Rams defense remains a mystery halfway through preseason

Rams defense remains a mystery halfway through preseason


By Gary Klein

The Rams offense showed significant progress in a victory over the Oakland Raiders, an encouraging development for a franchise that featured the NFL’s least productive unit the last two seasons.

But what about the Rams defense?

Though generally pleased after two preseason victories, coach Sean McVay on Sunday acknowledged concern because many key players have not been on the field together in a game in Wade Phillips’ new 3-4 scheme.

Lineman Aaron Donald, seeking to become the NFL’s highest paid defensive player, remains a holdout. There is no indication that he will report before Saturday’s game against the Chargers at the Coliseum, or by the Sept. 10 season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

Linebackers Robert Quinn and Mark Barron and cornerback Kayvon Webster did not play against the Dallas Cowboys and the Raiders because of unspecified issues. Slot cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman was held out against the Raiders.

“It does make it a little more difficult because of the importance of those guys playing together — the calls, the communication,” McVay said during a news conference. “Just like anything else on offense, you talk about those defensive guys having that continuity, being able to play together.”

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[www.latimes.com]