PFF: Rams have best pass-rushing, run-stopping inside LBs in the NFL
Cameron DaSilva
[
theramswire.usatoday.com]
When the Los Angeles Rams hired Wade Phillips, it was widely known that they’d be forced to switch to a 3-4 defense. It was unclear how the move would affect guys like Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn, but after a few weeks, the defense is really humming.
One underrated aspect of the front seven has been the play of Mark Barron and Alec Ogletree. While they’ve had their ups and downs – particularly Ogletree – they’re starting to mesh well at inside linebacker.
According to Pro Football Focus, Barron has been the best run-stopping inside linebacker in the league. He’s recorded a run-stop rate of 11.5 percent, which is just ahead of Bobby Wagner and Blake Martinez, who are No. 2 and 3.
He has 19 run stops and 27 solo tackles on running plays this season despite playing limited snaps on Sunday due to a thumb injury. This is nothing new for the safety-turned-linebacker, either. Barron has been one of the best linebackers against the run since he moved to the position last season.
Ogletree has excelled in a different area. PFF has him graded as the best pass-rushing inside linebacker in the NFL with a productivity of 28.2, far better than Mason Foster (22.2), who’s second on the list.
He has two sacks, nine hurries and three quarterback hits – one of which broke Carson Palmer’s arm – this season, which is an incredible stat line for an inside linebacker.
Ogletree has struggled in coverage and missed tackles have plagued him this season, but he can certainly get after the quarterback. He’s a big reason the Rams won on Sunday.
