in more vulnerable situations.”
There have been a few bright spots for defense.
Rookie edge rusher Jared Verse, the No. 19 pick in the draft, was named the NFL’s defensive rookie of the month for September. The former Florida State standout had a sack against the Lions but has missed numerous opportunities in the last three games to record more.
Rookie lineman Braden Fiske also has created significant…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/vulnerable-rams-defense-needs-complete-100146394.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-10-04 10:01:46
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