The Rams have played the toughest strength of schedule in the NFC thus far (opponents had a combined winning percentage of 57%). That is the second toughest schedule in the entire NFL (Denver 58%). From here on out the Rams have the easiest strength of schedule in the entire NFL (combined winning percent of remaining opponents is just 39%).
The Rams have played 4 of the 5 best offenses in the NFL. Really the top 4 offenses since they can’t play themselves! Many games have been close, the team and the defense have come through when they need, except for the Saints game. The defense has been the weak link on this team so far. They are not top rated as we had hoped, but I don’t see any offensive juggernauts coming until the playoffs. The defensive stastics will get better over these last 6 games just because they are playing weaker opponents. But this final stretch provides an opportunity for the defense to actually get better.
Defenses have been hamstrung under the new rules of the game so we’re not going to see or be the 85 Bears; so, what should a good or great defense look like now? I think success would look like this; the defense gets just a couple of more stops a game, they force teams to kick a field goal or two per game instead of giving up TDs, they reduce the number of big plays, they keep up pressure on the QB and pick up an additioanl SAC or two per game. They need to continue to win the turnover battle. Incrimental improvement would be enough.
Coming out of the bye week the defense is in position to take a step forward. Getting Talib back should help, Suh and Brookers need to step up, as Fowler gets more familiar he should help and there are signs some players (Ebukam) are ready to contribute more. Many individuals on the defense have unerperformed. Just a little improvement from each would go a long way toward a deep playoff run and a SB win. They have 6 games to build some defenseive momentem. It is time!
