Practice Report 11/8: Defense Looking for More Takeaways

Practice Report 11/8: Defense Looking for More Takeaways

Myles Simmons


When it comes to points allowed, the Rams defense rebounded well after surrendering 31 to the Lions in Week 6.

Though the Giants scored 17 points in London against the Rams, only 10 were scored on the defense with safety Landon Collins returning an interception for a touchdown. And in Sunday’s game against the Panthers, L.A. allowed just 13 points — three of which came after an interception put Carolina in good position to score.

So while head coach Jeff Fisher said he’s been pleased with the defense’s performance over the last two games, the club is finding ways where the unit can still improve. One of those is with takeaways.

The Rams have 10 takeaways so far this season — five of which came against the Cardinals in their 17-14 win in Week 4. But since then, Los Angeles has forced only one takeaway — a forced fumble against the Giants — during the team’s four-game losing streak.

Coming out ahead in the turnover margin is key for teams across the league for a reason, but it’s been particularly predictive for Los Angeles’ results this year. When the Rams have been ahead or even in the turnover differential, they’ve won. When they’ve been behind, they’ve lost.

And so if Los Angeles can come up with a few takeaways, that should undoubtedly help the offense in giving that unit more opportunities to score.

“If we get a couple of turnovers a game defensively, and things are different, those are more opportunities for our offense,” Fisher said.


All that is part of why the Rams are putting a heavy emphasis on getting takeaways against the Jets this Sunday.

“I feel like we’re operating pretty well right now, but we can definitely still improve,” middle linebacker Alec Ogletree said. “And I think our biggest thing right now is creating the turnovers — being able to help our offense out and give them more offensive possessions. If we can do that with defense, then I think that will help us be a much better defense.”

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