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Rams43

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h2omelonhead
If the Rams don't do well, I think the blame would go to the Defense.
I'm guessing narrative will be that the Defense couldn't get off the field to put the Offense in good position.
Losing too many 3rd down and long conversions.


So if Stafford puts up comparable numbers and Rams don't improve on their record, then they'll look at their defense as the issue as there's only way to go from being #1 last year.

Don’t you think that the O and the D can be judged independently on their own performances?

Unfortunately no. Unless you are statistically the worst in a category.. then it's pretty obvious.
But when Offense and Defense are above league average, then it really comes down to who is running the show. An offensive minded Coach or a Defensive minded.

If you are offensive minded, then you will complain that the Defense couldn't get enough possessions for the offense.
If you are defensive minded, then you will complain that the Offense couldn't stay on the field and scored.

Look at the various teams and even in Rams past history.
GB this year... Defense wasn't bad, it was improving from previous years and ended ranking in the middle of the pack. There second half rank was better than their first half rank I believe. Pettine was in his second year. They couldn't hold against Tampa Bay.. but they gave Aaron Rodgers MANY chances. He got the ball in his hands after crucial defensive stops. What did he do? 3 and out.

So they fire the DC. But that's because you have Lafleur and Rodgers calling the shots. The issue wasn't mainly the defense. It was the Offense, but with that, you would have to get rid of Lafleur and Rodgers.. which isn't going to happen.

While you love that people can evaluate Offenses and Defenses fairly... it doesn't work that way.