Wade Phillips “couldn’t be more pleased” with Rams new acquisitions...

Wade Phillips 'couldn't be more pleased' with Rams' new acquisitions

Andrew Ortenberg

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

The Los Angeles Rams announced on Tuesday that they’ve signed Brandin Cooks to a five-year extension The Rams acquired Cooks from the Patriots for a first-round pick back in April Cooks was a major contributor on the Patriots last season helping lead them to an appearance in the Super Bowl Cooks has recorded at least 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in each of the past three seasons


Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has seen it all. As an NFL-lifer who’s been coaching football in one form or another since 1969 and in the pros since 1976, it naturally takes a lot to get him excited. The Rams’ new-look defense may be able to do exactly that.

During a recent appearance on the podcast of ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Phillips talked all about the Rams defense and the new pieces he’ll be working with in 2018. After Schefter noted that they’d known each other for over 25 years without Phillips ever providing the scoop master with a single news story, he requested he give him some “fun material” for the podcast. Phillips obliged.

When Schefter talked about the Rams bringing in Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters and Ndamukong Suh, Phillips labeled them all “multiple-time Pro Bowlers” who were “proven players” and made sure to emphasize that they weren’t just any normal acquisitions. When asked his initial reaction to the moves Phillips said he “couldn’t [have been] more pleased,” saying Rams general manager Les Snead “did a great job” trading for Talib and Peters and convincing Suh to sign with the team.

Phillips went on to say the Rams “did as good or better than anybody in the offseason” and agreed with Schefter that the team took home the “offseason trophy.” He made clear he’s not taking anything for granted, saying that all the offseason splashes and hype surrounding the team “don’t count for much” when it’s time to actually put the pads on. The longtime defensive guru sounded especially fond of Talib, who he coached and won a Super Bowl with Denver, saying he was “elated” to be reunited with him when the Rams acquired him for a fifth-round pick back in March.


Schefter brought up the oft-mentioned concern about how all of the big personalities on the Rams’ defense will mesh, but Phillips didn’t sound concerned. He noted that he’s gotten a “good response” from all the big names when speaking to them and outlining what he expects from them. Phillips has coached so many Hall of Famers during his career that no amount of stars could possibly phase him.

Overall, Phillips sounds genuinely excited about the Rams’ defense in 2018, and that means a lot coming from someone who’s coached some of the best defenses of all time. Phillips as defensive coordinator and second in command on the coaching staff is a great balance to having the youngest head coach in league history, and his wisdom and guidance will surely be needed this season.

The podcast is worth a listen in its entirety as even beyond all the Rams talk, it’s fascinating to hear Phillips tell stories from his 40-plus years of coaching in the NFL. He and Schefter reminisce about his early days, talk about the best players he’s ever coached and a whole lot more.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/20/2018 08:55AM by Rams43.