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theramswire.usatoday.com] On paper, Rams' defense looks like one of NFL's worst right now
Cameron DaSilva
March 21, 2023 7:08 am PT
As bad as the Los Angeles Rams offense was last season, the defense looks like it could be even worse in 2023. Through one week of free agency, the Rams have not made one addition to the defense. Only subtractions – and big ones, at that.
Jalen Ramsey, Bobby Wagner, Leonard Floyd, Nick Scott and Greg Gaines: all gone.
That’s not to say they’ve done anything to improve the offense. They also haven’t made any signings outside of bringing back Coleman Shelton. But on paper, the offense has the potential to put up points and win some games for Los Angeles.
The defense suddenly looks like a major weakness, so much so that the Rams will struggle to compete if improvements aren’t made. Looking at the list of defenders currently under contract for 2023, it’s hardly a recognizable group compared to the last two seasons.
The only full-time starters who are returning next season are Aaron Donald and Ernest Jones. Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick were in and out of the starting lineup, Michael Hoecht only emerged late in the year and Jordan Fuller, who started in 2021, missed most of the season due to injury.
This isn’t a defense that looks close to being a Super Bowl-caliber unit. In its current state, it appears to be one of the worst defense in the NFL.
Starter Backup Reserve
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald Larrell Murchison
Nose tackle Bobby Brown III
Defensive end Jonah Williams Earnest Brown IV T.J. Carter
Outside linebacker Michael Hoecht Keir Thomas
Inside linebacker Ernest Jones Jake Hummel
Inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom
Outside linebacker Daniel Hardy Zach VanValkenburg
Cornerback Cobie Durant Robert Rochell
Safety Quentin Lake Russ Yeast
Safety Jordan Fuller Richard LeCounte
Cornerback Derion Kendrick Shaun Jolly
Donald has long been the Rams’ best defender, but the drop-off from him to the next-closest player is steeper than ever. Not only does he have no pass-rush help, but quarterbacks won’t have much trouble finding open receivers against the Rams’ secondary.
That’ll result in quick, easy completions, preventing Donald from getting anywhere close to the quarterback. His double-team rate is likely to skyrocket, too, with Floyd gone.
The Rams have to take some steps to improve the defense before the season begins. That’s unlikely to happen in free agency, and banking on a bunch of rookies through the draft is risky.
The days of dominant defenses might be over for the Rams in 2023.
