Just for the sake of pointing it out, that said your point is well taken.
The Rams defense isn't terrible overall it's just awful in situational football at times. This season's third downs are killing them, they are not creating many three and outs.
This isn't a defense that plays well when it's behind either, they can get after you when they have a lead. Behind by a td or two, this D can be infuriating to watch.
I think it's much of what Jim Y is trying to get across to people. There are issues, its is a mixture of players, coaching and scheme, and regression-based on lost talent.
However there is still plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball, it's the coach's job to put the talent he does have in the best position to succeed.
My biggest issue with Morris is his situational awareness for down and distance and the offensive tendency of the offense for the other team.
It just feels like and seems like after I go back and watch the players aren't in the right place at the right time for the play. His playcalling leaves me scratching my head and his use of players in roles is also questionable to me.
In order for Donald to do what he does best, he needs to be in a certain technique, and for him to get to the QB which he is as good or better than anyone playing he needs to have a bit of time to get home....That starts with coverage and confusion...you don't have to have Ramsey at every spot to shut down a passing game.
He simply has to get players in the right spots with good play calls and better alignment. I think some of the Rams biggest issues on D are with the pre-snap alignment and how they never really seem settled in and ready to go at the snap.
I see what seems to be a lot of confusion and last-second movement on defense and that is a by-product of too much thinking or not knowing assignments or being out of position for what they are supposed to be doing. More than most fans realize is that alignment and how and where guys are when the ball is snapped has a huge effect on the success of the play or the D as a whole. If they aren't lined up right or are constantly rushing to get into the right spot or to get where they need to be it's a huge problem once the ball gets snapped.
I find myself constantly saying get lined up and get ready when watching this defense it's like they are confused right up to the snap half the time.
I do the same thing with the O thinking get up on the ball and get set and get going....quit draining the dang clock. I so wish Coach would go up-tempo hurry up more often than he does....they really get in a rhythm when they get moving quickly on O.
