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RockRam
Like everyone else I lament the lack of edge rush. However, we saw better rush last year from Obo and Ebukam. So why are they applying less pressure this year?
One possibility is that last year under Wade the rule was: "play run on the way to the QB". So, they just pinned their ears back and went. I suspect that because of more attention to stopping the run under a Fangio D, it is "play run first and then go after the QB". So, that first step is to be in a run defense mode, and then after reading pass go after the QB.
That said, even on obvious passing downs, I don't see the edge pressure.
Therefore, I just don't think Ebukam or Obo are playing particularly well so far and simply need to play better.
Even so, if it makes sense and doesn't involve trading away Everett or Reynolds this year, I think the Rams are going to have to consider bringing in an edge rusher. Matthews would be at the top of my list because as of last year, he could still really pressure the QB. The other option is to give a 5th pick or later to acquire a vet edge rusher but not for just an 8 or 9 game rental.
The Rams, since they are winning, may have far more confidence than I do in Lewis making an impact early, and will just wait and see.
Your point about the problem being a result of Staley scheming is well taken, Rock. I’ve thought of that, myself. If that’s the issue, then we are screwed and no edge that could be brought in would really matter. Didn’t Fangio like good edge/pressure guys for his D’s, though? Puzzling...
And yet, as you point out, in obvious pass rush scenarios we see Ebu and Obo dominated. So, I tend to think that we simply lack the talent on that side.
Matthews is not an option for me. He’s done and now reduced to one trick pony status to the point that no team wants him.
Your suggestion of offering a pick is a valid one and it might come down to that. I would hate to do that because we have so few picks next two years and Snead has been turning his picks into gold with the ones that he has had lately. OTOH, I think edge is an extremely high priority if we want to get to the promised land, sooooo... I guess I would do it if I had to.
